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APRIL

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THURSDAY 30th April

FOLKESTONE RACING TIPS:

2.10: Desert Auction is given the vote here over Tom Folan (a filly despite the name). The selection has the plum draw and his third last time behind Soccer, whilst not earth-shattering form, represents a higher level to my mind than that achieved by Tom Folan.

REDCAR RACING TIPS:

2.30: Surely Out The Ring has the form to win a seller. Behind Archers Road and Star Rover he is unlikely to run into anything of that calibre here.

YARMOUTH RACING TIPS:

6.00: Mutheeb may spring a surprise in this. With the ground likely to be against Mia’s Boy and Cloudy Start, and Charm School shaping as if he wants further, well-thought of Mutheeb has a clear-cut chance to  gain some black type.

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WEDNESDAY 29th April

ASCOT RACING TIPS:

2.10: There is no doubting that Red Jazz was impressive at Windsor and a rough form line involving Iver Bridge Lad suggests he is on a par with Monsieur Chevalier. But he faces two serious adversaries in Walkingonthemoon and Planet Red so the forecast 11/8 looks skinny. A hard race to call and one that could go any one of three ways.

2.45: Rose Diamond may come into her own when racing over further but her form is the best on offer.

PONTEFRACT RACING TIPS:

2.20: Lofthouse shaped with promise behind Walkingonthemoon at Newbury. Those to have reappeared from that event have all run well and Lofthouse should be on the premises here. On a day that presents several opportunities to each-way thieves, he looks a prime contender for the each-way doubles and trebles.

2.55: Cherish The Moment may not beat Native Ruler but looks nailed on to place after an unlucky run last time. Native Ruler should win but did not entirely convince this onlooker at Newmarket.

4.05: Faldal is expected to win this handicap for fillies. Difficult to asses and a three-year-old against older horses, she is another that should place at least.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.20: Invincible Isle, second in a Folkestone maiden that is working out surprisingly well, is another likely to place at worst.

8.20: Crown Choice should win or finish second. You could argue Wigram’s Turn has the better form, but he has only won one auction event at Redcar to his name so the progressive Crown Choice makes more appeal.

8.50: Diriculous has a record of running well fresh and could be good enough.

PUNCHESTOWN RACING TIPS:

6.05: The trip is the nub here. It may be too far for Scotsirish and possibly Schindlers Hunt, whilst Imperial Commander is another yet to prove he stays this far. On testing ground, it should suit Notre Pere who is taken to win.

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TUESDAY 28th April

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

4.50: Tikka Masala ought to open her account for a stable in form. A strong-finishing second to Respite at Kempton last time, she gave every impression that the step up in trip – from five to seven – was ideal. Respite had finished second to Fantasia as a juvenile and Tikka Masala is rated a lowly 68 in this handicap. Such lines of form can, and do, send punters skint. Respite would be unlikely to get within twenty lengths of Fantasia now. However, even allowing for a wide margin of error, Tikka Masala looks well-treated.

BATH RACING TIPS:

2.10: There is a whisper for Timelord in this. He may be worth a small investment at a big price.

2.45: Aypeeyes should appreciate this return to the Flat and a drop in grade.

3.20: Coiled Spring looked a shade unlucky at Newmarket in October when still running a race full of promise. Narrowly beaten when squeezed for room, he looks the sort to make up into a decent handicapper this season. He ought to be capable of taking this.

NOTTINGHAM RACING TIPS:

7.05: Stone Of Scone created a good impression last year. A big son of Pivotal, a mark of 90 puts him in this handicap with a fine chance and he should be hard to beat on the way to better objectives.

PUNCHESTOWN RACING TIPS:

4.20: Hurricane Fly gets his chance to stake a Champion Hurdle claim in the Grade 1. His form is rock solid and although no betting proposition it will be interesting to gauge whether the form book is an accurate reflection of his ability.

Master Minded and Cooldine complete a hat trick of stars on the first day of this meeting.

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MONDAY 27th April

It is a fairly low-key start to a busy week, culminating with the first two Classics at the weekend.

