robertob

Good luck everyone! 
Here's my take on this very special race. 
Melbourne Cup 2017 - Preview:
The race that stops the nation.... or the race that disrupts my sleep. Yep, it's back - the one and only Melbourne Cup!
Thankfully only once a year. Getting up at 3.30am on a regular basis is probably not recommended. Nonetheless, Tuesday morning I will. All in the name of my favourite race on this beautiful planet!
Not because I've ever been particularly successful finding the winner. I have not. But because the build-up. The atmosphere. The enormity of the whole event. It's special.
One day I gonna be there. To see it with my own eyes. Wide awake and alert. Unlike tomorrow morning. When I watch on with red eyes.
As close as I ever came to the mecca that Flemington is: I drove passed it with a rental car earlier this year on a trip to Australia.
Let's talk about the actual race: off at 4am Irish time. Here's hoping my neighbours are prepared for the screams of joy when Rekindling strolls over the line as the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup!
In past years I always backed multiple horses in the race. Didn't do me any good. Only the bookies were smiling. This year I pin all my hopes on the Joseph O'Brien trained three year old colt.
But let's move all the negative factors out of the way first: no doubt there are a handful of good reasons why this lad won't get anywhere near the money tomorrow morning. Some smarter people than I am are probably right if they say Rekindling had a long season, the Cup is a mere afterthought on the back of an excellent Ledger performance and therefore he'll find this really tough.
Rekindling is not a particularly imposing individual in terms of physical presence either. He didn't have a prep run Down Under. And he's a galloping sort who might not enjoy the start-stop nature of the race.
All fair points. However at 14/1 I am prepared to take a chance on Rekindling, fully aware I will likely go back to sleep at roughly 4.30am after yet another Cup disappointment.
But hold on, let's hear for all the good reasons why Rekindling will win the 2017 Melbourne Cup:
Weight, Class and Ratings. He's a classy 116 rated individual, a multiple pattern class winner and was only 2 lengths beaten - and in my view unlucky not to get closer - when 4th in the English St. Leger.
He gets into the Cup with a featherweight thanks to WFO, however on Aussie terms is actually a four year old. He's got as little as 8st 2lb to carry. He's third highest ranked in terms of time speed and Racing Post Ratings. Granted, the merit of these ratings is questionable for obvious reasons - it still is another little piece in the puzzle.
The draw. It could hardly be any better. Stall 4 gives every opportunity. Not allot of energy needs to be wasted early on, as long Rekindling breaks alright. Which he should.
Form. An  impressive winner of the Curragh Cup, and an equally as impressive 4th in the English St. Leger. A performance I rate particularly highly. That is because he came from a long way back that day, trailing for most parts, and when travelling strongly on the bridle over three furlongs out, he did not get a clear run and lost valuable momentum and ground as a consequence.
Yet he produced the joint fastest sectionals for the last four furlongs and finished in fourth, only 2 lengths behind Capri. That form in its own right is strong, but has already been franked multiple times.
I also don't subscribe to the fact Rekindling would not be suited to the start-stop nature of the Melbourne Cup. In fact this lad is not a mere galloping sore who travels strongly and grinds things out. No, he has pace and a turn of foot. He showed it quite clearly when producing a superb effort over 10 furlongs in the lowly ran Ballysax Stakes earlier this year.
Now, I do really love the chance of this horse. I understand why people compare him to Bondi Beach in last years Cup. However I feel Rekindling is a different animal altogether.
I strongly believe he's more for than against him - with one only concern: he's usually held up. Here's hoping Rekindling will be utilized to full effect from his positive draw and does not settle farther off the pace than midfield.
I readily admit that it is a huge ask, nonetheless. And the field is incredibly competitive. I do not quite buy into the hype of Marmelo and find it hard to see Almandin doing it all again - however Red Cardinal would be my absolute prime chance in this race - if not for the wide draw.
Now this must not be a problem necessarily given he'll settle off the pace anyways, regardless of the draw. Still, he'll be too far back I fear. Max Dynamite, if fully fit - and he looked good during his comeback run - is another one to like a lot. The runner-up of 2015 has even less weight to carry this time round.
Tiberian, despite a wide draw, might be able to cross over as there seems not too much early pace here. If so, he's a dangerous horse. Hugo Palmer's Wall Of Fire had the perfect preparation - he's a major player.
Nonetheless, it's Rekindling or nothing for me. And what a story it would be. Joseph O'Brien in his first season as a trainer winning the Melbourne Cup - a feast his record breaking father never achieved? Go son, go!
Selection:

