More Free Tips

Johns going to Plumpton today. Here’s his paddock inspection shortlist. NB caution today, ground is bad, bets to a minimum, Bob

Plumpton

12.10

Sadma – Didn’t jump well enough last time and stamina looked an issue. This

ground is not ideal.

1.15

Call The Cops – Fair type who has been working well, fancied.

3.30

Our Phylli Vera – Improved since seasonal reappearance and in very good form, fancied.

Tom Sang – Improving all the time and comes here in very good form, big chance.


Johns going to Kempton tonight here’s his pre paddock inspection notes

Kempton

3.40

Quiet Warrior – Improving prospect and working well, fancied
Borough Belle – Type to do better next season.
Why Not Now – Works well at home but likely to want further than this.

4.40 

Anglo Irish – Better for the run today, best watched

Hoist The Colours – Okay sort, ew chance

Timeless War – Nice debutant who does work well at home, chance
AL BUSAYYIR – Better than he has shown to date, expected.

5.10

Attenzione – Best watched for now.

The Third Man – Knows it’s job and been found a weak maiden. Fancied.

5.40

Irish Tears – has a breathing issue but works okay, and this looks a moderate contest.

6.40

Spifer – Not the most genuine but this is an open race and ew claims at this level.


John’s going to Wincanton today, here’s his paddock inspection shortlist

12.40

Prasina Rusata – Blew up last time, improved for run, ew chance

River Dancing – Very moderate

Shareni – Schooled okay over hurdles, small chance

STAND TO REASON – Useful off flat, has schooled very well, expected to win here.

Party Girls – Not fancied.

1.10

Dreams And Songs – Ew chance in weak race

MAYFAIR MUSIC – Good effort in strong race last time, big improvement since, fancied

Summertime Lady – Wants further than this,

Vilja – Only ordinary and wants a trip.

Fairytale Theatre – Wont want any rain, small chance.

1.40

Lumpys Gold – Should have won last time and off good mark, fancied.

Kartanan – Very quirky, place chance at best.

2.10

Allthekingshorses – Jumping improved of late, found bad race, fancied

Buck’s Bond – Small chance off okay mark.

Inside Dealer – Not out of this if given easy lead.

2.40

Decoy – Very moderate, not today

Jumps Road – Needs to come down a few lbs.

McVicar – Improving with each run, ew chance

Kilrye – Very small chance n open race

3.10

Bincombe – Not fancied

3.40

Ryde By Knight – If he runs he’ll go close, but wasn’t 100% yesterday.


 

Note:

 Saturday Nov 30th

John’s  moving house this weekend so won’t be posting for a few days.

He asks me to pass on his apologies

 

All the best

Bob


Here’s Johns Notes one of my handicappers. A quick note about his “code”

CAPITALS BOLD – Strongest fancy

Bold – Fancied

Ordinary Text – one to note. Possible bets but subject to paddock inspection and market check  of other runners


John’s off to Newbury today so here’s his pre paddock inspection betting notes

12.30

Activial – Nice prospect, held in high regard, expected to go very close today.

Calipto – Nice type, improved since his hurdling debut and working well, chance

Dawalan – Only ordinary sort, best watched today

1.30 

Pateese – In good form and working well, ew claims

Arthurian Legend – Much better than last run, will love ground, ew claims

Amigo – Not fancied today

Seventh Sign – Well handicapped, chance

Aiteen Thirtythree – Better for last run, this is a confidence run

Western Warhouse – Very well handicapped and in good form, fancied.

Virginia Ash – Not fancied.

2.05

Up To Something – Consistent type in good form, chance

WONDERFUL CHARM – Held in very high regard, expected

Tanerko Emery – In good form and improved since latest start, nice chasing prospect

2.40

Grandioso – Working well, ew chance

Hazy Tom – Not fancied

Quinz – Needs to come down in weights

Cedre Bleu – Working well, ew chance

Theatrical Star – Well treated and in good frm, ew claims

3.15

Midnight Cataria – No more than a small chance today

Fabrika – Held in the highest regard, schooled impressively, fancied

Tagrita – Will want fences and 3m in time but okay chance today

3.45

Fascino Rustico – Okay type but had problems

In fairness – Okay sort, small place chance

SIGN OF A VICTORY – Held in the highest regard, expected

Tiqris – nice sort working well, ew

Vazaro Delafayette – Will do better over fences, small chance

Wilde Blue Yonder – Has schooled well at home, ew chance


John’s going to Newbury today here’s his pre racing betting notes prior to paddock inspection

Newbury Racing Thursday 28th Nov

12.25

VOLNAY DE THAIX – Useful type, impressed last time and continues to impress at home, expected.

12.55

Polisky – Solid effort last weekend, remains in good form, chance

Milarrow – Blew up badly last time, has improved since and solid ew chance

1.30

Broomfield – Nice sort who blew up last time, ew chance

Jojabean – Much stronger race than he won last time, small chance at best

Union Du Chenet – Working well and well handicapped, solid ew chance

Bold Cuffs – Likely to struggle at this level

2.05

Third Intention – In good form and not disgraced last time, solid chance

Just A par – Very one paced type. chance

2.40

Grandads Horse – Working well, off decent mark, fancied

Easter Day – Ordinary, badly handicapped

3.15

Puffin Billy – back to his best and working well, fancied

Chatterbox – Held in some regard, will love ground, fancied

Irish Saint – Needs the run today but okay prospect.

3.45

Fred Le Macon – Only okay type, up against it here

MAESTRO ROYAL – Very smart newcomer who has been impressing at home, expected.

Thomas Brown – Disappointed when fancied last time, better than that run, chance.


Johns going to Southwell today, these are his only pre race notes

 

1.10

RESOLUTE – Runner up in two stronger maiden’s than this and working nicely at home, should be too good for these today.

2.10

Gwael – Steadily progressing, should be capable of a decent run but no good thing.


Monday 25th

 

John’s early Betting notes for Kempton

Kempton Park

12.30

WEST WIZARD – Very smart hurdling debutante who is expected to win this.

Sgt Reckless is a good forecast bet and has improved since last run.

1.00

BEARS AFFAIR Has impressed over fences at home and should be too good for these.

1.30

Highland Retreat – Useful type, held in some regard, fancied.

Ma Filleule – Has her quirks but well weighted and place chance.

2.05

Jump City – In good form and likes it here, chance

PERSIAN SNOW – Ready to win and in great form at home, big chance.

Giorgio Quercus – not that well handicapped at present, watching brief.

2.40

Woodford Country – Not showing enough to take this

Time For Spring – Better expected in headgear, chance
Barton Stacey – Ew claims.

3.10

ROYAL BOY – Bypassed much stronger race last week for this and held in very high regard, big chance

Turn Over Sivola – Goes okay but sloppy jumper and more needed at this level.

3.40

Ranjaan – Very quirky not for me.

Who’s Cross – Moderate but in good form.

Fourth Estate – Goes well at hoe, has had problems but ew chance all the same.

Pippa Greene – Better than last time, not out of this, ew


John’s going to Haydock today so here’s his early betting notes

Haydock

12.50

Talkonthestreet – Had breathing problems last season but done impressively well for a breathing operation in the summer and working very well. Won’t be far away.

Fighter Jet – One paced type who is in good form but possibly on the high side in the handicap now. Small ew claims.

1.20

Dan Breen – Chance on his best form but rather disappointing last time out and has his quirks. Not out of it.

Fago – Disappointed at Exeter but in good form at present and better than he showed that day. Best in of these at the weights and fancied to go close.

1.55

PURPLE BAY – Held in high regard and working well. Won nicely last time and expected to take this before possibly heading to Newbury next weekend.

Oscar Hoof – Solid sort who is in good form. Bit more needed but not totally out of it.

2.30

BLACK THUNDER – Very classy type who is a natural over fences and won well last time. Has been impressing at home andexpected to go in again.

3.05

Spirit Of Shankly – Nice sort who remains in good form and is fancied to run another sound race.

Unknown Legend – Only ordinary sort who will improve for the run today.

Varom – Disappointing on British debut but not disgraced behind a classy sort on first run this season . Working very well at home and expected to go close.

3.40

Battle Born – Nice sort who has good Points form and comes here in very good form, big chance.

Saturday Nov 2

Posted 12.15

Wetherby Tips

12.45

MENDIP EXPRESS – Held in very high regard and extremely useful Pointer. Has looked the part on the gallops and schooled very well. Will be seriously hard to beat.

1.15

GONE TOO FAR – Useful prospect and good bumper form, only finding the smart Oscar Rock too good on debut before bloodless win. Has schooled smartly at home and expected to win on hurdles debut.

Varom – Okay prospect who has done well at home, Tough task on hurdles debut but ground no issues, ew chance.

NEWMARKET TIPS

2.55

NABUCCO – Very highly regarded and flying at home. Improving all the time and relishes conditions, held in high regard and will be seriously hard to beat today.

Bana Wu – Okay sort but needs to step up on best form to beat the Gosden horse here

4.00

ANNINA – Very highly regarded and working extremely well at home, needed two runs so far but now off good mark. Impressing on gallops and will love the ground, big chance.

Santa Anita  Tips

7.43

Dank – In good form, setting good times around track this week. Won’t be far away.

10.22

The Fugue – Should go very close. Ground perfect and plenty of pace will help, big chance.

 

Good Luck


Sat 25th October. Sorry, there’s no blog today, John’s had a bit of an accident riding out, nothing serious. but didnt get back to his place in time to write it up 

 


CHAMPIONS DAY – TELEVISED BLOG 

 

A cracking Saturday which nearly brings the Turf Season to a close and we have five races featured on TV today.

1.45 Ascot

Very few front runners in this suggests that Harris Tweed could get an easy lead up front here and if he does he could be very hard to peg back. As shown in two races this season at Goodwood he has been very hard to peg back and on ground he loves he is definitely of interest over a trip expected to suit.

Ahzeemah likes it around here as well and comes here expected to go close as well and is another to consider in an open race.

Times Up & Biographer are closely matched on their Doncaster runs and the drop back in trip is likely to suit the latter better.

However the Ascot Gold Cup form of ESTIMATE is the best on offer and even over this shorter trip she looks to have solid claims. It’s her first run since her win at the Royal Meeting and she should prove very hard to beat here with plenty going for her.

Harris Tweed can give her most to think about.

Result

Estimate          unpl

Harris Tweed  2nd 8/1

2.20 Ascot

Improving sorts Balmont Mast (won last week), Viztoria (possibly better over 7f) and Heaven’s Guest (first run out of handicap company) are interesting in this open race but each need to step up at least 10lb to win this.

Slade Power is another with claims whilst L’Abbaye winner Maarek is definitely in love with the ground he has today and the stiff track really suits here. He comes here in top form and should go close again.

But for me JACK DEXTER is improving all the time and he looked to step up again when 3rd in the Ayr Gold Cup and really flew home from an unpromising draw.

Well drawn today and in good form, he looks set to improve again and for me over 6f he might be capable of better than Maarek and therefore at around 5/1 he is a solid ew proposition.

Result

Slade Power 1st 7/1

Jack Dexter  2nd 5/1 (Neck)

Viztoria           3rd 5/1

2.55 Ascot

This is a cracking fillies event and the news on the Newmarket gallop is that Hot Snap has really come on lately and working very well. She is still unexposed over this trip and stayed on very well last time. There could be more to come and the way she is working at home, she looks worth an ew.

Oaks winner Talent has to enter calcualtions on her Leger 2nd and Oaks Win but there could be a lack of pace here and therefore she could prove vulnerable.

Dalkala is definitely one who could take advantage and her performance when seeing off Tasaday last time is very solid and for me looks another solid ew.

I don’t rate Waila, and I think she was a fortunate winner last time and she certainly doesn’t work to this level at home, I’m keen to oppose her.

The other with value is The Lark who although behind Talent at Epsom has undoubtedly improved this season and her Doncaster win was most impressive and has been galloping very well at home lately. She will be up there so could get first run on the field here which will give her a big advantage and like Dalkala I like her ew, and it’s hard to split them.

Result

The Lark  … non runner

Waila      … opposed and beaten

Dalkala   … unpl

Talent      … 3rd 7/2

3.30 Ascot

One of the days feature and for me I’m not sure why Brian Ellison has supplemented Top Notch Tonto as a this level it is an ask too much and he needs to finish 3rd to recoup his 70k which I’m not sure he will. However taking a 70k gamble on him running well into 4th/5th to increase the horses value by more than 70k is a gamble I could understand but he is not a betting proposition.

Gordon Lord Byron has stamina issues to prove over this trip for me so he is discounted, whilst Elusive Kate for me is better on a sounder surface.

At big prices do not rule out Kingsbarns. He wouldn’t be the first O’Brien horse to bomb out badly after a break then bounce back to win or go well the next time and last season’s form is very impressive.

Olympic Glory in headgear is interesting as he is clearly quirky whilst the French fancy the chances of Maxios who was just in front of the former named last time.

Soft Falling Rain impressed last time and is another to consider whilst the ground has to be a worry given he has mainly only ever raced on fast ground.

That said they all need to go some to see off DAWN APPROACHwho didn’t give his best in Deauville and wasn’t suited how the race panned out . he is better than that and bacjk to his Ascot and Goodwood form, for me he will be very hard to beat and is the safest option. Kingsbarns as a 16/1 saver is also worth a look.

Result

Olympic Glory        1st 11/2

Kinsbarns                 3rd 14/1

4,05 Ascot

The Champion Stakes itself and having been way below par all season Cirrus Des Aigles has really bounced back in his last two races and will love the ground and he distanced any doubts he was past his best with a bloodless display at the L’Arc meeting. Bitterly disappointing here in June, he shouldn’t be written off lightly and remains one not to lay but maybe not the best value to bet at 11/10.

Ruler Of The World for me cant win and he wasn’t good enough in the L’Arc and won a very poor derby whilst Mukhadram should be there abouts and could get it easy up front, he is definitely one to consider.

Hillstar possibly wants further but will be running on so he has a place chance but for me the ew bet to nothing is FARHH . Godolphin’s runner has form over 10f and was brilliant in the Lockinge this year, this trip looks ideal and he has been burning up the Snailwell gallops in

Newmarket lately. Everything points to a big run today and I think he is a knocking ew and it would not surprise me to see him beat the French horse.

Result

Farhh Won 7/2 -> 5/2

Good luck 

 


Update Saturday evening 

 

BANKER BET, SEEK AGAIN WON

WAR COMMAND WON

The suggested Lay on 2/1 Fav GREAT WHITE EAGLE was successful


Saturday Blog  12th October.

8 races live on Tv today and here’s our quick guide to the first 6.

1.50 York

Probably the strongest bet of the date today for me and SEEK AGAIN is a banker win and place bet today. His close up 5th in the Cambridgeshire two weeks ago looks very solid with the 4th home Graphic winning well yesterday. Seek Again was outpaced before staying on strongly late on and the return to 10f will really suit this lightly raced colt.

The in form Thouwra could be still open to improvement whilst it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see King George River improve on his poor Cambridgeshire display back in a smaller field. However Seek Again remains progressive and is a cracking ew option.

2.05 Newmarket

Much will depend on how much last months poor run has taken out of the progressive Darwin who is sure to be happier back at 7f, but LOCKWOOD has looked in great form this season and showed a real battling attitude when going down narrowly last time when clear of the field. Two decent wins prior to that he has the beating of most of this field and again is respected ew.

