The Brigadier

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

We’re now only six days away from this year’s renewal of one of the, if not the, biggest races in the world and I thought now with the six day entries released is as good a time as any to analyse the Grand National which will be run at Aintree this Saturday at its new time of 4.00 run over 4 miles 2 1/2 furlongs. The field will only be a maximum of 34 this year down from the previous 40 which in my eyes is a real shame but I’m afraid that’s the risk assessment world we know live in although I must admit even an old battle hardened race fanatic such as myself found last years running a hard watch. Whether that was down to the delayed start due to the animal rising’s morons I’m not quite sure. The first thing that strikes me about this year’s renewal has to be the dominance of the Irish trainers. It does look more like the Irish National with x of the projected final field trained in the Emerald Isle. I’m not quite sure how this can be addressed, maybe the ‘only 4 horses can run from one stable’ is a possible although that does seem a bit unfair to me. Possibly six or eight maximum from one stable. A ‘win and you’re in’ series is another possible which could work to get some more British horse in the final field. A debate for another day surely. One things for sure is that this year’s running will be a real test of stamina with the official ground on the Grand National course currently soft (heavy in places) with a very mixed weather forecast due for the Liverpool area this week. So a reminder that only 34 can run and here’s my run down on the top 38 in the field with my thoughts and an early staking plan at the end. CONFLATED (Gordon Elliott) 10 11-12 (current William Hill odds 50/1) One of many Gordon Elliot possible runners. Yet to race beyond 3M 2 1/2F when third in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup and will handle the mud well. Third in latest renewal of Ryanair Chase to Protektorat although that was a weak renewal and has stamina to answer here. Hard to fancy off of welter weight. NOBLE YEATS (Emmet Mullins) 9 11-11 (16-1) Winner of this race two years ago so trip will be no problem. Was fourth (beaten 8 1/2L) last year to Corach Rambler. Has been running, with success, over hurdles this season winning Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January before finishing 7th in Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. 14lb better off with Corach Rambler for beating a year ago so does hold each way claims and has winning form on very soft. NASSALAM (Gary Moore) 7 11-7 (20-1) Wide margin winner of Welsh Grand National at Chepstow over Christmas on heavy ground and is obviously very ground dependent. 33/1 and outclassed in Cheltenham Gold Cup since and is now 16lb higher in the weights than when winning Welsh Grand National. The more rain the better for him. COKO BEACH (Gordon Elliott) 9 11-7 (40-1) Another Gordon Elliott entry. Last seen when winning over the banks at Punchestown in February over 3m 1/2F. Was runner up to Chambard in Becher Chase previously but pulled up last year in this race (28/1) and was a 66L 8th the previous year. May not truly stay this far and hard to fancy. CAPODANNO (Willie Mullins) 8 11-7 (33-1) Best effort this season when winning the Cotswolds Chase at Cheltenham in January over 3m 1 1/2f. Fourth since in a sub standard Ryanair Chase. Pulled up last year in this (22-1) though only pulled up at the last so nearly got round. Has to prove his stamina here. I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins) 8 11-5 (7-1) Winner of last year’s Irish Grand National (3M 5F) and started this season by winning Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse over 2M 4F. Probably out of his depth on next two starts in grade 1 company won by the best staying chaser around in Galopin Des Champs but was very impressive when winning the Bobbyjo Chase over 3M 1 1/2F at same track from last years runner up Vanillier. Can be a bit askew at his fences but has a touch of class about him and can be competitive off of a mark 5lb lower than he is in future races. On the short list. MINELLA INDO (Henry De Bromhead) 11 11-5 (20-1) Won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup and runner up in same race the following year. Not the force of old though will have his ground conditions (1112 on soft/heavy). Yet to race beyond 3M 5 1/2F however so has stamina to prove. CORACH RAMBLER (Lucinda Russell) 10 11-5 (4-1) 2 1/4L winner last year from Vanillier and now 9lb worse off with that one. Excellent prep for this when third in Cheltenham Gold Cup (beaten 13L by Galopin Des Champs). Has to be a major player as long as latest run didn’t take too much out of him. 13lb higher here than last year’s victory although it could be argued he’s well in as he goes up 3lb in future handicaps due to his third in Gold Cup. Lot to like though not his price. JANIDIL (Willie Mullins) 10 11-5 (100-1) Yet to race beyond 3M and stamina looks a major issue. Last seen running down the field in the Stayers Hurdle won by Teahupoo at 66/1. An unlikely winner from the Mullins camp. STATTLER (Willie Mullins) 9 11-4 (40-1) Ready winner of the 3M 6F NH CHase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022. That’s the furthest he’s ever raced over so a return to long distances could well suit. Jumped novicey in banks race won by Coko Beach at Punchestown last time when well beaten. Owners say he will only run if ground conditions dry up to good to soft so not a definite runner. MAHLER MISSION (John McConnell) 8 11-4 (16-1) Been off since Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) at Newbury last December when excellent second to Datsalrightgino despite losing his front shoes. Only 4lb higher now and has been trained for this by his shrewd trainer. Was 4L ahead and keeping on when falling two out in 3M 6F NH CHase in 2023 Cheltenham Festival. That was as far as he’s ever gone over so today’s trip will probably suit. Winning form on heavy and looks a player here as long as no recent run not a drawback. Had recent racecourse gallop at Navan according to trainer where he went through the soft ground like it was good ground. Will be ridden by young jockey Ben Harvey. DELTA WORK (Gordon Elliott) 11 11-3 (20-1) Third to Noble Yeats in 2022 and was going well enough when unseating his rider at 21st (eight from home) last year when only a 11/1 chance. Lightly raced since and teed up for this with a spin over hurdles at Navan in a Grade 2 (6th of 8 beaten 18L). Stays and handles ground so has each way claims. FOXY JACKS (Mouse Morris) 11 11-3 (66-1) Fell at the chair on only run over these unique fences in Becher Chase two years ago. Won over the cross country course at Cheltenham last November and teed up for this with a fourth over hurdles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Unlikely to be good enough to feature here. GALVIN (Gordon Elliott) 10 11-1 (33-1) Unseated at first a year ago when 22/1. Stays 3M 6F well so may well see out this trip. 4th in Grade 2 hurdle last time out. Has always seemed happier on a sounder surface and may found today’s conditions too testing. FAROUK D’ALENE (Gordon Elliott) 9 11-0 (66-1) Yet to race beyond 3M so has stamina to prove here. Was a useful novice back in season 2021/22 and best run since 613 day absence when runner up in Leopardstown handicap hurdle over Christmas. Pulled up since in Pertemps Handicap Hurdle and definite questions to answer now. ELDORADO ALLEN (Joe Tizzard) 10 10-13 (66-1) Fourth in Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) at Newbury last November but shown little in two starts since including last time out when pulling up in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, his first run since wind surgery. Yet to race beyond 3M 2 1/2F and has stamina to prove. Hard to fancy. AIN’T THAT A SHAME (Henry De Bromhead) 10 10-12 (66-1) Only went off 10-1 for this last year (following Gowran Park win over 2M 4F) when appearing not to stay in finishing last of the seventeen finishers totally tailed off. Bounced back to form when winning the 3M 1F Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park at 14/1 in January. Still has stamina to prove mind. VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell) 9 10-11 (9-1) Was given a rather confident ride last year when held up out the back and coming through to finish just 2 1/4L runner up to Corach Rambler. 