The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread)

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Yes I think you're right about the Gosden two, I have the same concerns. Personally I'd take odds on Zaham in a match versus Royal And Regal so I'm surprised he doesn't line up in this. I've put him in my Ten To Follow so I hope he isn't too highly tried. I've got a runner at Great Leighs, thats the only reason I'm going to be honest - I agree Sandown is a better card, to watch anyway.

[Gingertipster]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Zaham is another that just gets in to my TTTF. Won a packet on him last year, a real battler.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Great Leighs 3.00

Prime Factor looked very genuine when stepping up on his debut effort to win on his 2nd start at Kempton. I actually expected a big ran on his handicapped debut, he ran very green however and was beaten less than 2l into 4th.

Think there is a race him in. He is a nice price here but I do have some concerns, the 90-day lay-off, the drop in trip and the form on the yard. He remains interesting though and if he runs well here I would imagine he'd be a good thing in your average Class 4 A/W handicap.

Befortyfour was far from disgraced when highly tried in the Windsor Castle on his 2nd start. He was beaten less than 5l and finished 13th of 20.

The race could not have worked out any better:

Kingsgate Native (2nd) - Group 1 winner,

Hatta Fort (3rd) - Group 2 winner,

Dream Eater (4th) - Guineas 5th,

Fat Boy (6th) - dual Listed winner,

Dark Angel (11th) - Group 1 winner,

plus many more winners.

Befortyfour wasn't seen again until last month when he bolted up when long odds on in a weak maiden. His mark of 90 is about as low as connections could've hoped for and he looks certain to win more races.

Befortyfour 40% of stake win 2.95 betfair

Prime Factor 30% of stake win 13 betfair

Prime Factor 30% of stake place 3.5 betfair Prime Factor/Befortyfour £50 RFC

4.00 Great Leighs (Class 3)

I backed Vainglory E/W at a big price at Chester LTO and this was my write-up:

Well handicapped on bits and pieces of form (unlucky not to beat Vitznau and placed behind Don't Panic and Fremen over inadequate trips) and was not disgraced out in Dubai this season. He is sure to start fulfilling his potential now he is being tried over longer trips. Like I say ran ok in Dubai over 10f and his form in this country at 9f or more reads one win and an 8th in a Listed race (beaten 3l) - ran above form on all starts over 9f.

He ran well to finish 3rd but looked the winner on the turn before petering out. He may be a pound or two too high but he is sure to appreciate the return to the A/W. He is at least as good on the A/W than on turf and the average Class 3 on the A/W is a lot easier to win than on the turf - none of his opponents have/would hit the 'heights' he has on turf.

Gold Prospect is a horse I follow on the A/W. The race wasn't run to suit LTO when beaten by Curzon Prince and he re-opposes here with a 9lb pull for 3.5l.

He has been dropped 2lb for that and is now just 2lb higher than his last win. Still well handicapped on his A/W form, which reads 21914. There are excuses for the first defeat (bad ride) and the 9th was in the Rosebery where he wasn't disgraced in a very decent race after being slowly away. Usual pilot Jamie Spencer rides Sign Of The Cross for Fanshawe though.

Not guaranteed to turn the tables with Curzon Prince however, who despite winning also travelled as though the race didn't suit LTO.

Vainglory 45% of stake 6.8 betfair

Gold Prospect 25% of stake 11 betfair

Curzon Prince 20% of stake 7.2 betfair

Sign Of The Cross 10% of stake 8 betfair

Casts:

Vainglory/Gold Prospect/Curzon Prince

£12.65 F/C Comb

£12.65 T/C Comb

Vainglory/Gold Prospect/Curzon Prince/Sign Of The Cross

£2 F/C Comb (12 bets)

£1 T/C Comb (24 bets)

8.50 Sandown (Class 3)

After debut Cactus Rose ran consistently (2121) against some very decent types last season; Gongidas, Own Boss, Ragheed, Lang Shining.

Starts the season on a fair mark, just 4lb higher than when beating Lang Shining here in August. Not seen after due to a setback but is apparently 100% now.

Apparently doesn't want extremes of going so today may not be his day, will include to some extent though.

Regardless of what the RP says, Masai Moon prefers a stiff track - although I understand their comment slightly, they are worried about his stamina. I am too, were this a 7f event he would have a massive chance as everything else is in his favour.