2.20 York

Excellent Result could be interesting under all the weight allowances today and comes here in good form but FIRST MOHICAN is definitely more interesting back on a sound surface having not got home in the ground at Ayr last time. His best effort this season came over course and distance and back in a race where he has some of the best form he has a solid ew chance.

2.35 Newmarket

I think the key to this is Great White Eagle. He won easily in testing ground on his debut and despite winning well last time he beat little and took a long time to get going and for me he is crying out for 7f. This 6f trip I feel will just find him out for pace when it matters and with Astaire , Brown Sugar, Surdiman and Supplicant all pacey sorts I could see him finding it all too tough before staying on well. Personally I would be laying Great White Eagle. I was impressed with SUPPLICANT and the way he stretched away at the end of the Mill Reef and the rain falling is a bonus, a cracking ew price today and looks value to me today. Hot Streak who bolted up in the Cornwallis last time also looks solid ew value.

2.55 York

A cracking sprint and I really like OUTER SPACE who despite being no match for Hot Streak in the Cornwallis looks progressive. I think of all the field, he has the most speed to be suited by 5f and has the beating of Brave Boy & Rufford for my liking. Mushir is an interesting newcomer and won very well at Kempton on debut and could be open to more improvement, but Outer Space could get a boost of form in the Middle Park at 2.35 with Hot Streak and for me is a solid option.
3.10 Newmarket

A small field but it looks between the classy Ascot winner WAR COMMAND and Outstrip. There can be no doubt that Outstrip was impressive at Doncaster and is going the right way but War Command has looked better than ever over the 7f and today rates a strong bet. I would back him for the Guineas before today.

Good Luck

Saturday Double

The first of our two for Saturday comes in the 4.25 at Ascot and NARGYS can give Luca Cumani another big Saturday winner.

Best suited by these conditions she has been working really well at home and this looks a lot easier than the race she won at Doncaster.

A very good work horse she looks sure to follow up that win. 2pts win

The 4.45 at Newmarket see’s me looking at WINNING EXPRESS.

Not disgraced behind the classy Nargy’s at Doncaster she looks as if a drop to 6f is exactly what she needs and her run in the Cheveley Park here last season was a cracking effort.

She is 9/2 and a cracking ew bet. 3pts ew.

Good Luck


September 28th

 

Saturday Blog

 

A cracking Saturday’s racing and it might be hard to match the achievements of a 40/1 winner last Saturday !

Today’s betting feature is the Cambridgeshire at 3.50 but we do have some other action on the box.

Paul Cole has openly said he has the best bunch of 2yo’s he’s had in a long time and BERKSHIRE can get the day off to a flyer in the 2.00 . He takes on Somewhat of Mark Johnston’s and Kingfisher today but the Chesham winner has been working seriously well at home lately and comes here after a break and connections believe he will take all the beating today. 2pts win.

The 2.35 is very open but I feel there is each way value to be had with Lady Cecil trained Joyeuse. She looked to get tired late on at Salisbury last time and I think the 2nd was flattered to get as close as she did. That horse re-opposes today but the prices mean Joyeuse is overpriced.

Her Ascot run was a cracking display and she comes here in very good form. She galloped well on Saturday morning and the yard think at 6/1 she is worth a 1pt ew bet.

SKY LANTERN is my banker of the day in the 3.10 and she should have won at Newmarket earlier in the season when hampered by Elusive Kate and her run at Goodwood is best forgotten as she didn’t get the trip after a troubled passage.

With a clear run today she can revert the Falmouth form and already holds Just The Judge twice this season. Integral is an improver but Sky Lantern is expected to return to her best today and at around 6/4 she is value to a 4pt win bet.

The Cambridgeshire is open at 3.50 and I like 5 in this, and I’m advising 1pt ew on the Selection, and 0.5pts ew on the remainder.

Fury can go well at big odds and having been midfield last season but not beaten too far he has had a fresher campaign this season and actually comes here in very smart form. He is 8lb lower as a result and just about see’s this trip out. He is one of Three Haggas horses I like in the race and I think he’ll go well.

King George River ran well last time and has the excellent Rob Tart on today taking off 3lb. Not disgraced in group company this return to handicaps will suit and he will be powering home late, I think he’ll take a hand.

Graphic is another of the Haggas horses who has found his feet of late and is suited by the hurley burley of big handicaps. He is well drawn here and comes here on the back of improved efforts and shouldn’t be discounted easy.

Top Notch Tonto is another who would have preferred some more cut but under his penalty he could be very well in having won well in listed company last time. He is improving all the time and really should be thereabouts.

However the one for me is one I’ve followed all year and I think NINE REALMS can take this for William Haggas.

Thought one time a group prospect he was given a poor ride on his return before making all to win well at Ascot. Another poor show last time he was too free in easy ground but the return to 9f on a galloping track and a sound surface is what he needs.

At the prices around 20/1 he is overpriced and expected to see him dropped in early and produced late under Liam Jones who rides him out at home. He is definitely well handicapped and is great value to lead the Haggas team home in their quest for glory. He is the 1pt ew selection, with 0.5pts ew savers on the others.

Good Luck

 


 

 Saturday 21st

Good Afternoon

A fantastic day’s racing ahead with the feature Ayr Gold & Ayr Silver Cups the highlights this afternoon;

Ayr Silver Cup (2.40)

The key to yesterday’s Bronze Cup was a huge benefit to those horses drawn high and I forecast much of the same here today. If you are betting in this race today make sure you use Bet365, SkyBet or Betfred, they are paying 1-2-3-4-5 1/4 odds, whilst most of the other firms are only 1-2-3-4.

Take Cover is one of four I like in this race and he comes here in super form, a bold front running effort on faster ground at Goodwood he has form in the past on a slower surface and narrowly denied at Goodwood, he has been rested for this race. Well drawn today he comes here in terrific form and off what looks a competitive mark. It’s hard to make all here but he could go close to doing so.

Another I would want on our side is Picture Dealer. I can forgive him a poor run last time and the time previous at Goodwood things never went right for him. 6f is ideal and in stall 15 he should tag onto the pacey side of highly drawn horses. He comes here working well at home and his mark isn’t too bad, I can see him flashing home into the mix.

Top weight Ancient Cross is a sneaky one at big odds as well. He flew home in the Portland and is at his best with cut in the ground and the return to 6f would suit. I fancied him at long odds for the Gold Cup but he missed the cut by one and in typical fashion there is now a non runner in the feature. Very well drawn he should get a really good take into the race and at big odds he is value.

The final one of interest in an open contest is also a big price and Polski Max is closely matched with a few of these from form earlier in the season and he has slipped back to a competitive mark. He loves this ground and whilst he is not drawn great, I think he can run a decent race.

I advise 0.5pts EW on all four selections.

Ayr Gold Cup (3.50)

The Gold Cup is a cracking race but is very tough. Jack Dexter is respected back on ground he loves but I just think it’s a tough task under this weight.

Tropics has been in fine form this season and for me he is weight nicely to go close here. I think he is a group horse in the making and think he’ll go very close today. He is well drawn.

Hoof It is another who has just started to come back to form and he remains off 107 despite being raised to 109 after his 3rd in the Sprint Cup. Best with cut in the ground and in great form, he won’t be far away.

At a big price Humidor has dropped to a fair mark and comes here on the back of a fair run last time. He is probably better on a sounder surface but he is not one I would discount easy and at 40/1 there is value about him.

Duke Of Firenze is another who will love the ground and working very well at home and step up to 6f today is going to suit. Found out in Group Company the last twice, back into handicaps this looks ideal and I think she is very overpriced.

My final one to include is Red Dubawi who was once a class act and has come down to a decent mark now and this 6f on easy ground really suits. I think this has been trained for the race and has a very solid attitude. I really fancy this one from the high draws and is well treated. Big chance !

Again I advise 0.5pts Ew on all five selections.

Hope we’re in the money in the big races
Good Luck


Saturday Sept 14th

 

TV Racing Tips

Good Morning:

Three cracking bets today on the TV races.

In the 2.05 at Doncaster look no further than THE GREAT GATSBY . The Mastercraftsman colt was still very green behind Treaty Of Paris last time and has come on no end since Working really well. The yard hold him in high regard and the recent rain has improved his chances . He will improve past the Henry Candy horse today and prove hard to beat. 4pts win.

Soft ground horses are key and GREGORIAN is value Ew in the 3.15. He won nicely last time and his best form as shown at Epsom is good enough here. He caught the eye on the Cambridge Road Polytrack last weekend and at 9/2 is a 1pt Ew bet.

Our final bet is in the 3.50 and is LIBERTARIAN and despite being in the Godolphin 3rd silks today he is the most strongly fancied of the trio. He has been trained for this race and his fast finishing 2nd in the Derby gives him a huge chance. He wants this ground and the Irish Derby run is best discounted . A cracking 7/1 bet he is advised at 2pts Ew

Good luck

 


Good morning

 

Sadly the post was struck yesterday twice with Masamah (2nd at 6/1) and Excellent Puck (2nd at 20/1 into 12/1).

Today’s is the trickiest of the four days of the meeting with just the one advice.

It comes in the 3.15 and personally I would advise joining an orderly queue in Stan James and getting on THE LARK in the 3.15 at 15/8.

Michael Bell’s filly was a cracking 3rd in the Oaks before things didn’t go her way in Italy last time.  Steadily progressing all season she has been crying out for this step up in trip and even better she has the soft ground she needs to be seen to her best.

Her work at home lately has also been most impressive and this actually looks a weak renewal of the race.

There also looks some pace in the race that will definitely suit, but it really does look a hard race to find anything with the form to beat The Lark.

I can’t see this beat and I’m having a decent punt.

Tomorrow’s racing offers more value across the card for us

Good Luck

Todays Racing Tips Blog from John, Wednesday Sept 11th

Good morning;

Day one of the St Leger festival starts today with four fantastic days of racing ahead.

A mix of conditions races and handicaps start the festival today and we have three good bets on the opening day card.

MASAMAH (3,00) should be a good starting point to the meeting and done well to finish as close as he has the last twice as he was poorly drawn and also been slowly away from those draws and not been able to lead as he likes to.

He drops in class today and is well drawn today and won’t mind if the forecasted rain arrives. He likes an aggressive ride which is expected today and whilst he looks held on form with Justineo on the Goodwood run, missing the break that day gave him no chance and with a good start today he can settle on the heels of the leader and unlike most of these the ground if it goes on the slow side of good won’t worry him. He is in good form and at 6/1 with bet365 there is ew value to be had with him.

The 3.35 had me puzzling about one horse, notably EXCELLENT PUCK of Jamie Osborne’s with recently retired yard assistant trainer Jimmy McCarthy in the saddle.

Having won off 70 over an extended mile at Wolverhampton he figured around 79, but the horse who was raised to 76, has fallen off the radar in his next three starts.

I spent months thinking why is this horse running so badly after an impressive win and whilst the win was on the all weather so I was thinking all weather touch, he blatantly hasn’t been put in races knowing despite travelling easy he wouldn’t see out longer trips. Very clever Mr Osborne !

However any plans of an AW coup fell on deaf ears as the handicapper has left him at 75 on the all weather but slipping to 70 gave him the opportunity to get in this race.

Dropped to 72 in May, I think connections knew that Jimmy was retiring recently (so much fitter than most of his rivals) and that they knew they could give this horse a break to take it off edge and having just been dropped 3lb in two runs, it was always likely that a poor run on return would see him dropped the 2lb to get into this race.

Connections were more clever, by running on the 25th Aug, they would have known on the 27th if they could get into the race but also knew they had up until the mark by the 3rd of Sep to get a run in this race and with that if he wasn’t dropped 2lb had another week to run him to make sure he got in here, clever again.

By Excellent Art ground will not pose any problems and the return to a galloping mile with a strong pace is what he wants.

This is a very carefully planned gamble with a horse we already know is capable of running to 80, running off 70 with a 5lb 3yo allowance, with a rider on who is the yards assistant trainer and he will know the horse inside out.

Proper good old fashioned gamble on the cards and weak on the exchanges overnight, I predict a push out. 16/1 ew with many firms today and four places, I’ve either read into this too much, or I’ve got the script bang on. Either way at 16/1 I’m willing to find out ! Ew advised.

We finish in the 4.45 where I feel CHILWORTH ICON is ready to resume winning ways.

I have been laying this horse for most of the season waiting for him to slip back into a 0-90 or 0-95 over 7f or over a mile, and like a kid who waits for Santa all season, my prayers are finally answered.

Sadly no it doesn’t mean I finally get the Woody and Buzz Lightyear I wanted all those years ago only to have my faith in Santa destroyed but the principle is the same of carefully dissecting a horses ability and working out it’s optimum grade and ability and making a note of it on a wish list.

This is the best way to find yourself good gambles and bets, but it requires being able to read horses and understand their abilities.

Something I believe I’m good at and if you are, you can find yourself a number of winners a year that most people will miss as they fall into the “this horse is regressive trap”. Anyway I’ve side tracked slightly.

Chilworth Icon started the season rated 103 running in group 3 company and was hampered at the start of the race but still ran well enough behind Havana Gold.

Running off the same mark behind the much improved Garswood next time again in listed handicap company he was just shaping like a horse in need of a drop in the ratings but more importantly he does not want fast ground.

On his next run dropped to 100, he nearly caused an upset when he ran 3rd in a strong 6f 0-100 handicap.

Rain fell on the morning of the race and he raced prominently where his stamina kicked in, he was a good 3rd but I’m far from convinced he was meant to as he raced handy and he normally likes to be dropped in.

Back up to 101 he ran on very quick ground at York and was never put into the race reverting back to 6f.

Returning to 100 next up at Newmarket he was dropped to 5f to make sure and made good late headway under a fair ride to finish a close up 5th on ground he relishes.

The handicapper not amused with this effort didn’t drop him so back to 6f it was back on rock hard ground and not put in the race.

Result out the back and the handicapper fell for it, dropped to 98.

Now the tester run came on his next start, Up to 7f at goodwood in a competitive contest. Having had a weak draw he was never put in the race and found a lot of trouble as if he wasn’t looking for the gaps he was finding. He stayed on well at the finish but was beat 9L and had I not spent the race watching him I probably wouldn’t have ever noticed him.

Off to Ascot off 95 with Cathy Gannon on over 6f, he was free early and didn’t get the cover he needed but ran a cracker beaten less than a length in 4th, but this was in 0-100 company and she looked at pains not to win on him.

The handicapper put him back to 96, so in true Channon plotting one up he had to disappoint last time.

Off to Newmarket up in class over 6f and racing on the worse part of the course, out in midfield but travelling easy he noticed a horse hanging and got on the outside of it to ensure was carried across the course. Don’t believe me, watch the replay the rider would never have got hampered until he made the move to make sure he was on the side of the horse that was hanging outwards. Finishing 6th and had he stayed straight would have been a great deal closer he got the drop to 95 again.

I think Channon knows he’s can’t slip any lower and is now dangerously well handicapper and they have nearly messed it up twice.

Well no fast ground today and back to the ideal 7f on a galloping track with plenty of pace in the contest and a big drop in class.

His last 6 runs have come in, 0-105, 0-100, 0-105, 0-105, 0-105 and 0-105 and now drops into 0-95 for the first time in ages and has the trip and ground ideal with more rain a bonus not a negative.