NEWCASTLE RACING TIPS:

4.20: This could be a tough handicap to solve. The presence of Valery Borzov and Celtic Sultan worries me. On current form it seems to rest between Thebes and Barney McGrew, both seemingly having the same chance on a line through Advanced. Preference is for the in-form Thebes, whereas Barney McGrew is inching up the ratings without winning.

WINDSOR RACING TIPS:

5.25: Azif [four-and-a-half lengths behind Its Alright] and Glen Lass [six lengths in arrears of Walkingonthemoon] represent the best form on offer. However low draws may make it tough. Paper favourite, Diamond Laura, was behind Monsieur Chevalier (may have improved since) at Folkestone. There are several likely newcomers in the line-up, so an interesting curtain-raiser.

6.25: This appears to be between Red Merlin and Relative Strength.

7.25: Alhaque is given narrow preference over Putra One. However, keep an eye on Pachakutek, whose latest run on the soft at Newbury can be ignored. Judged on a promising debut at Newmarket, this good-looking son of Giant’s Causeway is no 20/1 chance.

7.55: Advisor faces a couple of potentially well handicapped opponents here. Using Thousand Miles as a yardstick, he doesn’t appear to have made giant strides from two to three and may struggle to carry top weight against several lurkers. At present not a day to get embroiled in.

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SUNDAY 26th April

There is not too much to quicken the pulse today, although it would be nice to see Yeats win and the racing at Longchamp should be informative. Vision D’Etat is not original but should win the Prix Ganay. Although just behind The Bogberry early in the month now they clash in a Group 1, he is 7lbs better off for a head and should easily reverse placings. This trip may also be his optimum.

At Brighton, in the 2.10 the run of Little Perisher – nine lengths behind Royal Ascot aspirant Walkingonthemoon at Newbury – may shed some light on the worth of what looked like a good juvenile event.

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SATURDAY 25th April

SANDOWN RACING TIPS:

2.05: Rules are made to be broken! Yesterday was to have been my last venture into jump racing before September. Now, just twenty-four hours later, I cannot resist giving it one more spin as I feel I have an angle in this. Quite simply, look at the record of Seven Is My Number. Notice anything? Keep looking…Let me help you. He runs all his best races right-handed. Two wins at Ascot, one at Taunton and he ran his best race at Sandown in the Imperial Cup. Flops have come at Cheltenham, Newbury and Aintree. I may be constructing a flimsy case, but this horse has definite ability and a repeat of his Imperial Cup run would be good enough here to beat four-year-old Tasheba on these weight terms. Seven Is My Number is the sort of horse to be shunned by punters in view of his record, but I feel he is worth another chance to recover the Imperial Cup gamble money.

4.15: Pipedreamer is preferred to Tartan Bearer here. He has his trip and ground and his stable are flying. We are likely to see the best of the big Tartan Bearer later in the season.

LEICESTER RACING TIPS:

1.55: Vhujon’s trainer will be sending me a bill before too long – I feel I own him he has cost me that much! It is hard to be confident; he has had plenty of chances which he continues to sabotage, but once again he should be there or thereabouts..

4.45: Tiger Flash ran with distinct promise at Yarmouth in a decent maiden where there were plenty of messages. He should get off the mark here.

HAYDOCK RACING TIPS:

7.40: It appears that a penalty kick has been found for Invisible Man; however he failed to come up to expectations in a big way last time, making me inclined to pass him over until he has proved himself. This is a big step down from a Newmarket maiden at the Craven meeting which makes you wonder.

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FRIDAY 24th April

SANDOWN RACING TIPS:

1.25: Thief Of Time was second in a Leicester handicap won by Kings Destiny that had a solid look about it and has already produced a winner in Headline Act – at Kempton this week. Thief Of Time finished second over a mile-and-a-quarter at Leicester and now drops in distance to a mile. On breeding that would seem to suit, although he ran as if the trip was not a problem last time. However, his second to Capebility (good run at Newmarket since) was over a mile. On the face of it he is an unnecessary 2lbs out of the handicap but it is entirely possible the handicapper may have another look at that Leicester handicap after the success of Headline Act. Peter Chapple-Hyam is taking a chance by running here on two counts. I am assuming he has it right.

