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Rio's Racing Diary


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Re: Rio's Racing Diary A round up from a gloomy but at least dry Doncaster. Having panned these novices' limited handicap chases recently I have to be fair & say the opener was at least a good watch, that's if you like to see some hairy jumping & jockeys "Hailing a cab" Not only that though, the winner Tales of Milan was actually quite good over the fences & made pretty much most of the running. Despite the fact I didn't have any financial interest in the race I was willing him home down the straight because I thought he deserved to win, however heading down to the second last it looked like he was getting caught but then he found a bit extra & won a bit cleverly in the end. Looking at them for the novice hurdle up next the slightly odds on Relic Rock was a good size while the one I'd backed Turkey Creek looked well enough. The pick though was Northandsouth but he folded up rather tamely before two out. Turkey Creek never got into the race & was a bit keen held up at the back. The jolly was in the lead heading to the last but couldn't repel Glingerburn who won well after 587 days off. Un Ace won the novice chase pulling a bus, jumped well & clearly learned from his first two chases, this one could be a bit useful. Free Thinking made an eye catching move up on the bottom bend & then got squeezed up & dropped right away in a few strides, hard to see where they go with her now. Orby's Man was up near or in the lead for a long way & then also went backwards in a few strides heading for the straight & was pulled up before three out. Wicked Spice landed a double for Nicky Richards who trained Glingerburn. This was now starting to have the look of one of those days, not helped by the ever descending gloom, not much past two o'clock & it was pretty dark by now. The opening show for Big Water was 7/4 & I decided to pop inside to watch Saphir du Rheu make his chase debut at Newbury with Nicholls warning he would need the run. He needs a bit more schooling after making a horlicks of the seventh & unseating Sam Twist. When I return to the betting ring Big Water is 5/4 & 11/8 & I'm not playing at that sort of price. This turned out to be a good thing because his jumping was not too clever either, he'd already made a few mistakes but was still just about in touch when he clouted the third last & that was that, another mistake at the last saw him end up a poor 4th. Heading back by the betting ring & Ergo Sum is 5/2 & I'm looking for non runners, there's one but that was an outsider. When I get back from the pre parade he's 2/1 & 15/8 in places, I think he looks alright but its hard to tell in the gloom & there's another race after this one which is a bumper but they may need headlights. Away they go & he's handy all the way, this time off the top bend he's traveling strongly & with the three in the straight to jump he sets sail for home. He jumps the first two fine but has he gone two soon? He runs down the last a bit & rather fiddles it but gets away from it ok but there's a furlong to go. He needs driving but is holding the second & wins by two lengths. I toy with waiting for him to come in for a picture but looking at the ones I've taken before the race its a waste of time & its time to bale out. 28pts staked in total & 30pts back, could have been worse had Big Water been 2/1 I would have played again. Singles etc W/R 39-175 Stakes 2475pts Returns 2249.97pts Profit/Loss-225.03pts Multiple bets Stakes 1495.35pts Returns1330.59pts Profit/Loss -164.76pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£63.42 Expenses £1450 There is Catterick on Wednesday this week but I suspect that Aintree on Saturday, which will require a very early start will be up next. Tales of Milan TalesofMilan_zps2e0ef472.jpg Glingerburn Glingerburn_zpsea2aa11e.jpg Un Ace leaving the pre parade UnAce_zps27723bd4.jpg Wicked Spice WickedSpice_zps819884ca.jpg The disappointing Big Water in the gathering gloom BigWater_zps0f7dd260.jpg Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary An early start tomorrow so most bets placed tonight. Aintree 12.00 Area fifty One has a pen for a win & has to give them all weight which he couldn't do at Ludlow after that win LTO & this looks a stronger race. Ballybolley was unbeaten in three bumpers but has been a bit disappointing in two hurdle starts. Beart of Burden won his only bumper in good style just over a month ago but it wasn't the strongest looking event. Great Try won an aw bumper in February & wasn't beaten far in another at Aintree on his return, should improve for the run & he's the bet. Aintree 12.30 Nyanza is 7lb better off for the length that Announcement beat her on heavy ground at Leicester & can turn it round on the better going here. Aintree 1.00 Baileys Concerto tries for the six timer but the run must end at some point. Distime returned to form LTO & should go well but I'll have a stab at Bincombe who looked progressive last season until pulling up in a decent event at Haydock. Fair return over hurdles but then jumped left & ran out at Wincanton last time, should be better going left handed again & yard remains in form. Sandown 1.20 Cup Final is a bit short for one that hasn't won yet after five goes & Home run is 4lb lower than when runner up in this race last year & ran alright at Newbury LTO. 1.30 Aintree Goonyella was a fair 7th in the Irish national & has had a pipe opener over hurdles, should be spot on for this & the ground is supposed to be a bit softer on the National course than the rest of the track which should suit. 2.05 Aintree I like Secrete Stream & he's quite unexposed at this trip but he's not done a lot away from Wetherby & is up 10lb for the win there LTO. If Dawalan wins after the way he ran at Haydock two weeks ago I will not been happy, starting to look like a dodge pot to me. Moutain King should like the step up in trip & this is a bit easier than the last race at Ascot where he wasn't that bad, he'll do at the price. Sandown 2.25 Snake Eyes is another that hasn't won yet having gone off at some short odds. Leviathan got a soft lead to win last time at Ascot & shouldn't do so here, at the revised weights & with different tactics Sweet Deal can turn the form round. Aintree 2.40 £25k to the winner & there are four runners:eyes For a change though its a good race. Holywell has yet to convince me he's top class & the yards quiet & he better in blinkers. Sam Winner ground it out last time & this is a bit classier race. Medermit is not quite what he was & this can go to the mare Ma Filleule who should be better for the comeback run & wasn't far behind Holywell at Cheltenham in March. Sandown 3.00 No Sprinter Sacre or Sire de Grugy but oddly that makes it a better race. I'm a Balder Succes fan, I like the way he jumps & he should be spot on for this after the Haldon Gold Cup & can turn the form round with God's Own from there. I never liked Somersby who's jumping goes to pot at the business end & Oscar Whisky doesn't look as good over fences has he was over hurdles. The one I'm worried by is Vukovar who if you forgive that last run at the Festival where he made a rick of the first & never got in it looked most progressive before that. Aintree 3.15 Another go at the big fences in what is likely to be the gathering gloom. Hunt Ball went well for a fair way in the National but he wasn't that good on his return & Bennys Mist could go well having finished 2nd in the Topham in April but the first time hood he wore there is not on here. Rebel Rebellion won this last year & can stage a repeat off 5lb higher having had a couple of runs to blow the cobwebs off. Bets Great Try 9/2 Nyanza 2/1 Bincombe 8/1 Home Run 9/2 Goonyella 12/1 Mountain King 8/1 Sweet Deal 5/1 Ma Filleule 9/4 Balder Succes 10/3 Rebel Rebellion 7/1 5pts on each, various BOG firms 50pts staked The ones in the scoop 6 races covered in one line plus 6 x 5timers & the six timers to 10p = £2.70 No doubles this time having backed them all in singles anyway. Right bedtime Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Clear & frosty this side of the pennines but climbing over the top & down into Lancashire it was duller, then brighter, then duller, the one thing it wasn't doing was raining. Park up & a steady walk to the track via the cafe we'd used in April for a buttie & a coffee & there in good time. Twenty minutes before the off & its still fairly easy to get round to say they've given away 46k tickets & we run into billyhills by the parade ring where Hello Bud & Neptune Collonges are going round. Soon the runners for the first appear & having had a look we head off round to the betting ring where its now filled up quite a bit. Mowgli's backing Great Try, Beast of Burden the morning jolly has defected & I wait to one side while he returns from the scrum. We watch the race from near the rail & Great Try runs well enough but Ballybolley makes all having got a soft lead & the mistake three out from Great Try doesn't help. Mowgli's following me again in backing Nyanza in the Juvenile hurdle but decides against the betting ring & sticks a bet on via his phone. Nyanza tracks the lead & takes it up heading to thev last but Intense Tango looks a danger for a few strides until he asserts up the run in despite drifting to the right & across Intense Tango which causes a "Bing bong" from the stewards but quite some time after they've come back in. He's never going to lose the race though & that's soon confirmed & we are off & running but Denis O'Regan got two days for careless riding. The next race is a thriller, well it is for me. Mowgli backs Distime who I've stuck in a few lines of a placepot along with Bincombe, I'm still running after two legs & I have this one as the danger. Distime runs a shocker, his jumping is terrible & he's pulled up, the stewards have a word....

James Reveley, the rider of DISTIME (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Bincombe meanwhile travels well enough in midfield & up the final straight begins to try to close on the leader Dineur with around 3l's to find coming to the second last. Everybody's hard at it but he's closing with one to go & up the run in he's inching nearer with me having a good old shout. Right on the line he gets there, well to these tired old eyes he seems to but Mowgli's not so sure, the cameras following him which is a good sign & the result goes my way for two on the bounce. Its now though where things go a little pear shaped, well a lot pear shaped actually. First off all there are two big screens in the centre of the track & another round by the winners spot & no coverage of the away racing. I want to watch the 1.20 at Sandown but I'm not trekking round looking for a telly so give that one a miss. We decide to have a stab at the exacta on the Becher, Mowgli mentions Goonyella which is my pick & Benbens who is another I'd looked at along with Balbriggan & we do these three in a perm. I've stuck Oscar Time in with Goonyella in my still running placepot, I've backed him here before most notably when he was runner up in the National its self but I'm now thinking I should have had Benbens instead or as well. Part of the attraction of this day is you can pretty much go anywhere apart from the Members & we decide to head upstairs this time & into the seats. We get parked & Mowgli gets on his phone & Home Run is not in the frame at Sandown, however it transpires that he was a non runner & with the favourite winning I'm actually still in the scoop 6. Not for long though because Goonyella hits the deck at the first. They come round past us & head down the line of fences towards Becher's & Balbriggan goes horribly wrong after jumping one of them & you just know that's the end of him. Benbens loses his rider at the 12th but Oscar Time is still going & quite well too. He takes it up after the last & I shout him home as well despite the fact the only financial interest I have is staying in the place pot. I really ought to have had a bit on him, in fact I put Ballybolley in the first leg along with Great Try & I've actually landed the first four winners. Now the real kick in the nuts. Having looked beaten & around 5l's down at the last Dawalan runs on late & catches Bear's Affair on the line in the handicap hurdle. Both Mowgli & myself are not chuffed having backed him at Haydock two weeks ago when he ran in snatches & we've both given him the squiggle. Mountain King is my sole runner for the placepot but its clear early in the straight he's not getting anywhere near. In a way though this is no bad thing because had he placed & I was still running up to the last leg I would have been far from happy. Before that though I've found a tote booth with the sandown racing on, the pictures crap & there's no commentary but I can see Sweet Deal running a shocker.....
Barry Geraghty, the rider of SWEET DEAL (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was never travelling and was unsuited by the ground, which was soft, heavy in places. This was confirmed by the trainer's representative. The Stewards ordered SWEET DEAL (IRE) to be routine tested.
It had actually been given out that they'd had an inspection there earlier & on the non too clear pictures it looked pretty dreadful. Back to Aintree & the four runner Listed chase where both of us want Ma Filleule & I'd had her & Holywell in my now dead placepot. They're fannying around at the start but the sun has stuck his head out & is shinning down the straight & they decide to doll off the three fences there, these have to be jumped three times so they're going to miss out nine fences & the run in will now be around 6f's. This is not the race I've had a bet in & frankly its a joke, I know that safety comes first but really its a farce. Holywell can't jump even with the sun behind him & bites the turf down the back. Sam Winner makes all, Ma Filleure looks full of running heading to the (very) narrow gap between the unjumped last & the Chair on the National track but can't get to him & actually gets run out of 2nd by Medermit. We are both convinced that the result would have been different had those nine fences not been omitted, but then again.... We head for the Betfred shop where surely we will get to see the Tingle Creek with commentary, don't you believe it, its on two of the many small telly's & there's no sound. I stick my nose out of the door but its not on the big screen in the centre of the track either. The problem is that Balder Succes who we are both on & Dodging Bullets are running in almost the same colours of red with emerald green sleeves & a red cap, the difference is the green disc on Balder against the green cross of Lorraine. One of them is in front up the Sandown hill but which one? We have to wait for the result to come up on the screen & its Dodging Bullets.... Bugger. Balder Succes is 4th, Oscar Whisky fell & paid the ultimate price, I hate this game at times. We decide to have another poke at the exacta for the Grand Sefton taking Hunt Ball, Rebel Rebellion & Bennys Mist. We get a bit of a run for the money with 6th, 5th & 3rd with the race going to Poole Master at 25/1. I'm a little happier than Mowgli having finished in front on the posted bets & only having the small tote plays at the track but really it could have been better & the failure to show the away races, even just the Tingle Creek would have done was a joke. 60pts back from 45pts staked with one a non runner. Singles etc W/R 41-184 Stakes 2520pts Returns 2309.97pts Profit/Loss-210.03pts Multiple bets Stakes 1495.35pts Returns1330.59pts Profit/Loss -164.76pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£66.12 Expenses £1465 Hello Bud HelloBud_zpsd9088494.jpg Great Try GreatTry_zps6a0d73a4.jpg Nyanza coming back in Nyanza_zpsd919356b.jpg Bincombe Bincombe_zpsc3ee5dbc.jpg Oscar Time & SWC OscarTime_zps366f5bd1.jpg Dawalan Dawalan_zps231cf5dc.jpg Rio.