Well drawn back to 7f in gate 5, you can notice Martin Harley the stable jockey back on who only rode him when 3rd this season (best run) and has won on him twice before.

Now this is a competitive race  but dropping in class taking on lesser horses he has plenty going for him and every box is ticked for me today, including value. He’s the best horse in the race yet is a staggering 25/1 with Bet365, 4 places. Cracking ew value and my best bet of the day.

Good Luck

 


Todays Racing Tips Blog from John, Saturday Sept 7th

 

8 Races on TV today and I’ve got three strong bets for you on the televised races.

We start with the 1.55 at Ascot and I would advise a decent ewon PYTHAGOREAN today.

Roger Charlton’s runner was too wide throughout last time at Goodwood and having been bumped and pushed deeper around the bends done well to finish in 6th.

Having previously been very unlucky at Goodwood and Sandown previously, he is still very well handicapped and he has been working like a listed horse for some time on the Beckhampton gallops. Steve Drowne rides today and at 6/1 ew with BET365 he looks cracking value.

The 2.20 at Kempton is our second advice and forget his poor previous efforts this season, MAIN SEQUENCE is back in flying form at home and comes here in seriously good nick.

David Lanigan gave the majority of his yard a break when they weren’t firing but have come back in great form and his gallop on Tuesday with Biographer was simply astounding.

He is definitely back to his best today and 6/1 ew with Stan James is value not to be missed.

My final and best bet of the day comes in the 2.40 at Haydock where MONTIRIDGE will give Richard Hannon another big Saturday winner.

Improving all the time this season he gallops fine at home and comes here very strongly fancied.

The ease in the ground is actually a bonus for him and with only Nine Realms and Tawhid looking any substance of a danger, Montiridge can continue his forward progress and give us a good value treble on the day. Even money Bet365 get on !!

Also from that Race expect a big effort from Nine Realms, he works like a group horse at home and done us a nice turn winning at Ascot last time.

He has ew value at 10/1 and should place but note whatever he does today he is being targeted for the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket on the 28th September and he is currently 16/1 with Paddy Power and Stan James.

A good run today without winning would see his price shorten considerably and I would advise an ante post bet today. He is number 30 in the weights, so is guaranteed a run (34 max) and even if he won today would only get a 4lb penalty for the race. I don’t think he’ll be 16/1 for the race come 3pm today.

Good Luck

 


Thursday 5th Sept

 

Good Morning;

A couple of decent races today to get stuck into;

The feature is at 3.45 where for me JOYEUSE this sister of Frankellooks a cracking bet.

She was an impressive winner on debut at Lingfield before an improved effort to be 3rd at Royal Ascot.

Rested since she has been working very impressively at home and galloped 4L clear of an older companion over the weekend. The yard remain in good form at present and she is a very decent who is suited to this trip of 6f.

Her opposition is solid but in the likes of Lilbourne Lass she faces a horse who has been held at this grade and hasn’t convinced she truly see’s out the 6f, whilst the Godolphin runner Wedding Ring ran on well last time over 7f, suggesting she might be vulnerable to a horse such as Joyeuse with the turn of foot she possesses.

Dorothy B was fortunate to beat a slow starting Hoku at Nottingham but remains progressive nonetheless and should run her race. If improving she could place but again her form is far inferior to those with proven listed and group race form.

Both Alutiq and Lamar have won at lesser grades and run well on the balance of form, but both look vulnerable at this level.

Joyeuse looks the one not just with the best form but with the profile to be best suited by this stiff 6f and at 8/11 looks a solid bet to me.

I’m doubling her up as well with SEBASTIAN BEACH in the 2.10 and Richard Hannon’s runner was green as grass on debut but caught many eyes staying on powerfully. getting weight off a winner of a modest contest today, he looks open to a lot of improvement and his other two rivals look limited in ability.

The way he works at home suggests he can win this comfortably and again at 8/11 is priced right.

Cracking value as a double as well which will pay around 5/4

(Note from Bob. Slight maths error here from John, he’s a horseman not a maths boffin! It actually pays closer to 2/1. Good luck Bob)


Good Morning

It’s a tight day’s racing today but we’ve concentrated on the best meeting of the day for today’s blog.

Goodwood Racing today

2.20

Martian needed the run on debut but has improved since that run and goes well at home, he looks to have a solid chance today in a maiden that lacks a lot of strength in depth.

Advisory has improved since his first run and could be the principal danger, whilst Wizara is another who goes okay.

Nickel’s And Dimes is becoming a disappointing sort and is not one I like very much whilst Bold Citizen and Diamond Mine both will benefit with time.

2pts Win

2.55

This looks a match on paper with Richard Hannon’s Tea In Transvaal showing a lot of improvement lately at home and she was still green when running 2nd in a strong maiden last time, with further improvement she can improve past Tinga whose form is solid but was possibly flattered in an average group contest last time and probably falls some way short of a group horse.

She is definitely the biggest danger in what is a good maiden for the track.

Criteria is reportedly a forward sort who is expected to go well whilst, Arabian Comet is better than showed on debut and has been crying out for a mile, she’ll be doing her best work late on.

1pt Win

3.30

Al Baz has a bit to find at the weights and is definitely vulnerable here, whilst Rosso Corsa is interesting dropped markedly in class but whilst performing with credit lately is vulnerable to an improver and did run a shade flat on Saturday.

Lyn Valley is definitely interesting having come 2nd in a very strong maiden here before a good win last time in which the 2nd franked the form at Thirsk when beating a very decent field for that track. Lyn Valley has always been held in high regard by his connections and is definitely of interest.

Wahaab won well on his debut and was quietly fancied for the Coventry but came up short despite only being beat 7L. He has been working well since and is another to come here with solid claims, but for me Lyn Valley has shown enough in his last two starts to suggest he has the make up of a group performer and he can improve past the likes of Rosso Corsa today who appeals as a lay to me.

2pts Win

4.05

Deeds Not Words lost nothing in defeat here last time flashing home and this is markedly weaker. Mick Channon’s runner has been going well at home and is strongly fancied to collect today.

Expert is another who is consistent and has a solid chance, whilst Crowdmania can’t seriously be advised after two very disappointing efforts lately leave a serious question as to how genuine he is.

Memory Styx doesn’t know how to run a bad race and possibly had her stamina stretched last time over 7f but the drop back to 6f will definitely suit. The handicapper has been fair taking 2lb off her back and it’s a pity there isn’t 8 runners as she would have been an ideal ew. I do think she can complete a Channon forecast in the race though.

1pt RFC Deeds Not Words / Memory Styx

4.40

The feature at 4.40 is definitely a close encounter and there is very little between Broxbourne and Mawaqeet on their recent run when only a whisker separated them.

A lb better off Mawaqeet certainly has enough of a swing to get the upper hand today.

Mutual Regard would be very interesting if getting a soft lead which is possible and he has been working very well at home lately so expect a big run from him, whilst for me the value is with Waterclock ew who is steadily improving, stays well and will benefit from a decent pace today. He is 3lb better off with Argent Knight on their Newmarket run and I think he will get a more generous pace today to suit, and is value around 6/1.

1pt Ew

5.10

A tricky handicap, Mick Channon’s Tidentine is not without claims and goes okay at home, but one suspects 7f would perhaps suit a bit better nowadays.

However in a tight race with plenty of pace it’s hard to see the back to form Clear Praise not going close and a win two back, he backed that up with a solid 2nd at Epsom staying on well behind a ready winner but holding the remainder of the field. He goes well here and is value ew.

1pt Ew

5.40

I’ve not much interest in the last race as it’s very tricky but feel Swift Blade who is likely to have needed the run last time, is well handicapped on old form and giving weight to lesser rivals today may suit, he should be around the 5/1 mark and is sure to run his race with Adam Kirby booked and looks value ew as an ew bet to nothing.

No bet advised

 


Monday 2nd Sep

 

Good Morning

A few near hits on Saturday with York Glory that should have won, and a fine run from Handsome Man at Chester going close to good returns.

Today’s racing is weak with nothing advised but later on today we’ll send out a low down of what was going on, on the gallops in Newmarket over the weekend.

Good Luck


Good Morning;

Here is my (Johns) advice on the televised TV races.

2.05 Sandown

A strong 5f handicap to start proceedings and those drawn high face a disadvantage.

On day one of James Doyle the new Abdullah jockey I find it strange to see him not on Mission Approved in the opener.

His ride on top weight Pandar catches the eye and now dropped in class is interesting. Having once been rated 110, he represents the Robert Cowell yard who are now coming into form and well drawn in stall five, he likes to chase a strong pace which he is sure to get with the likes of Swendab, Joe Packet, Edge Closer and Fratellino in the race.

Personally those drawn high face a big disadvantage and with Swendab in 13, Mission Approved in 16, and the visored Dungannon in ten I feel there is value to look amongst the bigger prices drawn low who could get the race to suit.

Tidal’s Baby likes to come from off the pace and would have claims but from stall 2, he will need a lot of luck in running and he prefers more as a place chance than a winning one.

The same could be said about Joe Packet, he’ll track the pace but from stall 9 he might find himself a bit deep and that concerns me whilst O’Gorman is another who will be held up is the potential improver and could be well in here after impressing last time.

That said when all of these are looking for runs, Pandar should have been able to track the pace from a good draw and get first run on the field. On Betfair at present he is 16.5 in the win market and 3.85 in the place market with 4 places paid despite Artic Lynx and Taajub being non runners.

1pt Ew Advised @ 16.5 & 3.85 Pandar

2.20 Chester

This is an open looking race but Andrew Balding’s New Forest really caught the eye with an impressive win last time and is attractively well drawn in stall one here today.

Winning around another tight track in Warwick, the course will be no problem and he powered away to win by over 3L beating a couple of fair sorts in the process. Up 9b as a result, he has the very talented Oisin Murphy taking 7lb off today and getting plenty of weight and a strong pace to chase he is very interesting over this ideal trip. There is also plenty of pace for him to track and he should get first run on those that look to have claims but are held up. Free Zone is interesting back in a realistic grade but stall 12 is no help, whilst El Viento has slipped to a mark he really should be capable off.

For me New Forest is definitely a horse well ahead of the handicapper and in a race full of regressive types or ones who have reached the ceiling of their ability she is the only unexposed type and will take plenty of beating.

1pt Ew Advised @ 9/2 Stan James – New Forest

2.30 Beverley

Things haven’t dropped right for YORK GLORY (NAP) since winning the Wokingham but this stiff 5f is right up his street and he is very well drawn today.

He has the delight of a massive drop in class from his recent 8th in the Nunthorpe and best for him is that there is so many pace angles here for him today he should have no problem coming off a decent gallop.

Balista, Inxile, Masamah, Stepper Point, Tangerine Trees, Caladonia Lady, Bailey’s Jubilee and Pearl Sea will ensure this is a fast run race and with most of these glorified handicappers there are very few proven group horses in the field.

York Glory an impressive Wokingham winner, looks sure to be able to make the step up and with only Excellette and Minalisa (need to improve 7lb or so) in any real sort of form, things look set up for him and for me he is today’s banker . Max EW – Nap

5pts Ew Advised @ 5/1 Bet365 – YORK GLORY

(Note from Bob: 2nd beaten a neck! Gambled down to 11/4 Favourite. you dont get any closer han that! a small profit but very cruel!)

2.40 Sandown

can’t really advise a bet in this, but for all the right reason’s I hope Kingman puts up an impressive display. There was a lot to like about his win last time and he looks a promising colt going places and a potential Guineas prospect.

2.55 Chester

Es Que Love looks sure to lead up from a good draw and ensure there is a good pace and he might prove hard to catch, but things haven’t dropped right for Enrol lately and she ran on well in listed company last time in 4th and was going on at the finish. Definitely more to come today up to 7.5f and drawn in stall 6 she should be able to slot in nicely behind the pace. She has been working very well at home and she should be a solid ew option here.

Mabait from a high draw is interesting as well and has a talented 7lb claimer up today. I think he is another who can go close but will need plenty of luck if he drops in from his wide pitch.

Alejandro is another who is sure to run a good race over a trip he likes, but I can’t have Correspondent who despite liking the track has a tall task from stall 11 given he likes to race handy and he is up 7lb from his recent win and the ground is also drying out which isn’t ideal for him. For me the value lies with Enrol who is solid ew now over a more ideal trip.

1pt Ew Advised @ 6/1 Stan James – Enrol

3.15 Sandown

Again another race I won’t be advising a bet in but I’m looking forward to the clash between Integral who works like a group one horse on the Newmarket gallops and Zibelina who in 2 years I’ve not seen a better work horse at Godolphin’s and she laughs at everything on the home track.

Both look good fillies with massive futures and this looks a great battle today.

3.30 Chester

This is a tight handicap and the likes of Guarantee, Montaser and Tempest Fugit will have their fans but for known reaosns including quirks and absence, they aren’t safe options.

Star Lahib is an improver who is definitely respected, whilst Sun Central who missed the Ebor last week because of soft ground will be happier on a sound surface. Top weight won’t make it easy however.

Alta Lilea could be value ew as she could get a soft lead whilst the Prescott trained Savanna La Mar is well treated on the face of her last run and shapes as if this trip will suit and firmly holds Bite Of The Cherry on that form.

All that aside, Handsome Man is interesting taking on some fillies here and he is definitely well treated. He was 2nd in a good time on his second start this season and that race has worked out very well. He was made fav for the Northumberland Plate next time out but didn’t stay and was far too free early and hated what looked dead ground. Since then he has been dropped a lb by the handicapper making him only 2lb higher than when second to Highland Castle and his work at home has been most impressive.

On Tuesday he really impressed galloping all over a decent companion and he has been aimed at this for some time. He is very well handicapped and a strong pace which he’ll get here and this ideal trip and ground is everything he needs and whilst confidently fancied by the yard as well, he appeals to me in many ways as the solid ew in the race.

2pts Ew Advised @ 8/1 Bet365 – Handsome Man

3.50 Sandown

A tricky handicap to finish proceedings and it’s very open that many can win. I’m leaving it alone betting wise, but think those who use the exchanges should bet Sennockian Star to place. A model of consistency, he keeps defying the handicapper and the track will suit him and with a yard pace setter in the race he should track him through and run his race. It’s hard to see him out the first four and should be around even money to place.

Good Luck

“John”

(one of Bob Rothman private handicappers)

Horse Racing Tips Today, 30th August 2013

Good Morning

A tough but competitive days racing today and we have decided to go without a selection today as we feel there is little in the way of value.

We can pass on that in the 2.10 at Thirsk Hartwell is fancied ew around 10/1 but the Stoute horse will be hard to beat.

However we have a bumper edition tomorrow with 6 races featured and a bold double figures Nap we expect to win one of the big TV races, this will go out tonight at 9.30pm, where prices with Bet365 and Ladbrokes can be taken.

Good Luck


Cautionary Note from Bob.

I don’t want to put you off a big priced winner but I have doubts. “John” has put this up at a 1pt ew bet but my figures indicate the stables horses are NOT running 100% and if you do get involved I would reduce your stake to maybe 1/4 or 1/2 pt ew.

John is right it is value and you could probably bet it at 33/1 and then sell off your bet at a lower price to get a free bet (called arbing) You might like to consider that. Remember you don’t have to bet every horse you hear about. Sometimes it’s good to note the information and then just watch.