2.00: This is just an observation: Above Average is overpriced. I know the Doncaster form has not worked out, but he is said to be better than that run suggests (developed into a sprint) and on his fifth to Redwood as a juvenile, he may run better than a 20/1 chance.

4.20: Antinori ran a decent race against well-regarded Set The Trend last week when he was possibly an unlucky loser. Fit from that experience, he may make it count today but the opposition he faces looks sitiffer.

So a tricky card as I write.

In a complete departure from my normal way of working, Astrador – a jumper in April – takes the eye at Perth in the 2.45. This return to two miles will suit and I thought he could win. No doubt many of you out there will be better placed to express an opinion. This is absolutely the last time I shall refer to jumping until September at the earliest!

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THURSDAY 23rd April

It is not my intention to tip or mention horses for the sake of it. Today’s card are unappealing and I suggest they provide an opportunity for a day’s break from equine matters…

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WEDNESDAY 22nd April

EPSOM RACING TIPS:

3.05: Dream Desert does look reasonably treated in the Great Metropolitan. We may be subjected to a shock result, but the field seems to comprise mainly of runners that can be overlooked. Hatton Flight travels well on fast ground and hails from a stable in form, but the rest are hard to fancy.

3.40: Debussy could not have been more impressive in victory at Lingfield in March. This opposition is stiffer but he could be anything. Only Mustaqer is feared. Ouster will probably improve for the run. Popmurphy’s form is dubious and Midday – a filly against colts – a doubtful stayer.

4.15: In contrast to the earlier handicap mentioned, the City And Surburban looks a case of perm any one from ten. Several are closely matched and that allied to the size of the field points to a result that is very hard to call.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

8.20: Mirrored could be well handicapped here. His stable are gradually hitting stride and he looks an ideal prospect for this first venture into a handicap.

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TUESDAY 21st April

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

3.20: Headline Act should win this. Fourth in a race that had a good look about it at Leicester won by Kings Destiny, he was not helped by being locked away on the inside at a crucial moment. He races from the same mark today and should be too good for this opposition, particularly as he is stepped up in trip – one more tick in the right box.

4.20: Checklow has his chance here. Flying home over course and distance last time, the winner had gone by the time he found his stride. Saturday’s Spring Cup winner, Extraterrestrial was third so the form is rock solid. By Street Cry, this is probably Checklow’s surface and it will be a big disappointment to all concerned if he fails to progress.

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

4.40: Unlucky at Folkestone last time, Bubses Boy races from the same mark and will be suited by this step up in trip. Normally, it is advisable to ignore horses without form at Southwell but Michael Bell is a trainer that rarely gets it wrong when switching to Fibresand. Bubses Boy will know more today and is taken to win and complete a treble incorporating the top two.

BATH RACING TIPS:

5.50: Lennie Briscoe is a tentative selection on the basis he is better than his last run. He was noted as a closer in a maiden that has already thrown up a winner.

6.20: Hopefully by now we will be flying. Melt is not one to try and get out of trouble on but she was unlucky last time and this extra furlong will suit.

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MONDAY 20th April

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

4.50: Happy Forever looks the safest option.

WINDSOR RACING TIPS:

6.50: There are several unknowns here. Although not showing much in her only race as a two-year-old, Cartoon appealed as the type to do much better in her second season. But at this stage she can only be considered as one not to be left out of calculations.

7.20: Libel Law looks as if he only needs to run up to his sole outing from last year to beat Souter Point. A fourth to Emirates Roadshow and Jesse James seems a better standard of form than that achieved by Souter Point a fortnight ago.

7.50: Abulmarith – sixth to Bin End in his maiden this year and another to run in the Newmarket maiden won by Emirates Roadshow –  appears to be reasonably treated on this his first run in a handicap from a rating of 71. His stable are hitting form and he appears to hold a solid chance.