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Doncaster today & tight on time again with the early start. 12.10 I'll let the novice chase pass, just the five runners from an entry of 17 but one to watch. 12.45 A big field of maiden hurdlers with Father Edward setting the standard on hurdle form when runner up on his first run over them at Ludlow which is fairly useful without setting the pulse racing. Plenty of these coming form bumpers or off the flat including the Henderson pair Cardinal Walter & Hassle who both were decent on the level with the former interesting but he has been off a long time. Shwainman has a poor strike rate for a useful sort but was highly tried at times & waas placed in a Listed race at York in May. The one I've had a nibble at is Nicholascopericus who also has gone well on some decent events on the level & he goes on soft ground, won at 12f's so ought to get the trip. 1.50 I've backed two chasers today with a similar profile in that their last two form figures are FU. The first of these is Sixty Something who was a bit unlucky to stumble & unseat when still going well enough at Haydock three weeks ago. Also in that race was the one I think he's got to beat here in No Duffer who just about walked home for 3rd in that race & was beaten 68l's. I think if Sixty Something gets round he wins because the others look to have to bounce back from some poor recent runs. 2.20 One For Hocky is clearly in form but has been hit with a 15lb hike for the last win & this is a better race. Everaard tipped up at the last over fences when still in with a chance at Ayr LTO & is another that would need a PB to win this. Truckers Darling was plugging on when falling two out LTO, if it gets very testing then that would suit. Madam Lilibet carries a 7lb pen for winning a Carlisle Amateurs handicap but the lad on knocks that off, however the Gent on him at Carlisle was also claiming 7lb & this looks a stronger race. Carolina Wren hasn't had a lot of racing & looks open to further progress, won a soft ground novice at Huntingdon in Feb & was a fair 2nd off a pound less at Uttoxeter on her return & that ought to have her spot on for this & she's the pick. 2.55 The other FU chaser is Bernardelli who was running a fair race when unseating at Carlisle two out LTO & he ought to be thereabouts if he stands up. Kuda Huraa looks nothing special & plodded on for 5th on his chase debut a month ago, the extra 3f's might help but this looks one of the stables lowweer lights. The one to beat looks to be Arctic Ben who's on his last winning mark & ran a fair race in 2nd LTO, he's a 10yo though & Bernardelli looks like he may have more to give. 3.25 I had gone for Casino Markets here but I see he has come out. Bets Nicholascopericus 5pts @ 13.5 & 5pts @ 3.5 to place Betfair Sixty Something 2/1 Carolina Wren 4/1 Bernadelli 9/2 Casino Markets N/R 1pt lucky 15 Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Not sure what was going on Saturday but as usual at this time of the year I'm strapped for time & I can't get on to the PL site to do a post, website not available is all I get, don't think it was me because no other sites were saying this. Anyway its a bit pointless me saying what I backed on the day now, in fact it took three inspections & I was there before the go ahead was given on what was glorious Winter day with blue skies & the sun beaming down, bit nippy though. In terms of the action Zeroshadesofgrey won like a 1/4 shot should but didn't beat much & I wouldn't be rushing to back him for the Albert Bartlett just yet. Peace and Co was if anything even more impressive when bolting up in the juvenile hurdle & is now the jolly for the Triumph but there's a long way to go before then & 6/1 is too skinny. I had a text from Mowgli who was supposed to be going but was off colour, he needed Virak for a big win in some multiples & I sent him a text back saying they'd just omitted the four fences in the straight due to the low sun & with these due to be jumped twice the 18 fences were now down to 10 with a 6f run in from the last as like Aintree last week. He had no worries though as second favourite Kayserberg tipped up at the now last fence & Virak ran away from the other two up the long straight & I'm promised a Xmas drink on Boxing day at Wetherby when he is supposed to be driving. Watching the racing at Cheltenham on the big screen Blaklion looked good in giving them all weight & an 11l's beating in the grade 2 novice hurdle & I thought that The New One looked about as good as at any point before as well but I'm still not convinced he's a Champion hurdler. Friday. It looked like my old mate Clondaw Kaempfer was going to land the opening novice chase when he took it up at the last but Brian Harding came off on landing & then Red Devil Boys who's been off for nearly two years tripped up over him & was brought down. This left Smart Freddy in front & winning when he would have been a distant 3rd, McCoy looked less than chuffed when walking back in, the two horses seemed alright but Brian Harding was carted off in the ambulance. Nicholascopericus seemed to be going well enough turning into the straight but then made a hash of three out & stopped almost to nothing. Cardinal Walter won quite well & could be half decent at this game if he stays sound. No Duffer was just starting to put some pressure on Sixty Something who had made most when he took off too early at four out & nearly hit the floor, somehow Rhys Flint stayed on but pulled up up straight away but I think he was ok. This left Sixty Something in front & when Timesishard make a mistake & pulled up at three out he was well clear, having seen the events of the first race its no time for counting chickens & its hold your breath at the last two fences which he clears well & he wins by 50l's, off & running then. Carolina Wren seemed to be going well enough in the next but was soon struggling turning in & beat one home. McCoy had replaced Brian Harding on Bernardelli but was only 3rd turning in with Arctic Ben looking to be travelling really well when he too hit the deck at four out. This left Quicuyo about 6l's clear of Bernardelli but he was soon after him & led at two out, more holding of breath but he cleared the last two alright & went on to win easing down. Two winners then which along with the non runner returned 48.10pts after a rule 4 from Sixty Somethings race from a 25pt stake. Singles etc W/R 41-185 Stakes 2530pts Returns 2309.97pts Profit/Loss-220.03pts Multiple bets Stakes 1510.35pts Returns1378.69pts Profit/Loss -131.66pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£66.12 Expenses £1480 I'll need a closer look but Catterick might be worth a go tomorrow. Smart Freddy & the amazing levitating Andrew Tinkler SmartFreddy_zpsabce4ed2.jpg Cardinal Walter & the packed family stand CardinalWalter_zps3d44f9dc.jpg Sixty Something SixtySonething_zps51a3188f.jpg Bernardelli Bernardelli_zpse27db682.jpg Zeroshadesofgrey under the cloudless sky Zeroshadesofgrey_zpsac0455b2.jpg Peace and Co unsaddling PeaceandCo_zps840821ff.jpg Virak Virak_zps82e94eda.jpg Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Its wrap up well & away to what might be a wet & windy Haydock where I have something in every race bar one & other picks for the scoop 6 races at Ascot & Lingfield. Haydock 12.00 Goohar won a C&D novice hurdle here about a year ago on soft & seemed to handle the heavy ground at Exeter last month. Just got grabbed close home over a furlong further at Cheltenham last week & is up 4lb here but the easier track will suit & first time cheek pieces. Ascot 12.45 I've got this down to The Tourard Man & Rascal. The latter dotted up at Southwell when stuck up to this trip in first time paint rollers in what was supposed to be the same class has here but this is a stronger race & he's got a 10lb rise for that. The Tourard Man also won at Southwell over the same distance & class in a novice event & again this is a rise in class really but he was aiready rated at todays mark & hasn't gone up, perhaps the handicapper wasn't impressed but the mark looks fair enough & he ought to be involved & is the pick. Haydock 1.00 Vivaccio has to give weight all round for two chase wins which makes this hard. Grate Fella also has a pen for a win at Catterick having tipped up when still going alright at Wetherby on chase debut & needs to find a bit more. Ifandbutwhynot should run is race as usual but seems to keep finding one or two too good. Boondooma made the more than useful Melodic Rendezvous work hard at Bangor a week ago on heavy & a run to that level would probably be good enough to take this. Haydock 1.30 This ought to be between The Pirate's Queen & Bitofapuzzle. The pirate's Queen got off the mark in a what was a bit of a penalty kick event at Doncaster LTO but has run well in defeat at this level, the form pick but not sure that the heavy ground will suit her. Bitofapuzzle is unbeaten in three bumpers & on her hurdle debut at Wincanton which again was a bit of a soft event but two of the bumpers were at Listed class with one on heavy & that tips me her way. Lingfield 2.00 Mymatechris is on a fourtimer but is not only upped another 9lb but wacked up in class as well. Castilo del Diablo goes on the track & is only a pound higher than when winning a good handicap over C&D in January & ought to be involved. Anglophile is an improving 3yo who won a good Kempton handicap LTO at a furlong less, up 5lb but the extra furlong should help & more to come? Haydock 2.05 Good race this. I'm thinking that it could turn into a slog which ought to be right up Fill the Powers street & he ran a good race LTO at Carlisle when 2nd. Haydock 2.40 I'm a bit of a Run Ructions Run fan & she ran a cracker when runner up here on her return a month ago, that should have blown the cobwebs off & the ground shouldn't be a problem either. Ascot 3.00 Really I'd like to see The Young Master win this after being stripped of the Badger Ales which he won on merit but he's been hit with a 14lb rise as well & i'm going to oppose him with last years winner Houblon des Obeaux who seems to love it here & he ran a screamer when 2nd in the Hennessy under top weight. Haydock 3.15 Closing Ceremony is up 5lb for a C&D win in the same class last month but will handle conditions & can go in again. Ascot 3.30 The pin land on Shelford who is the right age, looks progressive & the stable won this last year. Bets Goohar 5/2 The Tourard Man 7/2 Boondooma 2/1 Bitofapuzzle 11/8 Anglophile 3/1 Fill the Power 6/1 Run Ructions Run 9/2 Houblon des Obeaux 4/1 Closing Ceremony 5/2 Shelford 6/1 5pts on all, Betvictor BOG The ones in the scoop 6 in one line plus the 5 & 6timers to 10p & all ten in 9 & tenfolds also to 10p =£3.80 staked Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary That was a fairly decent day out, there was a bit of a bite to the quite stiff breeze but the good news was it stayed dry & there wasn't much of a crowd, just enough to give a bit of atmosphere but easy to get around. The horses played their part too with a run for the money or a return from nine of the 10 that were backed, the one that didn't was the first runner of the day Goohar who was beaten leaving the back straight & was rather disappointing, fortunately this didn't set the tone for the day. Having said that I thought that The Tourard Man was going to win the opener down at Ascot but he didn't seem to want to go past the long time leader Flintham after the last but at least he got involved & kept me in the place part of the scoop 6. Not long to wait for a winner though with Boondooma putting in a fine round of jumping from the front in the novice chase & then drawing clear before three out with only the fences going to stop him scoring. No worries though as he cleared them all in style before being eased right down on the run in with still 12l's back to the 2nd. This makes the Bangor 2nd to Melodic Rendezvous from the previous week look a potentially smart bit of form & I await with interest the pairs next runs. The Pirate's Queen beat Bitofapuzzle a neck under a good Denis O'Regan ride in the Listed Mares novice hurdle up next & then it's bob into the Betfred shop to watch the 2.00 at Lingfield. Anglophile hit the front in the final furlong but then Mymatechris came storming home late & looked like mowing him down. I thought he might just have held on but I've been disappointed before, the replay makes me think that he's just still in front on the line & then the result confirms this. Straight outside to watch Fill the Power run a decent race from the front in the Tommy Whittle but he did give me a fright when it looked like Dougie Costello was coming off at the first fence but he managed to stay onboard. From three out he wasn't winning but a place would do for the scoop 6 place part & he managed 3rd but then straight away I'm thinking that wasn't good enough but a quick check confirmed there were eight runners & 3rd was indeed good enough. Back inside to watch Ascot's Long Walk hurdle where Zarkandar looked home for all money when sauntering into the lead at two out & was 1.01 in running on Betfair but then fiddled the last a bit & looked like he got a bit lonely in front which allowed the rallying Reve de Sivola to get back up & nut him on the line. I'm glad I don't do this in running stuff, I'd be a basket case in no time. Having said I got a run for the money at least from all bar one that's probably not the case with Run Ructions Run who was at the back of the group that let Kilcooley & Charlie Deutsch have an uncontested lead in the handicap hurdle up next. Halfway down the back straight & I'm thinking that they're not catching this one because they were a long way clear & not stopping. In fact it looked like the scoop 6 place part was biting the dust until she got going a bit at two out & then stayed on for 2nd but the bird had long since flown & eased down Kilcooley still was 23l's to the good. A smart piece of riding from young Mr Deutsch but a batch of dunce's caps for the rest, James Reveley looked a bit sheepish unsaddling in 2nd spot while explaining what had gone on & I have to say the Peter Easterby looked less than chuffed. Back into the Betfred again for Ascot's big handicap chase where it looked like Houblon des Obeaux was struggling at three out but then made up ground to actually have me thinking that he might have a squeak at winning coming to the last. He jumped into 2nd there but was never catching The Young Master who at least won the prize that he deserved here although he had the commentator a bit worried at a couple of the fences in the downhill part of the back straight when jumping quite badly left. I'll settle for that, I have the idea that had I backed him here he wouldn't have won & he owes me nothing having got paid for his Badger Ales "win" Now I need Shelford to at least place in the Ladbroke but I could do with another winner & get one in Closing Ceremony who makes every yard over the 3m trip & pings everyone of the 12 flights on the way round. I suspect a rise of a bit more than the 5lb from the last win here & I seem to recall that trainer Emma Lavelle when interviewed after that last win said they were thinking of going chasing with him. A big wack up in the weights might see them going down that route & if he jumps fences like he does hurdles he could be more than useful. He looks progressive anyway & is one I'll keep an eye out for whatever he does. Back into the shop for the Ladbroke. I don't want Shelford held up & never getting into it & he's usually is up there & stays further so I'm well pleased when Harry Skelton has him in 2nd behind Balgarry. Heading for the turn in & two to jump he's gone to the front but there's a crowd scene behind him & jumping the second last it looks like he's getting swamped but he plugs on gamely & while he's not going to win coming to the last he has enough left to hang on for the 4th that I need. At this point I'm happy enough, three winners, four 2nds, a 3rd & a 4th from ten runners will do me. I know that the 50pts on the singles has returned 52.5pts for a small profit so it's a question of how much has the scoop 6 place part returned? In five of the six legs the favourite or joint favourite has placed & the one race where it hasn't the three that have placed are hardly outsiders, a quick tot up of what a place accumulator on my six would have paid comes to just shy of 39/1, I'm thinking as I drive back home that I wouldn't be unhappy with around £25. I'll have to be unhappy then because it paid £11.80 & I think that's he last time I play the bet, I might as well pick half a dozen races myself & do an each way acca. Still I'm in front & I've had a day out in the fresh air. Singles etc W/R 44-195 Stakes 2580pts Returns 2362.47pts Profit/Loss-217.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1510.35pts Returns1378.69pts Profit/Loss -131.66pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Expenses £1510 That's it this side of Christmas with the rather grand sounding "Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival" which starts with two days at Wetherby from Boxing day & then Catterick on the Sunday & Donny on Monday. It's not quite up to it's star billing but Mowgli's supposed to be driving & getting the drinks in for Boxing Day:eek I would think I'll do the two Wetherby days & probably Doncaster but we shall see. All that remains is to wish everybody a very merry Christmas. Goohar Goohar_zps4ffaef16.jpg Boondooma Boondooma_zps2ec98b9d.jpg The Pirate's Queen ThePiratesQueen_zpsdc9267d0.jpg Bitofapuzzle Bitofapuzzle_zpsd6d67892.jpg Broadway Buffalo BroadwayBuffalo_zpsc6a43be9.jpg Fill the Power FillthePower_zpsbddc973b.jpg Kilcooley Kilcooley_zps21883120.jpg Closing Ceremony ClosingCeremony_zps864786f9.jpg Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary

Thanks for another great year's review (until we recommence in 2015 and conclude last knockings in 2014). I might have to get a bit more involved in this site in the New Year but have learned a lot in the meantime.