Zero Cool hasn't showed for Gary Moore since leaving John Gosden, chances on last years form though and eye-catching jockey booking. Would need to show a little for new connections before I back him with any conviction however.

I've backed Twilight Star twice this season and although inconsistent is well handicapped when he puts his best foot forward, could find a race although this one may be too competitive.

Bushman is a horse I've been waiting for over the past month or so. He was entered in a couple of races at York but wasn't declared.

Was unfancied at 33/1 on his debut but narrowly went down in a three-way photo behind two decent mid 70 horses. Stepped up on that NTO when bolting up by over 4l at Windsor with the useful Woolfall Treasure in 2nd, who is a mid 80s+ horse.

Granted the handicapper could've been kinder, giving him a mark of 92, but he is by far the most interesting runner in the field and looks certain to win more races.

Ability to act on the ground has to be taken on trust though, his sire's best form come on firm in the US. But he has been entered in many races recently (on quicker ground) and connections have opted for this.

Bushman 65% of stake 10/3 betfred

Cactus Rose 25% of stake 7.6 betfair

Zero Cool 5% of stake 23 betfair

Twilight Star 5% of stake 42 betfair Casts: Bushman/Cactus Rose/Zero Cool/Twilight Star £8.25 F/C Comb (12 bets) £2.90 T/C Comb (24 bets) Bushman/Cactus Rose/Zero Cool/Twilight Star/Masai Moon 50p T/C Comb (60 bets)

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Still there at the moment but I wouldn't imagine the 10/3 will be there too long with Bushman.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread)

Still there at the moment but I wouldn't imagine the 10/3 will be there too long with Bushman.

FYI Lasted 4 mins. Now 11/4. 4.1 on betfair though.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Thursday 2/3 (+1.9pts) - Thoroughly pleased with things today. Got the 3.00 close to spot on with Befortyfour winning and Prime Factor getting placed, perhaps finding the trip too short (as feared). Two downsides were the fact that I took well under the odds with the latter and had a £50 RFC the two of them (1st & 3rd). Went close in the 4.00, you could've thrown a blanket over the first five home when they crossed the line and I backed the 2nd, 3rd and 4th in singles and casts. The main bet, Vainglory, going down by about a neck. Only one race tonight and I'd been waiting for the winner for some time. Bushman didn't disappoint and won comfortably. Beat the odds, and flagged that the 10/3 was value, have a 15p R4 on that though. Cactus Rose my other selection was the NR, not a real surprise as I voiced concerns over the ground. Again went agonisingly close with the cast bet (it seems every race I'm saying this) - had the 1st & 3rd for the 2nd time today. Continuing the pattern of winners and near misses, you certainly get a run for your money on this thread. The casts are so frustrating lately though. 2008 Upper Class Selections Bets : 69 Winning Bets : 37 (54% S/R) Collected Bets : 39 (57% S/R) Staked : 68.75pts Returns : 86.04pts P/L : + 17.29pts Yield : 25% ----------------- Upper Class F/C's Bets : 57 Winning Bets : 14 S/R : 25% Staked : £5649.50 Returns : £5692.51 P/L : +£43.01 Yield : 0.7% Upper Class T/C's Bets : 48 Winning Bets : 5 S/R : 10% Staked : £4800 Returns : £2774.57 P/L : -£2025.43

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread)

1pt per race apportioned to my staking plan %'s (as it is now): P/L : +15.39pts Yield : 23% 1pt per RACE evenly apportioned to each selection: P/L : +14.43pts Yield : 22% 1pt per SELECTION (1-6pts staked per race): P/L : +13.48 Yield : 7% Not a great deal of difference Graham, but at the moment my current method is just edging it. (the first two methods are the only realistic options)

Following on from this I researched my returns had I just had one selection per race - picked the banker (higher %) selection when I've backed more than one. The results are: P/L : +21.65 Yield : 31% Slightly better than my actual results, 4pts to be exact. However I have no plans to alter tactics. Although profits are less when doing it my way, I have less losing bets and hardly any losing runs - that helps. Who's to say I would've selected as many winners had I just selected one per race and had more losing runs. Losers can have a negative effect with regards to mindset/confidence, something I do not have to contend with as, due to my style, my S/R is high. I believe that is worth more than a couple of extra points.

