RussP's Specialisation - Flat Handicaps

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Cheers Pot Rice:ok

2.10 Lingfield 14 runners go to post for this 7f Class 3 handicap. There are some decent types contesting this but the market revolves around a lto maiden winner and a horse off the track for 12 months. For that reason, I think there is a bit of EW value here and I'm sweet on the chances of: Yarqus (8/1 Betfred) - A frustrating type who struggles to get its head in front, however conditions look perfect for a big run today. Has been extremely well with good efforts in the Royal Hunt Cup and the Cambridgeshire last term amongst others. Has always looked at its best when ridden prominently and with strong handling. Has the best jockey in the plate today, taking over from Hayley Turner, and that could make the difference. Is also dropped in class today which will suit as well as being fit from a couple of spins on this surface. In those 2 races, finished reasonably close up in decent races, the Winter Derby trial and the Lincoln trial. Is eased a little in mark too, now off 89 meaning it can get in this 0-90 contest. Having watched back its recent races, I'm certain this drop in trip won't be a problem as it usually picks up well from close to the pace but gets collared late on when trying to see out the trip. Stable has been going well early season too so I make this the best EW bet of the day at an early 8/1. That price won't last.

2nd @ 11/2 SP:ok. Pleased that I easily beat the SP and also with a profit. However, a little disappointed that it did not win, didn't exactly get the best of runs through and was catching the winner hand over fist at the end. 2008 Staked = 30.00pts Returned = 68.75pts Profit = +38.75pts Yield = +129.2% Bets = 3 Winners = 1 (33.3% s/r) Places (incl wins) = 2 (66.7% s/r) 2007 Turf Staked = 1040.00pts Returned = 1669.27pts Profit = +629.27pts Yield = +60.5% Bets = 105 Winners = 19 (18.1% s/r) Places (incl wins) = 41 (39.0% s/r)

[kevsul]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Just managed to get a little flutter on in time as got the message via email, as subscribed to your thread Had it a 7/1 so pleased Eventually well backed as well mate great work as usual :clap:clap:clap

[Pot rice]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Yeah, nice one again Russ. Looked like the jockey left his move too late as well. Still, a profits, a profit! :ok

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) 2.50 Nottingham Looks like soft ground for this 5f handicap, Class 5, with currently 12 horses set to face the starter. From the head of the weights, I'm siding with one of only 2 CD winners in the field in the shape of: Desert Opal (RPF 9/1, currently 9.2 Betfair) - Let's completely dismiss its last 10 runs as they were all on the AW. Despite this, has run some decent races in defeat so we can assume that the horse retains its ability as well as coming here fit and well. On last seasons turf form, has a big chance today, races today off a mark of 70 which is pretty lenient and has the assistance of the excellent Philip Robinson, who has a win and a 2nd from just 3 rides on this horse. Stable is going pretty well too of late. Last term, this horse won 3 of its 7 turf starts, a good return. Won its turf reappearance off a mark of 63 and followed that up with a win off 67. Its 3rd off 72 was a super effort, especially in a Class 3 and followed that with a fast finishing 4th of 11 in a 0-85 Class 4 at Ascot under Jamie Spencer. Next came a win under todays jockey off 71 in this grade before 2 unplaced efforts off 75, where the handicap mark was beyond this horse. Dropped 5lb, it has shown it can win off this mark, will love the ground and, with a battle likely up front, can wear down its rivals late on. Likes the track with a win and a 2nd from 3 attempts whilst 5f is definitely its trip, 8 wins and 7 places from 28. Has a decent strike rate and, with conditions looking to be in its favour, looks a very nice EW price.

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) 5.20 Nottingham Really interesting event here with 16 runners involved but one where I just cannot find anything I'm confident enough about to invest my hard earned on. My EW long list though would comprise of: King Of Rhythm (RPF 16/1), 12.5% EW - Has decent bits of form and comes here on a decent mark, back in grade too. However, lack of recent run tempers enthusiasm as does the concerns over the ground. Dream Of Fortune (RPF 10/1), 12.5% EW - Formerly with Jeremy Noseda, a horse that travels well in its races. Again, concerns over the ground but looks well handicapped and could go well for 5lb claimer. Magdalene (RPF 10/1), 15% EW - Hot combo here with both stable and jockey in form. Has recent run under its belt and will strip fitter for that. Add to that a slight ease in mark, no surprise to see this involved in the finish. Penny Island (RPF 10/1), 10% EW - Almost 1000 days since a race on the flat but bits of jumps form to recommend it. Likes cut in the ground and represents the well respected Alan King yard. That, in itself, is enough to warrant a second look. Could follow BTP's methods with both a split stake approach (percentage shown next to horse name) and investment in the Exacta but, for thread purposes, it's a no bet.