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SUNDAY 19th April

A quiet day in this quarter; although the Ballysax at Leopardstown should be informative. Clearly Mourayan has the form claims in view of his form with the smart Sea The Stars. A win by Fame And Glory would provide a big result for Ballydoyle in view of his penalty. John Murtagh is unlikely to have called it wrongly, but I can’t help but think Hail Caesar is capable of improving on his recent run behind Recharge and the Dewhurst winner, Intense Focus, particularly over this extra yardage. Of course Murtagh partnered Hail Caesar that day, which is a further negative now he has switched to Fame And Glory.

This is a funny game and from time to time obstinacy will prevail. I could not help but be taken by Hail Caesar’s run over this course last month and I may pay for the privilege of looking a fool later on. I expect him to run well and consider him a value alternative, certainly to Fame And Glory, although the line up looks strong.

So the suggestion is an each-way bet on Hail Caesar 3.55 Leopardstown.

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SATURDAY 18th April

NEWBURY RACING TIPS:

 More rain overnight and the possibility of it drying out this afternoon may increase the complexity of the card.

2.05: One horse that will relish the ground is Royal And Regal who is reported to be in fine shape. A winner of this race last year under similar conditions, it seems fair to say he disappointed on a couple of occasions thereafter. A gelding operation during the close season means he is in fine form just now, and whatever he goes on to achieve later in the year today is the day to catch him. With so much in his favour he looks the day’s best prospect. With two Classic trails, this should be an informative day. The Jim Bolger pair, Maoineach and Vocalised line up in the Fred Darling and Greenham with obvious chances. With the highly promising Sariska to beat in the Fred Darling, the fillies event could be the harder of the two races to call. The colts’ trial may prove easier to solve. With a run behind him today, Vocalised faces main rivals that, at least according to the vibes, may not be over-fancied. The progressive Vocalised may be the softer option in the two events.

AYR RACING TIPS:

2.50: The lightly weighted Ski Sunday may be the answer to this after two good runs at Cheltenham and Aintree. Obviously he carries a light weight because of the weight-for-age scale, but he looks in fine form and did chase Walkon home last time, even though that run may flatter him to a degree.

NOTTINGHAM RACING TIPS:

5.00: Gillburg made a good impression first time and ought to win with that experience behind him.

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FRIDAY 17th April

NEWBURY RACING TIPS:

1.35: Planet Red is subject to positive reports for this. An early enough foal, he will have to cope with overnight rain that will have made the track testing. His sire has been responsible for winners at Southwell so, whilst that is no guarantee he will cope with today’s conditions, it provides some encouragement. No good thing in a race full of unknown quantities but he has shown enough to run a race.

2.10: This is a tough handicap but the decision by Richard Hills to ride Fareer rather than Makaamen is understandable. Although Makaamen was a promising second to Evasive as a juvenile, the horse he beat last time [George Thisby] was well beaten earlier this week and represents shaky form. Probably too tough to call with Cloudy Start and a seemingly improved Daddy’s Gift (should relish the ground) amongst serious opposition.

2.40: Fullandby has his conditions and seems feasibly weighted against Chief Editor and Cheveton who are seen as the main dangers. Sonny Red is worth watching as he has slipped down the weights and is the sort to land a gamble in the near future.

3.15: Providing the ground is not too soft, Four Winds should stake his claim for a possible Derby tilt here. Your Old Pal skated away with his maiden over this course as a juvenile but by all accounts does little at home so is difficult to assess.

4.25: Ruler Of All did not find the race unfolding in his favour last time at Newcastle. A big horse that will have benefited from that run, he is fancied to go one better today.

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THURSDAY APRIL 16th:

NEWMARKET RACING TIPS:

1.50: My sources suggest Militarist is the best of the three Gosden representatives.

2.25: Crown may have the experience, but the race she finished fifth in at Bath was poor, proved by the fact the filly that finished half-a-length behind her was beaten in seller at Warwick on Monday. Surely either Habaayib or Silver Symphony are more interesting prospects.