[BillyHills]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Good day Billy, totally agree about the last point you made, confidence is an important factor when betting I think, and the way you bet definitely gives you a safety blanket and it is worth a couple of points, nothing worse than a losing run to unsettle the mind and your judgement. By the way, how did the horse run today? And what was the new track like from a punters point of view? Had some poor comments attched to it yesterday.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread)

Good day Billy, totally agree about the last point you made, confidence is an important factor when betting I think, and the way you bet definitely gives you a safety blanket and it is worth a couple of points, nothing worse than a losing run to unsettle the mind and your judgement. By the way, how did the horse run today? And what was the new track like from a punters point of view? Had some poor comments attched to it yesterday.

Over the moon with him. Had a few injury problems last year (we only saw him four times last season) and was his first run for over 200 days. He showed a lot of pace and travelled really well before tiring late on. The finishing position is to be ignored, they went quick and he was very keen due to freshness. Led to the two pole before blowing up. Hopeful he can get back to winning ways soon. About to do a post re the track.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 3.20 York (Class 3) Just the one high class handicap today and to be honest nothing really stands out to me. Have delved though and hopeful I will have the winner going multi-handed. My Paris - ran two solid races this year against some well handicapped types. Well handicapped himself but stamina a big worry. Humble Opinion - just 3lb higher than his last win and having watching his last run again this morning it looked as though another try at 10f would suit. Think this easy 10f will be ideal. Rosbay - dropped to a fair mark LTO and was only beaten in a photo, raised 4lb for that effort but stil well handicapped on some form. Granston - only 1lb higher than when beating First Buddy on the opening day of the turf season and even more well in on some of last season's form. Man Of Gwent - although it was a weak race at Chester LTO he ran on fairly well after a slightly troubled passage. Impressed me on the A/W early season and I think there is a race in him. Intersky Charm - backed him at a big price when he ran poorly behind Granston, but gave him another chance LTO and he ran well - would've gone close with a better ride. His A/W win worked out really well and I'm convinced there is a race in him. My Paris 10% of stake 18 betfair Humble Opinion 30% of stake 8.2 betfair Rosbay 10% of stake 19.5 betfair Granston 20% of stake 13 betfair Man Of Gwent 10% of stake 40 betfair Intersky Charm 20% of stake 28 betfair Casts: Above six horses £3.30 F/C Comb (30 bets) 80p T/C Comb (120 bets)

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 3.10 Doncaster Under pressure for time so write-ups will be brief. I backed Ezdiyaas LTO and spoke at greater lenghts as to why I think he is well handicapped. I like hos maidens runs last season, especially as they were over inadequate trips. Didn't surprised me that he won LTO and there could be more to come this year even though he has been raised 8lb. Ideally would need 1m4f to show full potential but could have enough in hand over these rivals at 10f on good going. Encircled had improved for his seasonal debut every time so it would be no surprise if he stepped up on his effort LTO. Suits Me has run better than his formlines suggest this season, and I expect him to prove with John Egan taking the mount from Mickey Fenton. Bid For Glory didn't get home over 1m4f LTO and has dropped down to a fair mark again. Well handicapped on plenty of form and I would think he'll be winning again soon off this sort of mark. Ezdiyaad 70% of stake 2.46 betfair Bid For Glory 30% of stake 5.1 betair Casts Ezdiyaad/Bid For Glory/Encircled £10 F/C Comb £16.50 T/C Comb Ezdiyaad/Bid For Glory £20 RFC