9lb better off this year round and has been trained for the race showing little in four starts since including when 14L second to I Am Maximus in Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February over 3M 1 1/2F. 4lb worse off now with that one but can get closer. MR INCREDIBLE (Willie Mullins) 8 10-10 (12-1) Only his tenth run over fences but stays well having finished runner up in Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March, his first run since unseating, when his saddle slipped at the canal turn in last year’s race (14/1). Soggy conditions ideal and stays well so has to have claims for leading trainer. RUN WILD FRED (Gordon Elliott) 10 10-9 (66-1) Only a 8/1 chance last year in this when falling at the eighth (canal turn) when in rear of midfield. Also fell in Irish equivalent nine days later. Not shown much this season and was last seen pulling up in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Hard to fancy on recent form. LATENIGHTPASS (Tom Ellis) 11 10-9 (33-1) Has rejoined his previous trainer Tom Ellis having had three runs for Dan Skelton when runner up and winning cross country handicap chases at Cheltenham. 11/1 and not busy in novice hurdle when last seen. 2022 Foxhunters winner over these fences and fourth in same race the following year so won’t mind these fences. Has won at 3M 5F but still has questions to answer over an extra 5F. MINELLA CROONER (Gordon Elliott) 8 10-9 (66-1) Yet to prove his stamina for this stamina test (pulled up both runs over 3m 6F). Well held by I Am Maximus and Vanillier on Bobbyjo Chase form and was pulled up when last seen in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Easy to strike out in this. ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (Willie Mullins) 7 10-8 (50-1) Ran out a comfortable 14L winner of 3M 2F chase at Down Royal last month.That was the furthest he’s tried and has an extra mile to try today so has stamina to prove. Won’t mind the soft ground but hard to fancy on stamina grounds. MAC TOTTIE (Peter Bowen) 11 10-8 (66-1) A winner of five of his 17 chase starts and wont mind the ground riding soft or worse. Pulled up on only run beyond 3M 2F so another one with stamina to prove. Has taken well to these fences in the past though winning the 2021 Becher Chase (3M 2F) and 2022 Topham (2M 5F). CHEMICAL ENERGY (Gordon Elliott) 8 10-8 (40-1) Only his eighth start over fences. Smart novice last season, finishing runner up in in 3M 6F NH Chase at Cheltenham to Gaillard Du Mesnil before pulling up in Irish National the following month. Not seen since September when sixth in Kerry National at Listowel. Needs career best to be involved. LIMERICK LACE (Gavin Cromwell) 7 10-7 (25-1) Consistent mare who’s won five of her ten starts over fences. Beat Dinoblue 3/4L in Mrs Paddy Power Mares’Chase at Cheltenham Festival when last seen in March. That was over 2M 4 1/2F and the furthest she’s raced over was 3M when a 2 1/4L runner up to Coko Beach in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan last November. Won’t mind the conditions but big question mark over her ability to stay this far. MEETINGOFTHEWATERS (Willie Mullins) 7 10-7 (10-1) Only had the six runs over fences winning twice at Cork (2M 5F) and Leopardstown (Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas over 3M 1/2F). Best effort came at Cheltenham in March however when third of 21 in Ultima Handicap Chase over 3M 1F having failed to settle. Will need to settle better to play a part in the finish over this additional 1 mile and 1 furlong. THE GOFFER (Gordon Elliott) 7 10-7 (66-1) Pulled up in last year’s Irish Grand National but ran well when fourth in Bet365 Gold cup later that month at Sandown (beaten 14L to Kittys Light). Not shown a great deal in four starts in valuable handicap chases this season and has stamina to prove also. ROI MAGE (Patrick Griffin) 12 10-7 (50-1) Ran well in this last year when only weakening close home to finish seventh beaten 14L. 2lb lower this year round which makes him 15lb better off with the winner Corach Rambler. Not getting any younger at twelve mind but stays well and has won on heavy so has small each way claims on that alone. GLENGOULY (Willie Mullins) 8 10-6 (66-1) Runner up to Ain’t That A Shame in Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park in January over 3M 1F but well beaten at Cheltenham when dropping in trip. Steps up markedly in distance here and yet another who has to prove he stays 4M 2F. GALIA DES LITEAUX (Dan Skelton) 8 10-6 (33-1) A dual winner on heavy ground. Career best run when runner up in Warwick Classic Chase over 3m 5F, which is the furtherest she’s run over. Consistent sort who should stay and likes the mud. One that could go well at a nice price. PANDA BOY (Martin Brassil) 8 10-6 (12-1) Trainer has won race in past. Fifth in last year’s Irish Nation beaten 7 3/4L by I Am Maximus and 4lb better off now. Runner up to Meetingofthewaters in Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and fourth in valuable handicap hurdle since. Appears to have been trained for this although has stamina to prove. EKLAT DE RIRE (Henry De Bromhead) 10 10-6 (100-1) Only raced twelve times in his career winning four of them. Pulled up at Cheltenham in Ultima Handicap Chase at 22/1 and has stamina to prove (yet to race beyond 3M 2F). Easy to dismiss. CHAMBARD (Venetia Williams) 12 10-6 (100-1) Easy winner of the Becher Chase here over 3M 2F in December on heavy ground by 13l from Coko Beach. 7lb worse off now but can confirm form and wrong that he’s two and a half times the price of his old rival. Shown little since mind but best of the monster priced ones though has stamina doubts. Trainer won with Mon Mome at 100-1 in 2009. KITTY’S LIGHT (Christian Williams) 8 10-6 (14-1) Stays well and won Eider Chase, Scottish National and Bet365 Gold Cup last season. Has been campaigned over hurdles and fences this season not showing a great deal although is a horse who comes alive in the spring so not one to dismiss. Form figures on soft or heavy read 37747 and appears to be best on a sounder surface. MALINA GIRL (Gavin Cromwell) 7 10-5 (66-1) Looked good winning at Cheltenham in November over 3M 3 1/2F and has had excuses since. 10lb higher here than Cheltenham whilst flopped in handicap hurdle off of very lenient mark last time out. DESERTMORE HOUSE (Martin Brassil) 9 10-4 (40-1) Three room six over fences and prepped for this in handicap hurdle in February. Has yet to race beyond three miles and stamina is a major issue. Trainer has won the race before and appears to hold better claims with Panda Boy. KINONDO KWETU (Sam England) 8 10-4 (100-1) Best on good ground and soft/heavy ground is a big negative. Easy to put a line through. Summary:- Obviously favourite Corach Rambler has solid claims of becoming the first horse to win back to back Grand Nationals since Tiger Roll in 2018 & 2019 although the ground will be much softer than last year and at the current prices I’m happy to leave out from calculations. Last year’s runner Vanillier is better off at the weights but I didn’t like the way he cut out so quickly last time in the Bobbyjo Chase. I Am Maximus won that contest and looks likely to go well, even if his jumping can be a bit careful (does that really matter nowadays?). Coral Gold Cup runner up Mahler Mission has been trained for this and should stay this trip for a master trainer and is another with decent claims. I still remember Venetia Williams’s Chambard sluicing through the mud to win the Becher in heavy ground earlier this season and although he hasn’t backed that up since looks the best of those at a monster price. I will obviously be returning to the race later in the week when the final field is known but here’s three that are worth backing now although remember that there are likely to be more places (and possibly bigger prices on the run up to the race). I AM MAXIMUS 1 point each way @ 8/1 Betfred 1/5th 12345 MAHLER MISSION 1 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 CHAMBARD 1/4 point each way @ 100/1 bet365 1/5th 123456