Thank you, hope to see more posts. Seeing as all the required info for tomorrow was available yesterday & this morning & that I will be having the usual Xmas fare a little later which normally involves a fair amount of falling down water I have done what I need to right up to placing the bets for Boxing Day. This means I can have a bit of an easy morning instead of the usual chaos whilst awaiting Mowgli. I have half a dozen bets, all bar one race at Wetherby & the King George. Wetherby 12.35 To be honest this looks a bit of an ordinary lot. Abricot de L'Oasis won a chase in France (Cluny? answers on a postcard.....) in May but was beaten 88l's on UK debut at the end of October, I seem to recall that MaCain's weren't running that well at around that time though. The other one with a jumping win is Minella Hero who won a Sothwell novice hurdle in September but then tailed off in a Huntingdon handicap LTO. It looks like this one needs fastish ground & I don't see him getting that at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Attention Seaker was a fair 2nd at Newcastle two runs ago but then was out with the washing at Sedgefield after, the 7lb claimer on him suggests that they think she's not well handicapped here. Superior Fire looks like most of these do a bit of a plodder, only had four starts though & the 2nd at Ludlow LTO was fair & the stable has a decent strike rate here. Narcissist managed a win on good to soft on the flat & plugged on on the same going in a novice hurdle here at 2m's in April for 4th & then was 2nd at Market Rasen off 3lb lower in a handicap, fell when a distant 3rd over C&D after that but the 11l's 3rd to Lightening Rod off todays mark was in a class better in October. Held at Musselburgh off today's mark LTO & needs the handicapper to cut him a bit of slack for me. Trafords Hero was a fair 3rd here at 2m 6f when last seen in March but that was the first sight of any ability & has a new trainer here. Friendly Royal has plodded on for a 4th & a 3rd at around this trip here the last twice & is lightly raced, again has a 7lb claimer up. Waterclock was 2nd in the 2013 Cesarewich but seemed to lose his way after a change of owner/trainer afterwards but was running quite well in that race again this year until getting squeezed up & dropping away 3f's out. Fair 4th on hurdling debut was followed up with a reasonable 2nd at Sedgefield on this ground LTO. Not a race to go mad at but I'll have a stab with Waterclock. Wetherby 1.10 I usually avoid these novices handicap chases but unless the first time visor works on Cottiers Den who fell in this two out when still involved last year but has looked another one paced plodder since then it ought to be between No Through Road & Runswick Days. No Through Road is far better over fences than hurdles & has won his last four, he is though 30lbs higher than when winning the first of those & all were at a class below here. The last win was by a neck & he's up 5lb & the run has got to end sometime. Runswick Days is also better over fences & has won his last two, both at Sedgefield over 2m 4f's. The last of those was at today's class & the 5lb rise seems fair enough, ground should be no problem & the step up in trip ought to suit, I'll go with him. Wetherby 1.45 Corrin Wood looked progressive early in the year but then disappointed a bit in the RSA when dropping tamely away before the home straight. Reasonable 3rd of four at Sandown on return but again didn't seem to see it out & a bit to prove now for me. Cape Tribulation won this off the same mark two years ago & then took the Argento at Cheltenham before a decent effort in the Gold Cup,. Generally struggled since though although his best effort was a 13l's 3rd in this off 11lb more last year, could run well again but ought to find something too good. Cedre Bleu & Vintage Star both often seem to run well but don't win a lot, the former wasn't beaten far LTO but appears not to like a battle & Vintage Star plugged on for 3rd at Newcastle LTO. Dolatulo was a good 2nd at Sandown two runs back off a pound lower & not disgraced in the Grand Sefton LTO, could go well back over normal fences for a yard that does well here but still needs a career best to win. Knock a Hand unseated in the Becher & is another that should go better over these fences but would seem to prefer testing ground & another that needs a PB. Fentara won here in May but as been held off this mark three times since. It would not surprise me were Rose of the Moon to run well here but he's fallen & pulled up twice since I saw him win over C&D in January. Master of the Hall is quite well handicapped but has always liked to collect fences on the way round. I was quite impressed by Broadway Buffalo's win at Haydock last Saturday & so it seems was the handicapper who's stuck him up 11lbs for that, he runs here with a 6lb pen & he's won over hurdles off this mark before. If he jumps like last week he ought to be winning this decent prize & he really should be trying because if he runs well & doesn't win I can see him getting another hike, wouldn't be a problem if it gets more testing either. Wetherby 2.55 Shadows Lengthen is best on good or faster which I don't see here. Galway Jack ran a screamer for a close 2nd at Donny LTO & gets stuck up 3lb for that, needs a career best here. Stagecoach Pearl is another that gets a 3lb rise for 2nd & while he has run well at this trip & further all his wins are at 2m 1f or less. Clondaw Knight won at Hexham in October but is on a career high mark in a better race. Alderbrook Lad was poor LTO & needs to bounce back. I think this may be between the bottom two here. Ballymoat would have won at Newcastle two runs back but tipped up at the last, was stuck up 3lb for that, which by the way is most unfair but still hosed up by 8l's at Southwell LTO. Gets anothe 8lb rise but looks to be progressive & should go well. Premier Grand Cru ran well for a long way after over three years off at Carlisle in November & then got up close home at just shorter than this at Doncaster when supposed to wear a tongue tie but he wouldn't let them fit it. Declared again here so will he won't he? Might not need it anyway & looks unexposed as a chaser, 4lb rise is fair & ground no problem, he'll do. Kempton 3.15 I'm still not happy with the Silviniaco Conti Wetherby/Haydock affair, he ought to be spot on for this & he ought to be trying his hardest too because for me he doesn't get up that hill at 3m 2f's in the Gold Cup having been as low as 1.70 in running up the run in in March. He ought to be beating those that were behind him in this last year & at Haydock last month. If there is one that could beat him it's Champagne Fever who since going chasing hasn't looked a natural but is still open to improvement. At the speed they go over 2m's his jumping hasn't been good enough & his two wins over fences have come at 2m 4f's so is this trip what he needs? I don't think so, I suspect he may never reach the heights that it was thought he might. Silviniaco then & I feel he owes me one. Wetherby 3.30 Knight in Purple is still well treated on his old form after an 8lb rise for a return to form at Donny LTO. Grey Life looks a chaser not an hurdler to me. The interesting one is Salto Chisco who was off for a year until a 2nd on return last month at Sedgefield in a novice event, won a bumper at Haydock in taking style in March 2013 & could be in off a good mark now handicapping & I'll have a go with him here. Bets Waterclock 5/1 Runswick Days 9/4 Premier Grand Cru 5/1 10pts on each plus a 1pt trixie Broadway Buffalo 40pts @ 5/2 Silviniaco Conti 40pts @ 5/2 Salto Chisco 20pts @ 7/2 plus a 1pt trixie Various firms, all BOG Rio
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary No reports of any problems for Wetherby today but after snow here & some doubts I'm running a bit late. Two bets at Wetherby & they're in the last two races but its not to say that the card isn't worth going for & three more punts at Chepstow & one at Leopardstown should make for an interesting day. There's a pair of these novice handicap chases at Wetherby, one of which is limited, it's a good job they can be an interesting watch because I'm not a fan for betting purposes & to be honest it's a bit much having two on the same card. The Juvenile hurdle ought to be a good watch too with some useful looking recruits on paper but not a lot to go on form wise. I'm half tempted to double up A Doll in Milan & Ballbolley in the two novice hurdles at a shade over 3/1 because they both ought to win but as yet I haven't succumbed. The first bet of the day is Hidden Cyclone over at Leopardstown in the 1.20. He was a close 2nd in this last year & then was no match for Sire de Grugy at Ascot when filling the same spot. The 2nd to Dynaste in the Ryanair is a smart bit of form but the problem is he's fallen the last twice, the latter time at the last when still there with a chance at Thurles at a good bit further than today. At the price I think he's worth a bet because on the pick of his form there wouldn't be much between him & the jolly Uxizandre who won well enough at Cheltenham LTO. Ballycasey & Bright New Dawn need to find a few pounds to get to that level & Simply Ned was behind Uxizandre last time & should be held. Sizing Europe has now defected & the rest don't look good enough. Chepstow 1.25 Katkeau won well at Cheltenham after a long layoff but then seemed to bounce a bit under a pen in the "Fixed Brush" final a week later, could progress again after a month off but would need to to defy a career high mark & looks a jolly to take on. Wide open behind that one & I'll have a poke at it with Wychwoods Brook who looked a progressive staying chaser last season until falling when fading at Haydock in mid February when rated 142. Comeback 3rd in a novice hurdle in late October was ok & then pulled up in a red hot Hennessy LTO, looks chucked in here off 125 if he can run anywhere nesr his chase mark, will go on the now very testing ground & ought to be still plugging on when plenty will have cried enough. Chepstow 1.55 Shouldn't be much between Karezak, Golden Doyen & Old Guard in this & I was taken with Karezak's effort when a close 2nd at Chelteham LTO. Just beat Golden Doyen on these terms over C&D in October & 6lb better off for a quarter length defeat by Old Guard at Newbury after that. Chepstow 2.35 The aforementioned testing conditions have me looking for something with under 11st here & the pin lands on Benbens who tipped up in the Becher when still going well enough, goes on soft so should act on today's ground & looks like a long trip will suit. Ryan Hatch knocks off a useful 5lb which puts him in off 10-6. Wetherby 2.40 French Opera has a bit of class but hasn't won since April 2011 & I'm not certain what's sure to be quite testing conditions will suit. Upsilon Bleu just landed a heavy ground hurdle in France LTO but at this sort of level usually finds one or two too good over fences. Back to Bracka won over C&D two runs back & was going well enough when unseating at Haydock last Saturday. Still open to improvement & will go on testing ground, he's the pick. Wetherby 3.15 Notonebuttwo goes well for Diarmuid O'Regan who claims 7lb won his last two over hurdles/fences on soft at Newcastle in this class & can beat Allez Cool & Jac the Legend who are consistent but haven't won a race yet between them. Bets Karezak 5/2 Back to Bracka 4/1 Notonebuttwo 2/1 5pts each plus a 2pt trixie Paddy Power. Hidden Cyclone 13/2 Wychwood Brook 12/1 Benbens 12/1 2pts each plus a 1pt trixie Hills in place of the scoop 6 the above half dozen in 15 x 10p doubles, 6 x 10p fivetimers & a 50p ew acca = £3.10 staked at 9/4, 7/2, 2/1, 13/2, 11/1 & 11/1 Bet365 All bets BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary I suppose that could have been better but then again it could have been worse. Overall just on the downside but the over riding feeling is one of not getting much of a run for the money. Also two contrasting days in that Boxing Day was far too busy for my liking where as Saturday was almost dead by comparison, it was so busy Friday I never bothered getting the camera out but anyway.... Friday starts with a result, when I'd last been on Boxing Day three years ago I'd queued to get off the A1 & then up the road to the track which had seen me miss the first race. This time I had a cunning plan, we come off the junction before, cut round the back roads & enter the track by the back entrance & it worked a treat as we are in in good time & we can see them still coming in just before the first race. Time then to get a drink & I really ought to have got the pie & peas I was thinking of having at that point but though I'd wait, mistake. Away they go for the first & this is as near as I get to seeing a winner at Wetherby across the two days from the posted bets, that's not to say I didn't have one but seeing it I'll come to later. Waterclock is 2nd but gets that by plugging on up the straight past beaten horses while the winner Hail the Brave is well clear & never looked like getting reeled in. Runswick Days ended up going off the market leader when No Through Road went for a right old walk in the market going off at 5/1 having been as short as 7/4 that morning. It looked like the drift was all wrong when No Through Road headed to the last with a 2l's lead & still going well but plenty of groans from the big crowd when he tipped up leaving Itstimeforapint to come home alone with the disappointing Runswick Days a distant 3rd. The one I'd fancied here is up next in the feature race but Broadway Buffalo who was pretty impressive a week ago at Haydock is totally the other way here....

Conor O'Farrell, the rider of BROADWAY BUFFALO (IRE), placed fifth, reported that the gelding did not jump fluently.
That's actually a bit of an understatement, it he didn't clout the fence he was so slow over them that he'd have got to the other side quicker using a stepladder. Mowgli had backed Vintage Star but as bad as Broadway Buffalo was he still finished in front of him. At this point we retire to the beer tent where the queue for the now needed pie I could have had earlier is huge. I get in the other queue for a drink where there's a telly but not with Kempton on where Mowgli's backed Virak so he scoots off to find one & no sooner has he done so that on comes the race which is a series of blunders including the jolly Saphir du Rheu slithering on landing quite early in the race & Sam Twist coming off. Virak is still there down the back but Conygree leaves him &Warden Hill who was never going at all miles behind, in the end Virak is so tired that he gets run out of 2nd. Mowgli returns & we somehow get a table, the queue for pies is now much shorter so of I go, the reason is there are non left! I return to the table but then Mrs Mowgli says "He's got a pie" so back I go & they have some cornish pasties, That'll do & it's back to my seat with pasty & peas. I haven't backed anything in the next but Mowgli's on Spanish Fleet, there's telly nearby & heading up the home straight Spanish Fleet is battling for the lead when this bloke decides to park himself right in front of me, in fact he's so bloody close I'm half tempted to shove my plastic folk where the sun doesn't shine. However I resist & Mowgli can see until a women then shoves in & stands about two inches from the screen & nobody can see. Spanish Fleet tries his best but is a neck adrift on the line & Mr & Mrs Ignorant-Bugger shuffle off. We watch Faugheen run away with the Xmas hurdle while seeming to never need to get out of first gear & despite fluffing the last, pity the New One didn't turn out we might have found out a bit more. We then decide to watch the next on the rail opposite the last fence, Mowgli's backed Premier Grand Cru as well & is trying to take a picture on his phone as they take the fence. I'm trying to see him because on my card he's in dark blue with a beige hoop, I can't see him but then there's the jockey in royal blue rolling round on the floor with the horse galloping away. Mrs Mowgli's backed Stagecoach Pearl but he falls at the first down the back & a women with binoculars says he's broken a leg, sure enough the dreaded screens are soon up. We head round to the far side of the parade ring where there's the usual big screen, up to now it's at least been fairly mild but suddenly there's a chill in the air & we decide to watch the King George & then head for the exit, I have one in the last but they don't. Silviniaco Conti runs them ragged from the front & apart from getting too close to four out & having to fiddle it jumps like a buck, we shout him home over the last two & he does it well, Dynaste takes 2nd while Champagne Fever fades away to 4th having been behind Silviniaco most of the way, the only way he'll get 3m's is if he goes round in the horsebox. Home then & I'm hoping that the "Back a horse & leave before it wins system" is going to come up trumps. A look at the results on getting back & Salto Chisco is a well beaten 6th. Silvinaco bales me out of trouble then. Saturday & just us two today. Compared to yesterday it's a very sparse crowd, no one in the beer tent, no pies either, no pie stand at all. Mowgli's brought his camera so we head to the fence where we snap Royal Macnab come home well clear in the first, no bets here. I've decided I'll back A Doll in Milan at evens or better & should she win I'll put it on Ballybolley in the next. Mowgli's on Ballybolley already & I take the 11/10 on the way for a look at them. We are heading back to the rail again when they give out that she's won the best turned out, normally this is the kiss of death but on this occasion I wouldn't disagree because she looks a picture. At the rail & this women says "We want number one to fall don't we"? She looks rather alarmed as if she's just been looked at by an axe murderer, it's probably because of the "If I had an axe you'd be in a spot bother look" that I've just given her. It's not that she wants the horse I've backed to fall it would be the same for any, I wonder what the connections of Stagecoach Pearl would think about her crass statement. A Doll in Milan makes all & wins pulling a bus. We head back to the betting ring, there's a fair queue at the bookie's that I had my few quid on & they have Bollyballey at 6/4 :eek No queue next door & they also have 6/4 so I strike the bet & we wander round for a look. He looks the part too & it's back to the rail. This time it doesn't work, he's there up the straight but hangs to his left & is only 3rd, The Grey Taylor runs a screamer with a double pen & is beaten a short head by a Boy Named Suzi giving him 9lb. Hay oh, I collect from the previous race & I've lost the initial stake but Mowgli's lost a bit more. We go in the shop & watch Hidden Cyclone run a good race in Ireland where he finds just one too good & it's not Uxizandre who sticks the place out but Twinlight. We stay there & watch Wychwoods Brook disappear without trace before the long home straight & he pulled up. Mowgli's backed Sealous Scout in our next race but he falls early on, he's also on Balder Succes in the next at Kempton, I'd looked at him but thought he was one to swerve after the Sandown run. Mowgli's telling me that it was the ground there & on the pre race replay I can see that up the Sandown hill it looks like a paddy field which we couldn't see on the small telly when we at Aintree, maybe he's right. They all give Geraghty on Special Tiara a bit of a soft lead & while Balder Succes gets nearest to them he's never closing them down. Back to Wales where Karezak runs well but is beaten by Bristol de Mai who's in the same ownership as A Doll in Milan & Ballybolley & it seems it's not our day. But then Mowgli gets winner in Ballinvarrig who just holds on by a shorthead at Kempton. We head off to watch the Welsh National but there's a delay & then a false start so our feature race the Castleford chase sets off first. Mowgli's been on his phone & tells me he's backed Upsillon Bleu at 3/1 & seconds later it's 7/4. He wins too, hanging on by three parts when at least 5l's clear at the last. My first posted bet here is Back to Bracka who tries to uproot every fence on the way to pulling up before three out & that was absolutely deadful. The big screen switches to Chepstow & Benbens is bang there heading down the back, he's shoving off the last bend though & comes 5th, at least I feel I had a run from that where as Back to Bracka was beaten from the start...