 10pts win - Rekindling @ 14/1 William Hill

Good luck everyone! 
Here's my take on this very special race. 
Melbourne Cup 2017 - Preview:
The race that stops the nation.... or the race that disrupts my sleep. Yep, it's back - the one and only Melbourne Cup!
Thankfully only once a year. Getting up at 3.30am on a regular basis is probably not recommended. Nonetheless, Tuesday morning I will. All in the name of my favourite race on this beautiful planet!
Not because I've ever been particularly successful finding the winner. I have not. But because the build-up. The atmosphere. The enormity of the whole event. It's special.
One day I gonna be there. To see it with my own eyes. Wide awake and alert. Unlike tomorrow morning. When I watch on with red eyes.
As close as I ever came to the mecca that Flemington is: I drove passed it with a rental car earlier this year on a trip to Australia.
Let's talk about the actual race: off at 4am Irish time. Here's hoping my neighbours are prepared for the screams of joy when Rekindling strolls over the line as the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup!
In past years I always backed multiple horses in the race. Didn't do me any good. Only the bookies were smiling. This year I pin all my hopes on the Joseph O'Brien trained three year old colt.
But let's move all the negative factors out of the way first: no doubt there are a handful of good reasons why this lad won't get anywhere near the money tomorrow morning. Some smarter people than I am are probably right if they say Rekindling had a long season, the Cup is a mere afterthought on the back of an excellent Ledger performance and therefore he'll find this really tough.
Rekindling is not a particularly imposing individual in terms of physical presence either. He didn't have a prep run Down Under. And he's a galloping sort who might not enjoy the start-stop nature of the race.
All fair points. However at 14/1 I am prepared to take a chance on Rekindling, fully aware I will likely go back to sleep at roughly 4.30am after yet another Cup disappointment.
But hold on, let's hear for all the good reasons why Rekindling will win the 2017 Melbourne Cup:
Weight, Class and Ratings. He's a classy 116 rated individual, a multiple pattern class winner and was only 2 lengths beaten - and in my view unlucky not to get closer - when 4th in the English St. Leger.
He gets into the Cup with a featherweight thanks to WFO, however on Aussie terms is actually a four year old. He's got as little as 8st 2lb to carry. He's third highest ranked in terms of time speed and Racing Post Ratings. Granted, the merit of these ratings is questionable for obvious reasons - it still is another little piece in the puzzle.
The draw. It could hardly be any better. Stall 4 gives every opportunity. Not allot of energy needs to be wasted early on, as long Rekindling breaks alright. Which he should.
Form. An  impressive winner of the Curragh Cup, and an equally as impressive 4th in the English St. Leger. A performance I rate particularly highly. That is because he came from a long way back that day, trailing for most parts, and when travelling strongly on the bridle over three furlongs out, he did not get a clear run and lost valuable momentum and ground as a consequence.
Yet he produced the joint fastest sectionals for the last four furlongs and finished in fourth, only 2 lengths behind Capri. That form in its own right is strong, but has already been franked multiple times.
I also don't subscribe to the fact Rekindling would not be suited to the start-stop nature of the Melbourne Cup. In fact this lad is not a mere galloping sore who travels strongly and grinds things out. No, he has pace and a turn of foot. He showed it quite clearly when producing a superb effort over 10 furlongs in the lowly ran Ballysax Stakes earlier this year.
Now, I do really love the chance of this horse. I understand why people compare him to Bondi Beach in last years Cup. However I feel Rekindling is a different animal altogether.
I strongly believe he's more for than against him - with one only concern: he's usually held up. Here's hoping Rekindling will be utilized to full effect from his positive draw and does not settle farther off the pace than midfield.
I readily admit that it is a huge ask, nonetheless. And the field is incredibly competitive. I do not quite buy into the hype of Marmelo and find it hard to see Almandin doing it all again - however Red Cardinal would be my absolute prime chance in this race - if not for the wide draw.
Now this must not be a problem necessarily given he'll settle off the pace anyways, regardless of the draw. Still, he'll be too far back I fear. Max Dynamite, if fully fit - and he looked good during his comeback run - is another one to like a lot. The runner-up of 2015 has even less weight to carry this time round.
Tiberian, despite a wide draw, might be able to cross over as there seems not too much early pace here. If so, he's a dangerous horse. Hugo Palmer's Wall Of Fire had the perfect preparation - he's a major player.
Nonetheless, it's Rekindling or nothing for me. And what a story it would be. Joseph O'Brien in his first season as a trainer winning the Melbourne Cup - a feast his record breaking father never achieved? Go son, go!
Selection:

 10pts win - Rekindling @ 14/1 William Hill

Well done excellent tipping 

Was going to back this then went for Libran for the price. Well done.

Oh what a sweet feeling to get it right - particularly on such a big day! Pinned all my hopes on Rekindling, feeling there was everything to like about his chance. How he delivered. Superb ride by Corey Brown. Let the horse settle, made most of the perfect draw and had him pinch perfect positioned when it mattered. 
Again wonderful buildup to the race itself. Always feels like the world cup final. They do it so well over there!

Oh what a sweet feeling to get it right - particularly on such a big day! Pinned all my hopes on Rekindling, feeling there was everything to like about his chance. How he delivered. Superb ride by Corey Brown. Let the horse settle, made most of the perfect draw and had him pinch perfect positioned when it mattered. 
Again wonderful buildup to the race itself. Always feels like the world cup final. They do it so well over there!

