[Jumps - Sunday 15th April]

Re: Jumps - Sunday 15th April

Nice write-ups mate, Rockabilly will probably win today as i haven't backed it :p had money on it in both previous runs lol Agree with Sunny Ledgend having a chance too looks decent EW value at the 14's you can get with a couple of firms

Well you were right Rockabilly did win! :D Its always the way! Surprised Sunny Legend didnt really feature, thought he was really good value but obviously not as it turned out! Might be one to keep an eye on though.

[Jumps - Sunday 15th April]

Re: Jumps - Sunday 15th April Market Rasen 335 - Monkey Milan 5/1 1pt Win Bet365 & Ballygunner 8/1 1pt Win William Hill This is a decent little contest with a few that could have chances. Monkey Milan won really well LTO and only had to be pushed out to score. The form looks solid in that race and his mark hasnt gone up by too much, and therefore he must have a good chance here. This seems to be his trip and the ground conditions will be fine. Ballygunner could be interesting on his Ludlow 5th behind a couple of decent horses (9 1/2 lengths from Swing Bowler & Sonoran Sands) and if he was to run to that type of form at this longer trip, which suggest it will suit, then he will have a good chance here. Royal Entourage is one to be wary of but I think he prefers genuinly good ground and at a price I think Galley Slave could run well (currently 50/1 @ William Hill) based on his previous run here. He hasnt performed as well on his next two starts but they were at longer trips. This is a couple of furlongs longer than that 2nd here (winner won & placed since) but as long as we dont get anymore rain, then he might be worth a small wager or an EW only bet. 440 - Ive Been Framed 3/1 1pt Win Paddy Power & Chapel House 7/2 1pt Win Paddy Power Not much juice in this one given the prices but I think they are the improvers in the race. The handicapper looks to have caught up with the rest and while I wouldnt be surprised if one of the bottom weights well at a decent price I think both of my selections will have too much for this field, but im not sure which one will have the most!

[BBOTD Sunday 15th of April]

Re: BBOTD Sunday 15th of April Ffos Las 315 - Rockabilly 2pt Win 11/2 Ladbrokes There are few contenders in this race but I think my selection should just about have the edge over them. He looked like the likely winner before falling in his penultimate race and his more recent 2nd has been franked by Sound Accord (3rd) who won NTO. His mark is only 2lb higher than when he fell and Im hoping today is the day he makes amends. He has won at the trip, on the ground and in the class. Of the others, both thelobstercatcher and Fishoutofwater are sloppy jumpers with average form, and whilst I can envisage the latter improving, I would like to see it first before I back him, especially at the prices. Carabinier looks too high in the weights and im not sure the distance will suit, Bathwick Brave is having its chase debut, King Jack has attitude problems (serial 2nd place, lucky to win LTO) and Ceepeegee is generally inconsistent (although probably has a squeek here). The two I am most worried about are Five Out Of Five and Culahill. FOOF's 2nd at Fakenham was decent considering it was after a break and also with unusual tactics and he looked set to go close before falling LTO. Culahill also could improve after its first run after a break and his 2nd LTO doesnt look too bad in the context of this race, with conditions set to suit.

[Jumps - Sunday 15th April]