A juicy 33/1 tip today! Thurs 29th August

Good Morning

Sky Garden gave us a nice 13/8 winner yesterday backed into 11/8 but the chance of a strong profit on the day was wiped out when the Godolphin horse in the evening failed to score. End of the day was a minor profit.

A poor day’s racing today with only horse standing out to me; In the 5.40 at Lingfield I am keen ew on the chances of Overrider at 33/1 with Bet365 and I’m advising a 1pt ew stake.

Alastair Lidderdale’s runner is part owned by the gambler Bill Hinge and whilst his first two runs for the stable have been a shade disappointing he has now dropped from a mark of 78 to 67.

Having spent his 2yo career with Charlie Hills his form on the all weather reads 41435 and he was campaigned at 7f when not really staying the trip and shapes as if 6f will be more his cup of tea. Badly missing the break on both starts to date he likes to race forward and his first four runs on the all weather (one over 6f) is certainly good enough to give him a chance here.

Lightly raced he had foot problems when first joining the Lidderdale team and would have needed the first run back but the Newbury run is best forgot having missed the break a long way. Taking a big drop in class today into a 0-70 (highest rated 69), and returning to the all weather he really does catch the eye and is definitely the wrong price.

He is also very well drawn in stall 2 as well.

Having run to 70 and 71 in two handicaps on the all weather, the return to an artificial surface will suit today and he ran to those marks off 76 and 75, so now off 67 he is open to run parallel to 76/77 if he can return to that level of form, and if he does he’ll be very hard to beat.

At 33/1 with Bet365 there is definitely value to be had and worth a 1pt ew stake.

Good luck


A Couple of Horse Racing Tips Today, 28th August 2013

Good Morning

A place at 12/1 to start with but a poor show from Donny Rover yesterday. We have two horses to advise on today.

2pts Win Sky Garden @ 13/8

We start in the 2.40 at Catterick where I personally feel the 13/8 with Bet Victor that is currently available is great value.

She was a non stayer over longer trips than 6f and whilst it remains unknown whether she has trained on this season, the overall level of her form suggests that over 6f (led at Bath and ran well enough) she is capable of running to her mark.

Her main rivals today look Discussion To Follow who was well backed on debut at Redcar and whilst travelling well for a long way, didn’t find much under pressure and that form already looks pretty modest with the close 2nd Mishaal, beaten fair enough back in handicap company next time out.

Both Shillito and Red Red Wine are fair sorts but neither have actually regularly performed to their respected handicap marks of late but the fact they have marks in the 60s means that Sky Garden is a bigger price than she should be.

I don’t think that she is ungenuine, I just feel she is limited, but if she can run to 60 today, she will win and in my eyes she is more than capable of doing that.

3pts Win Madhiyah @ 11/10

The best bet of my day comes in the 7.10 at Kempton and I think MAHDIYAH will prove a good deal too good for the level of opposition which looks rather limited today.

Having ran very green and missed the break on debut, the daughter of Halling made good progress up the straight and was staying on the one pace, running green.

Beaten by a fair sort that day she had the remainder of a field similar to tonights rivals well behind her. She has done nothing but improve since and galloped impressively at the weekend. She is only 11/10 today, but that does look great value in a poor maiden and is a strong bet for me.

Good Luck


Two Horse Racing Tips for Today 27th August 2013

Morning Bob;

Well it’s back to work for most after the Bank Holiday weekend and we are not graced with the greatest of racing, but after 9 meetings yesterday that isn’t hardly a surprise.

Small fields also don’t help the value train into the station as well and those that did have the dead eight have conveniently for the bookmakers found a non runner amongst them !

The 5.15 at Ripon is where we start today and JAN SMUTS takes my eye with the talented 7lb claimer Kevin Stott riding him for the first time today. Having won impressively off 57 earlier in the season, in 3 of his last four races he has been given hopeless rides in amateur rider handicaps and although the form of his run 2 back at Catterick hasn’t worked out greatly, I think he ran a pleasing race when 5th to Tartan Jura. Given plenty to do off a slow gallop he was always lugging to his right, and for me he is a horse that is best right handed. Despite one win left handed, his other 2 are at right handed tracks and the majority of his best form comes right handed.

He is also best when having a decent pace to track and with Not Till Monday, Kayef and Generous Dream likely to set a decent gallop, with pressure from Naburn close up, this could be set up for Jan Smuts who having won off 51 and 57, has struggled off marks above 60 lately, but today returns to a mark of 60 and has a further 7lb off his back, with an apprentice who rides as good as any 5lb claimer, so is probably worth a good 2lb extra. Back on a sound surface will also help Wilf Storey’s runner and he is definitely at his best on a sound surface. Everything points in the direction of a good run today and at11/1 with Bet Victor & Sky Bet there is value to be had. 1pt Ew advised.

The 5.45 is the second of our bets today at Southwell and whilst he is thoroughly exposed in most people’s eyes I think you could do a lot worse than having a 2pt Ew bet on DONNY ROVER at 9/2 with Bet365, returning a minor profit if placed, you also have the attraction of best odds guaranteed and if he drifts your place return could be enhanced, that aside I think he has the credentials to win this.

Well backed on debut in the Brocklesby, he came from a long way back to finish midfield and was never quick enough for 5f next time out when a well bet favourite. His 3rd start he ran to 63, finishing 4th in a Doncaster maiden which has worked out very well. The 2nd, 3rd and 5th are all winners rated in the 70s whilst the winner Haikbidiac, was not disgraced in the Weatherby’s Super Sprint, before winning the DBS Sales race at York last week. Donny Rover was always outpaced that day over 5f and kept on as if 6f would be ideal. He also enjoys being dropped in, so next time at Haydock, he was rushed to chase a strong pace over 6f, and the horse just never really looked comfortable and I was happy to ignore that effort. Starting to look exposed, his next 4th at Ayr was played down by many but I wouldn’t be harsh to judge again.

The winner Queen Catrine is proven in listed / group company whilst, the 2nd Tanseeb rated 88, went down narrowly in a strong Goodwood nursey last time. 72 rated State Anthem of Mick Channon’s was 3rd, whilst 76 Straits Of Malacca (3rd in strong York nursery recently) was behind in 5th. 70 rated Mark Johnston runner Handwoven in 6th. That form no matter how you look at it, is very solid.

His 7f effort next time can easily be written off again, as he walked out the stalls and was never put in the race, although the race like most his maiden’s has worked out well. 7th next up at Chester, he again was slowly away and whilst he kept on a 3.25L 6th, he wasn’t making in roads in the final 100yrds so I’m not convinced he stayed. That race was won by Finn Class and the form has also been franked by those in behind. Last time out he paid the price over 7f at Muss, for again chasing a stupid pace and until the final furlong he actually looked the likely winner. He was not given a hard time once his chance had gone and is value to have finished close than the 5L he was beaten. The 2nd Gallic Breeze has subsequently won and Damaah caught the eye in 4th at Haydock with a better run , having been well behind Donny Rover in this maiden. Donny Rover has consistently run 60-67 in his races and his rating of 69 is actually a fair reflection of his form, but personally I think he is unlucky not to have won a maiden and this is by far the weakest maiden he has run in.

James Tate’s Black Vale looked very one paced when 9th on debut and was a very one paced 3rd over 7f here last time, not really suggesting 6f would be ideal. He has run to 41 and 53 on both starts and even on the avg of Donny Rover’s form, has 10lb to find with him and has to find a gear change from somewhere to be suited by 6f, that’s unlikely ! The odds on favourite Zal Zilhom is likely to prove to be the one to beat, but on debut was no match for Ocean Storm that day weakening in the final 1f and it’s interesting that the 2nd has been well beat on his only start since, and the winner was beaten next time out. That said Ocean Storm (albeit on debut) has already been beaten by Donny Rover and he gave the Kevin Ryan horse a 9L beating that day ! Zal Zilhom did improve next time when dropped back to 6f at Ripon, but again having traveled well in the lead, he looked vulnerable off the bridle and was seen off by Pensax Lad comfortably by 3/4L in the end and the winner was rated 71 going into the race, having consistently looked a 70 horse in 4 runs previous. That puts Zal Zilhom no better than 67/68 and he doesn’t strike me as the type to improve again.

The other three consist of a Mark Usher newcomer who is not known for debut 2yo winners, and the Roy Bowring runner showed little on debut. The same can be said of Alan McCabe’s Red Biba which has also shown nothing in 2 starts.

It looks a three horse contest on paper, but for me Donny Rover is best suited to 6f, and will get a nice pace set by Zal Zilhom to chase here, and knowing that rival is rather one paced and limited off the bridle (as shown in two starts) he will have enough to see him off, or if he does at least be second, as the Tate horse has 10lb to find, and has not shown in his 2 starts that he has enough pace against genuine 6f types and would prob be of more interest in an 8f nursery next time. Zal Zilhom who has been beaten by 2 70 rated prospects and comfortably in both starts faces today, another solid 70 horse, who has always run 62/70 in his races and is consistent enough to run well off 72 in a nursery and has been unfortunate to meet some decent types when running out places in strong maidens. This is by far his easiest task to date and at 9/2, screams cracking ew value in a race the worse I can see him coming is 2nd !!
Good Luck[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Bookies are spineless, cowardly sheep who will not continue to take bets off you if you  win a lot of money! Eventually every bookie I bet with banned me.

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I started betting back in the 1980’s. Things were different then. We could ride a motorbike without a helmet. Seat belts didn’t exist. There were no speed camera’s.

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December 2013

Saturday 28th Dec

(Posted Friday midday)

LET IT RAIN…

There’s nothing easy about Saturday, particularly now the weather has had such an impact. Without looking for excuses in advance, it would be foolish for punters to bet as if conditions were normal. We may see some haphazard results.

At Chepstow in the Welsh Grand National at 2.35, where participants will need bottomless reserves of stamina and water wings, Merry King has always appealed as a likely candidate for this type of race. A step up in trip should suit; although, as mentioned, this will take a great deal of getting. Certainly not disgraced at Newbury in the Hennessy – a race that thus far is working out as well as could be expected – he competes here from the same mark and from the right end of the handicap.

Providing he copes with ground he has yet to face, Wilde Blue Yonder looks the clear form pick in the 3.25 and is hard to oppose. The novice he won at the last meeting has worked out particularly well, giving him the edge over main market rival, Stand To Reason who has to be feared, but will need to better an albeit comfortable Wincanton success to trouble Wilde Blue Yonder

BOXING DAY AND BEYOND…

This week – one of the most significant in the calendar – started with a tinge of sadness as we lost Chatterbox to a racing injury at Ascot and then, across the water and far away, came news that the legendary venue known as Hollywood Park had staged its last meeting. After an eleven-race program, commentator Vic Stauffer called time with the announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes racing at Hollywood Park – the track of lakes and flowers. Good night.”

If it sounded somewhat trite, like a line from the Two Ronnies (And it’s good night from me and it’s good night from him), actually it was quite sombre.

Hollywood Park was one of the more picturesque of the American racecourses (of which, surprisingly there are not too many), and its passing, to make way for development, is symptomatic of modern cemented-over life.

Building more houses to make way for more people so they can produce more people on an already overcrowded planet seems to be the adopted mantra these days. Anyone heard the Joni Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi and delved beyond her closing chortle?

The demise of Hollywood Park means the end of life as they knew it for all those that lived and worked there; those that held cherished memories of the likes of Seabiscuit, Citation, Cigar, John Henry, Affirmed and Zenyatta.

That’s progress they will tell you as the diggers assemble. Maybe they are right. Like the fine meal you had last night, once it is history, what difference does it make? A new generation can hardly miss what it never had. Sometimes it seems the world is beyond one’s grasp; that those calling the shots were never interviewed for the position they assume and therefore have dubious qualifications to hold it.

I realise all of this grumpiness and pathos is hardly appropriate for the season. One of the benefits of writing is that you can say what you wish. So long as it passes the edit it gets printed or blogged or exhibited on YouTube for others to smirk at. So sometimes you just feel like saying what is on your mind and to hell with the consequences.

I realise I should be wishing you all a great Christmas and hoping your turkeys (if you’ve managed to procure one) cook to a golden brown and accompany the Rioja and sprouts like everything was matched in some celestial place; but, if it’s all right with you, I shall leave that to others. I am sure you are not short of greetings. It seems to me one more proclamation of all good things from a complete stranger may be enough to send some of you over the edge. Or, once again, is that just me?

In recent years an aunt that has hitherto never shown the slightest interest in my welfare has started sending me a card. I say a card, actually it is little bigger than a square of toilet paper. It makes me wonder what possesses people to send infinitesimally small cards in the first place.

I mean, if it is matter of finances, my advice to them would be to cut out a yearly card and send a half-decent one every three years.

It is the same with presents. Surely the point of them is to show you have given the process some thought and to provide someone you care for with a gift they would perhaps like, but consider an indulgence and therefore would not buy for themselves. What thought goes in to grabbing any old pair of socks, chocolates, handkerchiefs or jumper before wrapping them up?

What it is with people dishing out instructions as to which presents they desire? You might as well just give them the money and tell them to get on with it. What about those that issue wedding-style lists?

What the racing powers that be have deemed to present us humble race goers with this Boxing Day is ten domestic meetings and three in Ireland. The Irish figure seems reasonable. The other one looks suspiciously like overkill.

However, Nature looks like having the final word. With more bad weather forecast between now and the weekend, chances are several venues will be more suited to staging water polo than horse racing.

Let’s face it, come Boxing Day Kempton is the only meeting of any import this side of the Irish Sea.

It is the equivalent of England against Argentina, more realistically, Arsenal against Chelsea (I know it ended nil-nil); why therefore does racing need its outposts to dilute an otherwise top class program? Sorry; silly me, I forgot – it’s all to do with the Levy and the turnover and punters losing enough money to finance the whole shebang and the man-in-the-moon.

So what about Kempton Park? London and its surrounding area is soaking wet and parts of it are battered and scarred and we have lost some trees, but otherwise the show goes on and it looks like conditions will be back to normal by Boxing Day.

The furniture stores will roll out last year’s sofas at greatly reduced prices, and you will be able to get a new kitchen at half-price and queue outside the big department stores to pick up sales bargains if you so desire. Life will resume. Huntingdon, Ffos Las, Wetherby, Sedgefield and Market Rasen will have to take their chances.

Kempton has not let us down. Vaniteux looked a very interesting recruit at Sandown earlier in the month and gets a chance to confirm that promise in the 12.50.

He faces a classy opponent in Dubai Prince, last seen on the Flat when beating none other than Side Glance in a Group 3 at York. He was then trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni – the Susanna Reid of the Godolphin operation.

There is however the not inconsiderable matter of eight flights to negotiate now. Undoubtedly capable of taking high rank over timber, Dubai Prince won on the steal at Leicester on his introduction, but Vaniteux’s race at Sandown looked to have more depth to it. He also won in a faster time; albeit that may now be negated by a 3lbs differential.

Even so, the phrase, ‘horses for courses’ was designed for an occasion such as this. Although Vaniteux would not be capable of blowing up Side Glance’s rotund bottom on the Flat, this is not Flat racing and I prefer his chance.

Two potentially decent chasers line up for the handicap chase that follows at 1.25. I always find it odd that horses without steeple-chasing experience are eligible to take part in a handicap – a situation that surely urges punters towards caution, something that can never be good for the Levy or turnover.