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

2.50 Nottingham Looks like soft ground for this 5f handicap, Class 5, with currently 12 horses set to face the starter. From the head of the weights, I'm siding with one of only 2 CD winners in the field in the shape of: Desert Opal (RPF 9/1, currently 9.2 Betfair) - Let's completely dismiss its last 10 runs as they were all on the AW. Despite this, has run some decent races in defeat so we can assume that the horse retains its ability as well as coming here fit and well. On last seasons turf form, has a big chance today, races today off a mark of 70 which is pretty lenient and has the assistance of the excellent Philip Robinson, who has a win and a 2nd from just 3 rides on this horse. Stable is going pretty well too of late. Last term, this horse won 3 of its 7 turf starts, a good return. Won its turf reappearance off a mark of 63 and followed that up with a win off 67. Its 3rd off 72 was a super effort, especially in a Class 3 and followed that with a fast finishing 4th of 11 in a 0-85 Class 4 at Ascot under Jamie Spencer. Next came a win under todays jockey off 71 in this grade before 2 unplaced efforts off 75, where the handicap mark was beyond this horse. Dropped 5lb, it has shown it can win off this mark, will love the ground and, with a battle likely up front, can wear down its rivals late on. Likes the track with a win and a 2nd from 3 attempts whilst 5f is definitely its trip, 8 wins and 7 places from 28. Has a decent strike rate and, with conditions looking to be in its favour, looks a very nice EW price.

Didn't pick up at all. Looked to be in need of the run. Disappointing effort. Onwards and upwards.:ok

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

5.20 Nottingham Really interesting event here with 16 runners involved but one where I just cannot find anything I'm confident enough about to invest my hard earned on. My EW long list though would comprise of: King Of Rhythm (RPF 16/1), 12.5% EW - Has decent bits of form and comes here on a decent mark, back in grade too. However, lack of recent run tempers enthusiasm as does the concerns over the ground. Dream Of Fortune (RPF 10/1), 12.5% EW - Formerly with Jeremy Noseda, a horse that travels well in its races. Again, concerns over the ground but looks well handicapped and could go well for 5lb claimer. Magdalene (RPF 10/1), 15% EW - Hot combo here with both stable and jockey in form. Has recent run under its belt and will strip fitter for that. Add to that a slight ease in mark, no surprise to see this involved in the finish. Penny Island (RPF 10/1), 10% EW - Almost 1000 days since a race on the flat but bits of jumps form to recommend it. Likes cut in the ground and represents the well respected Alan King yard. That, in itself, is enough to warrant a second look. Could follow BTP's methods with both a split stake approach (percentage shown next to horse name) and investment in the Exacta but, for thread purposes, it's a no bet.

King of Rhythm, unpl Dream of Fortune, NR Magdalene, 4th (just edged out of the places:() Penny Island, WON @ 14/1;) Based on a 10pt stake at recommended split stake approach, a return of 22pts so nice little profit.:ok However, for thread purposes, a no bet.

[billy the punter]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Well done with the 5.20 Russ. Nice priced winner, good profit and the other two were just out the frame, 4th and 5th. Great reading. :clap