After a poor day at Aintree I am hoping to put it right with a few winners at Ffos Las & Market Rasen (will come later) :hope Ffos Las 315 - Rockabilly 2pt Win 11/2 Ladbrokes There are few contenders in this race but I think my selection should just about have the edge over them. He looked like the likely winner before falling in his penultimate race and his more recent 2nd has been franked by Sound Accord (3rd) who won NTO. His mark is only 2lb higher than when he fell and Im hoping today is the day he makes amends. He has won at the trip, on the ground and in the class. Of the others, both thelobstercatcher and Fishoutofwater are sloppy jumpers with average form, and whilst I can envisage the latter improving, I would like to see it first before I back him, especially at the prices. Carabinier looks too high in the weights and im not sure the distance will suit, Bathwick Brave is having its chase debut, King Jack has attitude problems (serial 2nd place, lucky to win LTO) and Ceepeegee is generally inconsistent (although probably has a squeek here). The two I am most worried about are Five Out Of Five and Culahill. FOOF's 2nd at Fakenham was decent considering it was after a break and also with unusual tactics and he looked set to go close before falling LTO. Culahill also could improve after its first run after a break and his 2nd LTO doesnt look too bad in the context of this race, with conditions set to suit. 425 - Sunny Legend 10/1 1pt Win Bet365 & Dragons Den 6/1 1pt Win Paddy Power There are already a couple of market movers in this race and the main two of Speed Master & Glenstall Abbey could be dangers, but I think that both will ahve to improve. Speed Master did pretty well in a hit race at Sandown, but looked as if his stamina didnt hold out before the hill came into play and with that in mind I am conscious about backing him here at the same trip. Glenstall Abbey definitely need to improve in my book, buy as a Mcmanus horse with AP riding, that could well be forthcoming. Teh rest of them however (bar my two) dont look up to much and the majority are too high in the weights for my liking. Sunny legend is an interesting contender having beaten a couple of improvers at Towcester and also only just losing to Carrigmorna King who is now rated in the late 120's. Sunny Legend is currently 130 for this so it does strictly leave him with a bit to find by that logic, but I think he may well find it. He likes to be out in front, which is something I prefer and at the price he might give some of these a run for their money. I backed Dragons Den LTO where he won fairly comfortably and I think he has it in him to defy a 5lb rise. The form with Katchmore (who won again) could still leave him with a bit in hand and with several of these with question marks over them, he could be the answer. 455 - Grand Article 10/1 1pt Win Paddy Power Bit of a tentative one is this as I dont think he is the best jumper and a lot will depend on if he can do better in that department in tomorrows race. If he does, then I can see him improving for the better ground and his Warwick 3rd to two NTO improvers could make him a live contender for this at a decent price. A lot of his rivals look as if they will want further and the others look to be too high in the weights to make them a betting opportunity for me. He comes with risks but the price reflects that imo, in what is a weak race.

[Frankel retired?]

Re: Frankel retired!

They say things come in 3s.... Well that's bollox!! Smad Place falling when nailed on to place, Frankel retired, Sychronised dead, 2nd at Newcastle trading at a low of 1.27 (I was laying back at 1.15), 2nd in the National, 2nd against Reading last night, West Ham winning 6-0.... If Southampton finish 2nd I'll be well happy now but I suspect this trick won't be repeated until the playoff final - or when I next have a bet obviously... Losing patience bigtime!! Hope many on here have had a much better couple of days.... This is defiatly in my top 10 24 hours to forget!:(

Sounds like we are having a similar weekend if you have seen my other thread, although Im an Everton fan! Im hoping that I wake up and realise it was just a nightmare!

[Jump racing ~ Saturday 14th April]