Super call Roberto 

Good luck everyone! 
Here's my take on this very special race. 
Melbourne Cup 2017 - Preview:
The race that stops the nation.... or the race that disrupts my sleep. Yep, it's back - the one and only Melbourne Cup!
Thankfully only once a year. Getting up at 3.30am on a regular basis is probably not recommended. Nonetheless, Tuesday morning I will. All in the name of my favourite race on this beautiful planet!
Not because I've ever been particularly successful finding the winner. I have not. But because the build-up. The atmosphere. The enormity of the whole event. It's special.
One day I gonna be there. To see it with my own eyes. Wide awake and alert. Unlike tomorrow morning. When I watch on with red eyes.
As close as I ever came to the mecca that Flemington is: I drove passed it with a rental car earlier this year on a trip to Australia.
Let's talk about the actual race: off at 4am Irish time. Here's hoping my neighbours are prepared for the screams of joy when Rekindling strolls over the line as the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup!
In past years I always backed multiple horses in the race. Didn't do me any good. Only the bookies were smiling. This year I pin all my hopes on the Joseph O'Brien trained three year old colt.
But let's move all the negative factors out of the way first: no doubt there are a handful of good reasons why this lad won't get anywhere near the money tomorrow morning. Some smarter people than I am are probably right if they say Rekindling had a long season, the Cup is a mere afterthought on the back of an excellent Ledger performance and therefore he'll find this really tough.
Rekindling is not a particularly imposing individual in terms of physical presence either. He didn't have a prep run Down Under. And he's a galloping sort who might not enjoy the start-stop nature of the race.
All fair points. However at 14/1 I am prepared to take a chance on Rekindling, fully aware I will likely go back to sleep at roughly 4.30am after yet another Cup disappointment.
But hold on, let's hear for all the good reasons why Rekindling will win the 2017 Melbourne Cup:
Weight, Class and Ratings. He's a classy 116 rated individual, a multiple pattern class winner and was only 2 lengths beaten - and in my view unlucky not to get closer - when 4th in the English St. Leger.
He gets into the Cup with a featherweight thanks to WFO, however on Aussie terms is actually a four year old. He's got as little as 8st 2lb to carry. He's third highest ranked in terms of time speed and Racing Post Ratings. Granted, the merit of these ratings is questionable for obvious reasons - it still is another little piece in the puzzle.
The draw. It could hardly be any better. Stall 4 gives every opportunity. Not allot of energy needs to be wasted early on, as long Rekindling breaks alright. Which he should.
Form. An  impressive winner of the Curragh Cup, and an equally as impressive 4th in the English St. Leger. A performance I rate particularly highly. That is because he came from a long way back that day, trailing for most parts, and when travelling strongly on the bridle over three furlongs out, he did not get a clear run and lost valuable momentum and ground as a consequence.
Yet he produced the joint fastest sectionals for the last four furlongs and finished in fourth, only 2 lengths behind Capri. That form in its own right is strong, but has already been franked multiple times.
I also don't subscribe to the fact Rekindling would not be suited to the start-stop nature of the Melbourne Cup. In fact this lad is not a mere galloping sore who travels strongly and grinds things out. No, he has pace and a turn of foot. He showed it quite clearly when producing a superb effort over 10 furlongs in the lowly ran Ballysax Stakes earlier this year.
Now, I do really love the chance of this horse. I understand why people compare him to Bondi Beach in last years Cup. However I feel Rekindling is a different animal altogether.
I strongly believe he's more for than against him - with one only concern: he's usually held up. Here's hoping Rekindling will be utilized to full effect from his positive draw and does not settle farther off the pace than midfield.
I readily admit that it is a huge ask, nonetheless. And the field is incredibly competitive. I do not quite buy into the hype of Marmelo and find it hard to see Almandin doing it all again - however Red Cardinal would be my absolute prime chance in this race - if not for the wide draw.
Now this must not be a problem necessarily given he'll settle off the pace anyways, regardless of the draw. Still, he'll be too far back I fear. Max Dynamite, if fully fit - and he looked good during his comeback run - is another one to like a lot. The runner-up of 2015 has even less weight to carry this time round.
Tiberian, despite a wide draw, might be able to cross over as there seems not too much early pace here. If so, he's a dangerous horse. Hugo Palmer's Wall Of Fire had the perfect preparation - he's a major player.
Nonetheless, it's Rekindling or nothing for me. And what a story it would be. Joseph O'Brien in his first season as a trainer winning the Melbourne Cup - a feast his record breaking father never achieved? Go son, go!
Selection:

 10pts win - Rekindling @ 14/1 William Hill

Good luck everyone! 
Here's my take on this very special race. 
Melbourne Cup 2017 - Preview:
The race that stops the nation.... or the race that disrupts my sleep. Yep, it's back - the one and only Melbourne Cup!
Thankfully only once a year. Getting up at 3.30am on a regular basis is probably not recommended. Nonetheless, Tuesday morning I will. All in the name of my favourite race on this beautiful planet!
Not because I've ever been particularly successful finding the winner. I have not. But because the build-up. The atmosphere. The enormity of the whole event. It's special.
One day I gonna be there. To see it with my own eyes. Wide awake and alert. Unlike tomorrow morning. When I watch on with red eyes.
As close as I ever came to the mecca that Flemington is: I drove passed it with a rental car earlier this year on a trip to Australia.
Let's talk about the actual race: off at 4am Irish time. Here's hoping my neighbours are prepared for the screams of joy when Rekindling strolls over the line as the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup!
In past years I always backed multiple horses in the race. Didn't do me any good. Only the bookies were smiling. This year I pin all my hopes on the Joseph O'Brien trained three year old colt.
But let's move all the negative factors out of the way first: no doubt there are a handful of good reasons why this lad won't get anywhere near the money tomorrow morning. Some smarter people than I am are probably right if they say Rekindling had a long season, the Cup is a mere afterthought on the back of an excellent Ledger performance and therefore he'll find this really tough.
Rekindling is not a particularly imposing individual in terms of physical presence either. He didn't have a prep run Down Under. And he's a galloping sort who might not enjoy the start-stop nature of the race.
All fair points. However at 14/1 I am prepared to take a chance on Rekindling, fully aware I will likely go back to sleep at roughly 4.30am after yet another Cup disappointment.
But hold on, let's hear for all the good reasons why Rekindling will win the 2017 Melbourne Cup:
Weight, Class and Ratings. He's a classy 116 rated individual, a multiple pattern class winner and was only 2 lengths beaten - and in my view unlucky not to get closer - when 4th in the English St. Leger.
He gets into the Cup with a featherweight thanks to WFO, however on Aussie terms is actually a four year old. He's got as little as 8st 2lb to carry. He's third highest ranked in terms of time speed and Racing Post Ratings. Granted, the merit of these ratings is questionable for obvious reasons - it still is another little piece in the puzzle.
The draw. It could hardly be any better. Stall 4 gives every opportunity. Not allot of energy needs to be wasted early on, as long Rekindling breaks alright. Which he should.
Form. An  impressive winner of the Curragh Cup, and an equally as impressive 4th in the English St. Leger. A performance I rate particularly highly. That is because he came from a long way back that day, trailing for most parts, and when travelling strongly on the bridle over three furlongs out, he did not get a clear run and lost valuable momentum and ground as a consequence.
Yet he produced the joint fastest sectionals for the last four furlongs and finished in fourth, only 2 lengths behind Capri. That form in its own right is strong, but has already been franked multiple times.
I also don't subscribe to the fact Rekindling would not be suited to the start-stop nature of the Melbourne Cup. In fact this lad is not a mere galloping sore who travels strongly and grinds things out. No, he has pace and a turn of foot. He showed it quite clearly when producing a superb effort over 10 furlongs in the lowly ran Ballysax Stakes earlier this year.
Now, I do really love the chance of this horse. I understand why people compare him to Bondi Beach in last years Cup. However I feel Rekindling is a different animal altogether.
I strongly believe he's more for than against him - with one only concern: he's usually held up. Here's hoping Rekindling will be utilized to full effect from his positive draw and does not settle farther off the pace than midfield.
I readily admit that it is a huge ask, nonetheless. And the field is incredibly competitive. I do not quite buy into the hype of Marmelo and find it hard to see Almandin doing it all again - however Red Cardinal would be my absolute prime chance in this race - if not for the wide draw.
Now this must not be a problem necessarily given he'll settle off the pace anyways, regardless of the draw. Still, he'll be too far back I fear. Max Dynamite, if fully fit - and he looked good during his comeback run - is another one to like a lot. The runner-up of 2015 has even less weight to carry this time round.
Tiberian, despite a wide draw, might be able to cross over as there seems not too much early pace here. If so, he's a dangerous horse. Hugo Palmer's Wall Of Fire had the perfect preparation - he's a major player.
Nonetheless, it's Rekindling or nothing for me. And what a story it would be. Joseph O'Brien in his first season as a trainer winning the Melbourne Cup - a feast his record breaking father never achieved? Go son, go!
Selection:

 10pts win - Rekindling @ 14/1 William Hill

Good luck everyone! 
Here's my take on this very special race. 
Melbourne Cup 2017 - Preview:
The race that stops the nation.... or the race that disrupts my sleep. Yep, it's back - the one and only Melbourne Cup!
Thankfully only once a year. Getting up at 3.30am on a regular basis is probably not recommended. Nonetheless, Tuesday morning I will. All in the name of my favourite race on this beautiful planet!
Not because I've ever been particularly successful finding the winner. I have not. But because the build-up. The atmosphere. The enormity of the whole event. It's special.
One day I gonna be there. To see it with my own eyes. Wide awake and alert. Unlike tomorrow morning. When I watch on with red eyes.
As close as I ever came to the mecca that Flemington is: I drove passed it with a rental car earlier this year on a trip to Australia.
Let's talk about the actual race: off at 4am Irish time. Here's hoping my neighbours are prepared for the screams of joy when Rekindling strolls over the line as the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup!
In past years I always backed multiple horses in the race. Didn't do me any good. Only the bookies were smiling. This year I pin all my hopes on the Joseph O'Brien trained three year old colt.
But let's move all the negative factors out of the way first: no doubt there are a handful of good reasons why this lad won't get anywhere near the money tomorrow morning. Some smarter people than I am are probably right if they say Rekindling had a long season, the Cup is a mere afterthought on the back of an excellent Ledger performance and therefore he'll find this really tough.
Rekindling is not a particularly imposing individual in terms of physical presence either. He didn't have a prep run Down Under. And he's a galloping sort who might not enjoy the start-stop nature of the race.
All fair points. However at 14/1 I am prepared to take a chance on Rekindling, fully aware I will likely go back to sleep at roughly 4.30am after yet another Cup disappointment.
But hold on, let's hear for all the good reasons why Rekindling will win the 2017 Melbourne Cup:
Weight, Class and Ratings. He's a classy 116 rated individual, a multiple pattern class winner and was only 2 lengths beaten - and in my view unlucky not to get closer - when 4th in the English St. Leger.
He gets into the Cup with a featherweight thanks to WFO, however on Aussie terms is actually a four year old. He's got as little as 8st 2lb to carry. He's third highest ranked in terms of time speed and Racing Post Ratings. Granted, the merit of these ratings is questionable for obvious reasons - it still is another little piece in the puzzle.
The draw. It could hardly be any better. Stall 4 gives every opportunity. Not allot of energy needs to be wasted early on, as long Rekindling breaks alright. Which he should.
Form. An  impressive winner of the Curragh Cup, and an equally as impressive 4th in the English St. Leger. A performance I rate particularly highly. That is because he came from a long way back that day, trailing for most parts, and when travelling strongly on the bridle over three furlongs out, he did not get a clear run and lost valuable momentum and ground as a consequence.
Yet he produced the joint fastest sectionals for the last four furlongs and finished in fourth, only 2 lengths behind Capri. That form in its own right is strong, but has already been franked multiple times.
I also don't subscribe to the fact Rekindling would not be suited to the start-stop nature of the Melbourne Cup. In fact this lad is not a mere galloping sore who travels strongly and grinds things out. No, he has pace and a turn of foot. He showed it quite clearly when producing a superb effort over 10 furlongs in the lowly ran Ballysax Stakes earlier this year.
Now, I do really love the chance of this horse. I understand why people compare him to Bondi Beach in last years Cup. However I feel Rekindling is a different animal altogether.
I strongly believe he's more for than against him - with one only concern: he's usually held up. Here's hoping Rekindling will be utilized to full effect from his positive draw and does not settle farther off the pace than midfield.
I readily admit that it is a huge ask, nonetheless. And the field is incredibly competitive. I do not quite buy into the hype of Marmelo and find it hard to see Almandin doing it all again - however Red Cardinal would be my absolute prime chance in this race - if not for the wide draw.
Now this must not be a problem necessarily given he'll settle off the pace anyways, regardless of the draw. Still, he'll be too far back I fear. Max Dynamite, if fully fit - and he looked good during his comeback run - is another one to like a lot. The runner-up of 2015 has even less weight to carry this time round.
Tiberian, despite a wide draw, might be able to cross over as there seems not too much early pace here. If so, he's a dangerous horse. Hugo Palmer's Wall Of Fire had the perfect preparation - he's a major player.
Nonetheless, it's Rekindling or nothing for me. And what a story it would be. Joseph O'Brien in his first season as a trainer winning the Melbourne Cup - a feast his record breaking father never achieved? Go son, go!
Selection:

 10pts win - Rekindling @ 14/1 William Hill

And what a fantastic write up 

2.40 Yarmouth: Class 5 Nursery, 7f
Owen Burrows' Mutafarrid appears to be potentially well handicap on his nursery debut. The Dark Angel colt ran well in his last two races in maiden company - in his second career start he used allot of energy from a wide draw to be up with the pace, yet he finished a good fourth in a hot race that worked out well.
Last time at Wolverhampton he missed the break, got bumped into right after and never settled over too sharp 6f. Still he finished with credit in fifth and this athletic type should enjoy the simpler experience that is 7f at Yarmouth.
Judged on collateral form the opening mark of 69 is more than fair and he should be a bit better than that, I reckon. 
Selection:
10pts win - Mutafarrid @ 5/1 Bet365

2.40 Yarmouth: Class 5 Nursery, 7f
Owen Burrows' Mutafarrid appears to be potentially well handicap on his nursery debut. The Dark Angel colt ran well in his last two races in maiden company - in his second career start he used allot of energy from a wide draw to be up with the pace, yet he finished a good fourth in a hot race that worked out well.
Last time at Wolverhampton he missed the break, got bumped into right after and never settled over too sharp 6f. Still he finished with credit in fifth and this athletic type should enjoy the simpler experience that is 7f at Yarmouth.
Judged on collateral form the opening mark of 69 is more than fair and he should be a bit better than that, I reckon. 
Selection:
10pts win - Mutafarrid @ 5/1 Bet365

10.30 Keeneland: Grade 1 QE II Challenge Cup Stakes, 1m 1f
Open contest but I feel La Coronel has plenty of upside on her third start back home after a decent outing at Royal Asccot where she was only a good five lengths beaten by Winter.
She needed her home reappearance, though was much better last month in the Sands Point, when narrowly denied in the closing staged by Uni. She was pulling quite hard early on and looked a bit awkward in the home straight - so I feel if things go more to plan, she can clearly turn the form with Uni today.
Belmont Oaks winner New Money Honey has an excellent turf record, and back on this surface she is a major player. Also German 1000 Guineas Unforgettable Lady can run a big race.
Selection:
La Coronel @ 6/1 Skybet

What can you say.... I watched in awe, the mouth wide open when Frankie pressed the "Turbo button" and Enable made minced beef of top class opposition. Frankie gave her a no-nonsense ride. He had all the options, yes, but you need to stay cool enough to make the "right" decisions when the whole world is on your shoulders. John Gosden, how does he get these horses bang there again and again? Long season.... who cares. Enable certainly didn't. 
We use the word "superstar" way too loosely these days, but this filly is it in its true meaning. Hope she stays in training. Flat racing needs these horses we can connect on an emotional basis.

What can you say.... I watched in awe, the mouth wide open when Frankie pressed the "Turbo button" and Enable made minced beef of top class opposition. Frankie gave her a no-nonsense ride. He had all the options, yes, but you need to stay cool enough to make the "right" decisions when the whole world is on your shoulders. John Gosden, how does he get these horses bang there again and again? Long season.... who cares. Enable certainly didn't. 
We use the word "superstar" way too loosely these days, but this filly is it in its true meaning. Hope she stays in training. Flat racing needs these horses we can connect on an emotional basis.

What can you say.... I watched in awe, the mouth wide open when Frankie pressed the "Turbo button" and Enable made minced beef of top class opposition. Frankie gave her a no-nonsense ride. He had all the options, yes, but you need to stay cool enough to make the "right" decisions when the whole world is on your shoulders. John Gosden, how does he get these horses bang there again and again? Long season.... who cares. Enable certainly didn't. 
We use the word "superstar" way too loosely these days, but this filly is it in its true meaning. Hope she stays in training. Flat racing needs these horses we can connect on an emotional basis.