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) :@ (3.10 Donny) - Should've been a banker. Talked myself out of it due ot the ground. Kerrin McEvoy is just pathetic these days, the most over rated jokcey riding today. He looked like a stable lass on Encircled.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 4.15 Doncaster I've backed Fishforcompliments on his past two starts and has run ok (travelled very well at Newmarket). Headgear applied here and he difinitely has the ability to win a race of this type. I had a saver on Danehillsundance behind Ansells Pride LTO here and he ran a fine race. He is well handicapped on recent form and he looks to have lost no ability for the switch from Hannon to Parr. My one concern is the jockey, I think McEvoy is riding at his worse at the moment. Hilton Admiral has dropped to a really low mark considering some of his form last season. Looked to be coming back to form LTO when 3rd to Tombi. Has won over 7f but got guaranteed to be at his best over it in this sort of event. Know little about the jockey. Flipando ran better than the formline suggests LTO, would probably need another run I would imagine and this trip could be a little short - no surprise to see him figure though. Burning Insence is well handicapped but needs everything to drop right. Although beaten favourite at 7/4 Artimino ran a cracker on his penultimate start and there should be more to come this year from him. Fitness and missing tongue-tie a worry. Danehillsundance 45% of stake 5.3 betfair Fishforcompliments 30% of stake 8.6 betfair Artimino 15% of stake 7.2 betfair Hilton Admiral 10% of stake 38 betfair Casts? Danehillsundance/Fishforcomplients/Artimino/Hilton Admiral/Burning Insence £5 F/C Comb (20 bets) £1.65 T/C Comb (60 bets)

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Sickener. Hinton Admiral backed down to 10/1, clear in side the last.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 4.55 Haydock I selected Tomintoul Flyer last week but the meeting was called off. This was the write-up:

Henry Cecil's Tomintoul Flyer had a very nice first season. 3rd to Centennial on his debut, he stepped up and won his maiden on his 2nd start, the 3rd, Inventor, won off 81 at Windsor on Monday. He apprecitated the step up to 10f on his final start and starts this year off 85 which looks like a kind mark. Suffered an injury after being kicked but apparently has fully recovered and market support this morning suggests he is fit enough despite that little set back. A big type who should be suited to Sandown.

Think Haydock will suit just as well and is definitely interesting off this mark. William Blake flopped LTO but having backed him on his previous two starts I'll include him based on those runs, as he is a price here. Paktai was flattered by the finishing distance between him and Allied Powers LTO but he did have a troubled passage. Haydock will suit better I would imagine, but maybe underpriced - is a saver instead of the main selection due to that. Inventor is overpriced - only raised 4lb for his Windsor win. Well backed that night so was obviously fit FTO. Tomintoul Flyer 45% of stake 4.5 betfair Paktai 45% of stake 2.48 betfair William Blake 10% of stake 14 betfair Casts: Tomintoul Flyer/Paktai/William Blake £7.50 F/C Comb £8.25 T/C Comb Tomintoul Flyer/Paktai £27.50 RFC Tomintoul Flyer/Paktai/Inventor £8.25 T/C Comb

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Friday 1/1 (+1.46pts) - Just the one bet and the main selection Humble Opinion was given a great ride by Alan Munro to win. Granston, the joint 2nd strongest selection, was very unlucky - McEvoy had a nightmare. I would've had a 1-2 had he just been given an average ride. Another winning banker though. And the BBOTD King Of Dixie a previous selection on this thread bolted up, was unable to put him on this thread though as it was a conditions stakes. Saturday 2/3 (-0.16pts) - Unlucky to lose on the day. The banker won in the 3.10 but was worried about the ground so played safe. Gutted about the 4.15, took a massive price about Hinton Admiral and he looked all over the winner, clear and short in-running inside the last. Was caught late on however, had the 3rd as well. The saver Paktai won in the 4.55 to make a tiny profit. BBOTD won again but couldn't be on the thread as it was a Class 4 handicap. 2008 Upper Class Selections Bets : 73 Winning Bets : 40 (55% S/R) Collected Bets : 42 (58% S/R) Staked : 72.75pts Returns : 91.34pts P/L : + 18.59pts Yield : 26% ----------------- Upper Class F/C's Bets : 61 Winning Bets : 14 S/R : Staked : £6049.50 Returns : £5692.51 P/L : Yield : Upper Class T/C's Bets : 51 Winning Bets : 5 S/R : 10% Staked : £5100 Returns : £2774.57 P/L : Will update casts in full - too painful at the minute :lol.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Late decision to have a bet in the 5.50 at Goodwood. 5.50 Goodwood Cape Hawk impressed my last season and when I backed him at Kempton earlier this season. Thought he'd give Jamboretta more of a race LTO but he doesn't take a lot of racing and that race may've come a little too quick. May bounce back after a small break and acts on easy going. Although he won a Lincoln Very Wise has done well when running in these small field/tactical affairs. 411 figures in his three races of 7 or less runners. Ran his best race for sometime this week and will like the going. I think Salient is weighted to win soon. Cape Hawk 50% of stake 3 betfair Very Wise 50% of stake 4.2 betfair Casts Cape Hawk/Very Wise/Salient £12 F/C Comb Cape Hawk/Very Wise £14 RFC

[Sheerluck Holmes]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread)

Cape Hawk/Very Wise/Salient £12 F/C Comb Cape Hawk/Very Wise £14 RFC

BOL :hope - I've had a wee dabble on this one too! Somethign tickled my fancy!!!