Re: Jump racing ~ Saturday 14th April

Aintree 145 - Baby Shine w/out Simonsig 13/2 1pt Win Bet365 I can only see the favourite winning this so therefore I have decided to go to the w/out market instead of EW. This horse has a bit of smart form to her name and was badly hampered before staying on really well to finish just behind Its A Gimme (who was the favourite for one of the handicaps yesterday and rated in the 140's). Therefore I think this horse has a lot more to give and Im not entirely convinced the rest are quite as good as their marks suggest and with Baby Shine receiveing 7llb from the field the mare must have a great chance. Aintree 325 - Marufo - 3pt Win @ 7/1 paddypower, Chapturgeon 5/2 2pt Win Bet365, On Borrowed Wings .5pt EW 14/1 Bet365. Quite simply I think the form of this horses last run, where he beat Neptune Collonges & Ouzbeck (who placed NTO to Ikorodu Road), could leave him with something in hand compared to the rest. Hobbs' horses seem to be doing a bit better at the moment and I think this one has a really good chance of getting him another winner at the festival. There are a couple of other decent horses in the field, including Chapturgeon & Saint Are who are market movers and are ones to be wary of, although Im not convinced about Chapturgeon's hunter form translating to a race of this nature (even if the form of that race is very stronge!) and I think Saint Are needs a bit of help from the handicapper. Tullamore Dew looks to have a bit in hand his jumping is a big concern for me, as well as the fact that he is a nearly horse. Battle Group ran much better LTO at Cheltenham but is generally temperamental and I will wait to see if he can back that run up before getting involved with him again. This sharp track will probably suit On Borrowed Wings and he could be a danger if he gets his own way in front but I think he is also to high in the weights. The rest all look a bit too high in the weights to win something like this and some of them will prefer softer ground then the forecast is predicting. Aintree 505 - Paintball 13/2 2pt Win BetVictor, Dream Esteem 14/1 .5pt EW Bet365 This looks a very competitive race and Kazlian is probably a worthy favourite if his last run at Cheltenham was to go by where if he hadnt kicked too soon then he might have won. Im not so sure how well the form will stand up in that race so I will look to take him on at odds which are a bit skinny for a 21 runner handicap. Paintball won brilliantly at Sandown after having a wind operation and the jockey was really taken by how well he quickened up and won that race. 11lb is a big hike but he might just have much more to offer. Dream Esteem beat a couple of these last week and I think he probably has more to offer with conditions set to suit him more than some of the others. The main dangers are Dee ee Williams who ran well at Cheltenham last time and could well be regaining his form and Constant Contact could have been given a generous mark considering how easily he wont LTO and the connections he represents, although this race is a lot better! Aintree 535 - Devon Drum 1pt Win 8/1 Paddy Power I dont normally bet in bumpers but I have heard a few good things about this horse and I believe he was initially purchased to run on the flat. He is very quick and showed that by winning comfortably LTO and Im hoping for more of the same today against this much tougher opposition. Chepstow 520 - Headley Bridge 8/1 1pt Win & Spinning Waters 8/1 1pt Win There are question marks over some of the runners in this field and I am going to side with two that I think have the scope to progress. Headley Bridge has done well in his last two runs and the form of that opposition isnt bad. I think he could have a little bit in hand and the conditions should suit. Spinning Waters seems to love it round here and conditions will also suit him well here. The form of his previous win could leave him with a few pounds in hand and while im not 100% convinced by his attitude I think he has a good chance in a weak race. Of the others, Sutton Storm could be a danger in his first run in a handicap although I think his mark is a bit high for what he has achieved. Granville Island looks better over further and having not run well with a 12 day break LTP I dont think having 15 to this race is going to help! Mujamead looks weighted to best and so does dont Dont Panic. PS Sorry if some of the prices on here arent quite right, most of them are what I took last night (alhtough I have altered some!)

Awful day for me. Baby Shine finishes 3rd when I only did w/out the Favourite, Marufo & Chapturgeon come 3rd & 4th to two horses I crossed off my list, Dream Esteem comes 4th when looking the likely winner over the last & Headleys Bridge gets going to late to finish a staying on 2nd. Less said about the National the better! Hopefully Devon Drum can bring some respectfulness back to my day but even so I think its time for a couple of days off!

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National

Iv already mentioned some of my reasoning on this thread so I will just put up what I have finally gone for: Always Right 2 pt EW - 33/1 Ballabriggs 1pt Win 15/1 & 2 Pts EW only 4/1 Giles Cross 3pt EW 40/1 (ages ago) Killyglen 3pt EW 25/1 State Of Play 2pt EW only 18/1 Shakalakaboomboom 1pt EW - 26/1 I also have some extra that I arbed on Always Right, Giles Cross & Planet Of Sound which will hopefully top up my winnings if they come in!

Absolutely gutted... Didnt get anywhere near! Never had so many fallers at the National :wall

[The "All Green" Grand National 2012]

Re: The "All Green" Grand National 2012 Best of luck to you AK, this really is a cracking thread!

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National Iv already mentioned some of my reasoning on this thread so I will just put up what I have finally gone for: Always Right 2 pt EW - 33/1 Ballabriggs 1pt Win 15/1 & 2 Pts EW only 4/1 Giles Cross 3pt EW 40/1 (ages ago) Killyglen 3pt EW 25/1 State Of Play 2pt EW only 18/1 Shakalakaboomboom 1pt EW - 26/1 I also have some extra that I arbed on Always Right, Giles Cross & Planet Of Sound which will hopefully top up my winnings if they come in!