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric. GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection. CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123 Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race. INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with. MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October. CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet. CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.

It is a running figure for the past three years. There should be tabs for acca, naps and daily tips. The acca bets are showing a loss currently.

You'll be able to open on PC - there's figures there for 1 point and 20 point figures.

Yes! There’s a link on the bottom of the daily tips page that will take you to a spread sheet with all the relevant figures

Good evening for the daily tips with six out of eight winners tonight at Kempton. 4.50 Brioni (NAP) 11/8 (35P R4) 5.25 Mighty Nebula 3/1 (adv) 6.30 Celtic Warrior 2/1(adv) 7.00 Zero Carbon 9/2 (adv) 8.00 Dark Dreamer 7/4 (adv) 8.30 Cock And Bull 10/3 (adv) A profit of £219.10 on the day (to £20 stakes) Daily bets can be found on the Racing Tips tab at top of page

Nice to have you back on board @Hotspur88

Plumpton 2.25 The ITV cameras shown just the one race from Plumpton, the 2M 3F 164 yard class 2 handicap chase. As long as the ground doesn’t dry out too much the favourite I’d Like To Know should be hard to beat. He’s looked a promising chaser in just two starts over fences in going down by a short head to Issar d’Airy on his fencing debut at Newbury prior to running out a cosy 5 1/2L winner back at the Berkshire course last month. Both those runs were on soft/heavy ground but he has hurdle form on good ground so hopefully he’ll go on todays good to soft ground. 8lb higher than last time he is still on the upgrade and will be hard to beat for local trainer Chris Gordon and jockey Rex Dingle. I’D LIKE TO KNOW 1 point win @ 2/1 bet365 Kempton 2.55 A progressive sort trained at Newmarket by father and son combo of John & Thady Gosden who was been trained for the Winter Derby until standing on a nail a few days before and makes his seasonal re-appearance here under Kieran Shoemark in this listed 1M 1F 219 yard Magnolia Stakes. A half brother to Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami he appears to have most to fear from the William Haggas trained Dubai Honour, a dual winner in Australia last year. LIONS PRIDE 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365 Kempton 3.30 Ten runners go to post for this 1M 2F 219 yard class 4 handicap. Jamie Osborne saddles the likely favourite in Isle Of Sark who has been placed on all three starts last month and deserves to get his head in front here under Saffie Osborne. Andrew Balding’s Cello would have needed his latest run and may turn out to be the biggest danger to the selection but this should really be going to Isle Of Sark. ISLE OF SARK 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365 Kempton 4.05 A dozen sprinters have declared for this 6F class four handicap. Al Barez was an eye-catcher last time out at Wolverhampton and Tom Clover’s charge should be in the shake up whilst the in form Richard Hughes’s trained The Thames Boatman arrives in good form but is drawn in the car park in stall 12 of 12. James Fanshawe’s five year old Al Ameen could be a value each way play in this competitive handicap. He won over course and distance in October on his first run for Fanshawe having joined from George Boughey whilst his second to Cover Up at Lingfield the following month also looks a good piece of form. The 114 day absence shouldn’t be an issue and he can reward an each way wager. AL AMEEN 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Kempton 4.40 Ten go to post for this 1M class 3 handicap in which Clive Cox’s Vultar and Farasi Lane bring the same form line to the race with the former beating his rival by a short head over course and distance last month. On one pound better terms there shouldn’t be much between the pair although the most interesting runner is the Roger Varian runner Dragon Icon. Thought good enough to contest the German 2000 Guineas last May, he showed on his penultimate outing over course and distance that he had a race of this calibre in him with his latest effort easily forgotten as he had the worst of the draw. James Doyle can start his association with Varian in great style by taking the first prize. DRAGON ICON 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Fairyhouse 5.00 A bumper field, as always, for this year’s Irish Grand National run over a stamina sapping 3M 5F on gluey heavy ground. Willie Mullins saddles three in the contest including the favourite Nick Rockett under Paul Townend, a novice having only his fourth start over fences and his first beyond three miles. He has a solid chance but has been well found in the market and at bigger odds it may pay to play the Thomas Gibney trained, Simon Munir & Isaac Souede owned Intense Raffles who appears to have been laid out for this by a trainer who was successful in this race back in 2012 with Lion Na Bearnai. The former French gelding has won both his starts for Gibney, novice chases here over 2M 6F and 3M 1 1/2F and he could be well treated in his first handicap and with J J Slevin replacing the injured Daryl Jacob. INTENSE RAFFLES 1 point each way @ 8/1 Ladbrokes/Coral 1/5th 12345