3.00: Bookmakers have got this about right. Quirky Equiano is the form pick and comes from a stable in terrific form. Edge Closer and Knot In Wood look the biggest dangers.

3.35: Delegator is fully expected to win but his price reflects what is common knowledge.

4.10: Twice Over is another that should oblige in this company. However, after yesterday’s eclipse of several short-priced message horses, I shall let him run. In the event of rain, Virtual will test him.

5.20: In a tough handicap, Legislate should go well having shown battling qualities when beating the strongly fancied Jesse James last time.

RIPON RACING TIPS:

2.00: Here And Now had his form franked by the win of Jack My Boy yesterday. He ought to win but a market check for the well bred and early foal Saucy Girl is advised. She comes from a stable that has won this race for the last two years.

3.45: I am of the opinion that Mutamaashi may beat Hunterview – a Southwell winner and a dead-heater on soft at Beverley. This ground may make a difference to Hunterview who may have been flattered by a wide margin win last time as Statute Book appeared to run below par. Mutamaashi was impressive on debut and the horse he beat is a dual winner since.

4.20: El Loco Uno is expected to run well here.

4.55: Although this is a tough sprint – tougher than the race he was beaten in last time – Vhujon got no run at Folkestone, is on a winnable mark, has a favourable draw and looks overpriced.

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WEDNESDAY APRIL 15th:

NEWMARKET RACING TIPS:

1.50: Native Ruler, one of the worse kept secrets in Newmarket, is fully expected to justify the hype today.

3.00: Liberation is undeniably the form horse for this although there are a couple of minor doubts for those contemplating taking the price. The trip is a slight imponderable, and of course he has to adjust to the transition from Dubai. Rockhampton takes a leap up in grade but did impress last time at Leopardstown.

4.10: Fantasia ought to win this but the seven furlong trip must surely be a minimum for her.

5.20: Always an informative maiden and one that invariably throws up a decent horse or two. Espiritu has the best form on his runs behind Kite Wood and Cityscape, but preference is for Invisible Man who is said to have improved markedly since his debut.

BEVERLEY RACING TIPS:

1.30: Sharp Eclipse looks best on paper here.

3.10: Everymanforhimself is worth a second look in this sprint. Suited by this course and distance (a winner twice) and well drawn, he has worked his way back to a winning mark. He has the draw and a recent run should ensure he is spot on.

4.55: Labisa should be hard to beat with her good draw. She is virtually a winner without a penalty.

CHELTENHAM RACING TIPS:

2.10: Torphichen ought to get back on the winning trail here.

3.20: Although fancied, Dave’s Dream faces a tough task at the weights. Seven Is My Number flopped at Aintree but may do a lot better under Timmy Murphy and is weighted to beat the favourite on Sandown running.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.20: Set The Trend’s erratic behaviour is becoming a concern. Simplification may be the answer to a tough race.

8.20: Favours Brave may come out best in this. Dancer In Demand looks a disappointing type and even a gelding operation will need to effect a considerable turnaround.

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TUESDAY APRIL 14th:

YARMOUTH RACING TIPS:

2.20: In the absence of messages, the progressive Wadaat may get away with this. Third to the decent Photographic and then a stubborn second to the fancied Big Bound, she gets her chance today.

3.50: So far Aakef has been something of a disappointment. Gelded since we last saw him at Sandown when he looked a difficult ride, he returns to the course where he scored his solitary win. This looks an appropriate event for him to get his career back on track and he is given a last chance to land the money. He is reported to be in good shape.

4.20: I may be wrong here, this is not a game of exactitudes, but it is my opinion that Dart does not stay two miles. Such a statement contradicts Messrs Fanshawe and Spencer, so I must be prepared to look a fool after the race.

4.50: A big, stuffy individual, Bullet Man is worth following this term. He may not be cherry ripe today but his class should see him through.

FAIRYHOUSE RACING TIPS:

2.25: Ebadiyan looked all set to play a part in the Triumph Hurdle before running out at the second-last. He has a chance to make amends today.