The fact remains that Urbain De Sivola and Western Warhorse could easily be ahead of their rivals here, but until we see them jump a fence we won’t know. Paying to find out is invariably expensive.

Just A Par looks like being odds-on in the next at 2.00. Granted a clear round he should win, although there are surely better ways of trying to finance Christmas expenses.

The assumed match between The New One and My Tent Or Yours adds more than a sprig of extra holly to the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle.

At the prices it is hard to differentiate between them. Racing is not a game of football. Whatever your leanings here, it is not essential to support one or the other. On all known information it is tempting to assume My Tent Or Yours may have a touch more speed on a sharp track like this, but one fluff at a hurdle or one moment’s hesitation when it matters could change all that. Surely the sensible course of action (unless you are in possession of a scoop about one or the other) is to watch this from the bottom of a glass.

But the King George VI Chase looks a different matter, at least to me. You see, I feel I know the winner of this, and am confident I can discard several in the field.

Firstly, Al Ferof is a doubtful stayer. There is one in this race every year and 2013 is his turn to be it. Even if he does stay, his jumping is hardly bombproof. Inclined to take a chance with his fences, he looks a very unlikely winner to me.

Cue Card’s claims largely rest on his win last time in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Whilst he could be a revelation now he is switched to three miles, he flopped in this last year and normally this is an event you only get one shot at.

That remark could prove to be an expensive generalisation; but, whilst wishing the Tizzards and all who sail therein all the best, the dangers of backing horses on the strength of one run is well documented.

Therefore, Dynaste, who has won four out of his six races over fences and finished second in the other two, lays a less complicated record on the line. This sharp three miles will suit (he is already a winner of the Feltham round here) and although beaten by Cue Card last time, gave the indication of blowing up at Haydock. This is his chance to step into the big time.

Silvianiaco Conti has an each-way chance but surely no more, whilst Riverside Theatre has already achieved one miracle victory this year. Although miracles are popular around Christmas, they are normally carefully rationed.

Last year’s winner, Long Run, is surely similarly dependent on an intervention of divinity. Even the application of blinkers – the last tool at the bottom of the box – look unlikely to help him win one of the most fiercely contested renewals in recent years.

So this is Dynaste’s race to lose. I suspect he will start favourite come the hour, and nominate him as the sole bet on the card.

Those of us in trouble come the last – a Class 3 handicap hurdle run at 3.45 – will need to adjust to the condition, as this race is unlikely to change it for the better. A losing afternoon’s betting is not the best way to end the Christmas holiday I know, but they are the rules players have to accept.

And for those of you watching one or two of the old films over the period; as Scarlett O’ Hara will say at the end of the marathon that is Gone With The Wind: “Tomorrow is Another Day”. Humphrey Bogart will add his tuppence-worth when uttering the immortal, “Here’s Looking At You Kid,” and, “We Will Always Have Paris,” later on Christmas Day, maybe they have a point.

In the meantime, stop now if you would prefer to be spared another seasonal greeting.

No, I can’t bring myself to do it. Have a Happy Dynaste!

SATURDAY DECEMBER 21st

ASCOT TIPS

3.35:

As you would expect for the prize-money, this is a tough handicap with plenty of possibilities.

Nicky Henderson fields two with real chances in the improving Rolling Star and Chatterbox.

Despite Barry Geraghty’s apparent preference for the former, Chatterbox shaped really well last time at Newbury after a well documented setback and could easily turn out to be the better of the two at these weights. Certainly his chance does not need arguing based on last season’s form. He is seen as holding the best chance of those at the top of the weights as improvement from Newbury is likely.

Flaxen Flare probably has a few pounds too many but should run a race.

Fellow Irish raider, City Slicker has to be respected but, with only limited hurdling experience, faces a stiff task against much better company than he has so far encountered.

Dell’ Arca is another dark horse that is raised 8lbs for his Greatwood win and could easily make his presence felt. Of those lurking at the foot of the handicap,

Totalize has been granted an opportunity by the handicapper with a mark of 131. Relative inexperience in such a cut and thrust handicap is something of a concern but he does have a chance at the weights (particularly with Flaxen Flare after a decent effort at last year’s Festival). He should be fit from a recent Flat outing and would surely not be making the journey south if less than match-fit or not carrying a modicum of stable confidence.

Flying in the face of common sense, Chatterbox may lift this, whilst a prominent showing is expected from the stoutly-bred Totalize.

LINGFIELD TIPS

2.35:

It seems fair to say Gatewood has not progressed since a highly encouraging return to action in this country at Doncaster in September.

He is capable of winning this but it is becoming a long time between drinks for him. Sure be thereabouts, he has most to fear from a possibly revitalised Tales Of Grimm, who got no run here last time. Once again the draw has not been kind to Tales Of Grimm, but with a reasonable slice of luck in running he rates a big danger.

CHELTENHAM

FRIDAY DECEMBER 13th

(posted Thursday 5.30pm)

12.30:

All things being equal this looks like a two-horse race. Oscar Whisky made a satisfactory fencing debut here last month in a muddling race won by Tarquin Du Seuil.

As he receives 8lbs from his main rival, Newbury winner Wonderful Charm, it is tempting to believe that may make the difference.

These two are chalk and cheese. Wonderful Charm is more of a chasing type that may lack the class of Oscar Whisky, but there is the small matter of the fences threatening to even the contest out. With bookmakers sure to bet tight, there is little percentage in punters’ favour.

1.05:

It is a struggle to uncover an obviously well-handicapped runner here, although two that have raced in Ireland look to have possibilities. Both Friendly Society and Hit The Headlines have chasing experience and may be capable of better than we have seen.

2.10:

Theatre Guide looks a reasonable selection having put up such a giant effort in the Hennessy a fortnight ago. His claims are obvious and providing the run does not come too soon after his Newbury exertions, he is hard to get away from.

3.45:

The card ends as it starts with a novice event, this time seemingly resting between three candidates in previous winners and therefore penalised: Ballyalton, Doctor Harper and Garde La Victoire.

The last named was very impressive last time at Warwick when sauntering away from previous winner Gone Too Far. There seems no reason why we should not take that run literally, in which case Garde La Victoire is taken to shade what should be an informative event.

SATURDAY

DECEMBER 7th

(posted Friday 5.45pm)

It seems we have made it to the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown without incident. Despite Russia’s best attempt at sabotage via a severe mid-week weather front sweeping in from Siberia, the worst is behind us – at least for now.

Staying with the Soviet theme, as always this is a good meeting full of quality and intrigue, but its twists and turns are possibly more suited to a John Le Carre Cold War novel.

1.50:

Taquin Du Seuil lays Arkle pretensions on the line in the Henry VIII Novice Chase.

A determined winner at Cheltenham last time from Oscar Whisky, he gets a chance to take this next step up the ladder.

Second in this event last year to Captain Conan, Hinterland is certainly useful but has not progressed beyond that standard and threatens to be vulnerable once again.

Grandouet, notably a hurdler, needs to improve his jumping to become competitive in this company, whilst well regarded Balder Succes is hard to assess and could be anything.

One mistake could change the complexion of this but, assuming Taquin Du Seuil jumps with the same aplomb as we saw at Cheltenham last time, he looks like the one to beat.

2.25:

After his latest run in a competitive Cheltenham event won by handicap blot Quick Jack, Deep Trouble looks poised to go one better in this listed handicap. He faces several rivals with progressive profiles but looks sure to run his race.

3.00:

The Tingle Creek should only concern Sire De Grugy and Captain Conan, both of whom have won over fences on this track. Talk of Somersby being able to mix it on these terms at this level has so far proved wide of the mark. The same is likely to be the case again. For some reason Sire De Grugy never looked at ease last time at Cheltenham, risking life and limb with some chancy leaps in the closing stages when second to an on-song Kid Cassidy.

From a stable in form, he has every chance but does have two lengths to find on Captain Conan on their running in the Arkle Trial run at Cheltenham this time last year. It promises to be a tight contest.

Breeders Cup Results 2013

Breeders’ Cup Result

Santa Anita Racing Results Review

Suddenly, with the long shadows of winter looming, British two-year-old form was given a major shot in the arm by the victories of Outstrip and Chriselliam in their respective championship events on Friday.

Perfectly delivered by Mike Smith, Outstrip pounced on Giovanni Boldini late to claim the colt’s event, with Bobby’s Kitten for the USA back in third.

Outstrip’s win pays a handsome compliment to his Dewhurst conqueror, War Command and also to Toormore – who beat him at Goodwood.

In fact, as well as bolstering War Command, the run of the first two emphasises the strength of Toormore’s form as he has beaten both contenders this season. Add the highly promising Be Ready (said to be Outstrip’s superior at home), Australia, even Free Eagle (worth another chance), Kingman (something to prove), along with possibly Berkshire and we have an encouraging list of colts for next year. On a windy afternoon in early November, next season’s classics promise to realise the high standard they are designed to meet.

Chriselliam proved to be a revelation in the fillies equivalent, flashing clear of American contenders Testa Rossi and Colonel Joan.

She displayed an impressive turn of foot (to an extent absent at Newmarket) and looks the real deal for next season. Connections have always claimed her to be their best filly, so it has now been proved. Clearly, she has bloomed late in the season but that does not mean she will not be fighting fit for Newmarket next May.

Vorda had a torrid time. Thrown wide at the first bend, she was always struggling thereafter. Her defeat cannot be put down solely to this (certainly did not help though) or, more importantly, the trip. If anything, she appeared to stay on well enough and should not be judged too harshly – better to claim this was a bad day at the office for her. It could be Vorda is considered a two-year-old in essence – in part explaining the decision to come here.

France probably have a better 1,000 Guineas candidate in Miss France, about whom no doubts regarding trip seem to exist.

Dank gained a gritty success over Romantica in the Fillies and Mares.

The aptly named Magician, conjured by the boy-genius that is Aidan O’ Brien, (like some policemen he looks younger than he is) gave Ryan Moore a momentous double on the card when scything through rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Magician soon swept clear from The Fugue. It was a furious pace and Moore kept his customary cool at the rear before delivering a devastating challenge. Not seen since a poor run in the St James’s Palace in June, as the only three-year-old in the pack, Magician’s win was further testament to O’Brien’s golden touch.

Another success for the imperious Galileo, and a first attempt at twelve furlongs for Magician (ran on Lasix), excuses for failure were stacked up beforehand.

The Fugue possibly had a tougher task in running given her position in the race (much closer to an unforgiving pace than the winner, but no fault of Buick’s – you have to ride from your position rather than take a pull).
However, Magician’s finishing kick meant he was the likely winner in any case. The Fugue leaves here unbowed.

To succeed at racing, you need to check your ego in at the entrance gates. Those constantly looking for applause get nowhere – applause only pays the bills if you happen to be a thespian or a comedian.

We are all reduced to a bit of both in turn and ultimately to fools in this business, so it is not my intention to poke a silly accusative finger at anyone when I compile these reports. The aim is to improve our joint chances of making some sense of an often crazy pursuit.

So, no malice is intended when I say the decision to run Olympic Glory in the Mile on fast ground was a poor one. In mitigation, I stated as much before the race in the strongest possible terms, but no matter.

Predictably, Olympic Glory ran flat and was never seen with a chance. It could be that he dislikes racing round bends; almost certainly, with all his best form on ground no faster than good, firm ground is not ideal.

Let me say up front, I have a great deal of time for Team Hannon. Their horses run to merit, are well turned out and usually perfectly ridden. In general, if you fancy one of theirs and it doesn’t win – you only have yourself to blame.

The Hannons are always approachable and a credit to racing. However, if they have a fault (most of us have at least one), it is the tendency to sometimes stubbornly over face horses when so-called judges (Ladbrokes made Olympic Glory a lay) can see they are making a mistake.

They were guilty here of asking a horse to achieve what was, to all intents and purposes, the unachievable. In the race, home confidence proved well-placed when the monster that is Wise Dan proved too tough. Having won the race last year, the champ returned to grind out a hard-fought success over outsiders Za Approval and Silentio, with Silver Max in fourth.

In the Classic, they raced for a total of five million dollars. It was a brutal clash down the straight with the Gary Stevens-ridden Mucho Macho Man squeezing home ahead of Will Take Charge and Declaration Of War, who was perfectly delivered by Joseph O’ Brien.

Declaration Of War ran a mighty race although he may have tired in the last half furlong on the dirt surface. With last year’s winner and the strongly fancied Game On Dude both beaten, this looked a strong renewal.

November Results 2013

Sunday November 17th:
Cheltenham Results

The Grade 2 Supreme Novices’ trial attracted only a field of four. Sea Lord, on a six-timer beforehand, faced his stiffest task, especially giving 3lbs to The Liquidator – his nearest rival in the betting.

The story of Sea Lord is simply told. Once again, as we saw with Standing Ovation on the first day, it is no good expecting horses to act like machines. Sea Lord is willing but conditions – not necessarily against him – were not ideal. In this company you do not get away with nearly-but-not-quite. As a horse that wants better ground, this was always a risky assignment.

The Liquidator set off in front, soon putting his rivals to the sword. Apart from landing too steeply at the second-last, he jumped cleanly and had too much pace.

Sea Lord was nursed along by the excellent Denis O’Regan, who accepted his fate some way out – only chasing his mount along for second place on the run-in.

Sea Lord wants a flatter track and faster ground. Aintree may be his gig in the spring; although, with the excuses mounting up, the jockey asserts he wants further.

Being brutally frank, today’s conditions were not ideal, but he may not be that good. As for the winner, he looks versatile. He will stay two-and-a-half should connections favour a tilt at the Neptune.

Next up was the Arkle trial. Again, with Raya Star and Dodging Bullets vying for favouritism in a five-runner field, the inescapable conclusion was that better candidates for the big day wait in the wings.

Uttoxeter winner Raya Star was first to commit, but Dodging Bullets – winner of his only start over fences at Kempton and a classy if somewhat enigmatic hurdler – shadowed him and soon put the issue beyond doubt.

A big robust type, Dodging Bullets is an ideal chaser that jumps and travels but does not always find what is expected off the bridle. Nevertheless, he did all that was required here, looking as if there was plenty in reserve.

Apparently he is likely to go to Sandown next. His trainer is not in a hurry to over-race him on the approach to the Festival in March.

On what we have seen this weekend, at this stage, Friday’s winner Taquin Du Seuil looks a better Arkle prospect for his owner than Dodging Bullets. Both will stay further.

Saddled with a 10lbs penalty in the Listed Shloer Chase, Sire De Grugy brought a touch of class to the contest in a bid to win his sixth chase. In contrast to some questionable placing over the course of this three-day meeting, the option to take up this engagement seemed sound.

Early in the race, Sire De Grugy guessed at his fences and never looked comfortable, finishing off with two dicey heart-in-mouth leaps at the last two. Maybe his early mistakes unnerved him; maybe this is not his track (although he was a good second to Captain Conan in this race last season). Either way, this was not a convincing performance in a weak race.

The fact that Kid Cassidy was able to overhaul him on the run-in surely dispels any Queen Mother aspirations. McCoy was at his best on the winner – a horse that has limitations and is somewhat fragile.

Four-year-olds dominated the feature race of the day, the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle.

An expensive purchase from France, lightly-raced Dell’ Arca edged out Triumph Hurdle third, Sametegal, who was conceding 16lbs.

Flaxen Flare, another four-year-old that maintains his form, was a laudable fourth having travelled strongly for much of the way. Weight beat him.