Musselburgh 1.50 A six runner three year old class 3 handicap kicks things off today for the ITV team with seven races to be shown split between Musselburgh and Haydock. The Johnston stable have won four of the last five renewals of this race and look to have solid claims of improving on that record with their Too Darn Hot colt Individualism. He showed form in all four starts as a juvenile and ended up with a creditable fifth of 13 in a Newmarket novice stakes that has already worked out well with the winner and third both winning since. That run came on heavy ground so today’s terrain should hold no fears for him and with Joe Fanning in the saddle can open his account at the fourth time of asking. INDIVIDUALISM 2 points win @ 13/8 bet365 Haydock 2.05 A class 2 two mile handicap hurdle is the first from Haydock for the ITV cameras and features ten hurdlers. Top weight Brentford hope will love the conditions and should go very well although has been raised 5lb for his recent Newcastle win. Better value at the current odds may lie with the Dan Skelton trained Playful Saint who went down by just a neck to the re-opposing Milldam on his first run for a 366 day break at Stratford earlier this month. I confidently expect him to turn the tables on his old rival on 1lb better terms and with that run under his belt. Skelton still has his string in fine shape and is chasing Paul Nicholls in the trainers championship table. He can claw back £25,720 by taking this valuable contest. PLAYFUL SAINT 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Musselburgh 2.25 Nine go to post for this class 2 7F handicap. Katie Scott sends her seven year old Gweedore, who’s had two racecourse gallops, back here to try and win the race for the third year running but is now 10lb higher and maybe susceptible to an improver like the Karl Burke trained Poet Master. Burke has his team well forward this season and his Sheikh Obaid owned four year old has won three of his four starts including a valuable handicap at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting on good to soft ground when last seen in September 2023. A 8lb rise puts him on the 100 mark and he can strike gain before moving into pattern company. POET MASTER 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365 Haydock 2.40 A good sized field of thirteen line up for this 3M 58 yard class 2 handicap hurdle. The race has an open look about it with several holding chances although my eye is drawn to the Richard Phillips trained Picanha, a very lightly raced ten year old who’s won three of his 7 runs under rules (as well as an Irish point to point). There was plenty to like about his first run for 660 days at Newbury last month when fourth to Emitom (beaten 6 1/2L) with the winner and runner up, Kyntara both running with credit in the Pertemps Network Final at the Cheltenham festival to give the form a healthy look. Sure to have come forward for that run and with his trainer amongst the winners in the last fortnight he looks solid each way value. PICANHA 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5 1234 Musselburgh 3.00 Just eight have declared for this £45,000 guaranteed 5F Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap. The one horse who stands out here is Karl Burke’s five year old Silkie Wilkie. He blew this race apart last year leading on the favoured near side rail and winning by 4 3/4L. He’s favourably drawn again in stall 7 near the rail and he can race today off of a mark 2lb lower than last year. His opponents looks rather exposed and the Middleham Park owned gelding will be hard to beat if in anyway near the same sort of form as last year. He will be ridden today by 7lb claiming apprentice Sam Feilden who has won on him before back in February 2023 at Kempton. He hopefully won’t have too much to do here other than point and go. SILKY WILKIE 2 points win @ 5/2 William Hill Haydock 3.15 The 2M 4F veterans handicap chase has attracted ten runners with the ten year old Champagne Mystery one of the front runners in the betting market and to my eyes the most likely winner. Trained by Tom George he’s a rare winner but he’s shown up well in his last two starts since rejoining George having had a spell with his son Noel in France. Fifth to Ga Law in a valuable Cheltenham handicap he then was a two length third to Golden Son at Kempton just 1 1/2L behind the subsequent dual winner Heltenham. A further drop of a pound by the handicapper is very welcome and in an open chase should be thereabouts under Jonathan Burke. CHAMPAGNE MYSTERY 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 Musselburgh 3.35 A maximum field of fourteen for the day’s feature race the 1M 6F Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup. The Johnston stable have won this valuable handicap twice in the last four years and obviously mean business this season with four to be saddled. The best of which may be bottom weight Yorkindness but the one to beat is the James Owen trained Sweet Fortune. He was a dual 1M 4F handicap winner on soft ground last season for Ralph Beckett and since joining rookie trainer Owen has been sent hurdling and won novice hurdles at Plumpton and Catterick in good style. He’ll be fit, loves the ground and should run a big race under 3lb claiming apprentice Aidan Keeley. SWEET FANTASY 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