Wilson Renwick, the rider of BACK TO BRACKA (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding did not jump fluently. They ordered BACK TO BRACKA (IRE) to be routine tested.
Now I've had enough, Mowgli's not backed anything in the last & he's played the get out of jail card in Upsilon Bleu so away we go. Having arrived home I find that the "Back a horse & leave before it wins system" has come up trumps this time with Notonebuttwo taking the last. This means that the 151pts on the singles across the two days has returned 155pts for a small gain. The 20pts on the multiples returns nowt along with the scoop 6 replacement bet, early days. Singles etc W/R 46-207 Stakes 2731pts Returns 2517.47pts Profit/Loss-213.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1530.35pts Returns1378.69pts Profit/Loss -151.66pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1510 The Catterick card today never made any appeal & Doncaster tomorrow looks in serious doubt, Catterick on New Year's Day looks a little better at this stage, we shall see. A Happy New Year to all. Royal Macnab pops over the last RoyalMcNab_zpsb6c5d346.jpg A Doll in Milan ADollinMilan_zps91d3370d.jpg Ballybolley Ballybolley_zps64ff3ebc.jpg Rio.
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary In the end Catterick's New Years Day card cut up so badly that it made no appeal at all. Today is one of the around half a dozen Saturday's in the year where there is no easily accessible race meeting to attend, the nearest to me being Newcastle which would require a 200 mile round trip for what is the usual tripe. There's a fuss going on at the moment over this track & the switch to all weather which would see the demise of one of the best turf tracks in the land according to several trainers. Ok it may be a decent bit of land but if it vanished today what would you miss in terms of top races? Off the top of your head name a race on the flat at Newcastle. Northumberland Plate (Pitman's Derby) I can hear you say, what else? So what about the jumps? Fighting Fifth which nine times out of ten is a non event. Eider Chase........&....... Anyway I've had a trixie plus at Sandown where I also note that the days feature race the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle which carries a prize fund of £40k, is worth knocking on for £23k to the winner & pays over £2k for finishing 4th has managed to attract a field of four! It's been raining & I suspect that it will be rather testing conditions so I'm looking for mudlovers. 1.50 Mr Mole has won on heavy & pulled up on it in the past but won well enough on his return at Exeter on soft which is always a test & ought to beat Brick Red again on 3lb worse terms. Desert Cry can go fresh & on the ground but needs a career best off this mark on his return. William's Wishes won this two years ago off 5lb lower & has only been seen three times since so clearly as had his problems. Parsnip Pete needs it faster & Jumps Road doesn't convince over fences. Dance Floor King is three from three over fences but is upped in class again off 6lb more plus the 3lb that he's "wrong" in the weights. I'll take Mr Mole here. 3.00 Song Light finally got his head in front at this game at Huntingdon LTO after a string of places but he's been stuck up 10lb for that in a better race here. The 4yo Bouvreuil makes his UK debut for Nicholls having got off the mark on heavy in France in November & rising star Sean Bowen takes off 5lb, could be owt, could be nowt. Baby King tipped up at the last when held on his UK debut & Balgarry did too much in front in the Ladbroke on his return from a long time off, might bounce back but then just might "bounce" Tanerko Emery would need to return at his useful best to take this off top weight after 400 days off. First Avenue won the 2013 Imperial Cup from Tanerko Emery but is off a lot higher here & seems on the downgrade. I'll take Amore Alato who was just held by the possibly well treated Snake eyes in what was if anything a better race over C&D a month ago. If he handled that ground he ought to love today's & is still open to progress being only just a 6yo. 3.35. Triolo D'Alene would prefer it faster while Vino Griego looks too high in the weights. Unioniste plugged on for never dangerous 6th in the Hennessy & I think he's a bit over rated my self. Tinker Time is two from two chasing but has needed to dig deep both times, up in class & another 8lb here. Relax has his ground & seems to like the track but is not the most reliable type. Bertie Boru is upped 6lb for a head win LTO & not sure he wants 3m+ Whats Happening looks a bit of a plodder. Count Guido Deiro seems to need it testing & won well on his return at Lingfield in December, the lad on him claims 7lb & he ought to be thereabouts off a light weight. Bet Mr Mole 10/3 Amore Alato 4/1 Count Guido Deiro 7/1 1pt trixie plus 3 x 2pt singles = 10pts staked Betvictor BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary One winner from three on Saturday for a small loss. It all started off well enough with Mr Mole always up near the pace & taking it up at the last, quite a good performance with the Game Spirit mentioned as the next stop for this improving sort. That was the third leg of a McCoy treble with his only other ride being Amore Alato in the 3.00. In between was the Tolworth which L'Ami Serge duly won without getting out of second gear, he beat Jolly's Cracked It by 14l's & that one was unbeaten in two hurdle starts so he's clearly smart. Shelford tipped up at the last when toiling & that one was a 3l's 4th in the Ladbroke & now L'Ami Serge is all the rage for the Supreme but to me it didn't tell us that much & according to Nicky Henderson he goes straight there now so we aren't going to find out either. Must congratulate connections of Thelordbewithyou who turned up at the age of 11 having run just three races for no prize money solely to get round for the £2k+ on offer for 4th & copped nearly £5k for 3rd instead when Shelford departed (horse & jockey both seemed fine). He'd need to win at least two low grade races for that amount & it shows what a bit of enterprise can bring :clap Talking of enterprise full marks to 5lb claimer Thomas Garner who rode most of the rest to sleep, including McCoy when making all on Rayvin Black in the handicap hurdle. The only one of those that were held up too far off the pace to get anywhere close was Bouvruil who was a never nearer 3rd some 7.5l's behind the winner, the 2nd & 4th were up nearer the pace while the rest never got into it. It's a bit of a thing with both Mowgli & myself that you don't want to be sat way off the pace on soft/heavy ground because you use up too much energy trying to close late on, not happy! Can't complain about the effort of Count Guido Deiro who was always prominent but didn't jump at all well enough & got left behind up the home straight. Apologies to Unioniste who put up a good effort to win but the real eye catcher here was Triolo D'Alene who would have hated the ground, was another held up way back, was taken so wide at times he must have run 4m's & stayed on late to get 3rd & the "Nearest finish" in the form line. Given faster ground there's another big race in him, I can see him going for the Gold Cup again & then back to the National but he didn't look to like the fences there & with them turning on the taps for that race he might be better heading back to Sandown for whatever they call the Whitbread these days. 8.67pts back from the 10 staked. Singles etc W/R 46-207 Stakes 2731pts Returns 2517.47pts Profit/Loss-213.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1540.35pts Returns1387.36pts Profit/Loss -152.99pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1510 Speaking of Nationals the North Yorkshire version is due on Thursday at Catterick on what at this stage may be a fair card but then it looked like that New Year's Day, we shall see. Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Today's Catterick card bucks the trend of being a load of tripe & is actually really rather interesting so its worth a run out. Not so much from a betting angle although I have had a couple of punts but more from a watching point of view. 12.40 Intense Tango ought to be winning this on her run at Aintree on hurdle debut when just held by Nyanza, that's miles better form than anything else as shown so far although Saint Lucy & Strictly Glitz both could run better than their debuts here & Jazzy Lady as had a break after running a bit of a shocker at odds on when last seen. However 4/7 is not my sort of price so a watch to start with. 1.10 Now this is really interesting. Ebony Express is two from two over hurdles & also won his last two on the level including one at 12f's here so is clearly in top form. What makes it intriguing is that a crack at last weekends Tolworth hurdle was being mentioned & indeed he was entered in that along with another couple of lesser events. In the end he swerved them all to head here for what must be a penalty kick then? Er well not to me it isn't, for a start he has a double penalty which means he's giving them all at least 12lbs & in some cases more than that, having said that he's won both starts easy enough. Al Destoor Hasn't been disgraced in two hurdle runs & the extra couple of furlongs here should suit. Argent Knight was beaten 7l's here on hurdles debut but the 3rd was well beaten & the winner looks more than useful. Im Too Generous cost new connections £35K after dotting up in a Musselburgh bumper LTO, ok it was a nothing race but you can only beat whats in front of you. Masterplan also won an egg & spoon bumper & then was highly tried in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham & not disgraced in a class 3 novice at Sandown on hurdle debut, down in class for a stable & jockey that just don't come here & most interesting. Lady Buttons has some smart bumper form & won on hurdle debut before a bit disappointing at Wetherby when last seen, carries a pen for the win but had a break so no surprise were she to run well. Ebony Express might well win this pulling a bus but at around 6/4 no thanks. Just to note should he prevail he will take home £3249, had he run in the Tolworth he would surely have had the just short of £5k that Thelordbewithyou got for being beaten out of sight in 3rd & he may even have given the runner up a race, I'll also be interested to see how many of his owners turn up at Catterick on a Thursday instead of a Saturday at Sandown. 1.40 Another watching race being one of those novice's limited handicap chases. 2.10 I was going to leave this race alone but now the prices are out I think 11/1 about Argot is worth a small ew, the form of the 4th on debut to Seamour looks better with that one winning in decent style under a pen at Wetherby since. There's a couple in here that could be anything (or nowt) Konig Dax makes his Uk debut after 240 days off since winning in France & the form seems to have been franked since, McCain's though are still not pulling trees up. Buckwheat is one of those John Feruson ex Godolphin types that he does so well with. A Listed race winner in France in June 13 but generally pretty ropey afterwards & off a similar time to Konig Dax when beating one home at Ascot. Might win this by half the track but juat as likely to disappear without trace. Notnowsam is a C&D winner but that was in his own age group & the 7lb makes this look hard. The rest don't look much & Argot can get in the places at least. 2.40 Two stabs at this one. Milborough won well enough at Carlisle LTO but that was a small field, he's up 5lb & even with Sean Bowen knocking that much off its a fair weight to lug round for 3m 6f. Union Jack D'Ycy looks like he might be better going right handed & is an iff y jumper but the stable does well in these staying chases. Settledoutofcourt is most consistent but seems in the grip of the handicapper. Scotswell ran well LTO but is just as likely to run below form here. Incentivise would need a career best after a win LTO & is a 12yo now so I'm looking for Barton Gift to reverse the form from that run on better terms here although he can be a bit of a dodgy jumper too. The other pick is Pinerolo who came back to form LTO off today's mark at Carlisle & looks the sort that will relish the trip, winner over fences here at 3m+ too which always helps. Bets Masterplan 5pts @ 5/1 Bet365 Argot 2.5pts ew @ 11/1 Betvictor Pinerolo 5pts @ 6/1 Bet365 Barton Gift 5pts @ 6/1 Coral Masterplan 5/1 with Pinerolo 6/1 Barton Gift 5/1 2 x 2.5pt ew doubles = 10pts staked Bet365 all BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Setting off yesterday & its raining, not heavy but its enough to make it a bit miserable looking, by the time I'm passing Wetherby on the A1 there's not a cloud in a very blue sky. Its the same at Catterick but its cold in a sharp breeze & apart from one big black cloud that scurry's across while they parade for the first & releases a brief shower that's the way it stays. Intense Tango wins the first under a confident Brian Hughes ride coming up to challenge Saint Lucy at the last & only needing a couple of nudges to get on top up the run in. There's 14l's back to the 3rd & this is a better run from Saint Lucy than her debut & with the yard starting to find a bit of form after a shocking run she will go one better soon. Next up is the novice hurdle with Ebony Express in & having had a look at them, forgetting to note how many of the owners had made the trip here I head back round to the betting ring where I see that one's out to 100/30 having been as short as 11/8 the night before & in the morning. The one I've backed Masterplan is now the favourite at 5/2 but having taken up a spot on the stand the market is see sawing about & Masterplan goes off at 100/30 with Ebony Express & the well backed Argent Knight 3/1jt's. Masterplan tracks the leaders but coming down the hill from the back is in reverse & Noel Fehily reported that he ran too freely. Ebony Express never gets into the race & the course commentator mentions a couple of times he's not getting involved & he trails home 6th & earns not a bean. I would have thought that the stewards might have had a word but not so. I see that David Bridgewater has landed himself in bother having basically said that the Ludlow stewards might have had a bit too much to drink with their Lunch the other day, perhaps their Catterick Cousins were also having a nap after a few sherbets? Argent Knight made the running but was headed at the last by the outsider Hainan who had bits & pieces of form in France but was still a maiden & had hardly set the world alight on his British debut. Again this might have had the stewards asking for a reason for the improvement for the last run :zzz:zzz The novices' limited handicap chase was indeed a good watch with the well backed Cody Wyoming making the running at a good clip before taking a bit of a pull at the last in the back & then setting off for home up the straight & saying catch me if you can. They couldn't, his jumping sealed the win over the last three but Tough Trade fell at three out & later I found out he paid the price :sad I'm looking at them going round for the second novice hurdle & I'm actually quite taken with Argot & I'm now thinking I ought to have had a bet on the place market on betfair. There's more chance of spotting Lord Lucan riding Shergar than getting a wi fi connection at Catterick & I'm wandering back towards the stands when I look at the Tote screens, if he's around £3 (2/1) on the place betting I might have a play but he's £2.40 with under £500 in the pool & even a few quid in that would be like dropping a bomb in. They're circling round at the start & a last look at the screen shows £2.50 with just over £600 bet, its up the stand & they're off. There's a few bubbles burst here, not least Konig Dax who cost 160,000 Euros from France & was the morning jolly but is another who's on the slide out to as long as 100/30 before shortening back to 11/4. He was beaten miles out & allowed to walk home to be the last of the 11 to finish, again there wasn't a stewards enquiry but Craig Gallagher who pulled up Zaidiyn who'd been well supported into 3/1 reported that that one had run too free, surely somebody ought to have been asking questions? Buckwheat sauntered into a clear lead heading to the last & then gave those who'd backed him into 9/4f a scare by diving at it but he managed to stay upright. I'd given up on Argot & so had the course commentator but then as they pass the stand I can see he's running on & actually manages to get 2nd. Oh well a bit back from the each way but then I'm heading back round to look at them for the next when the Tote returns are given out, £3.60 for the 2nd. That can't be right but it was, seconds before the off & its £2.50 & it pays better than 5/2, welcome to the 21st Century not! Its the North Yorkshire Grand National next. Scotswell Makes every post the winning one, bowling along in front & jumping like a stag. He's clear at the third last but by the time he gets over the final fence he's now starting to paddle but he's run them all ragged apart from Herdman who's now finishing with a rattle while Scotswell is running through treacle & the bloke next to me who's clearly backed him is having a dicky fit. Scotswell just lasts home & he deserves it, Pinerolo attracts the form comment "Never going well" & they're not kidding, I've written him off early in the race. Barton Gift though is running a good race & is following Scotswell in 2nd until he drops a place turning out of the back & then just drops. Its hard to see & even the commentator is a bit unsure but it looks like he's slipped on the descent towards the final turn. He has & wonder of wonders the powers that be rise from their slumbers....

The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Jamie Moore, the rider of BARTON GIFT, on the bend leaving the back straight on the final circuit. They interviewed the rider and the Clerk of the Course. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the incident the Stewards found that the fall was caused by the gelding stumbling. Being satisfied that no other horse or rider was involved, the Stewards took no further action.
Time to head for the exit. Argot gets me 8pts of the 30pts staked back. Singles etc W/R 47-211 Stakes 2751pts Returns 2525.47pts Profit/Loss-225.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1550.35pts Returns1387.36pts Profit/Loss -162.99pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1525 Now if somebody had said to me a week ago that I'd have been going to Catterick yesterday & not Doncaster today then I would have done a Del Boy & said "No way Pedro" however that is exactly the case. I like Doncaster but just do not fancy it at all today & therefore I shall pass & hope that Wetherby tomorrow is more attractive. Intense Tango IntenseTango_zpsb3cb4186.jpg Masterplan Masterplan_zps80f15817.jpg Cody Wyoming heads for the winners CodyWyoming_zpsd012995d.jpg Argot Argot_zps7e718421.jpg Rio.