EXETER RACING TIPS:

3.40: More a guess than anything else, but Swordsman appeared to improve for a step up in trip last time. A similar trip may bring out the best in him today, in which case he may repay a small each-way interest.

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BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 13th April:

As always plenty of racing today – maybe a case of quantity over quality.

WARWICK RACING TIPS:

2.20: Sarah’s Art ran well enough last week at Windsor to justify some confidence in a moderate Class 5 Handicap.

REDCAR RACING TIPS:

4.20: Warpedsenseofhumor has been noted working well enough at home to be included in calculations on this his debut.

YARMOUTH RACING TIPS:

2.15: This could be an informative maiden. There is a positive message for Dream Win but the race he finished fifth in as a juvenile has not worked out particularly well. This may be irrelevant six months down the line. Negotiation and Dukes Art ran well enough on their debuts to be respected.

3.25: Maverin is another to emerge from the maiden won by Roman Republic. The second was turned over at odds-on at Musselburgh yesterday. Advisor and Kloof provide keen opposition.

5.10: Holyrood really should win. Having clashed with Jukebox Jury and Soul City as a juvenile he will benefit from this step up in trip and, being by Falbrav, looks sure to make a much better three-year-old. Likely to be a very short price…

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SUNDAY APRIL 12th:

MUSSELBURGH RACING TIPS:

3.20: Desire To Excel looks the interesting contender here. After a promising debut behind Fajaan at Newmarket, muscular problems prevented him from progressing. If they have been cured he would be dangerous in such company. If not, they have sent him a long way to find out. Striker Torres looks the only conceivable threat.

TOWCESTER RACING TIPS:

A Nicky Henderson double is envisaged here as they expect to win the first and last race. Horseford Hill in the 2.10 and Pipe Banner 5.10 are the horses in question.

Otherwise a quiet day, although there are three interesting events being staged in France today that may shed some light on future developments…

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SATURDAY APRIL 11th:

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

2.05: One of several imponderable races today. Titan Triumph is much better suited by a left-handed turning track, so his latest run at Doncaster can be discarded. He may do better today, but wait until Chester! This is a tight race with Checklow, Cordell and Cape Hawk difficult to assess. Extraterrestrial comes out best on current form but has a killer draw.

2.40: Born Tobouggie is reported to be in good shape and is likely to attract interest this morning. Perfect Star has never won before July in the past, a record that strongly points to her being a mare that is best in the autumn. Dixey and Festoso may be better for the outing leaving Scuffle as the main danger.

3.45: Well drawn and fit Al Muheer is nothing more than a sporting selection.

4.50: Mr Willis faces a rise in grade but there was no fluke in his beating of the well fancied Fantastic Dubai last time. His mark of 76 seems reasonable.

5.55: Press The Button has some form from last year that suggests he can go well against his opponents today. A fourth to Suits Me and a third to Millville makes for good reading and accounts for a weight rise by the handicapper.

HAYDOCK RACING TIPS:

4.05: My only reservation about easy Newbury winner Gershwin following up is the ground. By Alhaarth, he would not want it too firm and gave an indication that he was reluctant to stride out form the final fence last time despite a convincing success. However, his win that day was no surprise to his stable and if allowed to take his chance he is the one to beat.

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THURSDAY APRIL 09th:

FOLKESTONE RACING TIPS:

Little to get excited about today:

2.10: Rare Art and Perfect Class are taken as two against the field.

2.40: Aye Aye Digby may be suited by the return to six furlongs and along with Vhujon are wishy-washy picks.

A 2×2 double the four selections comes to 4 bets. It is the only suggestion I can make today, but it is only a suggestion.

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WEDNESDAY APRIL 08th:

NOTTINGHAM RACING TIPS:

2.00: With no winners having emerged from the race Star Rover won at Kempton, he does not appeal as the type to defy a penalty. It is pure guesswork at this stage, but Gillburg – the oldest horse in the field and well bred – could be the one to lower his colours.