Lingfield 1.30 The first of eleven races covered by ITV cameras today on All-Weather Finals day is this sixteen runner BetUK All-Weather Vase Apprentice Handicap, a class 4 event run over 1M 4F. Many have chances but its the Brandon Wilkie ridden Siempre Arturo that catches my eye. Trained by one of my favourite training duos in Daniel & Claire Kubler, this lightly raced four year old has only had had four racecourse starts, winning two of them including last time out at Wolverhampton when defeating Sense Of Worth by a length. The 3rd and 4th from that race have both won since to frank the form and with just a 4lb rise to contend with and the extra 2 1/2F likely to be in his favour looks the value play in this tight knit handicap. SIEMPRE ARTURO 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5 12345 Newcastle 1.53 Thirteen go to post for the 2M 56 yard class 2 BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap. The Ralph J Smith trained Palace Boy looks a value play here. He started out for Smith at Wolverhampton following a 288 break in which he ran over hurdles for Fergal O’Brien when he actually ran in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The seven year old ran out a very easy 6L winner off of what was obviously a very lenient handicap mark of just 68 and following another success at the midlands track and a good second to the re-opposing Spartan Army finds himself on a mark 18lb higher. Spartan Army looks a threat here but on 7lb better terms for a 1 1/4L defeat Palace Boy can turn the form around and run a big race under George Rooke, who’s been in the plate on all three starts so far for Smith. PALACE BOY 1 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5 1234 Lingfield 2.05 A maximum field of fourteen go to post for this class 3 BetUK All-Weather Vase Middle Distance Handicap run over 1M 2F. Another open looking handicap although Karl Burke’s Bystander had Inspiritus a length and a half behind over course and distance last time and although 4lb worse off won a tad cosily that day despite drifting out to his right on the run to the line. Brandon Wilkie was on board that day and is again in the saddle and could provide the promising young jockey with a Lingfield brace with his mount Siempre Arturo holding a good chance in the opener. The Daniel & Claire Kubler trained Al Rufaa is well berthed in stall 5 and may prove to be the danger in this open handicap. BYSTANDER 1 point each way @ 7/1 BetVictor 1/5 1234 Newcastle 2.25 The class 2 6F BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap has attracted just eleven runners and like many of the races today has an open look about it. Bar a disappointing run at Lingfield on his penultimate run, Andrew Balding’s Fire Demon would be an even shorter price than he already is. A well related Juddmonte entire, he bounced back to form last time at Kempton when beating the re-opposing Media shooter by 1 1/4L and a 5lb rise may not be enough to stop him from following up here for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy. That form has already taken a boost by the runner up and sixth winning since and he should be thereabouts. FIRE DEMON 1 point win @ 7/1 bet365 Lingfield 2.40 A maximum field of twelve race for the class 3 BetMGM All-Weather Vase Mile Handicap. Dingle ran third in this last year and off of the same handicap mark can be competitive although the one to be with surely is the Gary Moore trained, Tom Queally ridden Cephalus. He comes here chasing a four timer having won under Queally at Kempton, Wolverhampton and Southwell. He was as impressive last time as in any of those victories and although he has to shoulder a 5lb penalty actually goes up 7lb in future handicaps so is effectively 2lb well in today. A draw of ten is not ideal but he may still be ahead of the handicap and is the bet here. CEPHALUS 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Newcastle 3.00 Just nine have declared for the £150,000 guaranteed BetMGM Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Handicap, a class 2 event run over 7F and 14 yards. Top weight Nine Tenths is a consistent four year old filly trained at Newmarket by William Haggas who appears to be the one they all have to beat here. Surprisingly left on the same handicap mark for a second and win on her last two starts in listed company she drops back into handicap company with the stable’s 7lb claiming apprentice Jack Enright taking over from William Buick. Enright has ridden five winners from 97 runners in Ireland and Britain over the past three seasons and was on board when Nine Tenths won at Wolverhampton back in December so knows the horse well enough. She may just be too classy for her eight rivals today. NINE TENTHS 2 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Lingfield 3.15 A stamina test awaits the maximum fourteen runners here in the class 3 2M BetUK All-Weather Vase Marathon Handicap. The race has a very open look about it and this is maybe a contest that can go to Ireland with the Denis Gerard Hogan trained Riyami. A Dundalk winner over 2M last month he went off a well backed 11/8 favourite at the same venue when, in a amateur riders handicap, was one of many jockeys that let the eventual winner get the best part of a furlong ahead before running on late to take second place some 15L behind. His jockey, along with eleven others was suspended for five days and that run can easily be forgotten. J M Sheridan is over to ride today and is maybe a bit of each way value. RIYAMI 1/2 point each way @ 10/1 Coral 1/5 1234 Newcastle 3.35 Next up is the 6F BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap in which we have a maximum field of fourteen. Cover Up impressed me immensely last time and the step up to 6F may not hinder the Gosden runner although he has to deal with a very hefty 13lb rise in the weights and it may be worth looking elsewhere for the winner. One horse who does appear to be on a decent enough mark is Harry Charlton’s Batal Dubai. Owned by Middleham Park Racing he’s been placed in three decent class 2 6F handicaps this year and appeared not to really handle the track when third, coming wide around the bend, to the re-appearing Chipstead last time at Lingfield. 2lb better off now and with the long straight of Newcastle much more to his liking he can run a big race under Clifford Lee for a trainer who’s been amongst the winners recently. BATAL DUBAI 1 point each way @ 5/1 1/5 1234 Lingfield 3.50 A maximum field of twelve declared for this class 3 6F BetUK All-weather Vase Sprint Handicap. This is a very open contest in which any of the participants could win. 5lb apprentice Brandon Wilkie could be in for a golden day and rides Hugo Palmer’s, Middleham Park Racing owned five year old How Impressive who has as good a chance as any. Nicely berthed in stall 5 he’s won three of his last four starts rising 13lb in the process and may appreciate dropping back to 6F having raced last time over 7F at Southwell. HOW IMPRESSIVE 1/2 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5 1234 Newcastle 4.10 Another maximum field go to post for this 1M 2F 42 yard BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap, a class 2 race that has a purse of £200,000 plus. Irish raider and top weight Elegant Man is interesting with some future group entries and he may be the one to be with here despite carrying a big weight. It’s quite possible that he is the proverbial group horse in a handicap. Mick Appleby’s prolific winner Penzance and Simon & Ed Crisford’s four timer seeking Oh So Grand both have decent claims with slight preference for the latter who has the assistance once again of Jack Mitchell, who’s been on top for his last three wins. He’s risen 18lb for those success’s which has included a victory here as well as a brace at Lingfield. Four from five on the all-weather he can give the selection Elegant Man the most to do. ELEGANT MAN 1 point each way @ 7/1 Coral 1/5 1234 Newcastle 4.40 The final race on the card is the 1M 5 yard BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap, a class 2 event in which we have another maximum field of fourteen. Charlie Johnstone’s progressive Middleham Park owned top weight Dear My Friend has been a revelation this all-weather season and can complete a four timer here following success’s over course and distance and a brace of wins, including in listed company at Lingfield. He’s risen 16lb in the handicap for those wins and with Joe Fanning back in the saddle looks sure to be thereabouts. DEAR MY FRIEND 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365