[Jump racing ~ Saturday 14th April]

Re: Jump racing ~ Saturday 14th April Aintree 145 - Baby Shine w/out Simonsig 13/2 1pt Win Bet365 I can only see the favourite winning this so therefore I have decided to go to the w/out market instead of EW. This horse has a bit of smart form to her name and was badly hampered before staying on really well to finish just behind Its A Gimme (who was the favourite for one of the handicaps yesterday and rated in the 140's). Therefore I think this horse has a lot more to give and Im not entirely convinced the rest are quite as good as their marks suggest and with Baby Shine receiveing 7llb from the field the mare must have a great chance. Aintree 325 - Marufo - 3pt Win @ 7/1 paddypower, Chapturgeon 5/2 2pt Win Bet365, On Borrowed Wings .5pt EW 14/1 Bet365. Quite simply I think the form of this horses last run, where he beat Neptune Collonges & Ouzbeck (who placed NTO to Ikorodu Road), could leave him with something in hand compared to the rest. Hobbs' horses seem to be doing a bit better at the moment and I think this one has a really good chance of getting him another winner at the festival. There are a couple of other decent horses in the field, including Chapturgeon & Saint Are who are market movers and are ones to be wary of, although Im not convinced about Chapturgeon's hunter form translating to a race of this nature (even if the form of that race is very stronge!) and I think Saint Are needs a bit of help from the handicapper. Tullamore Dew looks to have a bit in hand his jumping is a big concern for me, as well as the fact that he is a nearly horse. Battle Group ran much better LTO at Cheltenham but is generally temperamental and I will wait to see if he can back that run up before getting involved with him again. This sharp track will probably suit On Borrowed Wings and he could be a danger if he gets his own way in front but I think he is also to high in the weights. The rest all look a bit too high in the weights to win something like this and some of them will prefer softer ground then the forecast is predicting. Aintree 505 - Paintball 13/2 2pt Win BetVictor, Dream Esteem 14/1 .5pt EW Bet365 This looks a very competitive race and Kazlian is probably a worthy favourite if his last run at Cheltenham was to go by where if he hadnt kicked too soon then he might have won. Im not so sure how well the form will stand up in that race so I will look to take him on at odds which are a bit skinny for a 21 runner handicap. Paintball won brilliantly at Sandown after having a wind operation and the jockey was really taken by how well he quickened up and won that race. 11lb is a big hike but he might just have much more to offer. Dream Esteem beat a couple of these last week and I think he probably has more to offer with conditions set to suit him more than some of the others. The main dangers are Dee ee Williams who ran well at Cheltenham last time and could well be regaining his form and Constant Contact could have been given a generous mark considering how easily he wont LTO and the connections he represents, although this race is a lot better! Aintree 535 - Devon Drum 1pt Win 8/1 Paddy Power I dont normally bet in bumpers but I have heard a few good things about this horse and I believe he was initially purchased to run on the flat. He is very quick and showed that by winning comfortably LTO and Im hoping for more of the same today against this much tougher opposition. Chepstow 520 - Headley Bridge 8/1 1pt Win & Spinning Waters 8/1 1pt Win There are question marks over some of the runners in this field and I am going to side with two that I think have the scope to progress. Headley Bridge has done well in his last two runs and the form of that opposition isnt bad. I think he could have a little bit in hand and the conditions should suit. Spinning Waters seems to love it round here and conditions will also suit him well here. The form of his previous win could leave him with a few pounds in hand and while im not 100% convinced by his attitude I think he has a good chance in a weak race. Of the others, Sutton Storm could be a danger in his first run in a handicap although I think his mark is a bit high for what he has achieved. Granville Island looks better over further and having not run well with a 12 day break LTP I dont think having 15 to this race is going to help! Mujamead looks weighted to best and so does dont Dont Panic. PS Sorry if some of the prices on here arent quite right, most of them are what I took last night (alhtough I have altered some!)