3.30: Fiulin may be the answer to this on the assumption the ground is on top. He has the look of a horse capable of improving as a four-year-old.

BRIGHTON RACING TIPS:

2.50: They have found a bad race for Western Roots who has only the top two to beat. Benedict Spirit has done all his winning at Southwell; the bigger danger could be Cactus King, but Western Roots may have needed his last outing and is taken to go one better in this company.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

8.20: Crown Choice looks an interesting contender for this. Third on his debut at Newmarket this time last year in one of the divisions of the Wood Ditton, he clearly can go well fresh and there have been signs that Walter Swinburn’s yard is coming to hand.

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TUESDAY APRIL 07th:

PONTEFRACT RACING TIPS:

2.10: Chapter And Verse has to be the selection here, although at present I cannot back this comment up with a message. With the stable in such good form, and taking into account Chapter And Verse’s last run in October when beaten just over three lengths by Roman Republic in a race that contained several touted youngsters, he should be hard to beat.

3.10: The Clive Cox yard appear to be in good heart and their representative here, Dunno, may be worth chancing.

4.10: Roseberry fifth Albaqaa, representing Richard Fahey, another yard that has hit the ground running, looks the one to beat. Rain is forecast, which would suit Jaser who was at his best last spring in the soft. Mull Of Kintyre could go well in this company as the track will suit his style of running. Hawaass has been installed as a short price favourite but, although respected, having not been seen since June last year, he seems to be creating a market for those with more solid claims.   Punters are advised to see what the weather does before crashing in this morning.

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MONDAY APRIL 06th

Nothing to recommend on a poor day…

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SUNDAY April 5th

There is little to get excited about today, which comes as a welcome rest after what seems like a busy, and largely unrewarding, week.

At the CURRAGH, Vocalised should be good enough to win the 2.45. Considered as a Group horse after two promising runs last year, his stable are in form and this looks like an ideal stepping stone to better things.

3.45: I confess to not being sure about Mad About You over seven furlongs. This looks tough for a filly whose best form is over further. One or two of these may have too much speed for her.

4.45: Aristocrat’s third to Mourayan last year means he lines up in this maiden with by far the best credentials and it will be a surprise if he starts at odds-against.

On the domestic front, it would appear the Alan King stable feel they are poised to mop up at both Southwell and Market Rasen with the likes of  Hugo Wolf, Turkish Surprise, Sadler’s Star, Rustarix and Shilpa.

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SATURDAY April 4th

AINTREE RACING TIPS:

1.45: Well regarded Copper Bleu looks a standout to get punters off to a flying start. Only 3 lengths behind Go Native in the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham and before that having beaten Riverside Theatre, who was  fourth here yesterday in a tougher contest, he has a progressive profile.

2.15: S ong of Songs is another who is improving with each run. His strength is his jumping but his beating of Deep Purple – on a line through Planet Of Sound – makes him at least the equal of Arkle runner-up Kalahari King. He has a touch of class and looks overpriced.

2.50: I like the chance of Catch Me here. Unbeaten this season, he has been trained for this and has his optimum trip. The opposition is tough but this horse has been winning with ease in Ireland and lines up relatively fresh.

4.15: To quote Ladbrokes, everyone has a National opinion. Mine is State Of Play – enough said!

5.00: On a day where key horses could even the score between bookmakers and punters on the week, it is very hard to get away from Seven Is My Number who ran so well in the Imperial Cup and faces a drop in grade in this.

NEWCASTLE RACING TIPS:

There are messages for the Barry Hills maidens, Ruler Of All in the 4.30 and Full Of Love 5.10. From what I gather, Ruler Of All is thought to be the better prospect.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.10: It may be worth taking a small chance with Mut’ab here. This former Sandown Classic Trial runner is a big horse who may come into this season the finished article. A big price, he is put forward as an optimistic punt to take advantage of a favourable mark.