Good work 👏🏻👏🏻

Doncaster 1.20 The 2024 turf flat season kicks off with a seven runner renewal of the listed Doncaster Mile. The ground is likely to be pretty sticky here and that may play into the hands of last year’s winner Astral Beau who although having a few pounds to find with a few of these on official ratings has form figures of 3111 on soft or heavy ground and has won first time out for the last two seasons including a 4L victory in this race a year ago. Pam Sly is a more than capable trainer and may have most to fear here from the Roger Varian trained Charyn who kept better company than this last year and is the highest rated of the seven runners. Knight is another who relishes the mud but its the only mare in the race that can beat the boys here under Shane Kelly under her ideal ground conditions. ASTRAL BEAU 1 point win @ 5/1 bet365 Bangor 1.30 A rare visit for the ITV cameras to Bangor-On-Dee for this class 2 2M 3 1/2F handicap hurdle which has attracted eight runners. It may chiefly concern Dan Skelton’s veteran West To The Bridge who’s fallen down to a winning mark, Olly Murphy’s hat trick seeking Pickanumber and last year’s winner Jungle Jack. Preference is for Skelton's West To The Bridge who has the assistance of Tristan Durrell here with main stable jockey Harry Skelton required at Newbury. WEST TO THE BRIDGE 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 Doncaster 1.50 The first two year old turf race of the season is the historic Brocklesby Stakes run over the minimum trip of 5F and has attracted a field of fifteen this year. Obviously the market will tell us the ones that are expected to run well but I can pass on a good mark for the Amo Racing newcomer Mystical Elegance trained in Lambourn by Dominic Ffrench Davis. The owners are already off the mark with the first juvenile race of the Irish flat turf season last Monday and the trainer was on the Nick Luck podcast on Thursday stating that the son of Zoustar will love the prevailing ground and is very forward with a good willing attitude. He was the pick from three entries from the yard and without the benefit of any market clues is worth a speculative interest. MYSTICAL ELEGANCE 1 point win 5/2 bet365 Newbury 2.10 A field of nine face the judge for this 2M 3F class 3 novices’ handicap hurdle. Phillip Hoobs & Johnson White’s Into The Park and Nigel Twiston-Davies’s Spirits Bay head the weights and the market and come here both chasing hat tricks although both are up in the weights. As a four year old the Dan Skelton trained Kartoon And Co gets a healthy age allowance of 12lb and off of just 10 stone 2lb here, a weight which is jockey Harry Skelton’s bare minimum (he may well have to put up a pound overweight). He ran well at Sandown a fortnight ago when runner up in a handicap hurdle when well backed and with the extra 3F likely to suit looks the pick although I can’t resist a small each way saver on Nicky Henderson’s only runner of the day in handicap debutant Break My Soul, who’s recent second spot at Warwick has been boosted by the winner placing in graded company since and the third winning a handicap. We all know Henderson’s stable has been under a cloud but his only runner since Cheltenham was a winner at Kempton a week ago. KARTOON AND CO 1 point each way @ 8/1 BetVictor 1/5th 123 BREAK MY SOUL 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Doncaster 2.25 The Lincoln consolation race the Spring Mile Handicap has attracted eighteen runners and is run over the straight mile. Last year’s winner Harswell Duke is back to defend his title with the runner up Titian, third Maysong, seventh Arthur’s Realm and a few others all back as well. Harswell Duke did us a favour that day and can race here off of a 8lb lower mark mainly due to the fact that he lost his form after last year’s win. Although he’s 6lb worse off now I would prefer Julie Camacho’s Titian from last years race to come out best here. The one I want to be with though is the Tony Coyle & Caine Wood trained Thunder Roar with the booking of Jamie Spencer an eye caching one. He obviously adores the mud with form figures on soft or heavy reading 11213 which include a a heavy ground victory of a 7f race here in October. He teed up for this with an eye catching third at Southwell a fortnight ago and even though he has to prove he stays a mile looks the bet as long as stall number 1 is not a negative. THUNDER ROAR 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Newbury 2.40 Just the seven have declared for this class 2 2M 4F handicap chase where last year’s winner Heltenham heads the market following another win here at the beginning of the month. He’s up 6lb for that win and 13lb in total from last years win. His best form appears to be on testing ground so drying conditions may not suit and I’ll take him on with Kerry Lee’s bottom weight Eaton Collina. He arrives in top form having won two handicaps at Wetherby in February rising 12lb for those success’s under today’s jockey Richard Patrick. He maybe the value bet against the favourite. EATON COLLINA 1 point each way @ 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Doncaster 3.00 Seven line up for this 6F listed Cammidge Trophy. Bar the rank outsider Glorious Angel a case can be made for all with Karl Burke’s Marshman (first time tongue tie) and William Haggas’s Montassib jointly the best horses in the field although neither would want a real mud bath. The same could be said about Charlie Hills’s Orazio and with Baradar dropping down from a mile to 6F it maybe worth taking a swing with the only three year old in the field Adaay in Devon trained by Rod Millman who has his dual purpose stable in fine form currently winning with three of his last 8 runners at time of writing. She was a big improver through last summer and autumn winning four times, all on soft ground, before ending the season finishing 1 3/4L runner up in the listed Bosra Sham Stakes at Newmarket on heavy ground won by a well touted Godolphin filly. She gets not only a 5lb fillies allowance but also a hefty 13lb age allowance and could be the value play on ground she likes under Silvestre De Sousa. Back her each way with the firms paying three places in the seven runner field. ADAAY IN DEVON 1 point each way @ 14/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Newbury 3.15 A wide open renewal of the EBF mares novices handicap hurdle run over 2M 4 1/2F with seventeen runners going to post. The race has a wide open look about it with many of the mares making their handicap debuts here. An interesting runner is the Dan Skelton trained Lindy Reilly who’s got in here off of a nice low mark following there starts and is worth watching closely. Barbury Castle trainer Alan King took his mare Kay Tara Tara up to Kelso to get qualified for this event 15 days ago on ground that was too soft for her but she ran well in defeat finishing 2 1/4L second to the re-opposing El Elefante and it will be no surprise if on 11lb better terms and on significantly better ground she turned that form around and runs a big race. KAY TARA TARA 1 point each way @ 12/1 888sport 1/5th 12345 Doncaster 3.35 The first big flat turf handicap of the season is the William Hill Lincoln run over the straight mile of Town Moor with a maximum field of twenty two gong to post. The front two in the market Awaal, who ran second in this last year to Migration and Liberty Lane,a course and distance winner at the St Leger meeting both hold decent claims with preference just for the latter who is trained by the in form Karl Burke and could be well drawn in stall 20 if last year’s renewal has anything to do with it especially now he’s been gelded. Both have been well found in the market mind as has last Monday’s Irish Lincoln winner Chazzesmee who if none the worse for that victory can be in the shake up. The most interesting runner to my eyes however is Lattam who’s joined Julie Camacho’s Yorkshire stable having been bought for a cheap looking 50,000 guineas. A winner first time out the last two seasons he loves soft ground and took the Irish equivalent first time out last season when in the care of William Haggas. Ryan Sexton is a good booking and from a draw in the middle means he can go either side if there appears an advantage earlier in the meeting. A tough call and whilst I wouldn’t put anyone off Liberty Lane it’s Lattam that appeals each way with the firms paying extra places. LATTAM 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 123456

Thank you @foxinexile, you're right a lot of work does go into them and your kind words mean a lot

Ouch! That was the one I wanted more than the others as well @harry_rag

Good day for my horse racing tips yesterday - 9 selections - 8 winners Acca bet -Excelero 4/11Billytherealbigred 4/9Night Raider 1/3 Daily tips -Golden Maverick 4/6Prairie Wolf 6/5Theformismighty 11/8Ascending Lark 85/40Double Powerful 5/4 Nap -Ayyab 2nd 3/1 (beaten neck )

Yes, that was was very much in our thoughts (and to get Cheltenham out of the way). We had several journalists ready to run the story as well.