[BBOTD Saturday 14th of April - Grand National Day]

Re: BBOTD Saturday 14th of April - Grand National Day Aintree 325 - Marufo - 1pt Win @ 7/1 PaddyPower BOG Quite simply I think the form of this horses last run, where he beat Neptune Collonges & Ouzbeck (who placed NTO to Ikorodu Road), could leave him with something in hand compared to the rest. Hobbs' horses seem to be doing a bit better at the moment and I think this one has a really good chance of getting him another winner at the festival. There are a couple of other decent horses in the field, including Chapturgeon & Saint Are who are market movers and are ones to be wary of, although Im not convinced about Chapturgeon's hunter form translating to a race of this nature (even if the form of that race is very stronge!) and I think Saint Are needs a bit of help from the handicapper. Tullamore Dew looks to have a bit in hand his jumping is a big concern for me, as well as the fact that he is a nearly horse. Battle Group ran much better LTO at Cheltenham but is generally temperamental and I will wait to see if he can back that run up before getting involved with him again. This sharp track will probably suit On Borrowed Wings and he could be a danger if he gets his own way in front but I think he is also to high in the weights. The rest all look a bit too high in the weights to win something like this and some of them will prefer softer ground then the forecast is predicting.

[jump racing friday 13th april]

Re: jump racing friday 13th april

Again I havent got much time, but I will post up my main selections for the day. 200 - The market principals certainly look to have a great shout here but at the prices I cant be having them, especially if they dont get over their Cheltenham runs. The two I have gone for are Oscara Dara (10/1) and Right Step (14/1). Both are capable of more having only had one impressive runs this season. The way Right Step came from the back of the pack to win LTO was impressive considering the lack of pace in the race. If Vulcanite can settle then I expect him to run a big race as well but I fear it will probably cost him at the business end. 230 - I have gone for Solix (6/1) in the end. Im not convinced by Silviano Conti, especially not at the prices & while I like Champion Court he was in a tough race LTO and may suffer for that here. Join Together will probably want more of a test and has something to prove after his Cheltenham run, so I have plumped for Solix. Jumping is his main problem but as he showed when second to CC previously (giving him 3lb) he has some quality and can turn it around (I hope!). 305 - Again this is another race where the favourites are worthy of their position in the market and if they run to form then it is likely one of them will be winning. This leaves me trying to find one that might sneak under the radar and that might just be Kauto Stone (12/1 EW). This sort of trip seems to his liking and his run against Sizing Europe at Sandown was what I would have expected in all honesty. It leaves him something to find with Finians Rainbow but I am hoping he has an off day and with conditions set to be more in his favour this time round I am hoping for a big run. Obviously he has to put his last couple of runs behind him but he does have excuses (pulled hard at Ascot & obviously fell at the first at Chelt). Wishful Thinking could be another danger but after his horrific fall LTO he is best watched. 340 - A couple interest me in this but I will mainly be siding with Always Waining (11/1) (purely on previous C&D & race form) and Amigayle (16/1) who has a couple of pieces of form that could that could show her to have a few pounds in hand. 415 - Fingal Bay is deservedly the favourite but I think a few can give him a challenge. Ballyrock (14/1) who was narrowly denied LTO but fair better with AP in the saddle this time & Cotton Mill (11/2) has a good chance of making up for his misdemeanour at Cheltenham. 450 - Im not convinced about Its A Gimme's attitude so I will pass on him. I still think Bourne (9/1) has something in hand given his Ascot win and probably ran too much up with the pace at Cheltenham. Tour D'Argent (15/2) also looks to have a good chance given his last couple of runs. 525 - Anybodies guess! :lol

Got a couple in today & both in the same race with Always Waining winning and Amigayle placing! Cant help but feel like I wasted some of my money on the earlier races trying to get the favourites beaten. If this was a normal meeting I wouldnt have touched the races but couldnt help myself seeing as it was Aintree. Something was clearly up with Bourne given the way he drifted before the off and the way he ran too bad to be true, which was a shame because I think he would have had a chance if everything was right. I thought Tour D'argent was going to bag me another winner but was outstayed by Attaglance who is another one of the Cheltenham handicap winners to go on and win again!

[BBOTD Friday 13th of April]

Re: BBOTD Friday 13th of April Wolves 725 - Head Space 4/1 Bet365 BOG This horse ran well LTO to be 3rd behind the Island Legend in a race that was ran to suit the favourite and with the cobwebs blown off I am hoping he can turn the tables. Hopefully there is a good pace on up front and this one can come from further in the pack and steel it from them at the line.