2.45: Humble Opinion is expected to go well here after a satisfactory spin round Wolverhampton last month. 3.20: Midnight Cruiser has a definite chance on his juvenile form and is the pick of Richard Hughes over Icesolator. So a mixture of some big-priced fancies and some shorter priced solid-looking bets on a day that has the shape of being more than just a bit of fun for the pinstickers. .

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

FRIDAY APRIL 03rd

AINTREE RACING TIPS:

2.00: Having won three times at Musselburgh, Red Moloney may be most equipped to handle this tight track. His yard will be grateful of a winner after a quiet year. Red Moloney does have something to find on Sommersby on Cheltenham running but this track could make the difference. American Trilogy has plenty to do with his penalty and against such opposition.

2.35: Herecomesthetruth appeals as the type to take Aintree in his stride. Although closely matched with Massini’s Maguire on their clash at Sandown, his overall profile is the more progressive.

3.10: The stable are confident Voy Por Ustedes will win, but he is priced accordingly and I have always regarded him as being overated. Nacarat’s Racing Post win is suspect. Tidal Bay has yet to convince. I don’t know…

4.20: There is a loud shout for Karabak and he looks the logical call. He faces tough opponents and his price gives little away, but he ought to justify the hype today.

4.55: These kind of races are heartbreakers for punters. Mamlook clipped heels at Cheltenham and under the circumstances worked hard to get back into contention. He must have a chance.

BATH RACING TIPS:

2.10: Crown looks interesting on paper. Chicita Banana ran no more than okay at Doncaster.

4.30: There is a word for Espy here.

All in all, we face a tough day so it may be best to keep a lid on the bank!

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

THURSDAY APRIL 02nd

AINTREE RACING TIPS:

Have a care here as the script may not be followed to the letter:

2.00: Big Buck’s ought to win as he faces an easier task than at Cheltenham. Let him win; he cannot be supported at the price. Talk of Mighty Man coming back from the brink of obscurity seems fanciful.

2.35: Faced with very different conditions today and after a hard race at Cheltenham, Walkon looks a sitting duck of sorts. If he wins he deserves all the plaudits, but he faces two rivals tailor-made for Aintree in Starluck and Hebridean. If there is weakness in Starluck it may his ability to stay a truly run two miles. Hebridean, who by-passed Cheltenham for this will relish the ground and is given a narrow vote. For those taking a professional approach, it is a case of perming any one from three.

3.10: Good luck to Denman. A repitition of his run in the Gold Cup will be good enough, but this ground is not ideal and neither, I suspect, is the track. Again, he ought to win – I hope he does – but the head must rule the heart and it is a case of no bet.

4.55: Planet Of Sound is worth backing. This trip, the ground and his progressive nature all add up to a horse that can improve on his excellent third in the Arkle. He should be favourite in my opinion and will carry my cash.

LEICESTER RACING TIPS:

2.10: Initial reports suggest Farmer Giles will be good enough to emulate the same connections’ win in this last year.

2.45: There has to be a ground doubt over Chocolicious in this seller.

The rest of the card is interesting, but until the wellbeing of the Peter Chapple-Hyam stable is established it seems prudent to watch what seems a strong team today.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

5.55: Satwa Street has been crying out for the minimum trip as he is a blitzer. He faces a couple of dark horses tonight but the trip will help.

6.55: Golden Prospect ran with considerable promise over this course and distance last time and if reproducing that effort, will be in the firing line.

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WEDNESDAY APRIL 01st

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.30: Danies Boy ran with promise on his debut at Kempton behind the useful Seek N’ Destroy. Beaten just two lengths, fitness and improvement may make him the value against his main market rivals that have yet to reappear this season.

4.30: Fantastic Dubai looks potentially lobbed in for this his handicap debut from a mark of only 67. A narrow winner of his maiden here when strongly fancied, he is better than the bare form but may be a bit of a boyo. He pulled hard and ran green and for once the handicapper has taken the run literally. Fantastic Dubai will need to be more tractable this afternoon, but for a horse considered as Greenham material by his stable he ought to be accorded the benefit of any doubt from such a lowly mark.