Always good to have the flat proper back

Now that Cheltenham has been put to bed we can concentrate (well for a day or two anyway!) on the real stuff as flat turf racing returns this weekend with the Lincoln two day meeting at Doncaster. The ground on Town moor this weekend is currently soft (not surprisingly) and as they are due some more of the wet stuff on Wednesday and bits and pieces towards race day it’s a fair assumption that the ground will be soft still come the weekend. Here’s a rundown of the top thirty in the handicap currently (note that only twenty two can run). MIGRATION (David Menuisier) 8 9-13 Last year’s winner who loves the mud. 4lb higher than last year but showed very little in three runs since. Not without claims if in the same form as a year ago and useful 3lb claimer Paddy Bradley already booked. JOHAN (Jack Channon) 7 9-8 Has an excellent record fresh winning first time out the last two years including this very race in 2022 off of a handicap mark of 4lb lower than today’s under Silvestre Sousa who’s already provisionally booked to ride.A live each way contender with conditions to suit. RAADOBARG (George Boughey) 6 9-7 Ran a good third in Monday’s Irish Lincoln at The Curragh (1 1/4L behind Chazzesmee). Yet to win in nine starts for Boughey but run plenty of good races in defeat on soft ground which obviously suits. Unlikely to run here apparently. MOSTABSHIR (John & Thady Gosden) 4 9-5 Lightly raced grey from a big yard that won this race for same connections with Haaqeey in 2021. Not as exciting a profile as that one however and is un tested on soft ground. Stated by trainers on Wednesday as unlikely to run due to the soft ground conditions. AWAAL (Simon & Ed Crisford) 5 9-4 Runner up to Migration in this race last year, beaten 1 1/4L and is now 4lb better off with that rival. Adores the mud and subsequently ran well when placed in Hunt Cup and Bunbury Cup. Forget his last run at Ascot as he was dreadfully drawn. A major player with Harry Davies booked. LIBERTY LANE (Karl Burke) 4 9-4 Lightly raced who won a decent class 2 handicap on soft ground over course and distance at the St Leger meeting last September. Ground probably too fast on only subsequent run in Cambridgeshire. Been gelded since and looks a major player. Clifford Lee already booked. THUNDER BALL (Paul & Oliver Cole) 4 9-3 Proven on soft ground and had a fruitful 2023 winning at Newbury and Goodwood rising 26lb in the process. Also ran 4th when 66/1 in Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. Useful 5lb conditional jockey Alec Voikhansky booked. Did need his first run last season. THE GATEKEEPER (Charlie Johnstone) 5 9-2 Best on soft ground and finished off last season when a 25/1 winner of the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot’s Champions Day fixture. Has been raised 4lb for that victory and will racing off of a career high mark. VETIVER (Andrew Balding) 4 9-0 Best runs have come on soft ground and is relatively lightly raced. This will be her eighth career start. Ended up last season with a good fifth in Balmoral Handicap to The Gatekeeper, beaten 2 3/4L and 4lb better off now. Each way claims if straight enough (did win by 5 1/2L on re-appearance as a three year old). REVICH (Richard Spencer) 8 9-0 Two wins from ten runs last season came at Chester and Ayr. Ran 9th in this last year on his re-appearance when a 40/1 poke and 5lb higher now. Ground should be fine and Jason Hart booked. BLUES EMPEROR (Johnny Murtagh) 5 8-13 Yet to race in Britain. A winner of good ground handicaps at Naas and The Curragh last season over a mile. Flopped on latest start in listed company in soft ground but has shown he handles the mud fine. CHAZZESMEE (J A Stack) 6 8-13 (inc. 5lb penalty) Landed a bit of a touch when winning the Irish Lincoln at The Curragh on Monday with Raadobarg back in third. If re-appearing here will have to carry a 5lb penalty but will be strip fit and loves soft ground. Plenty going for him if over what looked a hard enough race on Monday. NAVAGIO (James Horton) 5 8-12 Ex Irish (trained by R P Cody) and joined James Horton at his new base in Newmarket. Soft ground suits well and was a winner of two soft ground races last season over a mile at Limerick and Gowran Park. 11lb higher than his last win which he won by a head in a five runner race in July. Mark looks high enough and has 238 day absence to overcome. LATTAM (Julie Camacho) 5 8-11 Has joined Julie Camacho from William Haggas at the October horses-in-training sales for 50,000 guineas. Short head winner of the Irish equivalent to this first time out last season on bottomless ground. Has won first time out for the last two seasons now and if his capable trainer has freshened him up looks a interesting each way play. DUTCH DECOY (Charlie Johnston) 7 8-9 Newmarket winner last July off of a 3lb lower mark than todays. That was his only victory in twelve outings although he dis perform well in defeat on a number of occasions. Soundly beaten in Lincoln consolation on the card a year ago. Hard to fancy much. DRAGON ICON (Roger Varian) 4 8-9 Two from 5 on the all weather and finished fifth of 9 in the German 2000 Guineas only start on turf. Badly drawn last time and ran an eye catching race. More likely to be of interest if rocking up at All Weather Finals day the following weekend. FARHH TO SHY (George Margarson) 6 8-8 Benoit De La Sayette already booked. 8lb higher now than when winning a soft ground Ascot handicap last May (also won at Yarmouth two months later off of a 4lb higher mark). Already beaten twice off of his current handicap mark and needs to step his game up once more. GREATGADIAN (Roger Varian) 6 8-8 Arrives in good form from the all weather having finished runner up in two class 3 Newcastle handicaps already this month. Ran well when 6th in this last year, beaten 4 3/4L to Migration & Awaal. 8lb lower now so is effectively 12lb and 8lb better off with that pair and looks best of the big outsiders. Last year’s rider Adrian Keeley already booked. MR PROFESSOR (Dominic Ffrench Davis) 5 8-8 A winner of just four of his 29 career starts including last September at Goodwood on soft ground. 5lb higher now but loves soft ground and David Egan already booked which is an upgrade on his usual rider Owen Lewis. CHUZZLEWIT (Kevin Ryan) 4 8-8 Been busy on the all-weather this year winning at Newcastle last week from Greatgadian in first time blinkers. Not certain to confirm that form on 3lb worse terms and has definite questions to answer on soft ground (beat one home in a 22 runner handicap at York on his only run on soft ground) MAJESTIC (Jack Channon) 6 8-7 Stable won this race in 2022 with the also entered Johan. Failed to win 2023 in eight attempts although ran well in defeat on occasions including when fourth in this race to Migration and Awaal (beaten 3 1/2L) and ending up with a creditable fourth in the Cambridgeshire. Channon in form and could hit the first six again. PARLANDO (Ian Williams) 5 8-7 Been racing in Bahrain this spring, winning one of his four starts there under Gerard Mosse. That was on fast ground and although a winner, on his debut, on good to soft, is unlikely to have encountered ground as slow as this although he doesn’t look that badly treated despite a 5lb penalty. 5lb claiming apprentice Sean D Bowen already booked. HIERONYMOUS (George Baker) 8 8-7 Fit from the all weather and has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for winning at Kempton in February. Yet to win in seventeen attempts on the turf and looks better on a synthetic surface. Tough to fancy. BET ME (George Boughey) 4 8-5 Two runs on all weather since joining Boughey from France although was previously trained by Richard Hannon over here. Looks best on soft ground with form figures of 131 and lightly raced enough to warrant a second look. ONE NIGHT THUNDER (Gemma Tutty) 4 8-4 Trainer in good form. Had just the two starts for her having been bought for just 15,000 guineas last September. Showed he handles very soft ground when fourth at Newmarket on first run for Tutty last November. Last only subsequent run on all weather at 18/1 though. SPIRIT GENIE (Jennie Candlish) 4 8-2 Winner of a seller on soft ground at Leicester last October and not disgraced when runner up on heavy in Newmarket handicap the following month (One Night Thunder back in fourth). Ground will suit but be a shock were he good enough. ARKENDALE (Edward Bethell) 4 8-1 Soft ground winner of novice stakes at Thirsk last June before joining current trainer. Poor last run on heavy in first time cheek pieces and has been gelded since. More needed. LIGHT SPEED (Andrew Balding) 4 8-1 Yet to race on turf. Three wins from six starts on the all weather. Soundly beaten last time mind and hard to fancy at all. DARWELL LION (Ruth Carr) 6 8-1 Has spent nearly all of his career on the all weather winning four of his 18 starts. Soundly beaten on only turf run though that was on his second ever start back in September 2021. Impossible to fancy. BASS PLAYER (Kevin Frost) 5 8-0 Just the one win from fifteen starts in his career. Only raced three times for latest trainer Kevin Frost. Stopped quickly and came back with a irregular heart beat at Wolverhampton last time and plenty of questions to answer now. SUMMARY:- Last year’s winner (Migration), second (Awaal), fourth (Majestic), sixth (Greatgadian) and ninth (Revich) are all back to renew rivalry with Awaal possibly likely to turn out the best on 4lb better terms with the winner although Greatgadian is considerably better off with the front two and can be part of the staking plan arriving here in good form from the all weather. Monday’s Irish Lincoln winner Chazzesmee can’t be dismissed either if taking in the engagement although he did have a hard enough race that day on desperate ground. Liberty Lane is a progressive horse who’s been gelded since last seen and obviously likes slow ground, he has to be thereabouts. Julie Camacho has taken over the training of last year’s Irish Lincoln winner Lattam and is a very interesting runner as he adores the mud and if she has sweetened him up could be a value each way play. Last year’s renewal was run on heavy ground and both the Spring Mile (the consolation race) and in the Lincoln high numbers had the call with all of the low drawn horses seemingly at a disadvantage. Obviously the draw can change from one meeting to another so lets not get too bogged down with stall positions until Thursday and the 48 hour declaration stage at least. The two most unexposed sorts are at the top of the market and I’ll happily split my stake win only on that pair with a couple of each way stabs at Lattam and Greatgadian. Staking plan:- AWAAL 1 point win @ 9/2 Unibet LIBERTY LANE 1 point win 11/2 bet365 LATTAM 1 point each way @ 16/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 GREATGADIAN 1/4 point each way @ 40/1 1/5th 12345