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Without a main bet for the afternoon tomorrow, have decided to follow the multiple selection process for a couple of handicaps. Will see how this goes and keep a seperate P/L. All selections will be to a total of 10pts. So, here goes: 3.20 Beverley 5f cavalry charge for this Class 3 handicap, with 12 runners. Open looking event and decided to take a couple EW at decent prices in: Hows She Cuttin (RPF 5/1, 8's at Betfair), 5pts Win - Seasonal reappearance but goes well fresh and is clearly a horse on the upgrade although improvement flattened out at the tail end of the season. Another that goes well on easy ground and has a superb win record of 6 from just 13 starts. Has shot up the handicap but deserves too, and is eased in grade too with favoured jockey back on top, 5 wins and a 2nd from 7 rides. Grade looks fine with 1 from 1, and 4 wins / 2 2nds from 7 starts on easy ground. Not the greatest draw in 5 and unsure whether track will suit but more than enough positives to put this high on the shortlist. Melalchrist (RPF 11/2, 8's at Betfair), 5pts Win - Drawn well in 11 of 12 for this front runner that adores Beverley (the track, not the stable lass). Not in the best form but has conditions to suit today with the draw, slight ease in mark but, most importantly, 5f on easy ground. It's record last term with cut over 5f is 1st of 9, 4th of 15 and 1st of 8. Blinkers reapplied too, with 3 wins and a 2nd from 8 starts with them fitted. ** Note....I will still continue with the 1 EW bet per handicap as and when these comes along. That will form the main basis of the thread but decided to try a different approach this season for those handicaps where, in the past, I would have declined to have a bet. I will keep seperate P/L accounts **

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) 3.50 Beverley With 1 NR, 13 go to post for this 1m2f, Class 5 handicap. Blue Spinnaker is a red hot fav after its lto 10L win, however that was in an unreliable type of race, a Lady Riders Handicap. For that reason, I'd have to oppose this Evs shot with 2 bigger priced EW bets in: Nelsons Column (RPF 14/1), 2.5pts EW - Takes a bit of imagination to back this horse but I feel that things could just pan out nicely for this horse today. At Beverley over this trip, prominently ridden horses are favoured and a high draw is also an advantage. So conditions looks spot on for this front runner, drawn 11 of 14. Recent form hasn't been inspiring but has been campaigned over the wrong trip, in the wrong grade and not always on suitable ground. All 3 of those elements are put right today and, together with a 3lb drop in the handicap, this horse may put them all to the sword from the front at rewarding EW odds. Harry Hawk (RPF 10/1), 2.5pts EW - Raised 4lb for lto win on its last start of last season. Is drawn ok in 8 and will be up with the pace early on so this C&D will suit. Young, progressive type with the most consistent recent form. Up in grade today but has performed in this grade previously and will love the cut in the ground. Has had amateur last 2 starts carrying a massive weight so today off 9st will seem like a featherweight. Seems to go well after an absence too and comes here with a massive chance.

[Pot rice]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Hows she Cuttin's a non runner in the 3.20 Russ. :hope for the others

[kevsul]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

5.20 Nottingham Penny Island (RPF 10/1), 10% EW - Almost 1000 days since a race on the flat but bits of jumps form to recommend it. Likes cut in the ground and represents the well respected Alan King yard. That, in itself, is enough to warrant a second look. Could follow BTP's methods with both a split stake approach (percentage shown next to horse name) and investment in the Exacta but, for thread purposes, it's a no bet.

This actually opened up at 20/1 so was well backed into 14/1 But great result as doing the way like BTP. :clap:clap:clap

[cc75]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

3.50 Beverley With 1 NR, 13 go to post for this 1m2f, Class 5 handicap. Blue Spinnaker is a red hot fav after its lto 10L win, however that was in an unreliable type of race, a Lady Riders Handicap. For that reason, I'd have to oppose this Evs shot with 2 bigger priced EW bets in: Nelsons Column (RPF 14/1), 2.5pts EW - Takes a bit of imagination to back this horse but I feel that things could just pan out nicely for this horse today. At Beverley over this trip, prominently ridden horses are favoured and a high draw is also an advantage. So conditions looks spot on for this front runner, drawn 11 of 14. Recent form hasn't been inspiring but has been campaigned over the wrong trip, in the wrong grade and not always on suitable ground. All 3 of those elements are put right today and, together with a 3lb drop in the handicap, this horse may put them all to the sword from the front at rewarding EW odds. Harry Hawk (RPF 10/1), 2.5pts EW - Raised 4lb for lto win on its last start of last season. Is drawn ok in 8 and will be up with the pace early on so this C&D will suit. Young, progressive type with the most consistent recent form. Up in grade today but has performed in this grade previously and will love the cut in the ground. Has had amateur last 2 starts carrying a massive weight so today off 9st will seem like a featherweight. Seems to go well after an absence too and comes here with a massive chance.

:clap Just returned to P.L after a long spell without access to internet (moving house) - awesome selecting Russ, you've still got it! You the man!