STUNNING Write up 

3.05: Chantilly - 2017 Arc De Triomphe
"You are prone to bad luck at Chantilly; often the best horse gets beaten there" - John Gosden
Correct. John Gosden, trainer of wonder filly Enable is rightly concerned if it comes to external influences in today's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The dual Oaks and King George champ is the red hot betting favourite for quite some time. Rightly so. There is little more she needs to do to prove her class. She IS all class.
However a long season, a big field of top class contenders, most of them the opposite sex, tough ground and a course that can throw up strange results - there is a lot to overcome today....
.... and a lot to like about Enable! 
On the positive side of things, Enable could have not get a better draw allotted in the lottery that can kill chances of any horse before the race is even run. She can start from stall 2 - it gives her flamboyant star jockey Frankie Dettori every chance to make a decision whereas other rivals have to take what's left over.
Enable is an uncomplicated filly, she has no problem to race prominently. I'm sure Dettori will settle her close enough to the pace with every chance to get the clearest of runs. The track will be more of an issue for anyone behind her: no excuses.
So, if she is in the form she presented herself all year she'll win. Plain and simple. Fillies and three year old fillies in particular have a superb record in the Arc.
But what if a season that started in a Conditions Stake at Newbury back in April has taken a toll? You couldn't begrudge Enable to lose some percentage of her superb form that saw the three year old land spectacular victories throughout the summer.
Well - Autumn, soft ground and Chantilly can do strange things to horses. So at prices I have to take on Enable. As much as I would love the story of her winning the race, as much I feel ENABLEd to say: this is one too many for her this year.
....
I like three individuals at much bigger odds: the German raider Dschingis Secret, the recent Leger hero Capri and the French Cloth Of Stars .
Dschingis Secret: The German horse has no issues on the soft ground and usually does his best at the back end of his races. The way he finds another gear in the closing stages, as seen in the Prix Foy and Großer Preis von Berlin, is a trait not too many horses posses.
The way he races does not look sexy. He can get sweaty, be a bit keen but also can appear to be off the bridle earlier than a high class individual should be. But that doesn't matter. The apparent ease - once hitting top gear - he puts away classy contenders suggest that this lad is hitting top form when it matters most.
The draw isn't ideal, ten is as wide as you want to be and he will need a bit of luck. But hey, this is horse racing. You'll always need a bit of " luck" on the big day. 16's is a serious price for a serious horse.
Capri: The drop in trip won't be an issue. He's an Irish Derby winner with form over shorter too. He travells strongly through his races and simply has an exceptional attitude to keep on going, as seen at Doncaster a fortnight ago. Soft ground doesn't bother him, in fact the true stamina test expected will rather suit him today.
He's here's soon enough with little time to recover plus faces the difficult task to break from stall 15. However that is reflected in the price, and I feel taken into account overly negative. Yes, he is not the likeliest winner of the race, but surely a dual Classic winner has a slightly better than 5% chance with conditions likely to suit him?!
Cloth Of Stars: It's been eight years since Sea The Stars became a legend in this very race. His son Cloth Of Stars is one who has the tools to emulate his almighty daddy. He's got a good draw, a fair prep run under the belt off a four months long break when runner-up in the Foy behind Dschingis Secret and was unbeaten in 2017 before that.
Stamina is a question mark. He is yet to win over 1m 4f. On the plus side he loves the ground and deserves another crack at this distance after only two tries and with some improvement still possible.
Some words on the rest of field: Don't count out Ulysses, either. He will love the track, he's been a revelation this season and acts on softish ground. That says ground and trip in combination should not play to his strengths, I feel.
There is loads of money coming for Order Of St. George. He's a sexy contender, I admit. He looked SO good in the Irish Ledger. Ground and trip is fine. A stayer with a turn of foot, Arc 3rd twelve months ago. Yeah, he's a serious chance, Ballydoyle's best, no doubt.
I say that because it's only the 1st October and Winter is not coming - not today. The superstar filly has done it all this season, but this is a step too far. Sure, as a daughter of Galileo all is seemingly possible - but a long year, tough ground, a trip as far as she's never gone before - too much.
My point is....
..... this is a wide open Arc! Much more open than the betting suggests. We have a star filly in Enable who is likely to take plenty of beating if all goes right for her. But this is the Arc, it's autumn, it's Chantilly, it's tough ground, it's a high class field.... there is plenty of room for things to pan out in a completely different way. Let's hope it goes my way.
For the sake of the competition I nominate my best chance in the race:
Dschingis Secret @ 16/1 Bet365
 