Sandwiched between the principals, an enterprisingly-ridden Rawnaq was third.

Saturday November 16th:

Cheltenham Results

Having cut their teeth round lesser tracks against easier opposition, it was time for several Triumph Hurdle aspirants to face the music and each other in the Grade 2 – the first serious novice test of the season.

Never out of the first two, Royal Irish Hussar has come a long way since fiddling his way round Market Rasen on debut. One by one his rivals dropped away until it was left to dual Irish winner Guitar Pete to provide the only danger at the last. Here, Royal Irish Hussar made his only mistake but soon gathered himself together to stride clear on the run-in.

A classy recruit to this game, he has a lovely Flat racing pedigree and looks to match. Although he is not over-big, he appears to have peaked physically and clearly has an engine. He is the best juvenile novice seen so far.

Guitar Pete’s runs to date suggest he is a decent benchmark. Not much else made an impact. Carlisle winner, Azza made an attempt but was brushed aside from two out. Biggest disappointment was ex-French three-time winner Art Mauresque, who must be better than shown here.

Novice chasers got their turn in the Grade 2 over an extended three miles. It turned into a battle between two that had only raced once over fences, but they do look like good novices.

Le Bec justified market confidence, producing a good round of jumping and lasting from Shutthefrontdoor. Like the winner, the runner-up took the fences in stride. If anything, on the uphill slog, he was coming back.

Both have enviable attitudes and they look assured to stake major claims in the long distance events to come.

Sam Winner was not beaten far in third, but African Gold was a disappointment. He jumped well enough for most of the race but a mistake at the third-last put paid to his chance when warning signs were already flashing. To be frank, normally a real trier, he threw in the towel a little too quickly for comfort and it could be fencing is not his game.

The long-distance chasers treated the crowd to a stirring battle over the last two fences in the Grade 3 handicap chase over an extended 3m 3f.

Alvarado quickened on the run-in to beat Knockara Beau, Bradley and last year’s winner Monbeg Dude. The story of the race was pretty much one of last man standing.

Spring Heeled looks something of a monkey. He came there cruising after a mistake woke him up; plainly he failed to stay, but he also gave the impression he was only looking for an excuse to back off.

Despite the assessor’s best efforts to stop him, Johns Spirit defied a 10lbs rise for his latest and endorsed handicap win over course and distance in the Paddy Power.

Although his chance was there for all to see, the rise did seem harsh. Left in front over the last after the fall of Easter Meteor, he just lasted in the face of a late thrust from the for now well-handicapped (at least over fences) Colour Squadron.

The runner-up moved stylishly throughout and may have been a tad unfortunate as he was hampered by the last fence fall of Easter Meteor.

In third, Hidden Cyclone did best of those at the head of the weights. He has decent form in Ireland and obviously ran to his best.

Despite the numbers, this may not have been the best quality Grade 3 handicap. From 6lbs out of the weights, Attaglance was fourth ahead of poorly-treated Rajdhani Express. With the exception of Colour Squadron, those in the money may struggle in similar company off revised marks.

Return Spring gave trainer Philip Hobbs immediate compensation for the narrow defeat of Colour Squadron in the listed handicap. In an incredible finish, he denied top weight Salubrious in the dying strides with Southfield Theatre third.

As you would expect, several nice novices turned out for the Grade 2. Fourth in the race last year, unpenalised Creepy took advantage of some rivals probably booked for fences.

Persian War winner, Timesrembered, made a valiant attempt to concede 7lbs to the winner.

In third, old-fashioned chasing type, Port Melon, created a big impression. He jumped well only to be found wanted for foot from the last. A winner of two points in the spring, he should win over timber without too much problem, but anything this work in progress achieves in this sphere is surely a bonus. He could be back here in two years time for a Gold Cup.

Lingfield Results

Thewandaofu may have been flattered by her fifth in a sub-standard Rockfel, but was good enough to beat three rivals in the Class 5 novice.

Her cause was helped by the antics of serious market rival, Epic Voyage, who lugged in toward the rails, giving his jockey little chance of riding him out properly.

A great slab of thing, if they can sort Epic Battle out he should leave this run behind. The winner is rated 90, which will make life tough from here on.

Prince Alzain enjoyed the run of the race to snatch the listed event. It was a case of right place at the right time, although he probably would have won in any case, but it was messy.

Uramazin (66/1 chance), Tales Of Grimm and Tinshu were all hostages to fortune that finished strongly after the winner had sailed for home.

Valbchek finally got his head in front in the Listed event. To be honest he was hard to fancy today but the ability has always been there. He had to thread a path through a tightly packed field on the rail which suited, as he had no time to consider his situation. He had some decent rivals in behind in Take Cover, Lancelot Du Lac, Hawkeyethenoo and Hitchens.
November 15th:

Cheltenham Results

Standing Ovation never looked remotely comfortable in the class 3 for amateur riders.

With his rider giving up the outside to no one, he was swung ride at all the bends and either gave his fences too much air or, as was the case at the ditch on the far side twice, got underneath them.

He also raced keenly, possibly indicating this was one run in quick succession too many. It is also worth pointing out his wins have all come right-handed.

All in all, what looked like an easy opportunity beforehand from a penalty, proved to be a bridge too far.

Handy Andy was the one to cash in, ahead of Charingworth – a ten-year-old whom his trainer asserts is better over two-and-a-half.

Anay Turge, closely weighted with Eastlake on their Aintree running last time, proved that was the form to concentrate on here, pulling clear on the run-in after a strongly run class 2 chase.

In second, from the in-form Tizzard stable, Sew On Target will not have deflated followers of Johns Spirit in tomorrow’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.

The favourite, Renard, gradually closed in the final stages without landing a blow. He is considered by his connections to be a better prospect over further – possibly three miles. That does beg the question: why run over two?

Oscar Whisky jumped well enough on his chase debut without giving the impression he is a natural.

Left in front early by the erratic exploits of one-time leader The Cockney Mackem (almost stopped dead at the first), Oscar Whisky jumped right at most fences but did knuckle down when the pace quickened into a virtual sprint from two out.

Two-and-half is probably short of his best so he might develop into an RSA candidate; but now aged eight approaching nine, fences are something of an afterthought.

Considering he gave the runner-up 5lbs, the win of Taquin Du Seuil should not be underestimated. Claiming speed to be his forte, connections consider him a possible for the Arkle.

The success of Thomas Crapper in the intermediate class 3 hurdle lends the opportunity to plenty of strap-lines, all of which will be resisted here.

Not obviously well-handicapped, he kicked on from the turn and then again when challenged over the last by Angles Hill.

By all accounts third horse Whisper ran pretty much to expectations from a mark of 137.

Free To Dream stayed on strongly in fifth. More should be heard of him, possibly over fences.

Warden Hill was impossibly placed throughout but did pick off a few late on and is worth another chance at this level on a less exacting track.

That clever Tony Martin produced another handicap good thing in the novice handicap when lightly-raced Quick Jack – short enough in the betting beforehand but proving the money was not misplaced in running – hosed up despite a wide berth. Produced like the assassin’s sword by Ruby Walsh, he made a mockery of a mark of 113.

November 11th:

Kempton Results Review

The first division of the maiden looked a competitive affair. After having shown promise over course and distance on debut, well-supported Warrior Of Light set the seal on victory over a furlong out.

In a race where it paid to race handy, Rapid Advance made eye-catching ground from some way back to snatch second. This represented a vast improvement on his debut when stuck in the mud at Leicester. This surface suited him much better and he should win next time.

Canova, another that had shown promise on his only outing – at Newbury behind Strait Run – gave this a solid look by finishing third.

The second division was dominated by Godolphin, their newcomer, the Authorized colt Elite Army, getting the better of Intermedium inside the last furlong. They were first and second throughout in a race that, despite a faster time, did not look as strong as its predecessor.
November 9th:

Doncaster Results

Jazz, not inconvenienced by soft ground, finally broke his duck in the Class 5 maiden over six furlongs where he made all to beat Resolute and Direct Times.

Division 2 supplied something of a shock when after such a good effort in a listed event at Newmarket last week, the smooth travelling Penny Drops failed to quicken in the ground as unraced Indy drew away.

Penny Drops did appear to be losing her coat last week and this run may have come too soon and when she was over the edge. She will start next year favourably handicapped.

Well-backed Penina further underlined the folly of backing fillies at this time of year when finishing stone last in the nursery from a lowly mark of 66.

Black Caesar ran well enough in fourth, behind Kenny The Captain and Torchlighter who were involved in a tight finish.

Lincoln winner Levitate ended the season as he started it with victory at this track in the Class 2 handicap. By now it was soft bordering on heavy.

Jack Dexter capped a successful second half of the season with a listed win from the much improved mud-lover that is Highland Colori.

Conduct, noted in running last time over 1m 2f at York, was always travelling extremely comfortably in the final big race handicap of the season, eventually winning with some authority from a couple of outsiders in Rio’s Rosanna and Open Eagle. He did cope well with conditions, making a mockery of his unchanged mark of 96. A fragile type that does not stand too much racing, he looked good today but will be raised the best part of 10lbs for this.

At Wincanton, not much went right in running for Melodic Rendezvous in the Grade 2 hurdle. Almost slipping on the turn and jumping the second-last poorly when third, he came back to pass Triumph Hurdle runner-up and well-backed Far West at the last.

Considering he was conceding 4lbs to the winner, this was a smart performance and suggests a lucrative season awaits. Word is the winner has improved plenty since last year and will do so again.

The manner of Standing Ovation’s victory in the listed handicap chase suggests that even with a substantial hike from his present mark of 120, he can make his presence felt in stronger handicaps. He could just creep into the Hennessy, where he would be of interest.

Saturday November 2nd

Newmarket Racing Results Review

The first of the Class 4 maiden for fillies that has a good record for the future went to the a daughter of Selkirk, Queen Of Ice. Able to cope with the ground, she was doing her best work on the uphill climb to nab her two nearest opponents. The winner is another decent juvenile produced by William Haggas.

In second, on her third attempt, Makruma set only a reasonable standard.

Apparently struggling early, another debutant, Angelic Air, arrived inside the last furlong looking like the winner. Understandably, her exertions caught up with her and she faltered close home. Nevertheless, for a daughter of Oasis Dream on ground this soft, she turned in a satisfactory debut and looks a sure-fire future winner.

It was experience to the fore in the following division (lacked the substance of the first), where on her fifth attempt, Miss Lillie narrowly outpointed Eastern Belle, who had shown promise in a similarly uninspiring maiden here last time.

Loch Ma Naire (no obvious promise at Kempton on only start) was third ahead of Godolphin newcomer True Match. All the signs are this was only an ordinary event.

Hartnell justified cramped odds when winning the Class 3 Zetland Stakes over 1m 2f – which is a long way for two-year-olds. By Authorized, he clearly stays very well and should be effective in that sphere next season.

However, he blitzed his opponents here and is very much on the upgrade. It would be a mistake to look upon him as a one-trick pony. The only serious opponent, Montaly (beat yesterday’s maiden winner Idder by five lengths last time) was unable to land a blow in second, lending credence to Hartnell’s effortless win.

After finishing second to Fillies’ Mile third Ihtimal in the May Hill, in the light of Chriselliam’s success in Santa Anita last night, Majeyda’s chance of defying a 3lbs penalty in the listed event increased. At least that was many people’s reasoning and the way the crime fitted the punishment after the event. This was not the strongest field but Majeyda – out of her depth in the Marcel Boussac last time – was too good. A strongly-built daughter of Street Cry, she would seem a natural for Dubai in March.

Adhwaa and Island Remede were next to finish ahead of Rosehill Artist. They finished well-strung out in behind.

Newbury Spring Cup winner Half A Sixpence, who seems in his element on the soft, romped away with the Class 3 handicap. Runner-up, the lightly-raced Magistral, could be of interest next year in a similar early season handicap – particularly on less testing ground.

Full credit is due to Nabucco for getting up in the face of adversity (mostly of his own making) in the listed event. Fully effective on soft, he was nudged from some way out and kept on doggedly to wriggle through a gap and collar Proud Chieftain.

Once again soft ground came to the aid of Penitent in the listed event, which he just won at the expense of French Navy and Tulius.

Last year’s UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs, having his first run since this year’s Dubai carnival, was far from disgraced, keeping on once headed. Sure to return to Meydan next year, it seems he retains ability.

In last place, this is the third time Lanansaak has failed to back up a decent run. It would appear she is at her best after lengthy absences.

Newmarket concluded its season with an undistinguished handicap won by Piceno.

Wetherby Racing Results Review

Transferring a good level of bumper form to hurdles, Gone Too Far beat a decent field in the class 3 novice hurdle, jumping economically and well. He should progress over timber.

In second and third, Varom and Gassin Golf failed to seriously test the winner but were not disgraced.

Now twelve approaching thirteen and with a mind of his own, making Tidal Bay a lay in the Grade 2 hurdle he won last year seemed a no-brainer. Looking as if he wants the comparative luxury of fences as opposed to the immediacy of hurdles, he fiddled his way over the obstacles, was last off the bridle and rallied after a careless jump at the last to catch Medinas on the run-in. This was a smart piece of placing by Paul Nicholls and a great piece of riding from Sam Twiston-Davies. This run will put Tidal Bay spot-on for the Hennessy, where he will surely meet many better treated rivals.

With Long Run drastically underperforming, Benefficient predictably failing to stay, and Cape Tribulation failing to fire, the Grade 2 Charlie Hall went to Harry Topper from last year’s runner-up Wayward Prince.

Unioniste was handed a clear chance but a flat last-fence leap put paid to that. He probably wants further. This was a good reappearance from the winner, who needs to improve again to replicate anything achieved by last year’s winner, Silviniaco Conti.

More kamikaze pilots returned to base than runners in the concluding handicap hurdle so it is hard to fully evaluate its worth. After winning a novice at Folkestone last season, also on the soft, from a mark of 130, More Of That once again handled conditions to respond to a typical McCoy drive from the last to deny a fit Twelve Roses. If this outing brings the winner on, he could well go in again.

Roi Du Mee exposed various weaknesses in his Grade 1 rivals at Down Royal.

First Lieutenant was quick to backpedal;

Sizing Europe (yet to win at this trip) gave the impression three miles is the very top end of his stamina in second.

If nothing else, we do know Roi Du Mee is particularly effective in the soft.
Friday November 1st:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Sea Defence stepped up on a passable opening effort at Kempton to win the first division of the maiden over seven furlongs.

He beat the other with form Think Again – the pair coming clear. With Mizzen Mast in the pedigree, the winner is a powerful sort that recorded a good time considering the ground.

With three runners having rateable form, the second division looked stronger but was run in a slower time than the first.

Idder got up in determined fashion to withstand a late lunge from Zee Zeely. Both have improved from only promising first outings.

Having finished behind Pretzel on debut, form horse Stetchworth, although only narrowly beaten, was effectively last of three back in third. He looked the winner from some way out but lacks a change of gear.

Warbrook (not a fancy pedigree) was the only one from outside the obvious to take the eye in fourth. He should be winning in ordinary company soon. A Kempton maiden would be ideal.

Quickening at the right time meant Cape Factor, who loves soft ground, won the listed event over six furlongs. She stole first run – may have won in any case – but runner-up Penny Drops (angling for room) only got going when it was too late. When it is this soft, it is difficult to make up ground but Penny Drops did her best. On the back of only one outing this was a good effort and Penny Drops (not the most imposing filly) should soon shed the maiden tag.