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary As usual on a Saturday pushed for time so..... Interesting Wetherby card starting with a novice hurdle with the top two showing some useful form already & a point winner that cost £280K making his debut for Jonjo/AP. Well worth a watch but no bet. There's then a small field novice chase again, just the four runners here which is one more than the Listed chase at Kempton that's worth £17k to the winner, over £3k for 3rd & would have had prize money to at least 4th, farcical. The bet today is a lucky 15, the first runner is in Warwick's 1.20, at least I bloody well hope it is! Greywell Boy is also engaged in the 2.15 at Wetherby, as I write this he's still in the 2,15 at Wetherby, how can you have a bet in that race when it's 99% certain that you are going to get rule 4'd for at least 10p if you win? Anyway it looks like he's heading for his first choice at Warwick where the testing ground should be right up his street, ran a fair 3rd at Haydock three weeks ago & seems to be running into form. Back to Wetherby for the 1.45 where Kayf Blanco makes his handicap debut having shown a bit of promise in two hurdle runs, McCoy takes over & is only a 6yo so chance to improve yet. I could have taken Gardefort in the 2.15 as he looks the progressive one but not with that rule 4 hanging over the race & at a shade under 2/1. In the 2.50 Centasia went off odds on & is up 7lb for winning on his stable debut after a break at Donny LTO, that race cut up a bit though. Attwaal ran well enough LTO but looks like one that wouldn't want it too testing & despite the ground being given as good to soft it always takes a bit of getting home here. I've gone with Smooth Stepper who won well enough at Sedgefield LTO & heads into handicaps on a fair mark with Callum Bewley knocking off 5lbs & the step up in trip looks sure to suit. When Arctic Ben tipped up at four out at Donny LTO he was still going well enough, that handed the race to McCoy who takes over here instead of riding Mission Complete for Jonjo/JP, the trip & ground look fine & he's won off this mark in the past. To be honest the rest of them look out of form or held by the handicapper or just not up to the task. Bet Greywell Boy 11/4 Kayf Blanco 9/4 Smooth Stepper 11/2 Arctic Ben 11/4 1pt Lucky 15 Stan James BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Heading up the A1 yesterday & the signs are saying "Slow down strong winds" They're not kidding, the car is all over & I'm glad there's not many of those big wagons about because passing by them in these conditions is really hairy. When I get out of the car at the track its really howling & for the first time since the Summer break it feels like the real Wetherby, COLD. When I get in with less than half an hour to the first its a bit sparse crowd wise but that suits me. The wind is down the home straight & into up the back & I can't help thinking that if it was across the track they wouldn't be racing. They're soon out for the opener, the £280k ex Irish pointer Adam du Breteau looks alright but then so do several others. There's no big screen round the front so its up onto the stand. McCoy has the expensive one in second most of the way but the commentator reports he's hard at work round the A1 bend & ends up 4th beaten not far off 20l's, still its early days but the £276.66 he's got for that won't make much of a hole in the purchase price. The winner is Kylemore Lough & he's quite impressive in doing it, he's now two from two over hurdles but would only have been 2nd the first time had Kingscourt Native not tipped up when clear at the last & that one also won easily yesterday at Kempton. Its then down on the fence by the last to watch Horizontal Speed dot up in the novice chase before my first punt of the day runs at Warwick. Greywell Boy is a disappointing 3rd, looking at the times for there it must have been very testing, all the races were way off the standard with two of them taking over a minute longer than the standard time. Greywell Boy had won three times on soft/heavy but never looked like scoring here. Having gone inside to watch that its back out into the gale for Kayf Blanco who's been well supported in the market & its looking good when McCoy moves him up into the lead off that long last bend & he seems to be going well. He's got them all at it apart from the 4yo Beatabout the Bush who's after him & takes it up over the last to go on to win by 6l's. This one hadn't shown much in Ireland jumping or on the flat over here with Charlie Hills but was chucked in the deep end a bit at Cheltenham on his first run for Henry Oliver the time before so they must think a bit of him. McCoy looked a bit fed up coming back into 2nd but it was about to get worse. Having watched Balder Succes win the three runner Listed chase at Kempton easily enough its back down to the rail to try to get some pictures for the chase up next. When they head down to the last I raise the camera, take the snap & hear the oooh from the crowd, McCoy is on the floor along with another rider, the two loose horses are up & off. McCoy & Bold Henry had been just in front but he's jumped to the right a bit & had a mid air coming together with Indian Voyage which had seen both hit the deck & leave the race to Firth of the Clyde. Thankfully all were in one piece but again McCoy looked less than chuffed. The one I'd thought about backing Gardefort was a poor 3rd & I dodged one there. Having gone inside to watch Tea For Two run away with the Lanzarote its back out for the 1.45. this time I decide to stand on the rail at the winning post. The commentator has Smooth Stepper making headway up the straight & then taking it up after the last & sure enough here he is in front winning rather nicely thank you, finally off & running. Its back round to the winners & then out they come for the handicap chase. Having checked for the required number of legs its round to the front where I see Arctic Ben is 7/2 but then he goes shorter & then out again. They're down at the start & one board goes 4's & I think "I'll have a bit of that" I fish out the wallet & I'm just walking up to the joint when it goes back to 7/2, the bookie looks ready to take my bet but I just shake my head & turn away. I'm actually half tempted to ask him just how much the invisible man had had on because there's nobody within yards of him but just head off to take up my new lucky spot by the winning post. Away they go & Arctic Ben & Free World bound off in front at a fair old clip leaving the rest 15l's+ behind, are they going too fast? At the end of the back straight & Free World is starting to cry enough but McCoy is going for home on Arctic Ben turning in & is well clear. There's another of those oooh's & the commentator reports that he's clouted four out but isn't stopping, he's over the next two & then looking down the track I can see him heading the last. Hold the breath & he sails over & is driven out to win by 5l's. At this point I head for the exit, I'm kicking myself for missing the 4/1 but giving myself a proper bollocking for not backing him anyway, if I thought he as worth a bet at 11/4 surely I should have just taken the 7/2 :spank:spank:spank:spank:spank Still I'm in front, I don't know the SP but it must be better than the 11/4 & when I get home & check its 100/30. Then comes the kick in the nuts, I have the 11/2 about the 9/2 SP Smooth Stepper but only 11/4 Arctic Ben. A rummage around & it seems that Stan James only go BOG from 10am & I'd placed the bet at 9.53. Now I know they've changed that at some point but when? Anyway its cost me a few quid & I'm less than happy. Still 34.63pts back from 15pts staked & the good news is I didn't freeze to death. Singles etc W/R 47-211 Stakes 2751pts Returns 2525.47pts Profit/Loss-225.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1565.35pts Returns1421.99pts Profit/Loss -143.36pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1535 A quiet few days now with the Peter Marsh Chase day on Saturday at Haydock with Mowgli up next Adam du Breteau AdamduBreteau_zps0e1cbd09.jpg Kylemore Lough KylemoreLough_zps98a8054d.jpg Horizontal Speed at the last HorizontalSpeed_zps59647ab2.jpg A less than pleased McCoy & Kayf Blanco coming back to 2nd spot KayfBlanco_zpsf6a38853.jpg Bold Henry & Indian Voyage about to depart BoldHenry_zpsd0c34c9c.jpg Smooth Stepper heading for the line SmoothStepper_zps7b1848b2.jpg Arctic Ben & McCoy ready to make all ArcticBen_zps856892e5.jpg Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary First of all all many thanks for the third Oscar, much appreciated. Haydock passes the inspection, Mowgli to pick up & time running short as usual. 12.20 The progressive pair are Milansbar & Kingswell Theatre. Milansbar returned from two years off at Uttoxeter in December & dotted up by 23l's, he went back there 10 days later under a 7lb pen & won again by 29l's. Those pair of races were class 4 today is a class 3, he's been stuck up 21lbs :eek for those wins & he has to lug round top weight of 11-12. Ok he may well win again but I'm expecting him not to, in fact it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't vanish without trace in which case will the handicapper remove the church roof he's slapped on is back? Not on your nelly he won't. Kingswell Theatre also hosed up LTO in a novice hurdle at Newcastle & makes his handicap debut here, should see out the extra distance & handle the ground. If I was backing one of that pair it would be Kingswell Theatre however I'm going for the 11yo Barafundle who's had a couple of long layoffs but returned from the latest with a fair 2nd on heavy at Carlisle a month ago. Run well here in better races in the past & can do so again. 1.30 I was here when Kiama Bay tipped up the last when clear with the race at his mercy in November leaving Thorpe to win, that one is held on worse terms here. Aso made hard work of his win LTO & this is a tougher race. Qewy is one of those Ferguson classy types off the flat but is chucked in the deep end a bit here & Rock of Leon is banged up in class from his debut win. Kiama Bay to make amends. Ascot 1.50 I seem to recall backing Carole's Spirit when she was 2nd in this last year & have done so again, only ran once after when returning in good order to win at Kempton in November. Bitofapuzzle looks the one to beat but I was a little disappointed with her close 2nd at Haydock LTO. I'll not bother with The New One at 1/6ish :eek Third Intention won't mind the step up in trip in the 2.40. Won a decent 2m chase here in November & not disgraced in the Tingle Creek & at Kempton since, this is more his level & looks to have Carraig Mor who unseated when going well enough at Kempton on Boxing Day to beat. I was half tempted by Shangani in the Peter Marsh but he's run poorly the twice he's been here & the 3m 1f would be perhaps too far. I'm glad Broadway Buffalo has come out, if that had won here after the rotten run at Wetherby on Boxing Day the teddy would be flying. I'll give up on Benbens as well although the shorter trip would suit after not getting home in the Welsh National. No Planning seems to have a lot of weight & Green Flag might run well after a lean spell but I'll take Corrin Wood who was a bit of a let down in the RSA but ran a fair 3rd off top weight in the Rowland Meyrick & will go on the ground. Bets Barafundle 7/2 Carole's Spirit 9/4 Third Intention 2/1 3 x 5pt singles & a 1pt trixie Hills Corrin Wood 5pts @ 5/1 Hills Kiama Bay 20pts @ 5/2 Betvictor all BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary So I set off to pick up Mowgli yesterday & where I live its cold & wet but no snow, he's already sent me a text saying I won't be able to get up his street & he's not kidding. The snow is quite deep & I've gone ten miles or so but its away we go & a few minute later we pick up the M62 heading west. As we climb towards Saddleworth moor the sleet is coming down quite hard, what we don't want is for this to turn to proper snow & get stuck for coming back but by the time we are on the decent its actually quite nice with the sun out. We park up, wrap up & head in. Having grabbed a quick bite its round to look at the odds & Barafundle is being backed. He's now the jolly at 5/2 with Milansbar & Kingswell Theatre both on the slide, Mowgli decides to back the latter which at the prices now is probably the way I'd have gone. Barafundle goes off at 2/1, is always prominent, takes it up at two out & does enough to win by a length form the rallying Milansbar who runs a screamer. Kingswell Theatre on the other hand is dreadful, he's being scrubbed at pretty early & after briefly looking like he might get involved trails home last prompting the stewards to have a word...

The Stewards considered the running of KINGSWELL THEATRE, ridden by Peter Buchanan and trained by Lucinda Russell, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding's performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
All cleared up as usual then.... I've had a line on the placepot & have stuck in Close Touch in the novice chase up next. We both think he looks the part when we go to have a pre race look, in fact Mowgli's so impressed he strikes a bet at a shade of odds on. The one I don't like is Colour Squadron who just does not look like my idea of what a chaser should look like, he has no size about him at all. We repair to the stand to watch, there's a bit of a comedy moment when they realize that they've set the start up in the wrong place for which Kirkland Tellwright later holds his hand up to, although had they noticed after the race it might not have been as funny. Close Touch jumps well enough if a bit big until the fourth last where he nods on landing & then at the next he gets hampered & immediately downs tools & trails in last of the four. Meanwhile Wakanda who's made all has kicked for home, Colour Squadron looms up for all of two seconds & then goes nowhere just as quickly leaving Cogry to chase Wakanda home. I'm out of the placepot, Mowgli's not happy & neither are the stewards....
The Stewards held an enquiry into two possible incidents of interference in the home straight. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that in the first incident at the third last fence, the winner, WAKANDA (IRE), ridden by Danny Cook, had interfered with CLOSE TOUCH, ridden by Nico de Boinville, placed fourth, who in turn interfered with COGRY, placed second, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies. They found the interference was due to WAKANDA (IRE) veering sharply left on the approach to the fence and that it was accidental. In the second incident, at the second last fence, the Stewards found the winner, WAKANDA (IRE), ridden by Danny Cook, had again interfered with COGRY, placed second, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies. They found Cook in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that despite jumping left at the previous obstacle he had failed to take reasonable steps to keep his mount straight and had allowed his horse to run left down the fence interfering with COGRY. They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races. The Stewards considered the running of CLOSE TOUCH, placed fourth, ridden by Nico de Boinville and trained by Nicky Henderson. The rider reported that the gelding had suffered interference at the third last fence and was never travelling thereafter. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities other than CLOSE TOUCH had lost a left fore shoe.
Crikey I suspect they might need a lie down after all that little lot. Aso is all the rage in the market for the next, Kiama Bay is 3/1 & I decide to have a bit more on in cash, Mowgli has backed him too. Maguire sets sail for home off the final bend & I'm hoping he can pull clear like he did here the last time but Aso is sticking with him & takes it up at the last & then goes away to score in decent style actually. Still we had a run for the money there & I also get a run for the money at Ascot a few minutes later with Carole's Spirit who finds Bitofapuzzle a half length too good in a bit of a ding dong up the straight. The New One is up next & wins but is seriously unimpressive in doing so, in fact between the last two flights both me & Mowgli think he's beaten & its a good job there's a long run in after the last because it takes an age for him to get to Bertimont who looks like he's won jumping the last & who was as short as 1.36 in running with The New One 4.00. Yes they will have left a bit to work on for March but is he going to win the Champion hurdle? I didn't think so before hand & I'm even more sure now. Having had his nose in the Racing Post Mowgli thinks I've picked the right one in Third Intention up next but decides not to get involved. Third Intention hits the deck at the fifth, Carraig Mor backpeddles at a rate of knots before four out & is pulled up. Mowgli's having a fit because Mwaleshi wins at 9/1 & this is one he's backed before, then again so have I. The stewards are awake again....
The Stewards considered the running of CARRAIG MOR (IRE), ridden by Wayne Hutchinson and trained by Alan King, which started favourite and was pulled up. They noted that the trainer’s representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance and that the rider reported the gelding was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of CARRAIG MOR (IRE) during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Why bother, back to sleep lads.. We avoid a hail shower by going inside to watch the return of Sprinter Sacre down at Ascot. Two out he looks like he winning, then Dodging Bullets takes over & is in command & wins by 3l's. I thought at the time & still do that Geraghty thought he was going to win by a cheeky half length & when Dodging Bullets went past he had no time to respond but then again I may be wrong. Sprinter Sacre had a small bleed....
The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of SPRINTER SACRE (FR), placed second, trained by Nicky Henderson, during routine testing found that the gelding had bled from the nose. The trainer subsequently requested that the gelding be scoped and the Veterinary Surgeon who carried out the scope reported that SPRINTER SACRE (FR) was found to have suffered a low-level bleed. In the trainer’s and veterinary surgeon’s opinion it was unlikely to have affected the gelding’s performance.