3.05: Chantilly - 2017 Arc De Triomphe
"You are prone to bad luck at Chantilly; often the best horse gets beaten there" - John Gosden
Correct. John Gosden, trainer of wonder filly Enable is rightly concerned if it comes to external influences in today's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The dual Oaks and King George champ is the red hot betting favourite for quite some time. Rightly so. There is little more she needs to do to prove her class. She IS all class.
However a long season, a big field of top class contenders, most of them the opposite sex, tough ground and a course that can throw up strange results - there is a lot to overcome today....
.... and a lot to like about Enable! 
On the positive side of things, Enable could have not get a better draw allotted in the lottery that can kill chances of any horse before the race is even run. She can start from stall 2 - it gives her flamboyant star jockey Frankie Dettori every chance to make a decision whereas other rivals have to take what's left over.
Enable is an uncomplicated filly, she has no problem to race prominently. I'm sure Dettori will settle her close enough to the pace with every chance to get the clearest of runs. The track will be more of an issue for anyone behind her: no excuses.
So, if she is in the form she presented herself all year she'll win. Plain and simple. Fillies and three year old fillies in particular have a superb record in the Arc.
But what if a season that started in a Conditions Stake at Newbury back in April has taken a toll? You couldn't begrudge Enable to lose some percentage of her superb form that saw the three year old land spectacular victories throughout the summer.
Well - Autumn, soft ground and Chantilly can do strange things to horses. So at prices I have to take on Enable. As much as I would love the story of her winning the race, as much I feel ENABLEd to say: this is one too many for her this year.
....
I like three individuals at much bigger odds: the German raider Dschingis Secret, the recent Leger hero Capri and the French Cloth Of Stars .
Dschingis Secret: The German horse has no issues on the soft ground and usually does his best at the back end of his races. The way he finds another gear in the closing stages, as seen in the Prix Foy and Großer Preis von Berlin, is a trait not too many horses posses.
The way he races does not look sexy. He can get sweaty, be a bit keen but also can appear to be off the bridle earlier than a high class individual should be. But that doesn't matter. The apparent ease - once hitting top gear - he puts away classy contenders suggest that this lad is hitting top form when it matters most.
The draw isn't ideal, ten is as wide as you want to be and he will need a bit of luck. But hey, this is horse racing. You'll always need a bit of " luck" on the big day. 16's is a serious price for a serious horse.
Capri: The drop in trip won't be an issue. He's an Irish Derby winner with form over shorter too. He travells strongly through his races and simply has an exceptional attitude to keep on going, as seen at Doncaster a fortnight ago. Soft ground doesn't bother him, in fact the true stamina test expected will rather suit him today.
He's here's soon enough with little time to recover plus faces the difficult task to break from stall 15. However that is reflected in the price, and I feel taken into account overly negative. Yes, he is not the likeliest winner of the race, but surely a dual Classic winner has a slightly better than 5% chance with conditions likely to suit him?!
Cloth Of Stars: It's been eight years since Sea The Stars became a legend in this very race. His son Cloth Of Stars is one who has the tools to emulate his almighty daddy. He's got a good draw, a fair prep run under the belt off a four months long break when runner-up in the Foy behind Dschingis Secret and was unbeaten in 2017 before that.
Stamina is a question mark. He is yet to win over 1m 4f. On the plus side he loves the ground and deserves another crack at this distance after only two tries and with some improvement still possible.
Some words on the rest of field: Don't count out Ulysses, either. He will love the track, he's been a revelation this season and acts on softish ground. That says ground and trip in combination should not play to his strengths, I feel.
There is loads of money coming for Order Of St. George. He's a sexy contender, I admit. He looked SO good in the Irish Ledger. Ground and trip is fine. A stayer with a turn of foot, Arc 3rd twelve months ago. Yeah, he's a serious chance, Ballydoyle's best, no doubt.
I say that because it's only the 1st October and Winter is not coming - not today. The superstar filly has done it all this season, but this is a step too far. Sure, as a daughter of Galileo all is seemingly possible - but a long year, tough ground, a trip as far as she's never gone before - too much.
My point is....
..... this is a wide open Arc! Much more open than the betting suggests. We have a star filly in Enable who is likely to take plenty of beating if all goes right for her. But this is the Arc, it's autumn, it's Chantilly, it's tough ground, it's a high class field.... there is plenty of room for things to pan out in a completely different way. Let's hope it goes my way.
Selections:
10pts win - Dschingis Secret @ 16/1 Bet365
10pts win - Capri @ 20/1 Bet365
5pts win - Cloth To Stars @ 28/1 Bet365