[jump racing friday 13th april]

Re: jump racing friday 13th april Again I havent got much time, but I will post up my main selections for the day. 200 - The market principals certainly look to have a great shout here but at the prices I cant be having them, especially if they dont get over their Cheltenham runs. The two I have gone for are Oscara Dara (10/1) and Right Step (14/1). Both are capable of more having only had one impressive runs this season. The way Right Step came from the back of the pack to win LTO was impressive considering the lack of pace in the race. If Vulcanite can settle then I expect him to run a big race as well but I fear it will probably cost him at the business end. 230 - I have gone for Solix (6/1) in the end. Im not convinced by Silviano Conti, especially not at the prices & while I like Champion Court he was in a tough race LTO and may suffer for that here. Join Together will probably want more of a test and has something to prove after his Cheltenham run, so I have plumped for Solix. Jumping is his main problem but as he showed when second to CC previously (giving him 3lb) he has some quality and can turn it around (I hope!). 305 - Again this is another race where the favourites are worthy of their position in the market and if they run to form then it is likely one of them will be winning. This leaves me trying to find one that might sneak under the radar and that might just be Kauto Stone (12/1 EW). This sort of trip seems to his liking and his run against Sizing Europe at Sandown was what I would have expected in all honesty. It leaves him something to find with Finians Rainbow but I am hoping he has an off day and with conditions set to be more in his favour this time round I am hoping for a big run. Obviously he has to put his last couple of runs behind him but he does have excuses (pulled hard at Ascot & obviously fell at the first at Chelt). Wishful Thinking could be another danger but after his horrific fall LTO he is best watched. 340 - A couple interest me in this but I will mainly be siding with Always Waining (11/1) (purely on previous C&D & race form) and Amigayle (16/1) who has a couple of pieces of form that could that could show her to have a few pounds in hand. 415 - Fingal Bay is deservedly the favourite but I think a few can give him a challenge. Ballyrock (14/1) who was narrowly denied LTO but fair better with AP in the saddle this time & Cotton Mill (11/2) has a good chance of making up for his misdemeanour at Cheltenham. 450 - Im not convinced about Its A Gimme's attitude so I will pass on him. I still think Bourne (9/1) has something in hand given his Ascot win and probably ran too much up with the pace at Cheltenham. Tour D'Argent (15/2) also looks to have a good chance given his last couple of runs. 525 - Anybodies guess! :lol

[BBOTD Thursday 12th of April]

Re: BBOTD Thursday 12th of April

Last time out he won a point to point. You realise they are actually proper races. He has only won a weak hunter chase under rules just over a year ago.

Sorry should have put LTO under rules where he beat Takeroc, who himself then went on to win two races. I know that a point is an actual race as well but I personally dont class them as the same quality as races under rules. Having said that, Hunters dont figure very highly in my estimation compared to the 'norma'l races either and I normally give them a swerve! As it was he looked good until around 1/2 round and then emptied under pressure. Iv only just read the rest and realised the storm it caused! Personally I dont mind if you think what I wrote was incorrect because I guess the way I wrote it wasnt. I was in a rush and tried to get the basics on here to qualify for the comp. I certainly dont claim to know much about Hunters or Points and I dont mean my previous paragraph to suggest I look down on them, its merely that I cant find an angle on them that others, such as yourself, can. At the end of the day its all angles. One person will know lots more about handicaps, someone about points and someone about novices. Its not my general area but I put it up because I thought it had a decent chance at the prices and was wrong. I was wrong about a few today though! :lol

[jump racing thursday 12th april]

Re: jump racing thursday 12th april Cracking shout there Steve! Had a win (Grumeti) and a place (Trustan Times) myself (excluding Big Bucks) but was nowhere near with the rest of them. Some real surprises have come out for me today, mainly in Menorah who actually managed to complete! lol Im hoping for a better day tomorrow!