[Pot rice]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Great stuff again Russ. 1st and 3rd with harry the hawk coming in from 9's this morning to an SP of 4s. :clap:clap:clap

[mileni4uk]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

Great stuff again Russ. 1st and 3rd with harry the hawk coming in from 9's this morning to an SP of 4s. :clap:clap:clap

I start to believe those conspiracy theories that Russ is not just followed, but also copied by some services. I really do.

[fintron]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

3.50 Beverley With 1 NR, 13 go to post for this 1m2f, Class 5 handicap. Blue Spinnaker is a red hot fav after its lto 10L win, however that was in an unreliable type of race, a Lady Riders Handicap. For that reason, I'd have to oppose this Evs shot with 2 bigger priced EW bets in: Nelsons Column (RPF 14/1), 2.5pts EW - Takes a bit of imagination to back this horse but I feel that things could just pan out nicely for this horse today. At Beverley over this trip, prominently ridden horses are favoured and a high draw is also an advantage. So conditions looks spot on for this front runner, drawn 11 of 14. Recent form hasn't been inspiring but has been campaigned over the wrong trip, in the wrong grade and not always on suitable ground. All 3 of those elements are put right today and, together with a 3lb drop in the handicap, this horse may put them all to the sword from the front at rewarding EW odds. Harry Hawk (RPF 10/1), 2.5pts EW - Raised 4lb for lto win on its last start of last season. Is drawn ok in 8 and will be up with the pace early on so this C&D will suit. Young, progressive type with the most consistent recent form. Up in grade today but has performed in this grade previously and will love the cut in the ground. Has had amateur last 2 starts carrying a massive weight so today off 9st will seem like a featherweight. Seems to go well after an absence too and comes here with a massive chance.

great stuff Russ :clap

[billy the punter]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Nice one pal. Good selecting. Close to 100% yield on those races. Very close to the mark as always! :clap

[TheRat]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Excellent :clap

[grocerjack]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) :clap Well done Russ, can't comment on the conspiracy theory, I'm still counting the cash. GJ

[youngveteran]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Well done russ, nice to see uve still got it. A great 1st and 3rd. :clap:clap

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Cheers guys, really appreciate the comments:ok

Without a main bet for the afternoon tomorrow, have decided to follow the multiple selection process for a couple of handicaps. Will see how this goes and keep a seperate P/L. All selections will be to a total of 10pts. So, here goes: 3.20 Beverley 5f cavalry charge for this Class 3 handicap, with 12 runners. Open looking event and decided to take a couple EW at decent prices in: Hows She Cuttin (RPF 5/1, 8's at Betfair), 5pts Win - Seasonal reappearance but goes well fresh and is clearly a horse on the upgrade although improvement flattened out at the tail end of the season. Another that goes well on easy ground and has a superb win record of 6 from just 13 starts. Has shot up the handicap but deserves too, and is eased in grade too with favoured jockey back on top, 5 wins and a 2nd from 7 rides. Grade looks fine with 1 from 1, and 4 wins / 2 2nds from 7 starts on easy ground. Not the greatest draw in 5 and unsure whether track will suit but more than enough positives to put this high on the shortlist. Melalchrist (RPF 11/2, 8's at Betfair), 5pts Win - Drawn well in 11 of 12 for this front runner that adores Beverley (the track, not the stable lass). Not in the best form but has conditions to suit today with the draw, slight ease in mark but, most importantly, 5f on easy ground. It's record last term with cut over 5f is 1st of 9, 4th of 15 and 1st of 8. Blinkers reapplied too, with 3 wins and a 2nd from 8 starts with them fitted. ** Note....I will still continue with the 1 EW bet per handicap as and when these comes along. That will form the main basis of the thread but decided to try a different approach this season for those handicaps where, in the past, I would have declined to have a bet. I will keep seperate P/L accounts **

Most of you know me by now and know that this isn't aftereventing but I actually backed the winner at 9/2, Luscivious, after Hows She Cuttin got taken out of the race. I know I said in the Beverley thread that Luscivious may struggle from its draw but, with 2 NR's, it negated the disadvantage for me. However, for thread purposes, this goes down as a loser but, personally, still happy.