1.50 Haydock: Ascendant Stakes (Listed), 1m
Some interesting contenders here; soft ground winners Dee Ex Bee and Dark Acclaim make plenty of appeal. I, however, think Godolphin's Dubhe looks one with a massive amount of improvement to come.
He left a fair debut behind when landing a maiden in soft conditions at Sandown. While that was not a true test and he holding the advantage as the sole front-runner, the fact that he won easily going away in the end in a sprint finish, while it looks abundantly clear that he needs further sooner rather than later, was impressive.
He stays over the mile trip, which in heavy conditions with potentially a quicker pace should suit him down to the grounds to play out class and stamina.
Superbly bred, by Dubawi out of Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens, I feel he takes plenty of beating and therefore Dubhe is a tasty price.
Selection:
10pts win - Dubhe @ 5/1 Bet365
.....
5.05 Leopardstown: Group 3 Enterprise Stakes, 1m 4f
Eziyra is a fair favourite given her impressive form this season to make it back to back wins for trainer Dermot Wel. Though, Spanish Step has won a Group 3 earlier this season and has a fair shout here too.
That says stable mate and former Derby runner-up US Army Ranger is the x-factor in the race.
He drops in class and trip, and this combination should see him go very close judged on ratings. Yes, he has been a major disappointment ever since coming close to land the big prize at Epsom, however he still ran to a time speed rating of 94 when last seen, which is still the best in this field.
Selection:
10pts win - US Army Ranger @ 6/1 Bet365
....
5.35 Leopardstown: Group 1 Matron Stakes, 1m
The class act is Winter. If all goes to plan she wins. She has a top draw and the bit of rain that may leave a bit of softness in ground won't bother her.
In my mind she can only be beaten if the long season has left a mark on her. Then the French raider Qemah comes into the equation. Her wide draw is an issue, nonetheless she remains a big price and has a better chance.
The winner of last years Coronation Stakes had a light campaign up until now, won at Royal Ascot earlier this season and was an unlucky 4th behind Roly Poly in the Prix Rothschild when last seen.
At her best, and if she can overcome the draw disadvantage with the magic man in the saddle, she has a chance to trouble Winter.
Selection:
10pts win - Qemah @ 7/1 Bet365
......
6.45 Leoapardstown: Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes, 1m 2f
Twelve months ago it was the race of the races - something we racing fans hope for but see not enough of: the best take on the best. On the flat the best often try to avoid each other, if possible. The Irish Champion Stakes stood true to its name in 2016, though, and saw the best battle it out with the very best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIwDhi5b8J4
This year looked for a while a slightly underwhelming race in prospect. The stars of last year are either under performing or retired. However the week leading up to the big enjoyed a timely boost with the conformation of smart Eminent giving it a go against the almighty Churchill.
Eminent has enhanced his credentials with an impressive front-running performance in a Group 2 over 10 furlongs at Deavuille last month, after three winless efforts at the highest level. Is he quite up to the standard required to beat Churchill? We find out today.
The dual Guineas winner proved satisfactory his stamina when runner-up in the Juddmonte International. So neither ground nor trip hold any fear for the highest rated individual in this field.
He's got the perfect draw and the help of one or two stable mates likely setting a good pace - I find it hard to look beyond him, to be honest. Yes, Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Decorated Night, or stable mate and Derby second Cliffs Of Moher are fine horses in their own right. But this looks all set for another Group 1 victory for Churchill.
Selection:
10pts win - Churchill @ 11/10 PP

Teodoro wins it easily, despite drifting out to 8/1.... of course I put up the wrong as my nap in the BBOTD thread again. 

Teodoro wins it easily, despite drifting out to 8/1.... of course I put up the wrong as my nap in the BBOTD thread again. 

2.25 York: Class 2 Handicap, 1m 6f
Irish St. Leger winner Jukebox Jury has an outstanding record with his first three year old's in Britain. Contributing towards this has been the Mark Johnston trained Dominating, who ha won already three times this year. 
In fact in his last five starts Dominating has either won or finished second. The handicapper starts to catch up and going up significantly in class doesn't make things easier. 
Still, at a big price and off a very low weight, with conditions likely to suit, he can run a big race and cause an upset I feel.
Selection: 
10pts win - Dominating @ 33/1 Paddy Power 
......
3.35 York: Class 2 Ebor Handicap, 1m 6f 
Normally it is not my style punting the favourite in a big Handicap as the Ebor undoubtedly is, however there is so much to like about Flymetothestars that I can't ignore the facts and feel despite being plenty short enough for a race like this there is still juice in the price.
Why? Well, you can try and read what you want into his form this season, whether a third in the Northumberland Plate was a slight disappointment or not, but fact is this lad is the least exposed in the field, who tackles turf for the first time from the lower end of the weight scale. 
There is very chance for further improvement to come. He is a well bred son of Sea The Stars, so ground and trip aren't an issue at all and his older sons are progressing. 
The draw is an issue so is the fact Flymetothestars can be very keen early on. Also does missing the kick become a habit? Nonetheless if the stars fall right then he is very hard to beat indeed.
Selection:
10pts win - Flymetothestars @ 8/1 Bet365
.......
3.50 Newmarket: Class 2 Handicap, 1m 6f
The three year old Hochfeld has a prime chance here returning to the most suitable 1m 6f trip. His runner-up performance behind Tor at Hamilton is a very strong piece of form. A return to that will see him hard to beat here.
He is still progressing after a busy juvenile campaign won twice at the beginning of the year and followed up with the strong mentioned performance at Hamilton. A slightly disappointing run at Goodwood the last time, though conditions may have been against him.
Selection:
10pts win - Hochfeld @ 4/1 Bet365
......
4.15 Chester: Class 3 Handicap, 7.5f 
This today is arguably the toughest test of his long career, yet Echo Of Lightning appears still improving at the grand age of 7 as he has won already three times this year and has been impressively consistent over the last 12 months.
He has to defy a career highest mark and an impressive display at Pontefract earlier this month, though he might have been helped by the rain and small field.
Nonetheless the numbers tell he improved in each of his last five runs and with a decent draw, a bit of cut in the ground and a sort of specialist trip at a specialist track, he can run big I feel. 
Selection:
10pts win - Echo Of Lightning @ 15/2 Skybet
.......
7.55 Redcar: Class 6 Handicap, 6f
At 16's I'm happy to take a punt on Majestic Stone who lost his race at the start when seen last and has to bounce back from that. He's never been the best starter, so that is an obvious concern, however the return to quick ground is a big plus.
His best performance to date came on good to firm at Thirsk in April. He was unlucky the day and the form has been franked. Up four pounce from there he has confirmed he is up to that sort of mark the next time, however with cut in the ground. 
Slight change of gear today, better ground and hopefully a better start may him see go close at a big price. 
Selection:
10pts win - Majestic Stone @ 16/1 Bet365

We have all done it, lost count how many times a price or the going or draw puts a doubt in my head and i change it, when we do we get punished Via the wallet, all we can do is move on.
I don't feel he was a pacemaker, the flat season winding down can be as strange as the Start.