[jump racing thursday 12th april]

Re: jump racing thursday 12th april I havent got time for much of a right up but I will quickly go through my selections for tomorrow's Aintree card. 200 - The opener will clearly go to Big Bucks and having backed Smad Place for a place at Cheltenham I wont be bothering to at 5/1 tomorrow. Will more than likely leave this one alone although Poungach intrigues me at the prices for 2nd. 230 - A lot of Cheltenham runners here and I think a couple of them will want further such as Pearl Swan, Sadlers Risk and Countrywide Flame as to me it seemed that the hill played to their strengths compared to the likes of Grumeti & Dodging Bullets who I have backed for this. I think the rest are mainly rated 20lb inferior although Gottany O's is a intriguing one who could go well from the front at a decent price. 305 - Again a lot of Cheltenham form and while I like Burton Port & Riverside Theatre to battle it out for the honours, I am willing to take them on because they both had gruelling race and Im not convinced they are the types to come out so soon and do the same again. I have backed Medermit who proved last year that he can do the Chelt/Aintree turnaround and should improve for the extra distance. I have also taken a gamble on Master Of The Hall who won really well LTO, wont be inconvenienced if it gets softer and could have some improvement in him, although being the third pick on jookey bookings doesnt inspire confidence! 340 - Lots of runners but only a handful with chances in my eye. The ones that take my fancy the most are Gwanko, Islands Life & My Way De Solzen. They all seem to be in pretty decent form and the conditions should suit them well. The latter was a classy performer and I am hoping he returns to something like his best. Islands Life looks to have some improvement in him in this sphere but I cant help fearing that he might prove better on genuine good ground where as the other two are both proven in much softer conditions. 415 - An interesting Group 3 Handicap in which a few can be fancied, especially those who ran well at Cheltenham but may prove to be slightly high in the weights now. The ones that interest me the most are Oiseau De Nuit who ran pretty well behind Finians Rainbow at Ascot (? or Kempton?) and if he could run to something similar then he may prove ahead of his mark. The other one I like is Silk Drum who won this last year from 5lb higher. He hasnt been in the same form this season but ran much better LTO and could be spot on for this. 450 - Al Ferof is the worthy favourite but I dont think it is as clear cut as the prices suggest so I will be taking him on. Pepite Rose looks set to give him a good race, especially with the mares allowance and she jumps so well and hasnt been pushed for any of her wins this season so there could be much more in the tank. If Al Ferof makes any sort of mistake I expect this one to be waiting to pounce although I would also expect Cristal Bonus to run much better than he did at Cheltenham, especially if the rain comes. 525 - A very competitive race with a few Cheltenham runners to be wary of. Cape Tribulation, Son Of Flicka and Houblon Des Obeaux all ran well but I think they might now be a bit too exposed to win this race, especially when conditions might not be as suitable (stamina/ground etc). Volador is my main fancy as the extended trip should eek out some more improvement and I fancy him to run a big race. Trustan Times did well to make up a lot of ground in a race won by the front runner LTO. That could make him well in here despite a small rise and he looks to be a market mover as well. The favourite is another one I like but looks a bit short at the moment and I think Veiled is another than could improve for the longer trip and whose mark could end up being rather generous.

[BBOTD Thursday 12th of April]

Re: BBOTD Thursday 12th of April Aintree 340 - My Way De Solzen 7/1 1pt Win Paddy Power BOG This fella used to be a real class horse and he is now starting to make his mark in hunters. He won really nicely LTO against a horse that has since won twice himself. Providing he is in the same heart (I believe he won a point a few weeks back to put him on for this) he could jump these silly and win with something in hand. Main danger is Gwanako but I fancy the price is a little too short compared to my selection (probably because he is trained by Paul Nicholls) and I am willing to take him on.

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National Just had a quick look and these are the ones I think seem to act on soft & have some worthwhile form on the ground (and fit some of the main trends & are under 11st): Shakalakaboomboom West End Rocker According To Pete Rare Bob Treacle Midnight Club Killyglen Quiscover Fontaine BecauseIcouldntsee Le Beau Bai State Of Play? Giles Cross Midnight Haze Vic Venturi In Compiance Abbeybraney Smoking Aces The two on the bottom of that list intrigue me as they both score 100% over the main trends and are both 150/1. Just have to wait and see if it does keep raining.

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National Its currently soft (good to soft in places) with predicted rainfall everyday (according to the official website). Do any of the races on the thurs/friday run over parts of the National Course or are they completely seperate?