I anticipate something close to his brilliant best in a couple of months time with said jockey chucking the kitchen sink if needs be. We could both do with winning the Peter Marsh. Mowgli's on No Planning, I'm with Corrin Wood & we have a small punt at the reverse exacta. Heading down to the turn out of the back & its looking rather promising with our pair up there with Toby Lerone in the front rank. Suddenly though its all change as Corrin Wood backtracks quickly. Up the straight & No Planning also starts to struggle, Vintage Star has hit the front causing another Mowgli fit having had him before as well. Then Samstown takes over & goes clear looking like only the last fence can stop him & he sails over that. Hang on though he's now running on the spot & whats this closing on him? Benbens, now I'm cursing but Samstown just hangs on by a neck.
The Stewards considered the running of CORRIN WOOD (IRE), ridden by Jason Maguire and trained by Donald McCain, which was pulled up. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities other than CORRIN WOOD (IRE) had lost a left fore and right hind shoe.
I would have thought that losing two of the four wheels would be a fair excuse, am I totally barking up the wrong tree in thinking that the "No explanation" had just been trotted out before the vet had reported the loss? Anyway at this point its head for the car. Going back over the M62 & its no worse, phew. Barafundle returns 22.5pts of the 44pts staked on the day. Singles etc W/R 47-213 Stakes 2776pts Returns 2525.47pts Profit/Loss-250.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1584.35pts Returns1444.49pts Profit/Loss -139.86pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1550 There's Wetherby on Tuesday but much depends on the weather with a cold snap forecast, I'd rather the two day Doncaster meeting next Friday/Saturday survived if anything. Barafundle in the winners Barafundle_zps27bfd070.jpg The good looking but seriously disappointing Close Touch CloseTouch_zps6cd97470.jpg The New One in the winners TheNewOne_zps6e9e745e.jpg Rio.
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Doncaster survives the cold snap so its wrap up warm & away to the South. Not a day for getting over involved so a lucky 15 is the order of the day. 12.35 This race seems to revolve around Shantou Magic, should he run to the level of the Market Rasen win in the middle of his three chase starts then he's the likely winner. However on his last run he was pretty dreadful at Wincanton on Boxing Day, it was a bit better race than today's & may have come a little quickly after the win though. On his first chase start he fell heavily at Carlisle & Donny still provides a fair test of jumping & there's just a chance he may prefer to go right handed, whatever I feel he needs taking on. The obvious one would be Leo Luna who dotted up at lingfield LTO with a tongue tie fitted but that was on really heavy ground & just a chance he handled it & the others didn't, pulled up both other chase starts & I'm inclined to look elsewhere with him having a pen for that win. Smart Freddy won here at 2m 3f's on his chase bow in December but wouldn't have done had Clondaw Kaempfer not fallen at the last & brought Red Devil Boys down. All Smart Freddy's form is at shorter & he wouldn't look an obvious improver stepping up to 3m's & he has a pen as well. Ivan Boru won a couple of hurdles in 2013 but then was tailed off at Aintree in December that year & wasn't seen again until making his chase debut here two weeks ago when he was over 90l's behind Josses Hill at just over 2m's. Would need to find a ton here & again the step up in trip is a worry. Audacious Plan makes his chase debut having got off the mark in a Ffos Las handicap hurdle two starts back followed by a decent 3rd in a reasonable handicap at Chepstow. Seemed to improve for the step up to today's trip in those races & the ground should be fine. He's worth a go that he takes to fences. The novice hurdle up next looks between Buckwheat & Days of Heaven but is a watch only. So is the 1.40 where I would need several pokes with a cattle prod before I'd get involved with this lot! 2.15 Achimota won a similar C&D event off 6lb less two weeks ago & ought to go well again here. Liberty Court was a decent 4th on chase debut at Sandown but then chucked in a shocker at Kempton on Boxing Day & not sure he wants 3m's. Purcell's Bridge is stuck up 9lb for winning a similar class chase at Musselburgh LTO & needs a career best here. Kellys Brow has been off a long time & Champagne Rian needs the first time blinkers & tongue tie to work the magic. American Legend should find the trip more to his liking after pulling up over 4m's at Exeter LTO, what he may not like is the easier ground here with all his best form on a sounder surface. Red Devil Lads is the interesting one. Won a fair handicap over hurdles LTO having run reasonable races on his first two tries at chasing before that, the ground is not a problem & the trip ought to suit with Geraghty an eye catching booking. 2.50 Steel Summit has won his last four over fences/hurdles & is shooting up the ratings with another 14lb hike in the pipeline in future, he's bound to get nailed by the handicapper but perhaps not today. Spookydooky would be the obvious one but its more a case of AP/Jonjo than the form to me, the last two runs were alright but just plodding on for places really. One who might be interesting is Powerful Ambition who was a fair 6th at Wetherby on Boxing Day after 14 months off & ought to be better for that for a yard in fair form. The rest don't look much & while its not my sort of price I'll take Steel Summit here. 3.50 If Clondaw Banker is ever going to win over hurdles then it would probably be here, a run to the level of the 2nd & 3rd to Jolly's Cracked It in a pair of novice hurdles at Ascot in November would be more than enough to land this race but you'd need to forgive the below par run at Cheltenham six weeks ago which I'm prepared to do given what he's up against here. Emperor Commodos would look the danger on the respectable 2nd in a 2m novice here after two years off but I think he may have been a bit flattered there. Vintage Vinnie & A Vos Gardes both won bumpers but have to improve loads on what they've shown over hurdles & the rest have shown little or nothing. Bet Audacious Plan 4/1 Red Devil Lads 11/4 Steel Summit 11/8 Clondaw Banker 11/8 1pt lucky 15 Coral BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary A round up of yesterdays less than successful effort along with today's attempts which hopefully will prove more fruitful. Doncaster 12.25 I've narrowed this down to Special Wells, Istimaar & Goohar. It wouldn't surprise me to see the latter win having let me down rather at Haydock just before Xmas but that could have been the testing ground & the close 2nd at Cheltenham before that was good form. Special Wells stepped up on previous efforts when just landing the spoils on his handicap debut at Wetherby on Boxing Day, the 2nd has won since & a 6lb rise seems fair enough. Istimaar seemed to improve for the step up to this sort of trip when hosing up in a Sedgefield handicap on Boxing Day. Stuck up 15lb for that but just got shortheaded back there by another improving sort after & runs off the same mark here. Only a 4yo so more to come hopefully & he's the pick. Doncaster 1.30 The 7lb rise for the Warwick win LTO might just anchor Upepito & I think Sea Current may be flattered by his last run. The progressive one looks to be Runswick Royal who won quite nicely LTO on his return after a wind op from the useful Yorkist & the opening mark looks quite fair. Doncaster 2.05 Analifet & Princess Leya come over from Ireland with the former tipping up two out when still going well enough at Leopardstown in a race where Princess Leya was 3rd, these two set the standard. Pass the Time looks a big improver but not enough for me & I'm more interested in the two 4yo's. Intense Tango won a bit of a penalty kick event at Catterick after a just over a length 2nd to Nyanza at Aintree the run before, same terms here & not a deal between them but I'm going to go with Nyanza here. Cheltenham 2.25 Little Jon has talent but ran out & then fell the last twice & Annacotty sports the first time paint rollers having pulled up in the Hennessy LTO. Most of these are exposed apart from that pair & Easter Day from Nicholls, he was supposed to be heading for the Skybet at Doncaster but is now going for this because it looks a good deal easier to win. The Ascot win from the RSA winner O'Faolain's Boy in December 13 looks a smart bit of form & the run LTO would have been needed after a year off, must go close here. Doncaster 2.40 Cracking race this. Blaklion did me a favour at Cheltenham in December & wasn't disgraced at Newbury after, loath to desert him but.. Zeroshadesofgrey was impressive here in December & then just a shade disappointing when losing his unbeaten hurdles record at Cheltenham. Binge Drinker is held by Blaklion from Cheltenham & the interesting one is Caracci Apache who's two from two since going hurdling & won a fair Plumpton novice in good style LTO. Needs a good bit more but I'll take him to find what's needed here. Doncaster 3.15 Medermit is well handicapped despite having top weight but hasn't won for yonks. Godsmejudge is warming up for the National. Royal Player is progressive but has gone up 19lb for his last two wins & this is tougher. Night in Milan is 6lb higher than when winning this last year but was only just held by Gandad's Horse here LTO & he's up 6lb for that. Renard needs a career best but If in Doubt could be well handicapped on his hurdle form but the win LTO was in a weak affair & his jumping may be too iffy for here. Baileys Concerto seems to have been finally nailed by the handicapper & might find this too far anyway. Fairy Rath is another that might not stay & I'll have a poke at Lost Legend who won quite well at Kempton LTO after a break & who's done well since switching to fences. Cheltenham 4.10 There's a few in here I have some sort of history with. Royal Irish Hussar for one who looked a useful juvenile but seems to have lost the plot now. Kiama Bay who ran well enough for me last week at Haydock. Landscape who was a horse for the racing club I used to be in but never ran two races the same for Nicholls & returns here for Venetia Williams & new owners after 399 days off. Lightentertainment is one I don't have history with but he's won four of his last five rising 29lbs in the process. I had Diamond King down as one to watch having seen him dot up at Wetherby & Doncaster & the only time he was beaten was when he made a pigs ear of the last at Bangor in between those two runs. He's another that hasn't been seen since that Donny win in Dec 13 but I'm going to have a stab at him to get back oin track with a win. Bets Runswick Royal 4/1 Easter Day 11/4 Lost Legend 12/1 1pt trixie plus 3 x 2pt single = 10pts staked Istimaar 15/2 Nyanza 8/1 Carrcci Apache 7/2 Diamond King 4/1 1pt lucky 15 Betvictor BOG Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary An update of what were two very contrasting days, weather wise & even more so my mood, starting with Friday which was one of the most miserable days I've think I've ever had on a racecourse. When I get to the car park its overcast & grey, despite several layers, a scarf, gloves & a hat there's a wicked wind which cuts like a knife. I've decided I'll partake of a fish buttie for lunch, this is from the fishshop housed in what used to be the fire station across the road from the grandstand which I've mentioned before. Its been open two or three years now & at first they were spot on, however lately they've been a bit hit & miss & this one was definitely miss, not awful, just not good. In I go & the crowd is sparse, I know I don't like to be in a scrum but thin on the ground it most certainly is. They're already going round for the novice chase & Audacious Plan seems to have the required amount of legs, a look at the boards & he seems to have been backed because he's as short as 5/2 in places. Having taken up a perch in the grandstand I can see he's now back out to 4/1. He runs alright which is more than can be said for the favourite Shantou Magic who Noel Fehily is shoving away at quite early & that one tails off before the turn in & pulls up, it transpires that he's broken a blood vessel. Audacious Plan looks like he may be involved at the first in the straight which is four out but by the time they've cleared that he's on the retreat & Smart Freddy & Leo Luna clear away from him. Smart Freddy looks to have just got on top when Leo Luna hits the deck at the last leaving Audacious Plan to come home a distant 2nd, little do I know but that's the high point of the day. There's the novice hurdle with Buckwheat & Days of Heaven up next, its down to 15 runners & 10/1 bar these two. I'd noticed that the last hurdle today was much nearer the finish line than usual, in fact I'm thinking I might go down to the rail at some point & get an action shot or two but decide to stick to the same spot in the stand for now, this turns out to be the only good decision of the day. Away they go & this flight is the first, the field stream over & there's a gasp of horror from the small crowd as Danehill Flyer at the rear take a crashing fall, lands on his neck & lies motionless on the ground with one of his back legs stuck up at a grotesque angle. James Reveley is quickly up but its clear that Danehill Flyer isn't going to do the same, the screens are rushed onto the track, the women next to me has her head in her hands & I've had enough already. The signs to bypass go in the hurdle & the flagman is ready to wave them round. The field sweeps back into the straight & at the third last Charlie Breekie who's quite close up also falls but thankfully springs back up. The two market leaders head for what's now the last with the race seemingly between them but Days of Heaven takes it up just before the flight & soon goes clear, Buckwheat gets so tired that he gets run out of 2nd on the line but quite frankly I don't care, an already grey, cold day has become even more grim & icy. I go into the large hall below the stand, its warm in here & there are plenty of seats, I park myself in one away from anybody else & start to mull things over. "Go home" says a nagging voice in my head but I just sit there for quite a while, the next race is an awful novices handicap hurdle where despite a good look the evening before I could not find one of the now 10 runners that I would invest a halfpenny on. Finally I drag myself back out & watch Nefyn Bay who's best effort was a 26l's 4th some 18 months ago win the race. Next up is the handicap chase where I've backed Red Devil Lads, heading past the boards on the way to the pre parade I see that he's 9/4. When I come back he's still 9/4 & that's the SP. I retake my spot in the stand & away they go. Red Devil Lads tries to take the first fence with him, then collects the second as well, when he tries to uproot the third as well I've already written him off but a bloke a little way along implores Geraghty to "Get him jumping Barry" It seems to work as he actually clears the next quite well but then its back to trying to destroy the fence builders pride & joy. There are 18 fences in all but Geraghty cries enough & pulls up after the 11th having tried to demolish ten of them, including the baby fence on the water jump. An already dark mood sinks even lower, the stewards decide not to bother asking if Red Devil Lads has had much schooling lately but Barry decides he'd better offer his take on the run....

Barry Geraghty, the rider of RED DEVIL LADS (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding jumped poorly.
:loon Just to put the tin hat on it the winner is Champagne Rian (same trainer)...
The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, CHAMPAGNE RIAN (IRE), ridden by James Reveley and trained by Rebecca Curtis, compared with its previous run at Chepstow on 6 December 2014 where the gelding finished sixth, beaten by 57 lengths. They noted the explanation of the trainer’s representative that the gelding had benefited from the first-time application of both a tongue-tie and blinkers. They ordered CHAMPAGNE RIAN (IRE) to be routine tested.
The voice is back... "Go home you £$%^ing *&^%head" I decide I'll stay & watch Steel Summit in the next. He chases the leaders to the third last & then goes backwards at a rate of knots, the stewards decide that this needs a word...