3.50 Beverley With 1 NR, 13 go to post for this 1m2f, Class 5 handicap. Blue Spinnaker is a red hot fav after its lto 10L win, however that was in an unreliable type of race, a Lady Riders Handicap. For that reason, I'd have to oppose this Evs shot with 2 bigger priced EW bets in: Nelsons Column (RPF 14/1), 2.5pts EW - Takes a bit of imagination to back this horse but I feel that things could just pan out nicely for this horse today. At Beverley over this trip, prominently ridden horses are favoured and a high draw is also an advantage. So conditions looks spot on for this front runner, drawn 11 of 14. Recent form hasn't been inspiring but has been campaigned over the wrong trip, in the wrong grade and not always on suitable ground. All 3 of those elements are put right today and, together with a 3lb drop in the handicap, this horse may put them all to the sword from the front at rewarding EW odds. Harry Hawk (RPF 10/1), 2.5pts EW - Raised 4lb for lto win on its last start of last season. Is drawn ok in 8 and will be up with the pace early on so this C&D will suit. Young, progressive type with the most consistent recent form. Up in grade today but has performed in this grade previously and will love the cut in the ground. Has had amateur last 2 starts carrying a massive weight so today off 9st will seem like a featherweight. Seems to go well after an absence too and comes here with a massive chance.

Cracking result with Harry The Hawk 1st and Nelsons Column 3rd. Blue Spinnaker was unlucky but at Evs, it was always worth taking on. I couldn't post prices up as I've been at work but both these horses were available at much bigger prices than SP. Personally, I took 8/1 on the winner and 11/1 (worse than SP!) on Nelsons Column, both at William Hill. Would have been p*ssed off if only getting 4's on HTH...must have been really well backed. Thanks to BTP for encouraging me to back more than one in a race, appreciate it mate.:ok

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) 8.20 Wolverhampton 13 runners for this Class 6 handicap over 2m. Big field for this long distance race and one that, IMO, has an opposable fav in Synonymy. I'll be backing 3 in this race and they are: Kings Fable (6/1 SportingBet), 2pt Win - Won its last 2 at this track. In good form and decent strike rate on the AW. Has top weight here but is fit, in form and goes really well for this jockey. Big rise in trip but may well be suited by the step up. Not totally confident on this one but course form means it is difficult to leave out of any equation. Champagne Shadow (13/2 Betfred), 4pts Win - Recent winning form and off a very lenient mark here. Ignore last run with poor jockey on top and looks thrown in on previous form, albeit in claimers. Looks better the further it travels and has a 9/40 strike rate on AW, which is pretty damn good. Stable in good health too, off a 2lb lower mark and 7lb claimer on trip, I'd be hugely surprised to see this horse out of the frame. Snowberry Hill (11/1 Bet365), 2pts EW - Poor lto on turf but previous to that has decent AW form winning 2 of its last 4. Races off same mark as the last win and that was over this 2m trip. Interesting too that those 2 wins came in this grade whilst the 2 defeats were in Class 5. Off winning mark, over best trip and in the correct grade, this horse comes here with a major EW chance.

[billy the punter]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

8.20 Wolverhampton 13 runners for this Class 6 handicap over 2m. Big field for this long distance race and one that, IMO, has an opposable fav in Synonymy. I'll be backing 3 in this race and they are: Kings Fable (6/1 SportingBet), 2pt Win - Won its last 2 at this track. In good form and decent strike rate on the AW. Has top weight here but is fit, in form and goes really well for this jockey. Big rise in trip but may well be suited by the step up. Not totally confident on this one but course form means it is difficult to leave out of any equation. Champagne Shadow (13/2 Betfred), 4pts Win - Recent winning form and off a very lenient mark here. Ignore last run with poor jockey on top and looks thrown in on previous form, albeit in claimers. Looks better the further it travels and has a 9/40 strike rate on AW, which is pretty damn good. Stable in good health too, off a 2lb lower mark and 7lb claimer on trip, I'd be hugely surprised to see this horse out of the frame. Snowberry Hill (11/1 Bet365), 2pts EW - Poor lto on turf but previous to that has decent AW form winning 2 of its last 4. Races off same mark as the last win and that was over this 2m trip. Interesting too that those 2 wins came in this grade whilst the 2 defeats were in Class 5. Off winning mark, over best trip and in the correct grade, this horse comes here with a major EW chance.

Sick luck mate. Our mate Neil Chalmers costing Snowberry Hill the race, simple as.