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National

Dont listen to me mate' date=' I didnt think Ballabriggs would stay last year! :lol[/quote'] Haha that is re-assuring! :) I have laid him off a little but more to balance the books than anything else... What do you reckon the chances are of the bookies going either 1/3 odds or 1-6 places? I have a couple that I am waiting on to go EW but am wary of the prices going (one of which is WER who appears to now be a lot shorter than I anticipated because of the ground hype!). Would be interesting to note which of those big price, lower weight horses that act on soft ground. Could be a few pennies to be made there if the weather continues!

[BBOTD - Wed 11th April 2012]

Re: BBOTD - Wed 11th April 2012 Was about to do Arizona John until I saw it had been backed into 7/2! I am on in the nick of time though & whoever priced that up at Ladbrokes will be getting the sack if he wins tomorrow! Nottingham 310 - Ill Be Good 16/1 .5pt EW BetVictor BOG This should be a competitive race but Im not convinced that those at the top of the market will relish the conditions as much as this fella and while some may have more in hand off their mark on good/firmer ground, I think this one has some room for manoeuver on soft. He seems to be drawn pretty well (according to Drawcheck on ATR) and im hoping for a big run. EDIT: Put WE instead of EW! :spank

[Jumps - Sunday 8th April]

Re: Jumps - Sunday 8th April

Plumpton 435 – James Pollard 12/1 1pt Win Ladbrokes [/QUOTE] Winner! Bit late I know but I havent been able to get to my computer for a couple of days! Probably just as well now the flat season is properly kicking off! Congrats to GeorgeCostanza (and any other winners?) as that was a great shout on Nicks Power. I looked over that one myself, but thought I would give it a chance to prove himself as the runs after his Uttoxeter debut werent great. I dont normally look into trainer form too much, but its probably something I should start to do!

[Jumps - Sunday 8th April]

Re: Jumps - Sunday 8th April

Plumpton 435 – James Pollard 12/1 1pt Win Ladbrokes [/QUOTE] Winner! Bit late I know but I havent been able to get to my computer for a couple of days! Probably just as well now the flat season is properly kicking off! Congrats to GeorgeCostanza (and any other winners?) as that was a great shout on Nicks Power. I looked over that one myself, but thought I would give it a chance to prove himself as the runs after his Uttoxeter debut werent great. I dont normally look into trainer form too much, but its probably something I should start to do!

[Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National]

Re: Saturday 14th April - Race 5 - John Smith's Grand National I think I have nailed down my selection but I am getting inreasingly worried by the sounds coming out of Jonjo's yard that Synchronised is doing really well and looks better than before the GC! He doesnt fit a lot of the major trends though and because of that I cant have him. Anyway I am now on Killyglen, Ballabriggs & Giles Cross as my main bets, although I am thinking of laying off a little on Killyglen because AK has got me worried he wont stay! :eek I am convinced that West End Rocker will need soft ground at best to win the race and will more than likely back him during the week should the rain come as it is being predicted. The more I look at Junior the more I think he wont win, although I will have backed him purely as a saver now having layed off a bit during the week. According To Pete is still one I cant put a line through and I am on purely EW as I dont think he is good enough to win, put should be good enough to be up there at the end. I have put a line through Cappa Bleu & Shakalakaboomboom (not enough experience), and Alpha Beat (not good enough at the weights) although CB could be very well weighted and apparently the team are very bullish about his chances. I have now definitely ruled out BecauseIcouldntsee (hard race at Chelt) and Seabass (stamina worries & isnt always the most fluent of jumpers). That leaves me still to decide on Always Right and Planet Of Sound. I have a decent chunk backed & layed on these two so might just leave them alone for win purposes and back them with small stakes EW only but they are both horses I am wary of ruling out completely. Always Right has ran two poor races (albeit travelling very smoothly until around 3 out before pulling up) but Dont Push It was pulled up on his last start before going on to win his National. He doesnt seem to like it too soft but then again he has won on that ground. He is a difficult one to weigh up. Planet Of Sound can be a class horse on his day but he is high in the weights which puts me off. I think his mark is fair for what he has achieved though. Now its time to sit back and see what happens with this weather!