For a daughter of Elusive Quality, Genuine Quality stayed on in atrocious conditions for third.

Despite disappointing in the soft at Salisbury last time, Expert handled conditions today to beat Mar Mar in the conditions stakes that history shows favours two-year-olds.

Wetherby Racing Results Review

Royal Irish Hussar took another step forward in his new career at Wetherby. Mentioned after a clumsy round of jumping at Market Rasen, he was slicker in the air though there is still room from improvement. Nevertheless, the margin of his victory suggests he continues to improve.

Saturday November 30th:

Newbury Racing

The win of Valdez in the novice handicap was not without incident. With main market rival Black River exiting after a silly mistake on the far-side, and Flaming Charmer never managing a rhythm, despite running about, Valdez eventually drew clear for an easy win.

Obviously his mark of 135 is now shot on this his second win from as many outings over fences; but he still needs to prove he can mix it in a more competitive field. A quote of 20/1 for the Arkle is unlikely to tempt many.

The Grade 2 handicap hurdle was a typically competitive event. Vendor was hard to nominate, having shown little over hurdles or fences since finishing third in the 2012 Fred Winter behind Une Artiste.

However, apparently second-string behind Batonnier, he sprinted clear on the run-in to thwart long-time leader Shotavodka.

Don’t Be Late took the raise in class in stride to produce a spirited challenge from the last and Saphir Du Rheu was another to run above form so far shown in fourth.

Gassin Golf finished fifth after looking a danger to all early in straight. This extended two miles probably stretched his stamina.

Celestial Halo, something of a revelation over three miles in the twilight of his career, made all, drawing the sting from his three rivals in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle.

At Fishers Cross (unbeaten in six hurdles last season) was closing him down on the run to the second-last when a mistake put him out of contention. Unfortunately, having lost his undercarriage, it was the worst kind of error. He appeared to finish sore and having jumped tentatively throughout in any case, can only be watched next time.

Medinas, off the bridle for much of the last mile, plugged on for a distant second; Reve De Sivola was a never-travelling third.

Established form lines rose to the top in the Hennessy. Having finished third in the Grade 3 United House Gold Cup at Ascot and a winner of the Topham last season, aged only six, Triolo D’Alene – rated 147 – gained another big race for the powerful Nicky Henderson stable.

The two big jumping yards dominated the finish as Rocky Creek, representing Paul Nicholls – a stable that has been in fine form this week – roared back to his best in second.

The 4lbs he had to concede to the winner made the difference. Jumping well and perfectly positioned throughout, Rocky Creek was given every chance by the excellent Daryll Jacob. It remains to be seen where he can go next.

Theatre Guide ran the race of his life in third. Soft ground will probably bring out even more from him.

Highland Lodge (second to Standing Ovation at Wincanton) was fourth ahead of feasibly weighted Merry King – who stays well and could be the sort for something like the Welsh National.

Houblon Des Obeaux and Lord Windermere need to be cut slack from the assessor. After a year and nine months on the sidelines (last seen when winning the Reynoldstown in February 2012), Invictus travelled dangerously well for a long way, only fading in the last half mile. Well weighted at present, providing he comes out of this intact, he may be a different prospect next time.

Having derived benefit from his comeback attempt at Ascot earlier this month, Filbert rang down the curtain on the meeting with success in the Class 2 handicap chase.

Newcastle Racing

It was a case of back to business for My Tent Or Yours in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. Although it is unlikely he was facing any serious Champion Hurdle rivals, he pinged his hurdles, winning with something in hand.

Much improved Cockney Sparrow was a game second ahead of Grumeti. The form of the Elite Hurdle is already looking shaky so it was no surprise that the winner of that, Melodic Rendezvous, was unable to break the trend – finishing a beaten-off fifth.

Friday November 29th:

Newbury Racing

The day started with a Class 3 hurdle that has a record of throwing up live Triumph Hurdle candidates.

Calipto, one of two to dominate the betting, had finished second in France on his hurdling debut and travelled with a ease throughout here, pouncing at the last to win comfortably.

This performance left his trainer enthusing, suggesting Calipto is still inexperienced and that there will be no rushed campaign – the Triumph not being the all-important target. Apparently Calipto may reappear at Cheltenham in January.

Actival, another French import that had won on his solitary outing, plugged on for second.

Chocala, for whom there was a strong word on-course, made most of the running, jumping well in the main, but he was unable to resist the winner’s thrust.

The well-bred Dawalan looked a touch one-paced back in fourth; the rest were well beaten.

For much of the Pertemps Hurdle qualifier, first Western Warhorse then Twelve Roses looked likely winners.

Bowling along in front, Western Warhorse looked comfortable in control on the turn but was soon treading water. On this first attempt at three miles, the inescapable conclusion is he failed to stay.

Strong-travelling Twelve Roses lasted longer but looked very tired from two out and eventually struggled home for fourth. His run, from a mark of 130, pays some tribute to More Of That who beat him last time.

Mickie quickened from the last to pick up the pieces ahead of Pateese and Red Not Blue. Sketchy hurdling form Chiberta King, an improved campaigner on the Flat last season, scuppered his chances.

Beforehand, it appeared the key horse in the Grade 2 novice chase was The Romford Pele, who was third last time at Cheltenham to Taquin Du Souil and Oscar Whisky.

Sponsored by Fuller’s (the brewers), one could be forgiven for thinking The Romford Pele had partaken some of their product. He was an accident waiting to happen over his fences, although despite blundering his way round, he did complete.

Up To Something made a bold attempt to make all, but once again it was a Paul Nicholls-trained contender (ably assisted by Daryll Jacob who has risen to the challenge as No 1 jockey for this high-profile yard), Wonderful Charm that proved too good. His jumping was not without the odd fault, but he travelled strongly enough and came up when it mattered.

It was a rough-and-tumble day for punters. They plunged on Sign Of A Victory in the closing novice hurdle. Stepping beyond bumpers for the first time, Sign Of A Victory looked the possible winner approaching the second-last but a novice mistake slammed the door in his face.

Allowed to coast home in fourth, with this run behind him he should go close next time. Wilde Blue Yonder survived a similar hurdling incident to the favourite when holding off Seedling and Tiqris.
Thursday November 28th:

Newbury Racing

Winner of two hurdles in France and at Kempton on debut here, Volnay De Thaix only had to jump round to win a very poorly contested novice, in which ultimately, third and fourth failed to stay.

This left The Master Remover to chase home the winner, but basically, with the winner in a different league, this was two races in one.

Backed to win, Top Dancer jumped very well in the Class 3 amateur riders’ chase. Connections may be tempted to bring him out swiftly next week at Sandown for a similar contest and where the booking of today’s rider, Mr J J Codd, would be an added bonus. A current mark of 114 seems to underestimate Top Dancer’s ability.

Bohemian Rhapsody travelled like the winner throughout in the Class 4 novice handicap.

Moving ominously closer he struck the front approaching two out, but an error at the last probably cost him success. Fourth in the November Handicap at Doncaster, this was an accomplished bid from a four-year-old who should win a decent handicap over hurdles this season. His current mark of 110 will rise, but even so he should remain competitive.

Beforehand the Grade 2 novice chase looked a match between Just A Par and Third Intention.

On his second outing over the big obstacles, Just A Par, who was bought from Ireland for the price of two Ferraris, made just about all. Despite his racing experience, Just A Par looked green, but he never made a semblance of a mistake and eventually drew right away.

Very likeable, Just A Par is classy and although he may take time to peak (he is only six), he looks a potential top-notcher.

In second, the more experienced Third Intention (conceding 7lbs) was quickly put in his place down the straight. Rated 151, a literal (and doubtless misleading) interpretation of this form gives the winner a mark in the region of 160.

More success for the Nicholls yard in the next as Easter Day put his Chepstow chasing debut on fast ground into perspective with a proper win from a mark of 135.

Jumping like a veteran, he cruised into the lead approaching the second-last and is another useful recruit to the chasing ranks. The more experienced Whats Happening (winner of two chases in Ireland) was outpointed but should make his mark in less exacting company.

Benefitting from different riding tactics, in the listed handicap registered as the Gerry Feilden, Ifandbutwhynot made all the running from what was, on his best form at least, a slightly lenient mark of 133.

Chatterbox loomed large but apparently an abscess meant he had missed work so probably blew up. This was only his fourth run over hurdles and there should be more to come from him.

Looking in fine trim, Puffin Billy ran a tame race. Although weighted to his best, he was entitled to do better. It is not the first time he has disappointed.
Saturday November 23rd:

Haydock Results

In the Class 2 Intermediate Hurdle, Far West did not exactly endorse the Elite Hurdle form when he had chased home Melodic Rendezvous.

Handed every chance as his rivals made fiddly mistakes, Far West turned for home travelling as well as any. His effort soon fizzled out though and it was disappointing he only beat outsider Morning Royalty.

Although well behind Far West in the Triumph, Rolling Star reappeared looking a totally different prospect. Much stronger now, despite a couple of careless errors (nothing serious) he knuckled down over the last two to win with authority.

More brilliance from McCoy saw a cosy win in the end for More Of That, who was never travelling better than on the run-in in the Class 2 handicap.

Galvanised from an impossible position, he quickened away to confirm the impression gained last time at Wetherby that he is well above average and ahead of the handicapper.

Blue Fashion and Special Catch were left floundering once the winner began his run.

A week before the Hennessy, we had the best staying chase of the season in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase and time for many of us to eat our words.

Cue Card ran the opposition ragged to win his first event over an extended three miles. Always jumping quickly and fluently, Cue Card put his rivals to the sword one by one. Down the straight, just when those of us that expected him to fold, Cue Card found more.

First Silviniaco Conti then Dynaste were shrugged off. When a horse with Cue Card’s natural ability can nurture his speed over a trip, he will always be dangerous and this was the story now. So next stop the King George at Kempton.

In only his second season over fences, Dynaste ran a great race in such elevated company and there will be another day. Silviniaco Conti ran as well as ever. His best form is on flat tracks and on this evidence it is hard to make a case out for him winning a Gold Cup.

After such a poor showing last time, Long Run was an uncomplicated fourth. The rest were not good enough; only Bobs Worth ran below expectations. With hindsight, this track was against him. Even so, he faded tamely. He needs a stiffer test of stamina and should not be written off just yet.

Ascot Results

Al Ferof beat solitary rival French Opera in a farcical turn-out for the Grade 2 chase. In a virtual school-round, he jumped the better, but he does have an alarming habit of guessing on occasion, something he will not get away with against better company.

The weight concession greatly aided Annie Power to retain an unbeaten hurdle record in the Grade 2.

Zarkandar stuck on gamely in front and it was only after the last that the mare asserted. But for the 11lbs she received from the runner-up, it would have been much closer.

October Results

Saturday October 26th:

 

Newbury Racing Results Review

The two divisions of the maiden for fillies over a mile were equally hard for race readers and participants alike. Heavy overnight rain meant the ground was as soft as it could get.

The first division was dominated by two unraced fillies – Wylye, by Dalakhani, outstaying Dogaressa, who is by Mastercraftsman. According to Andrew Balding, the winner has been busy since June, which he thought was a decisive factor.

Lady Tyne was a wide margin winner of the second. After only a fair run on debut and with possibly only average fillies behind her here, it would be premature to get carried away.

The Hannon bandwagon continues to roll! With form on soft, Piping Rock – another Dubawi – quickened in the ground to win the Group 3 Horris Hill from St Cloud maiden winner Galiway, who was always being niggled but found his stride when it was all over. Day Of Conquest was third for the winning stable and a progressive Cordite a staying-on fourth.

Nichols Canyon looked all set to win the Group 3 when easing to the front two out, but on the run to the line was caught out by Cubanita’s turn of foot.

Even in these conditions, 1m 4f is probably a minimum for Nichols Canyon, who should make his mark in staying events next year.

Masterstroke and Sugar Boy again both ran as if something is amiss.

Prince Bishop was pulled-up; Model Pupil was another well in arrears.

Soft ground seems to bring out the best in Aqlaam Vision who wore down Oxsana and Dutch Romance in the Listed Radley Stakes. It was stamina-sapping stuff from a long way out.

Doncaster Racing Results Review

After an impressive debut at Goodwood, Night of Thunder maintained an unbeaten record scoring with similar authority in the listed contest. Both his wins have been on soft ground but, by Dubawi, it seems reasonable to assume he will handle a faster surface, although he may not be quite so effective. For now he looks decent after disposing of the useful Aeolus and the penalised Stubbs with the minimum of effort. He is not short of pace.

This was Aeolus’s sternest test to date and he was not disgraced in defeat. Not for the first time, Brave Boy pulled much too hard. Chances are he will be leaving Godolphin before next season.

Despite wandering, progressive Thomas Hobson defied the handicapper to win the Class 2 handicap.

Apparently he loves the soft ground which undoubtedly helped him against some leg-weary rivals.

A late thrust by Kashmir Peak just failed. Presumably he will next be seen over timber.

Highland Castle and Voodoo Prince were the only other contenders spotted near the finish. Predictably, proven soft-ground sires were responsible for the first three. Halling sired the first and third – Tiger Hill the runner-up.

Dungannon’s win in the Class 2 handicap sprint once again emphasised what a fine claimer young Oisin Murphy is.

Hawkeyethenoo and Harrison George filled the places. There will be few members of the Valbchek fan club. Although tricky, he is capable of winning a decent race, but on this evidence (outpaced early but eventually staying on), he wants further than five.

After bursting on to the two-year-old scene at Newmarket two weeks ago, Kingston Hill maintained an upward trend with another taking performance in the Group 1 Racing Post.

His biggest assets are a high cruising speed and an ability to quicken. By Mastercraftsman with stamina on the dam side, there is a slight doubt about him staying the Derby trip; if he does, he would be a serious contender. He became another big winner for the Varian yard who will start next year with a strong second-season team.

In second, Johann Strauss will surely not remain a maiden for long. Apart from the winner, he was the only one to pick up in these conditions.

On a line through Oklahoma City, Altruistic ran pretty much as the form book indicated in third.

Dolce N Karama took a giant leap from his debut at Wolverhampton to finish fourth, but on this ground his run should not be taken literally just yet.

Buonarroti made the pace and kept on when passed. Most of the rest were run ragged in the ground. Snow Sky should have handled it but probably was not good enough. Chief Barker was always struggling, Pinzolo finished legless; Century was never travelling.


 

October 25th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

On borderline heavy ground, it was backend juveniles to the fore on the early part of the card, starting with a Class 4 maiden won by Strait Run, whose win paid a backhanded compliment to mid-week Newmarket maiden winner Pretzel.

Flight Officer came out best of the unraced in second. With a suspect head carriage, his jockey was not shy to apply the persuader and caution is advised next time.

Canova and slow-starting Impulsive Moment both ran well enough under more conservative rides to suggest they will not be maidens for long next season.

The following maiden looked modest.

Once again Dark Leopard emphasised the mediocrity of the race he had finished second in on debut. Looking well here, he was soon beaten.

Last on debut at Kempton, Scrutiny outstayed G Force with little else worthy of a mention.

In the second division of the maiden earlier won by Strait Run, once again experience won through as Chatez, having twice finished third in moderate company at Warwick, scored a narrow victory. By Dandy Man with Tiger Hill on the distaff side and related to bumper winners, Chatez stayed well in desperate conditions.