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

8.20 Wolverhampton 13 runners for this Class 6 handicap over 2m. Big field for this long distance race and one that, IMO, has an opposable fav in Synonymy. I'll be backing 3 in this race and they are: Kings Fable (6/1 SportingBet), 2pt Win - Won its last 2 at this track. In good form and decent strike rate on the AW. Has top weight here but is fit, in form and goes really well for this jockey. Big rise in trip but may well be suited by the step up. Not totally confident on this one but course form means it is difficult to leave out of any equation. Champagne Shadow (13/2 Betfred), 4pts Win - Recent winning form and off a very lenient mark here. Ignore last run with poor jockey on top and looks thrown in on previous form, albeit in claimers. Looks better the further it travels and has a 9/40 strike rate on AW, which is pretty damn good. Stable in good health too, off a 2lb lower mark and 7lb claimer on trip, I'd be hugely surprised to see this horse out of the frame. Snowberry Hill (11/1 Bet365), 2pts EW - Poor lto on turf but previous to that has decent AW form winning 2 of its last 4. Races off same mark as the last win and that was over this 2m trip. Interesting too that those 2 wins came in this grade whilst the 2 defeats were in Class 5. Off winning mark, over best trip and in the correct grade, this horse comes here with a major EW chance.

Bloody jockey:@. Snowberry Hill hits the front, should have sewn it up but drifted right across the track and was nabbed close home. Oh well, took it EW so 7.5pts returns, a small 2.5pt loss.

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Now running 2 types of bet on this thread, main EW single bets and the multiple selection bets. The P/L is as follows: Main Bets - EW Singles 2008 Staked = 40.00pts Returned = 68.75pts Profit = +28.75pts Yield = +71.9% Bets = 4 Winners = 1 (25.0% s/r) Places (incl wins) = 2 (50.0% s/r) 2007 Turf Staked = 1040.00pts Returned = 1669.27pts Profit = +629.27pts Yield = +60.5% Bets = 105 Winners = 19 (18.1% s/r) Places (incl wins) = 41 (39.0% s/r) Multiple Selection Bets 2008 Staked = 40.00pts Returned = 73.88pts Profit = +33.88pts Yield = +84.7% Races = 4 Winners = 2 (50.0% s/r)

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) 5.05 Ripon Looks a tricky heat on paper but I'm confident of narrowing down the field here. 14 runners go to post for this 6f, Class 4 handicap. Dandy Nicholls probably saddles the fav but there must be doubts about its ability to reproduce its lto effort so I'm taking it on with 3 in this: Comptons Eleven (RPF 14/1), 2pts EW - Top weight here with 7lb claimer and has the rail draw here. Can go very well fresh so cannot be ignored here, but the interesting factor for me here is its ability to go well in this grade. Is 4 wins/3 places from 11 starts in this grade, as opposed to 0 from 48 in higher grades. That looks to be a tip in itself. Big price here and should run its race at a double figure price. Bel Cantor (RPF 11/2), 5pts Win - Of the favs, looks to have the best chance. Finished behind Tajnned lto but was the eyecatcher IMO running the best of the low drawn horses. Really consistent type and has ideal conditions today...good draw, eased 1lb in mark, eased in class and trip/ground perfect. Expect this to be heavily involved in the finish. Prince Namid (RPF 10/1), 1pt Win - Unsure of effect of the draw so taking one with a high draw, just in case. Has some good bits of form and is probably the one with a double figure draw that won't mind its absence from the track. Of the 2 to race this season, Obe Gold is out of form and Cornus is too high in the handicap so tentative small win stake on Prince Namid.

[softie]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Oh dear, this is going to be hard, as i`m going to be a little critical of someone who i believe has developed into one of the best race readers i have come across, and i daresay i may get slated for it. Unfortunately though it is on my chest and has to come off. Referring back to the 3.20 at Beverley yesterday. In your original analysis Russ, you felt that the eventual winner was not a contender because of the draw. However, in your post race comments you mentioned that you felt that the draw factor had been negated by the non runners and decided that Luscivious was very much a player and quite rightly backed it. Unfortunately you did not post script those thoughts onto this thread, leaving anyone following you in with a single selection on a horse well beaten on the day, unaware that your thoughts on the race had changed. I`m sure in the whole scheme of things over the season this will make little difference, but, well i think you know what i`m saying and take it in the spirit it is meant.