The Stewards considered the running of STEEL SUMMIT (IRE), ridden by Aidan Coleman and trained by David Dennis, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Spookydooky wins the race but I'm heading for the exit before he's even crossed the line, the voice is mocking me now.. "About bloody time, you should have gone home ages ago, any sense & you won't come back" Clondaw Banker was a two & a half length 3rd & seems to turned into a serious dodgepot, had I stayed for that...... Well I didn't, later on I've got warmed up & I'm in a better mood having watched a rather amusing comedy programme on the BBC, it was something called Match of the Day Live & was about this team from the fourth division (in real money) playing this top division team in the FA Cup that was supposed to have cost squillions to put together but really were absolutely useless. One of the players was this Argie who they had paid over £50 million for but who played like his laces were tied together. The star turn though was the manager, every time they cut to the dugout he was sat there holding a filofax with a look of complete bewilderment on his face, priceless. I'd expected the lower league side to do a Rocky & chin the big boys but that really would have been too far fetched, still there might be another episode because it was a draw. Saturday. I'm nothing if not a glutton for punishment & I'm back in Doncaster's car park & ready to rumble. Already its a better day, the sun is out, the sky is blue & there's no sneaky wind, I've also brought a sandwich, a bag of crisps & a bottle of pop which I conceal about my person & sneak past the Gestapo manning the gates, blimey a result already. They're already going round the parade ring for the first so I have a look while scoffing my smuggled in sarnie. Istimraar runs a decent enough race for 3rd without looking like winning but at least I feel I had a run for the money. Its then inside to watch what's supposed to be the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham, this tells us nothing because they crawl for a long way & the real thing is never like that. Peace and Co wins well enough & cements his place at the head of the betting for the real thing at a best price of 9/4, he's as short as 6/4 with some firms & while I realise that I need my bumps feeling even I'm not that daft. Ruby Walsh is here to ride one for Mullin's in the Mare's race but he's on Solar Impulse for Nicholl's in the four runner :eyes novice chase up next. Ruby makes the running & turning in its between him & AP on Three Kingdoms, three out & they take off together but Three Kingdoms blunders his way through it & McCoy does well to stay on. Ruby sets sail for home & is two lengths to the good clearing the last but AP's got Three Kingdom's running now & is gaining heading for the line & gets there close home to win by a neck. I've no financial interest in the race but its a seriously good watch. Having viewed the next at Cheltenham its back outside for Runswick Royal who's second in the market to Royal Regatta but as post time arrives the pair flip flop in the betting. Royal Regatta takes it up three out & I'm urging Brian Hughes to get after him & he's clearly trying but not making inroads & is 4l's down over the last, now he's gaining on him & I'm shouting "Get there" but he can't & is still half a length adrift on the line. At least I'm getting something to shout about. The Betbright Cup is next at Cheltenham, I'd backed Many Clouds in the Hennessy but he'd had a hard race there & decided to leave him here, he won well enough but can he win the Gold Cup? At this point it doesn't look like a vintage renewal & there'd be worse bets than the 10/1 on offer with none runner no bet available but I'll have a think. The Mare's race is up next with Ruby on Analifet & the other Irish raider is Princess Leya, I'm with one of the two 4yo's Nyanza who beat Intense Tango at Aintree off levels. I've dropped a clanger here because I thought it was the same terms but Intense Tango is 5lb better off for a length & a quarter & Intense Tango wins here rather stylishly with Nyanza only 4th. Analifet is well backed but can only come 3rd. Back to Cheltenham for the handicap chase where I have Easter Day. He's bang there as they're heading down the hill, the form line rather sums it up...
close up and travelling well when unlucky to knuckle on landing and fall 3 out
That fence catches plenty out being on the downhill run, the good news is he got up, would he have won? Who knows. Up the run in & the 13yo Big Fella Thanks is looking like winning but he jumps left at the last & then wanders all over the place under pressure & gets nutted close home by Annacotty having been as low as 1.12 in running. While I'm a lot happier than yesterday it looking like I'm drawing another blank betting wise. Next up is Caracci Apache who's on the drift, Blaklion is well backed into even money, I've gone down to the rail by the chute where they exit the parade ring to get a picture & decide to stay there for the race. Away they go & Zeroshadesofgrey is bowling along in front & he's still there three out with Blaklion giving chase & Caracci Apache looking outpaced & seemingly 3rd at best. Between the last two & Blaklion comes to challenge Zeroshadesofgrey. The bloke (bit older than a lad) that's with Blaklion is on the chute in front of me urging him on & doing a passable impression of the haka, the Maori war dance that the all blacks do before the rugby. The lad next to me is shouting for Blaklion as well & so is the well oiled individual somewhere behind me "GOAN NUMMER HUN, GOAN MY SON" It never fails to tickle me that one, imagine the bother should you accuse someone have having done what you'd need to do to sire an animal that's got twice as many legs as you have! Silly bugger doesn't even know the name of the horse he's backed! Over the last & Blaklion has got on top of Zeroshadesofgrey, the Maori stablehand turns to face us, in fact he seems to be looking at me, his fist clenched he shouts "YES" Then there's another voice, mine "GO ON APACHE" I've just seen Nico de Boinville & Caracci Apache running on from nowhere appear on the far side & he's hauling Blaklion in with every stride. Maori man spins round just as Caracci Apache's lad bounds past him cheering his lad home & doing his take on the haka. I'm bang level with the line & the Apache scalps the Lion in the shadow of the post despite taking a false step a stride out, bloody hell I've backed a winner & I didn't see him coming until the last few yards. 130.0 in running Caracci Apache, Blaklion 1.14, madness or what. I don't give a monkey's now, I enjoyed that, what a daft game this is! I could do with Lost Legend winning the Great Yorkshire Chase but he drifts to 20/1 before winning the best turned out :eyes & then coming a reasonable 5th. I want to watch the Cleeve Hurdle so head inside. No Mowgli today, the fool's gone all the way down to London to watch Bradford get tubbed by Chelsea :p One of the telly's usually has Jeff Stelling & co on & I can see that its 1-0 Chelsea. Saphir du Rheu who was the morning jolly has drifted to 3/1 second choice, he makes hard work of beating Reve de Sivola by a neck with the new favourite Un Temps Pour Tout another 2'5l's back in 3rd. Can Saphir du Rheu do a Big Bucks & win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle? Not for me he can't. I want to watch the last at Cheltenham so I might as well stay for the bumper here, as I head for a look at them I see that its now 2-1 to Chelsea. I'm leaning on the rail at the pre parade when the old boy next to me says "What's that that McCoy's taking over on"? I've not not heard what the PA blokes just said but looking at the riders for the next I can see that Brian Harding is down to ride Mardale & he'd just been unseated & galloped over in the last race. "It'll be that one" I say pointing to my card " He came off & got kicked in the last" "He wants £$%&ing kicking the useless c£$t" replies Mr sweetness & Light. I'm speechless, its one thing to not like a jockey & there are a few that I'm not a fan of myself but I wouldn't want any of them to get trampled on by half a ton of racehorse, I decide I'll wander to the main ring. McCoy very nearly gets Mardale home in front but is beaten a head by Out of the Mist, I can't help but hope that the obnoxious old git I've just had the pleasure of talking to has had a bet on Mardale & a lumpy one at that. Back inside to watch the closer at Cheltenham, still 2-1 to Chelsea. I can see on the telly that they're going to miss out the last two flights because of the sun, I'd half expected that here actually. Away they go & coming down the hill Diamond King is bang there jumping the third last which is now the real last, he's in front for a few strides heading for the slalom that is between the hurdles & fences up the run in but soon disappears, Landscape is stone last on his return. Time to go. Despite the dark mood from Friday & just the one winner on Saturday the 9/2 SP on Caracci Apache has paid double the odds in the lucky 15 & returns 10pts from just the 40pts staked across the two days, hardly a disaster. Singles etc W/R 47-213 Stakes 2776pts Returns 2525.47pts Profit/Loss-250.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1624.35pts Returns1454.49pts Profit/Loss -169.86pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1570 No sooner have I set off for home with what I think is radio 5 on than the comedy from the BBC starts again. They're at Birmingham where West Brom are 2-1 up but then its off to the Etiad where Middlesbrough have gone one up against Man City. By the time I've picked up the M18 heading for the A1 the jokers are reporting that Bradford have made it 2-2 at Chelsea, yer right :lol I've just got on the A1 when its back to the Bridge & Bradford are 3-2 up, come on now its wearing a bit thin, radio 5 now change this game to the lead match. They've almost fooled me into believing them when Bradford score again & then they're straight back to Man City where Boro are now 2-0 up in injury time, nothing like milking a good joke eh. Smart Freddy in the gloom SmartFreddy_zps891bef20.jpg Days of Heaven DaysofHeaven_zps530b4d70.jpg The disappointing Red Devil Lads RedDevilLads_zpsf4234234.jpg Ruby about to get legged up on Solar Impulse SolarImplulse_zpsc9aa9ed5.jpg McCoy on Three Kingdoms ThreeKingdoms_zps97c726f3.jpg Runswick Royal RunswickRoyal_zpsd22cd054.jpg Intense Tango in the winners IntenseTango_zpsd6e34a48.jpg Caracci Apache going out CaracciApache_zpse947f0f3.jpg If in Doubt coming in IfinDoubt_zps8e869808.jpg Rio.
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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Wetherby beats the cold snap so its several layers on & away I go. 1.00 Unless one of the unraced over hurdles ones in here is anything this ought to be between May Hay & Kashtaree The former has won her last two races, a maiden hurdle at Southwell & then a flat race there on the aw so she's in decent nick but I'm half tempted by Kashtaree who's a modest maiden on the flat with a bit of soft ground form but she won her hurdle debut at Musselburgh in this class in fair style the stable won this last year with another 4yo but she's a long way to go to get to Aurore D'Estruval's level. I think though I'll wait while I've had a look at them first. The second race really ought to be going to the long odds on Kylemore Lough but at 4/11 no thanks so the first bet is down at Sandown in the 1.50. French Opera ran well enough for 2nd at Wetherby at Xmas but has gone back up 2lbs for than & its heading for four years since he last won. Brick Red looks just a shade high in the ratings at the moment. Ballygarvey won well at Ascot in December after just over a year off & is up 5lbs for that, Ulck du Lin was 4l's 2nd there & with the claimer on was getting 6lb off Ballygarvey & with Sam Twist on here he's only getting 3lb so he ought to be held. My Brother Sylvest has been off a long time & Festive Affair runs more shockers than good races including LTO. Arkaim has done well since sent over fences but was held off this mark LTO & this is a better class race. Greywell Boy is two from two here but again is upped in class, first time cheek pieces on & let me down at Warwick last time. Ballygarvey ought to go well here & is the pick. Wetherby 2.20 Pepite Rose is the one with a bit of class but has looked a bit below form lately. Firth of the Clyde was left in front when Indian Voyage who's in here as well tipped up at the last unseating Bold Henry at the same time, the pair ought to go well here. Granville Island is going back up in the weights for placing & needs a career best here. This looks harder than the Novice event that Midnight Belle won LTO. Alderbrook Lad has been runner up twice here this season but looks a bit too high in the ratings. Mwaleshi did it well enough at Haydock two weeks ago at this trip & is a course winner, the ground suits & he's the pick. Sandown 2.25 This is a belter of a novice chase. I think the level that Champagne West has run to so far is a bit better than his rivals have competed at so far & the 6l's 2nd to Petit Zig on New Years Day was pretty smart. Irish Saint would look the big danger having won here at 2m's & seemed to improve for stepping up to this sort of trip at AScot LTO. The other three are no mugs either but I've take Champagne West. Wetherby 2.45 Phoenix Returns pulled up at Warwick LTO behind Join the Clan who's in here & stuck up 11lbs for that win, if you forgive him that run than the heavy ground win at Carlisle before that looks quite smart with Barafundle in 2nd there winning since. I just think Phoenix Returns is a big price in a wide open event. Sandown 3.00 Another wide open affair where I've had two stabs at it. Cadoudoff gets the paint rollers & a tongue tie after two runner up spots at 2f's shorter on heavy so the ground won't be a problem & the trip should suit. El Dancer returned from a long layoff with a close 2nd at Ludlow & if he doesn't bounce should run his race here off 2lb higher. Wetherby 3.20 A Grade 2 novice chase with nine runners :eek Yes check again nine runners, wonders never cease. Ned Stark was a fairly distant 4th in that Petit Zig/Champagne West race on New Years day but that was a warm race & this is a bit easier, the win at Newbury before that was good & the 3m 1f here should suit. Return Spring was pulled up in the 3m 5f slog at Warwick LTO, the level of form was similar to Ned Stark before but that may have left a mark. Straidahanna's won a couple of small field chases the last twice despite a few iffy jumps & should try to bowl along in front here but this is a stronger race & mistakes are hard to get over round here. Kaki de la Pree ran well in 2nd LTO on only his second chase start & should improve again but was a fair way behind Return Spring before that. Top Totti was a length & a half in front of Ned Stark LTO & is 3lb worse off here, ought to be close but I prefer Ned. Tonvadosa did it well enough on her chase debut at Kelso but this is a bit harder. I'll take Ned Stark. Sandown 3.35 Bertie Boru seems an improving sort & was a good 2nd over C&D coming from a fair way back LTO, should be running on again at trhe end when others have cried enough. Bets Ballygarvey 11/2 Champagne West 5/2 Ned Stark 4/1 Bertie Boru 6/1 1pt lucky 15 Bet365 Mwaleshi 5/1 Phoenix Returns 16/1 Cadoudoff 11/1 & El Dancer 14/1 2 x 05.pt trixies plus 2pts win singles on each = 12pts staked Skybet/Coral All BOG Rio

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary I've been cold at Wetherby plenty of times but yesterday was absolutely perishing, there was a strong wind which seemed to be blowing down the home straight which nearly cut you in two. It also somehow managed to turn at 90 degrees & blow into your face as you walked through the gap between stands to get round the front & every time I passed through it was literally eye watering. Having checked leg quantity etc I decided that Kashstaree was worth a small bet for the first at the 3/1 available just before the off, I'd thought that the jolly May Hay was worth taking on & so it proved as she finished 2nd. Unfortunately it wasn't Kashstaree in front of her but Bobs Lady Tamure who was another I'd thought worth taking on. Kashstaree was 3rd of the five to finish & they were strung out like washing with the distances being 13, 7, 12 & 9 lengths & it seemed clear that it was going to be a serious test out there. Kylemore Lough duly dotted up in the next having gone off at 1/4, it's hard to know what he's beaten here but not a lot I suspect. River Bollin in 2nd had a previous best effort of another runner up spot at Catterick three runs before yesterday but was 23l's back there & it was 25l's here & there was another 22l's to Jonny Eager here & I would think that connections will but disappointed with that having won fairly well on his hurdle debut the previous run. Typhon got round in his own time to pick up £238.50 for 4th, he was beaten just the one hundred lengths here :eek & if you add that to the distances he's been beaten in his two other hurdle starts it comes to just the 197l's. He's actually won a couple of races on the turf & aw on the flat & placed three times with all his turf starts there on good to firm. At a time when the welfare of race horses is under ever closer scrutiny do we want to see a horse being asked to run on ground he clearly can't act on & at distances he never going to get unless he goes round in the horse box? I don't & somebody ought to be blowing in the owners & trainers ear methinks. The first backed runner of the day is Ballygarvey down at Sandown where it looks even more testing than Wetherby from what I've seen on the telly so far. Ballygarvey sets the trend for the chasers I've backed at Sandown by not jumping very well, he clouts one fairly early on & drops back & can never get on terms thereafter plodding on for a distant 4th. Brick Red holds My Brother Sylvest by a half length with the latter running a screamer after 440 days off. Mwaleshi up next at Wetherby & he runs a decent race for 3rd, he looks beaten at the last but then runs on again up the run in & for a few seconds I'm thinking he might get there. Midnight Belle & Granville Island are having a head to head in front with the latter drifting to the right under pressure taking Midnight Belle with him & we have the unusual sight of the pair finishing up on the stands side rail. Had they gone up the far side with Mwaleshi then he might have had a target to aim at to help him. Midnight Belle wins by a head & Jason Maguire on Granville Island gets two days off the stewards for allowing his mount to drift. Next up is the cracking novice chase at Sandown where Champagne West proves to be a major let down. Richard Johnson has him held up at the back early & he is not jumping well at all, he's too low over them & losing