Thanks Mike - appreciated It was harder getting paid then picking the winners !!

Thanks @Darran I think it just shows you the power of social media (should have gone this route some time ago really)

Think a bit of both @harry_rag ! The bank had the money but the holder was not chasing it for some strange reason - a rather bizarre case but luckily with a happy ending

Update The power of social media! broke on twitter this morning and all paid out this evening

What a tremendous gesture @MCLARKE 👏

Some of you with good memories may well remember that I was involved in a twitter tipster competition called Dandinaps in which I reached the final of the Cup only to finish runner up in a straight shoot out with @TrainerGeezer last October The competition was the brainchild of Graham Dand, a brave man who chronicled his last year in detail via twitter (as it was then) as he sadly succumbed to his battle with cancer leaving behind a wife and three children. Graham was an avid form student who went into some amazing detail in his analysis which certainly gave him some bright moments in those torturous final months. The competition, run in his memory has been a great success over its two running's during the last two flat seasons in which competitors have to select two picks from the big heritage handicaps win or each way. Many of racing twitter got behind the competition with the likes of Tony Calvin, Paul Kealy, Simon Nott and two of Punters Lounge’s finest in our hunter chase expert @Darran and @Tumbleweed King both entering. The competition came to a conclusion on Ascot’s Champions Day last October with @TrainerGeezer winning both the league and Cup securing a combined pot of £17,000. A fantastic feat with several big priced picks along the way. Sadly none of the prize winners have been paid. It’s transpired that one of the three organisers who was in charge of holding the funds (which was a dreadful mistake to be the only person that could handle the money) is now saying that the bank with the funds, Barclays have frozen the account. He has given us no clear evidence that he has been in any type of conversation with Barclays and when challenged has gone to ground. The only reason for this surely is foul play. The dozen owed money have been very patient until now but expect to see a backlash, as from Monday when all will be revealed on X and hopefully at some stage by the racing media whom we are looking to get behind us. A dreadful situation with the competition,run in memory of Graham a fun and innovative contest in which 760 odd punters paid £46 each to enter. We’ll see how it all pans out over the next few weeks/months and although I am owed £2,000 for my part it’s the double winner @TrainerGeezer who I’m really sad for. I know he was at Ascot for that last day when it was finalised that he couldn’t be caught with the £17,000 winnings going towards a deposit on a house for him and his girlfriend. I find it shocking that in this world we live in there can be people who can be so greedy and evil that they think they can get away with this type of fraud. I would ask you all if you have a ‘X’ account to look out for the @Handicapcomp tweet and add your disgust at the situation. It may just help in us all getting our hard fought winnings.