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

Oh dear, this is going to be hard, as i`m going to be a little critical of someone who i believe has developed into one of the best race readers i have come across, and i daresay i may get slated for it. Unfortunately though it is on my chest and has to come off. Referring back to the 3.20 at Beverley yesterday. In your original analysis Russ, you felt that the eventual winner was not a contender because of the draw. However, in your post race comments you mentioned that you felt that the draw factor had been negated by the non runners and decided that Luscivious was very much a player and quite rightly backed it. Unfortunately you did not post script those thoughts onto this thread, leaving anyone following you in with a single selection on a horse well beaten on the day, unaware that your thoughts on the race had changed. I`m sure in the whole scheme of things over the season this will make little difference, but, well i think you know what i`m saying and take it in the spirit it is meant.

No problems, mate, and your comments are welcomed. I wouldn't expect anyone to slate you for these comments but that is what PL is all about, sharing opinions. And actually you are spot on but let me explain a couple of things please:- 1) I don't generally have access to PL during the day as I'm at work (I'm off today BTW), so was unable to change my thoughts. Had Hows She Cuttin been a runner, I would have stood by my original post. 2) For purposes of PL, this very much went down as a loser so, to all intents and purposes, a loser for me and a loser for everyone else. Sorry guys. 3) I have never and would never deliberately afterevent so apologies to anyone who thought I was doing. 4) I was pretty disappointed that HSC was a NR as I didn't feel this was a race to play with just 1 selection. However, I had posted the night before so couldn't do much about it. Another thing about no PL access is the inability to post prices. That frustrates me massively. There have been times however when much bigger prices were available but I just settle with a much lower price. Peaks and troughs. Again, let me apologise. I hope you got on the 1st & 3rd in the latter race. Take care mate and thanks for your post. Hope this clears up the matter. If not, feel free to post up any concerns you have. Thanks and be lucky:ok

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat)

5.05 Ripon Looks a tricky heat on paper but I'm confident of narrowing down the field here. 14 runners go to post for this 6f, Class 4 handicap. Dandy Nicholls probably saddles the fav but there must be doubts about its ability to reproduce its lto effort so I'm taking it on with 3 in this: Comptons Eleven (RPF 14/1), 2pts EW - Top weight here with 7lb claimer and has the rail draw here. Can go very well fresh so cannot be ignored here, but the interesting factor for me here is its ability to go well in this grade. Is 4 wins/3 places from 11 starts in this grade, as opposed to 0 from 48 in higher grades. That looks to be a tip in itself. Big price here and should run its race at a double figure price. Bel Cantor (RPF 11/2), 5pts Win - Of the favs, looks to have the best chance. Finished behind Tajnned lto but was the eyecatcher IMO running the best of the low drawn horses. Really consistent type and has ideal conditions today...good draw, eased 1lb in mark, eased in class and trip/ground perfect. Expect this to be heavily involved in the finish. Prince Namid (RPF 10/1), 1pt Win - Unsure of effect of the draw so taking one with a high draw, just in case. Has some good bits of form and is probably the one with a double figure draw that won't mind its absence from the track. Of the 2 to race this season, Obe Gold is out of form and Cornus is too high in the handicap so tentative small win stake on Prince Namid.

Took these prices with Betfred:- Comptons Eleven, 20/1 Bel Cantor, 9/1 Prince Namid, 9/1

[BillyHills]

Re: RussP's Specialisation - Big Field Handicaps (Flat) Softie, I thought your comments were put very well and i know you probably thought long and hard before posting them. Its not easy going against the grain on a forum like this where two or three members have a large following, to be honest i thought exactly the same as you and in the past have challenged the popular posters, just ask Mowgli, Ginger and others, it doesnt get you any medals in fact your just percieved as a moaning old git, which i am by the way. I do thinks its important to question things that you see is ok for some guys and not for others, the 'after eventing' thing is quickly jumped upon by the Mods if a less popular poster does it for example. You stated your case politely and Russ answered in the same manner, which is how it should be, i'm sure in hindsight Russ knows there was nothing to be gained by saying he backed the winner, it just devalues the write ups. We dont mind constructive critisism on the PL, thats how we all learn, i thinks Softies post was a good example of how to do it and has Russ has said to his credit he welcomes that.