ground at every fence. As they head for the back straight he decides to move up & quickly goes to dispute 2nd & clears a couple a bit better but then at the 13th he gets it really wrong & hits the deck. Meanwhile up front Gitane du Berlais under Daryl Jacob has made all & apart from a small scare with an iffy jump at two out she isn't for catching & beats Irish Saint by 8l's. Good to see Daryl Jacob getting some good rides from top trainers & winning here for Willie Mullin's, I thought he'd done little wrong in the Nicholl's first jockey role & he may even be better off in the long term. Phoenix Returns does nothing to warm me up in the next, the starts in front of the stands & they go round twice. He sets off near the back, is still at the back when they pass us after the first circuit & tails off when still at the back before the turn into the home straight. Join the Clan who'd given his young 10lb claiming rider Patrick Cowley his first winner when scoring at Warwick three weeks previously now defy's the 11lb rise for that to provide him with his second winner this time staying on well to take it up after the last. Things are not going well & now it gets annoying. There's always a screen next to the weighing room at Wetherby just near where the horses enter the parade ring & I decide to watch Sandown's 3.00 here while waiting for Ned Stark to come out for our next. It's not the usual screen though, the normal one is a little bit bigger but a few times lately it's played up & lost pictures so today it's a different one. There's only me & one other bloke daft enough to stand there in the icy wind watching them at Sandown & they've jumped a couple when off goes the picture. It's only a few seconds though & back it comes, the pair I've backed are just off the pace & then off it goes again, it's a bit longer this time but when it returns Cadoudoff & El Dancer are still going well. Down the back & they've just arrived at the bottom turn when once again the screen goes blank, both me & the other frozen soul now growl our displeasure & the picture reappears. They've cleared the second last where Cadoudoff looks to have cried enough but El Dancer seems to still have a squeak & then yet again no picture & this time it doesn't come back, what's won that then? Not a clue :@ The runners for the big race here, the Towton novice chase have arrived, the race is named after what is supposed to be the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil at Towton to the South west of York in 1461 & there are a group of people here all dressed up in Medieval outfits & they are in the parade ring too. Ned Stark looks the part & I set off for the windy gap to the front of the stands calling in the Betfred on the way to discover that El Dancer has finished 2nd down at Sandown. Ned Stark & Kaki de la Pree are vying for favourite at around 11/4, they're at the start & almost ready to go when one board goes 3's about Ned & I decide to have a play. Again the start is right in front of us with two full circuits. This time he's up nearer the lead from the off & still not far off the pace when they come back round. Off that long bottom bend & he's going well & it looks like I'm getting involved at last. Over two out & he's just showing in front with Kaki du Pree & the last fence the only dangers. Over they go together & to cries of "Come on Ned" they battle up the run in with Ned doing enough to win by a neck. Second in the queue to collect & then nip round for a picture. I decide to kick the screen by the weighing room into touch & head into the Betfred for Bertie Boru at Sandown. I'm expecting him to be held up but he's a long way off the pace in last early, as they head off for the back he's making a little progress & I'm just thinking he might be starting to get into it when he makes a right hash of the 15th & unseats. Three chase runners at Sandown & not one of them feels like I've had a run for the money from. I'm out of the shop & heading for the exit before the race even finishes. There were two non runners in Ned Stark's race so I was half expecting a rule 4 but both were outsiders so the 4/1 at double the odds from a single winner returned 9pts of the 27pts staked. Singles etc W/R 47-213 Stakes 2776pts Returns 2525.47pts Profit/Loss-250.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1651.35pts Returns1463.49pts Profit/Loss -187.86pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1580 There's a Doncaster card on Thursday but much depends on the weather with more cold stuff forecast. In a brilliant bit of planning there's no race meeting in the North next Saturday, however providing Mother nature doesn't stick her oar in midlands racegoer's can choose between Warwick, Uttoxeter & Wolverhampton :eyes Charlie Poste looking back for dangers on Kylemore Lough KylemoreLough_zps46fd9756.jpg Mwaleshi ready to go out Mwaleshi_zps09fd7d2e.jpg Join the Clan in the winners JointheClan_zpse5668e57.jpg Knights ready for the presentation after the Towton Knights_zps1a2e2808.jpg Which goes to Ned Stark NedStark_zpsa62c37b8.jpg Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary As I suspected Doncaster fell victim to the cold snap on Thursday & here I am on a Saturday with no racing in the North :sad I did think about asking for an owners badge for Wolverhampton this evening where Sheriff of Nawton runs in the 8.15, however having looked at it I decided not to bother. He won here just before Xmas at 9.6f's & then was rather disappointing at that trip off 2lb higher in mid January after that. He was dropped down a furlong a week ago & again was a let down but he was in front a long way out & he seems to like to come from off the pace to me. The handicapper has very kindly dropped him a pound (what's the point :eyes) but he's now stuck up to 12f's, last September he appeared not to get home at 10.5f's at York & I have no idea what the thinking is by going up to tonight's trip because there is no info on the website at the moment. If I was just looking at the race I'd give him little chance of winning, there's one come out reducing it to seven so there goes a place from the each way betting. Apparatchika had one run at Yarmouth last Summer & then won a weak maiden against three rivals at Lingfield a month ago but the runner up has won another poor maiden since. Apparatchika then won another four runner race this time a C&D handicap 12 days ago & has been raised 6lbs for that, the 2nd & 3rd have been well held since though. Flying Power ran his best race since a win at Haydock in August when a length 3rd over C&D last month, he's a pound higher than that win & ought to be thereabouts. Gabrial the Terror has managed to win one dreadful Brighton 10f handicap in 14 career efforts & is another stuck up in trip having raced at 8.5 & 9'5f's here the last three runs, actually he's had two runner up spots at Brighton at 10f's since that win & that may be his track. The interesting one for me is Innoko who won here in October at 9.5f's & then at Kempton at 11f's & Dundalk at tonight's trip in a slightly better race & with top weight. Finished well at Kempton for 3rd LTO back at 11f's after a short break & ought to be competitive in this field. If I had to back one it would be Innoko but as yet I haven't, I'll see how I feel at post time & if any info has appeared before then. I've had one bet today in Newbury's 2.25. Harry Topper won this last year but it was on very heavy ground & just the chance that he handled it & the other four runners didn't. Since then he pulled up in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter & then pulled up again at Haydock in the Betfair chase & he has to bounce back from those runs, jumping's iffy too. Never been a Unioniste fan & I'm still not despite the probable career best when winning a grade 2 handicap at Sandown LTO, this is harder giving all bar Harry Topper weight & its interesting that Nicholls has stuck the paint rollers on first time despite that win. Double Ross ran a decent 3rd in the Charlie Hall but then unseated Sam Twist when struggling in the Betfair & refused two out in the King George when tailed off LTO, hard to see him winning this. Houblon des Obeaux looks pretty solid, loves Ascot & was a good 2nd there to the big improver The Young Master LTO, having said that he looked to be struggling a bit turning in & only got going late on. Ran a screamer in the Hennessy off top weight before that so will go round here & while he looks the one on form he's just not got that turn of foot for me. Coneygree has won both chase starts the second of which was a Grade 1 novice on Boxing Day at Kempton which was the race where Saphir du Rheu fell quite early & saw him sent back hurdling since. There were a couple of other that failed to complete too & you can crab the form but Coneygree enjoyed bowling along & wasn't stopping on ground that was a bit more testing than the official going might suggest, he won here at 20f's on his chase debut so will handle the track. Taquin du Seuil looked the up coming sort after winning the JLT at the festival last March but he's a bit to prove after three runs this season. The stable has been under a cloud for most of the season but seems to have turned the corner lately however he was disappointing on his return at Newton Abbot & then was 2nd in the Charlie Hall in a bit of a heap for that position behind Menorah. Absolutely shocking in the Betfair when last seen when he let me down big style, not sure he's a three miler anyway & I can't have him here. Coneygree has a bit to find but is still open to improving & he's the pick. Bet Coneygree 20pts @ 7/2 Hills BOG. The rest of the action is just a watch for me today. Catterick on Monday looks, at this stage anyway a bit better than I would have expected, we'll see. Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary Around 8-18 last evening & I'm watching them heading down the straight at Wolverhampton & I'm going "He isn't is he"? He being Sheriff of Nawton & as they head for the line he's mowing down Gabrial the Terror with every stride. They hit the floodlit finish line together, did he get there? No he didn't, his heads going back & Gabrial's is going forward & he gets done a short head in a bobber. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I ought to be laughing actually because as whoever it is in the ATR's studio points out its a bit of a joke race really. The stalls open & they walk out, they don't go much faster for the first couple of furlongs & then Hayley Turner decides to kick on a bit. Still its not much more than a canter & it stays this way until about 3f's out when she tries to quicken away from the front on Flying Power but off that crawl The Sheriff & Gabrial the Terror are the best two in the sprint to the line with the latter getting the clearer passage. Had he not had to switch right just over a furlong out then I suspect that the Sheriff would have got there, I also suspect that had I gone I might well have wanted to cry. Still I didn't & I wouldn't trust the form of that race one jot. Earlier in the day Coneygree produced a very smart display in landing the Denman chase at Newbury making every yard at a good pace & in general jumping like a stag, even when he got in tight to one or two fences he put himself right in style. I was most impressed, afterwards they were trying to find out from Mark Bradstock if its Gold Cup or RSA next & while he wouldn't commit the comment about him being already an 8yo makes me think that it may be the Gold Cup. He's a best priced 16/1 but as short as 8/1 in some books, Betfair Sportsbook were 14/1 & NRNB last evening which I thought was fair enough & I have had a bet at that price. Most of the old guard have question marks & I think the level shown yesterday by Coneygree is at least as good as anything produced by the up coming brigade, we shall see. Bet Coneygree 10pts @ 14/1 Gold Cup NRNB Betfair Sportsbook 90pts back from the 20pts staked. Singles etc W/R 48-214 Stakes 2796pts Returns 2615.47pts Profit/Loss-180.53pts Multiple bets Stakes 1651.35pts Returns1463.49pts Profit/Loss -187.86pts Lays W/R1-3 Profit/Loss -15.9pts Scoop 6 -£58.12 Scoop 6 replacement -£3.10 Expenses £1580 Having looked at Catterick tomorrow I have decided not to go, the chase at 3.40 is a very tidy affair but the rest the card doesn't really appeal. Next up would probably be Haydock next Saturday. Rio.

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Re: Rio's Racing Diary A run across to Haydock with Mowgli today, not a day for pushing the boat out & its an each way lucky 15 & a trixie plus at the away meetings. Four runners for the opener where Top Notch is long odds on, I see that the first two at Ascot also have attracted four runners & both are these field size bonus races (that works then :eyes) Three races with prize funds of £15k, £25k & £32k & they muster a dozen runners between them, shame on you owners & trainers :spank Moving on. Haydock 2.20 I am no fan of At Fishers Cross, he's been pretty poor since his return at Newbury in November 13 & for me he's turned into a real swerve horse. His runs at Cheltenham on trials day last year & at the Festival were alright but he was supposed to be the next staying hurdle superstar, the run at Wetherby when last of three in November was the pits & he wasn't much better at Leopardstown LTO. This is his easiest task for a long time though & he really ought to win on these terms but I wouldn't back him with free money. Seeyouatmidnight won this last year when on a roll but hasn't been seen since a 29l's 3rd in the Sefton at Aintree last April, got to give all these at least 8lbs which looks a tall order after 315 days off. Closing Ceremony won twice here over C&D & was a good 2nd off top weight at Warwick LTO, worth a go at this level but a bit to find for me. Land of Vic is an improver & ran a good 3rd in a mares Grade 2 at Ascot LTO, gets the sex allowance here & should go well. The interesting one is Milansbar who ran a screamer off top weight over C&D LTO & was only held a length by Barafundle who's also in here & at the weights ought to turn that around. Another upped in class but worth taking the chance that there's more to come & won't mind the ground if its more testing than thought. Haydock 2.55 Benvolio's been stuck up 6lb for getting nutted close home in the Welsh National, should go well but a big ask off 11-12. Samstown is another that's up in the weights, been in top form & won here at 3m's LTO but another 9lb hike makes it tough now. Monbeg Dude gets the soon to be departed McCoy on top but he's not well handicapped & needs a career best for me. Gas Line Boy won over C&D off 10lb less two starts ago but pulled up LTO athough it was heavy ground. Benbens didn't last home in that Welsh National & has gone up 5lb for a fast finishing 2nd in the 3m race that Samstown won here, can see him fading away late on again. Lie Forit is another improving sort & is up 7lb for a win at Kelso LTO, needs a PB & is an 11yo. Rigadin de Beauchene won this off 131 last year & was 2nd the year before, pulled up three times since & is still off 138, could run well but just as likely to pull up again. Broadway Buffalo is two from two at 3m's here over hurdles & fences including a good looking win over the latter just before Xmas, a let down at Wetherby on Boxing Day though when jumping badly but that could have come too quick after the win. Harry the Viking is interesting off bottom weight, not really gone on after looking promising a few years ago when with Nicholls but the 2l's 2nd to Lie Forit at Kelso LTO was more like it & back up in trip at these terms he is worth a poke at a fair price. Haydock 3.25 Interesting that McCoy rides Aqalim with two JP owned runners in the race but then Sunnyhillboy is coming off a long lay off & he might struggle to do the weight anyway & Stonebrook had just the one disappointing run at Aintree last April after a year off but did look progressive before that. Aqalim is two from three over hurdles but at times looks less than straightforward & this is a step up in class on handicap debut. I'll take Run Ructions Run here, stayed on late in two of her last three starts & was outclassed in the middle run, Richard Johnson is an eye catching booking. Haydock 4.00 Not had a bet here yet. Definitly Red has some smart bumper form but has made hard work of both hurdle starts including at Catterick LTO. Fletchers Flyer has won his last two at 2m 6f's & ought to stay the extra 2f's, has to give all some weight though. Ballagh was a three parts 2nd at Warwick in a Grade 2 at 2m 5f's LTO which is probably the pick of the form but does he want this 3m's or is he just a bit one paced? I'm leaning towards Ballagh because Fletchers Flyer is too short & Definitly Red needs to improve & Ballagh is getting weight off both, if I can get 3/1 on track & he has the required number of legs then I think I'll play. Haydock 4.30 Algernon Pazham is up 9lb for a good looking win at Leicester after 10 months off but Ryan Hatch takes 5lb of that back off, ought to be close. Wuff has been off a year & is jumping fences for the first time here although he has won a point & is too short to back on those grounds. Runswick Royal probably should have won at Donny LTO after staying on late & is worth another go up in trip & at the prices. Down at Ascot the 2.40 looks between Carole's Destrier & Clondaw Knight. The latter is wacked up 13lbs & also in class after hosing up at Wetherby LTO while Carole's Destrier has been keeping better company including a fair 4th at Cheltenham LTO. The step up to 3m's should suit & I'll take him here. Ascot 3.50 Ma Filleule gets the sex allowance but I thought she was a bit disappointing at Aintree LTO. Ballycasey seems best at this sort of trip but needs to find a bit more on what he's shown so far for me. Balder Succes won well upped to just short of this trip at Kempton LTO & ought to be thereabouts. I'll go with Petit Zig who's four from four since going fencing & has looked the part each time generally & two Grade 2's have come his way in those starts. Wincanton 3.35 Irving needs to bounce back after pulling up in the Xmas hurdle & always seems to fling himself at one or two hurdles especially when under pressure late on. Sign of a Victory hosed up really in a decent Ascot handicap on his return but then was also disappointing in that Kempton race, I had half an eye on him for the big handicap at Newbury a week ago but he was due to carry top weight & came out. Blue Heron was 3rd at Kempton but probably ran to his best, if the other two fire they should be beating him here. I'll take Sign of a Victory. Bets Milansbar 7/1 Harry the Viking 16/1 Run Ructions Run 8/1 Runswick Royal 5/1 0.5pt ew lucky 15 Carole's Destrier 9/4 Sign of a Victory 7/4 Petit Zig 9/4 1pt trixie plus 3 x 2pt singles = 10pts staked all bets Hills BOG. Rio.

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