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Kicking myself here, I backed the winner in a much better race LTO at 40/1. Was a late decision to play here. That was the first time I've given Very Wise a chance for some time. Definitely the last.

[Gingertipster]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Very Wise not to back Very Wise again Billy. Saw him in the paddock. Although fine in condition. Does seem to have gone the wrong way temperament wise. X noseband, cheek pieces, carrying his head low at times, other times carrying it high and shaking it. Possibly did not like the cheek pieces. Began to sweat as the prelims went on. Can not understand why it was backed. Cape Hawk was chewing at the bit, had a kidney sweat, though looked fit and well. Did not find a great deal and probably better on polytrack. Frederick Ozanam was difficult to saddle, they had to be careful it did not cow kick. Nice type physically but could be made fitter. Mujood looked fit and well, lifted one back leg higher than the other but not enough to call it stringhalt. Salient, stocky compact type, fit and well. Got a peach of a ride from Kirsty, out in front dominating it (she'd make a good dominatrix). Sorry, fantasising there. Salient had enough left when needed, responding to every urge. Ginge

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Thanks Ginge, good to get a better picture. Backing Very Wise hasn't entered my head for over a year, but I just gave him a chance on his small field form. You're right, back to putting a line through him every time, like I have been doing. Cape Hawk was another that I had previously scrubbed, however again I invented a reason to back him, blaming a quick reappearance for his flop LTO. He is a strange type, lightly raced, which is odd for a Hannon horse - must be hard to keep sweet, maybe only best when fresh. My selections were a classic case of trying to be too clever. Salient (who I had £100 at 40s LTO!) was the logical bet from my way of thinking. Poor selecting from me in this race. I'm first to say when I'm unlucky so will always say when I've made a boo-boo. Came out the day level after my BBOTD winning but Hinton Admiral getting caught was a punch in the guts. Couldn't have the winner at all - not on a galloping track.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Ripon 3.30 (Class 3) Well the weather man got it spot on, apparently there was to be outbreaks of rain and drizzle followed by a bright afternoon - so far they've had over 10mm of rain. Nice try, thanks for wasting my time. Had to totally rethink this race now. Pearly Way - Always been a fan of this horse and he was by biggest bet at Glorious Goodwood last year. Wouldn't be surprised is there was more to come this year and ran ok on reappearance last year. Stable without any winners recently though. Vunerable on this ground though. Rising Shadow - Coming down to a more realistic mark after some poor runs this season. Back on favoured going here and would have a chance on the last season's easrly form. Stable going well. Valery Borzov - Really fancied him LTO and said that he should be rated 10lb than he is. Well I got my wish as the handicapper put him up 10lb for his impressive win at Thirsk. I still believe he can win races off his new mark as I think he'll be a Listed/Group 3 sprinter in time. Also given that connections seemed to have found the best way to run him (blasted off LTO), he could improve futher still. The big worry of course if the ground. Has run three times on easy going winning once, was below par on both other starts but there were excuses; was out of form and the other was over 7f. Ripon would suit down to the ground. Although visor that seemed to work the oracle of late is left off here. High Curragh - Had a saver on him when 2nd in the race that VB won LTO. Well handicapped on bits of form and acts on the ground, not going to be easy to turn the tables though. Dazzling Bay - Off for 598. Your guess in as good as mine. Grazeon Gold Blend - Another that's had problems, ran poorly since too. Bel Cantor - I was disappointed with him LTO over 7f at Catterick as his two turf runs over 6f this year read very well. Especially the 5th to Cape when he run off a 2lb higher mark than he does here. That race has worked out very well and if he shows that form here he must go close. No problems with the ground. Swinbrook - Very well handicapped on old form, but has been all year on the turf and failed to get his head in front. Hs run some decent races in defeat however. Will love the going and must be there abouts due to it, price accordingly though. Valery Borzov 50% of stake 4.3 betfair Swinbrook 25% of stake 3.7 betfair Bel Cantor 25% of stake 15 betfair Casts: Valery Borzov/Swinbrook/Bel Cantor £16.50 F/C Comb £4.65 T/C Comb Valery Borzov/Swinbrook/Bel Cantor/Rising Shadow £3 T/C Comb (24 bets)

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Tuesday 0/1 (-1pt) - Over the moon with the judgement as I read the race well. Had the first four home in the 4-horse T/C Combo but unfortunately left the winner out of the singles. Valery and Bel Cantor (beat the odds massively) ran great races and they looked the likely winners until late on. Valery would've surely won had the rain not come. The T/C paid 80/1 - judgement correct, staking incorrect (singles and casts) I'm afrad. Ah well, it's a bigger problem if you get the judgement wrong believe me. Playing tomorrow so will update asap.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 8.20 Ripon (Class 3) A very open 8-runner affair here, they're going 5/1 the field and the outsider is under 12/1. Very difficult to rule any out completely. Crocodile Bay runs for his new trainer here and connections were obviously keen to get him out again quickly as he is due to go up a further 2lb after today. Not a fan of the yard these days and they are out of form badly - however this is a new horse to the yard and we know he is in form. Cannot rule out in current form and will love the soft ground. Vicious Warrior ran ok on his reappearance at Thirsk in a warm race on ground that would've been quicker than ideal. Ground would've been even more a problem LTO at that run is best ignored. Loves this ground though and has slipped to a competitive mark. Yard had two winners yesterday. Wigwam Willie is another who'll relish the soft ground - all his form is on an easy surface. 6lb lower than when he was 4th at Ponty on his reappearance (would've needed the run). Excuses for two of his three defeats since then, inadequate trip at Newcastle, ground to quick at Beverley, was disappointing in the middle race however when well beaten on this going - that was the Spring Cup though and perhaps he was out of his depth. Like I say, well handicapped and holds Vicous Warrior on the form of his win in September. Billy Dane went off the boil badly after the Spring last year but run his best race for some time LTO behind Fondled on easy ground at Newmarket. Another that has slipped to an attractive mark (7lb lower than when 3rd in the Silver Bowl last season) but the going is an unknown. Acted on G/S LTO and ran above form on soft at two, best form on quicker ground though - hard to assess. Observatory Star finished 2nd to useful types Zaahid and Fragrancy last season and as a result doesn't start this year on a attractive mark. Will love the ground but fitness a worry FTO especially in such a competitive affair. Tencender is still on a fair mark, and I'm sure he'll find another race off it, however I'm convinced that he doesn't act on ground this soft. On that basis I'm surprised he is favourite here. Exit Smiling has been given a break after finishing distressed LTO. Best watched on return. Moheebb has been tried at varied trips recently and doesn't look as well handicapped as some of the others. Wigwam Willie 30% of stake 6.8 betfair Billy Dane 25% of stake 7/1 lads Vicious Warrior 20% of stake 6 betfair Crocodile Bay 25% of stake 7 betfair Casts: Wigwam Willie/Billy Dane/Vicious Warrior/Crocodile Bay £8.25 F/C Comb £4.10 T/C Comb

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 7.10 Kempton (Class 3) The race of the day for me, Kaateb would've gone close I'm sure but he is a NR. Kaateb along with Viva Vettori, Spring City, Tropical Strait are all in my horse to follow list this season and I'll be concentrating on the three still in this race. Viva Vettori impressed me last season and he won well for me FTO this season. He disappointed badly NTO at Newmarket off a 4lb higher mark. That was a real head scratcher as one of his best runs had come over C&D on similar going. He didn't get an easy lead that day so I'm prepared to forgive the run - after his last win I was convinced he'd win more races. Back to 10f, he won well over C&D last year. May get taken on for the lead again here though with Samarinda in the line-up. Spring City has been given a massive chance by the handicapper with his mark of 89. FTO he finished 2nd of 13 on his debut, the winner Winter Sunrise won off 87 and ended the season rated 98, the 3rd Black Rock won off 90 and ended the season 97 - many other winners behind. The 3rd Black Rock turned the tables NTO and it was mentioned after that Black Rock needed the run prior - Spring City lost nothing in defeat though given what Black Rock did after and he was 29l clear of the 3rd. He won at 1/5 on his final start with today's rival Tropical Straits 7l back in 4th. Spring City looks certain to go close off his current mark. I'm a huge fan of Tropical Straits and I'm sure he can add to his tally this season. Finished 7l behind Spring City last season but that could be misleading as Tropical Straits was still coming to hand - he is also 10lb better off. He went from strength to strength after bolting up in a dirt maiden and handicap before getting placed in the November handicap. Ran a cracker on his reappearance this year when finishing 2nd to the well treated Wing Express (clear of 3rd). Another who will win more races but not sure the 10f here would be ideal. Not a fan of the jock either. Will include, but I think there will be better opportunities for him later in the year. Pinch Of Salt returns to Kempton and he ran a cracker when unlucky in running in the Rosebery. Think he is another that may be at their best over slightly further though. Spring City 50% of stake 4.3 betfair Tropical Straits 25% of stake 11/2 gen Viva Vettori 25% of stake 5/1 gen Casts: Spring City/Tropical Straits/Viva Vettori/Pinch Of Salt £2.30 T/C Comb (24 bets) Spring City/Tropical Straits/Viva Vettori £5 T/C Comb £11.65 T/C Comb Spring City to beat Tropical Straits/Viva Vettori/Pinch Of Salt 6x £2.50 T/C's Spring City/Tropical Straits £5 RFC Spring City/Viva Vettori £5 RFC Spring City/Pinch Of Salt £5 RFC

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Like I've said once or twice already this season, you certainly get some strange results at Kempton. Although the ride on Spring City: :lol

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Wednesday 0/2 (-2pts) - Apologies for today's efforts. Spring City was given no chance by McEvoy but the other two selections were disappointing. The Ripon race was terrible, no excuses - all selections ran poor. The winner was impossible to back with any confidence though. Two other selections away from the thread were unlucky in running - one of those days. Although my BBOTD won at 4/1 (took upto 7.2 on betfair) so come out pretty unscathed.

[BillyHills]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Ive looked all over the PL and cant find your jumps thread Billy:lol Seriously though, great tip today mate, won very well.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) Watch this space....BTP's Jolly Jumpers :lol Think I may retire 1/1 for the season! Thanks mate, yes was pleased with it. Went massive on betfair while at the post (high as 8.4) - due to the expert comments of Big Mac, he said something along the lines of; "How is this fav? It was beaten over 30l on each of his starts so cannot win blah blah blah...." Comments on ATR/RUK do sway the market sometimes, regardless of who makes them - which I find amazing.

[billy the punter]

Re: The Upper Classes (a BTP specialisation thread) 7.50 Sandown (Class 3) I've backed Zero Cool as a saving bet the last twice and I said last time that he'd have to show a bit on course for his new yard before I backed him more confidently (well handicapped on last year's form for John Gosden). Well he ran his best race for Gary Moore LTO behind the good thing Bushman here last week, and he could be winning soon. I've backed Twilight Star in the same way LTO and he finished just behind Zero Cool - looks inconsistent but has shown enough to suggest he can win a race and is a big price here. Russian Epic is a horse I've followed for some time. He was a frustrating sort and was gelded for this season. He ran poorly FTO this year and I worried that the operation had done nothing to improve his head. I decided to give him another chance back on turf LTO when backing him and Ansells Pride. He ran a fine race, close up 4th, it was a most encouraging run. I'm certain he'll start fulfilling his potential very soon. His best form last year was on easier surfaces so his run LTO looks even better. I think he is a certainty off his mark, if he wants to win - simple as. Overturn is an unknown quantity after a long lay-off. Russian Epic 70% of stake 5.5 betfair Zero Cool 20% of stake 8.2 betfair Twilight Star 10% of stake 29 betfair Casts: Russian Epic/Zero Cool/Twilight Star £16.50 F/C Comb £10.65 T/C Comb Russian Epic/Zero Cool/Twilight Star/Overturn £1.50 T/C Comb (24 bets)