With a proper Flat-racing pedigree (Galileo out of Party), Observational stuck to his task well on debut, posting plenty of promise. He should be shedding his maiden tag next time.

Lightly-raced Kalispell made a mockery of a mark of 75 in the fillies’ handicap. Two-year-old form when second to The Lark put in here under favourable terms and by Singspiel, she stayed the trip well and predictably handled the ground.

By the last race, the ground changed to heavy. After a promising reappearance in a better event at Ascot, Blessington was most people’s idea of the day’s good thing in an ordinary sprint handicap. Like many a so-called good thing, a price of 8/11 at the off became as big as you like within thirty seconds. Looking edgy beforehand, he appears to have bounced up to the stratosphere, trailing the field by a furlong.


 

October 23rd:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Roger Varian should have a good season next year judging by the strength of the stable’s juveniles.

Pretzel became another winner for them in the class 4 maiden, beating two other high profile newcomers in Mutakayyef and Stetchworth.

New Approach was responsible for the first and third, Sea The Stars for the runner-up. It is possible that Mutakayyef (looked the greenest and least switched-on of the principals) may turn out to be the best of these in time. The signs were this was a decent enough event.

Runs behind Outstrip and Pinzolo meant form horse Sudden Wonder only had to reproduce that to edge out his three rivals in the Class 2 Houghton. Making just about all, he wound up the pace to draw right away from two ordinary rivals in Noble Metal and Cape Wrath – whose Newbury maiden win looks decidedly shaky. A taking son of New Approach, Sudden Wonder has made plenty of physical improvement since we last saw him and although his stable seems to house better and he is unlikely to win a classic, he is not a bad second-division contender to have. Correctly campaigned next year, he should win a decent event or two.

On a day for two-year-olds, Moontime, a gelding by Sea The Stars, outstayed Munjaz (form ties in with Sudden Wonder) in the Class 4 over a mile. Like many in the field, the winner looked backward so has probably done well to win. Munjaz had his chance here against rivals he had an experience advantage over and may struggle to confirm this form with several of them next year.

Third horse, Mange All – another gelding – finished strongly and should improve for the experience.

Danjeu was clueless at the start and in the race but finally picked up to show some promise. Touch The Sky, who had flagged up only a modicum of ability on debut, has run to a similar level here. He lacks substance and is already struggling to live up to a fantastic pedigree.

Kempton Racing Results Review

 

Marzocco made the best possible start to his career when winning the first division of what looked like an above average class 5 maiden. With an attractive American pedigree and looks to match, despite a slow start, this son of Kitten’s Joy lengthened in good style.

In second, although not disgraced at Newmarket last time,Roskilly stepped up on anything so far shown. From a decent mark – say mid-seventies – he would be of interest in an all-weather nursery.

Moonfaarid, second in a fair Newmarket maiden back in August, gave the impression he has failed to progress physically and ran accordingly in third.

Cry Joy showed promise after a slow start when staying on in fourth.

Warrior Of Light was another to take the eye in a race that should throw up a winner or two.

Again, a nice-looking field turned out for the second division; although the earlier race had a stronger look.

Billingsgate provided a shock for Godolphin having caught stablemate Pretend, who ran out of gas inside the final furlong having gone clear early in the straight.

In fact, Windsor fifth, Bury Pacer stole second in the last few strides.

Favourite Ian’s Memory, having finished fourth at Lingfield on debut, was next home.

There was a lot to like about D’avignon, a big son of Smart Strike, who was slow to stride and also out of kilter on the track. He should know more next time.


October 19th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

Champions’ Day started with the Group 3 over two miles, for which, escaping her Group 1 penalty for whatever reason, Gold Cup winner Estimate started favourite.

Although by Monsun, the ground was something of an unknown and in the event she possibly failed to handle it as well as some. She kept staying on and was only beaten three lengths or so, but this was a strong contest and it was not her day.

Royal Diamond, a tough stayer, deprived long-time leader Harris Tweed in the dying strides.

In third, Eye Of The Storm served notice that he will be back here next summer for the Gold Cup. This was a strong run from a three-year-old that has a touch of class.

Pale Mimosa stayed on from the rear for fourth.

Biographer (last turning in) was another who made up a great deal of ground in the straight to finish on the heels of the principals. This was an improvement on his Doncaster Cup run where he merely plugged on and it appears this sort of ground is what he wants.

Not many got into the Group 1 Sprint won in dogged fashion by Sole Power. Awash with sweat, he dug deep when Jack Dexter came to him, the pair ahead of Viztoria – who will surely appreciate a return to seven furlongs.

Prominent throughout, Hoof It was fourth.

Maarek chucked his chance away at the start but picked up from halfway, leaving the impression that with a clean break he may have gone close.

The so-called Champion Fillies’ went to the outsider of the field: Seal Of Approval. By Authorized, and one of the few that seriously got home, she simply outstayed her rivals in deep conditions.

Belle De Crecy has been a model of consistency all season; she proved on her first attempt at this trip that she stayed, finishing second.

Talent once again ran well, improving from the rear but she was unable to quicken in this ground.

Dalkala moved strongly throughout but, at least today, she failed to see it out. All her best form is at 1m 2f.

Taking his run in the Jacques Le Marois literally when second to Moonlight Cloud, Olympic Glory – proven in the ground – had a serious chance in the QEII. Described by connections as lazy, particularly after a lack-lustre effort in the Moulin, the application of blinkers woke him up today. Having cruised throughout, he blitzed his rivals in the last furlong. By Choisir, he stays in training next year when soft ground will be crucial; the Lockinge being an ideal early season target.

Top Notch Tonto splashed home in fine style in second, vindicating his trainer’s decision to supplement him into this elevated company.

On only his fourth outing and surely over an inadequate trip, Kingsbarns gave plenty of encouragement for next year in third. He could be a big player in something like the Eclipse next July.

Dawn Approach looked well, was once again keen without being stupid, but failed to quicken in the ground.

On unsuitable ground, Elusive Kate battled on.

Of the rest, only Gregorian ran a race.

Maxios ran poorly, taking an early tug and never threatening. Having beaten Olympic Glory in the Moulin last time, he really should have acquitted himself better, but, on balance, it seems he reserves his best for his native France.

The showpiece went to Farhh: credit where it is due to Godolphin and the excellent Saeed Bin Suroor, for whom this victory was possibly the training performance of a lifetime.

In a tight three-cornered scrap inside the last furlong, the strong-travelling Cirrus Des Aigles could not quicken past Farhh.

The Derby winner, Ruler Of The World ran a screamer in third, arguably his best of the season. Three top-class contenders did not belie the title of this event.

 


 

October 18th:

Cheltenham Racing Results Review

The Class 2 novice hurdle over 2m 5f ultimately concerned two from the big stables that had been busy over the summer. Relishing the trip, Saint Roque jumped well throughout and stayed on strongly in the face of a determined challenge after the last from Rum And Butter.

But for a jarring mistake at the second-last, Pantxoa would have gone closer in the Class 2 novice chase. As it was, he stayed on pluckily but Twirling Magnet (weighted to beat Pantxoa on last season’s form), proved too strong. On this evidence, Pantxoa is improving.

Looking fit and well, with a clear-cut form chance after a useful spell last season, Lac Fontana never really looked like an odds-on chance during the running of the Class 3 maiden hurdle. Too keen early, he was allowed to bowl but his jumping was sketchy. In the end nothing got to him but now he has won, life will become more difficult.

Hurdle debutant, Germany Calling, made a few errors but got better as the race progressed. He should be winning at somewhere like Exeter or Newton Abbot in the near future.

Amateur riders had their hour in the Class 3 handicap chase. In turn they made the usual race-riding mistakes: going at it too hard from the get-go; kicking too soon and consequently curling up on the run-in; falling off and bringing their own mounts down – you name it, they did it. All very entertaining for those in the stands; but this only serves as a reminder to think long and hard before backing anything partnered by a member of this motley crew.

Haydock Racing Results Review

Over a mile-and-a-quarter in soft ground, the maiden developed into something of a slog.

Despite drifting across to the stands’ rails, Fun Mac, third to Dullingham at Pontefract most recently, was too strong for Personal Opinion and the improved Battersea, who plugged on well enough on the back of a non-descript debut at Newmarket.

Even Ryan Moore was unable to galvanise Newmarket Warrior who, after six tries, is beginning to look disappointing.

Turned out quickly after throwing away his Newmarket maiden, the application of a hood and blinds at the stalls, suggests Baarez is a handful. Although he won his maiden (a poor affair) with ears cocked, he appeared to think it over. He looks loaded with attitude.

Not having made any noticeable physical improvement since appearing in the same Newmarket event, Tall Ship never threatened. It may have been the ground, which by this time was pretty awful.

 


 

October 12th:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

On a day that featured a strong Irish challenge throughout the card, they got off to the perfect start in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes with the well-backed Fiesolana.

Amarillo from Germany was second ahead of Libranno.

Upped in grade, Highland Colori ran as well as could be expected in fourth.

Trumpet Major was unsuited by the ground and never got competitive. His penalty is hampering him at present.

With plenty in his favour, Lockwood ran poorly but his jockey was adrift on the outside of the field, which was hardly a help.

Darwin’s absence was attributable to the change in ground.

This year’s Middle Park was a highly competitive renewal. The ground possibly played a major part in the outcome.

Gimcrack winner, Astaire made all and found extra when challenged. Now winner of four races this year, he saw out this six well, might get seven – but there has to be a doubt about the mile.

In the form of his life, Hot Streak threw down a potent challenge a furlong out, but was outstayed by the winner. This was a laudable effort after his emphatic win in the Cornwallis over five (his best trip on this evidence) last week.

Justice Day ran through beaten horses to snatch third ahead of Speedfiend with the rest in a heap.

The Irish were widely expected to win this but overnight rain was a disadvantage to both their runners. Sudirman – who wins few prizes in the paddock – was posted wide and failed to pick up in fifth.

On the face of it, Great White Eagle was a disappointment. In a fast run race, he could never go the pace and his action suggests he will always be better on a sounder surface. In addition, he apparently had a poor journey over. He may not be the great white hope, but will prove better than this in time. He probably needs further than six.

Only six turned out for a Dewhurst that looked to concern War Command and Outstrip in that order.

Unbeaten over seven, War Command was always coasting and did enough to win under considerate handling and on ground that was too dead for an offspring of the crack American stallion War Front. He will return here for the Guineas as a serious candidate, particularly on a faster surface.

Cable Bay continues to run well at this level without winning. Strict interpretation of his close proximity in second leaves War Command with something to find with the likes of Astaire. However, thought to only do enough, it would be a mistake to take that route.

Outstrip tracked the winner but failed to match his turn of foot in third. Three notable names: Toormore, Be Ready and Kingman were absent from this line-up, meaning, as yet, juvenile honours are far from settled.

An injection of prize-money resulted in a quality Cesarewitch, including the fourth from the Prix Gladiateur, Smoky Hill (looking well-treated from a mark of 91), Ebor winner, Tiger Cliff and Pallasator.

After a 66/1 winner of the race last year, Scatter Dice repeated the dose. She was hard to fancy beforehand.

Lightly-raced Waterclock stayed on well in second, old stalwart Lieutenant Miller was third.

Probably benefitting from the ground and his able rider’s claim, Chiberta King was a decent fourth.

On and off the bridle throughout, Pallasator lunged late for fifth.

Weight and the trip (takes some getting under these conditions) beat the free-running Tiger Cliff.

Smoky Hill was another that failed to stay.

This year’s Rockfel looked unsatisfactory. Yarmouth maiden winner, Al Thakhira was always travelling strongly and eventually won comfortably. She is decent – possibly no more.

In second, Blockade should not be in this league.

Valonia is a reasonable yardstick in third, making Coral Mist the winner of this.

Lightning Thunder is only small and after receiving a couple of bumps from Blockade was soon knocked out of stride. She was not travelling at the time and ran on to finish a laboured fourth. Although she did try, she has obviously had enough for the year.

The Autumn Stakes meant Oklahoma City and Pupil had to face lightly raced candidates with plenty of potential.

Among these, Kingston Hill was reported to have improved significantly since winning a Newbury maiden. Said to have worked alongside speedy York winner Mishar, he picked up Oklahoma City with some ease, looking at least useful in the process. He stayed this mile well and could be a Classic contender, although may struggle over the Derby trip.

Truth Or Dare and God Willing (ran okay but from the wrong part of the course) were next to finish.

It was a messy conclusion to the day. By now it had been firmly established that the stands’ side were advantageous, so what were those jockeys thinking when they broke away down the middle throughout the day?

Highland Knight produced a shock in a bobbing finish with Tales Of Grimm in the Group 3 with Chapter Seven third. It is hard work taking anything tangible out of this.

York Racing Results Review

Dropped by a 1lb after an excellent fifth in the Cambridgeshire, Seek Again returned to winning form in the Class 2 handicap over 1m 1f – possibly his optimum trip. By the dirt stallion Speightstown, this easier ground seemed to suit as he was always travelling well. A decent sort who has been most consistent since his delayed return in August, he now faces a further rise that will take him to a mark in the low 100’s.

Seussical, absent since June when with David Wachman in Ireland, opened his account with Luca Cumani in the competitive Class 2 handicap. By Galileo, already with decent form to his credit, he gives the impression he can progress from this. He will stay a mile-and-half and might be the sort to bag a decent prize in Meydan next March.

Area Fifty One and Strictly Silver were exposed handicappers that run up their marks in second and third.

Not far off the places, First Mohican appears to have underperformed.

Out Of Bounds became another Godolphin disappointment.

Sweeping from last to first, Mushir won the hot Listed Rockingham like a horse going places. Originally earmarked for the Middle Park and well thought of, after his narrow Kempton victory he has improved considerably to win under such circumstances. Not short of speed, more will be heard of him.

No Leaf Clover stepped up on anything so far seen in second.

Third, Brave Boy was more tractable than when last seen at Kempton. Blurred Vision and Rufford were next to finish.

After such a luckless run last week, Outer Space may have been turned out too soon. He did not look happy and faded tamely. He is worth another chance next year.

The class 3 maiden attracted two expensive debutants with tall reputations. Patentar proved the better, pushed out with hands and heels to win readily.

In contrast, Premium Pressure hung when asked to challenge. We will give his rider the benefit of the doubt and say he tried to teach the horse something by larruping him with the whip. Conversely, it may not have been the ideal introduction for a horse that cost over a quarter of a million and consequently may think twice about it next time.


 

October 6th:

Longchamp Racing Results Review

The first of seven Group 1 races, Maarek winning a typical cut-and-thrust l’Abbaye over the minimum (not his best trip), getting up in the dying strides to deprive Catcall – considered by the locals to have been produced too soon. On easy ground and at this time of year, Maarek is a very good sprinter; although, not for the first time, this particular event possibly lacked the quality associated with its status.

Hamza ran a personal best in third; Jwala substantiated her Nunthorpe victory with an excellent effort in fourth.

From a poor draw and considering six probably suits better,Reckless Abandon ran a major race in fifth.

Fuming after Catcall’s defeat in the first, locals were again unhappy with Mendizabal’s handling of Lesstalk In Paris in the Marcel Boussac.

Possibly trying to negate a wide draw, he seemed to ride his filly into the ground, asking her to make all on a searching surface and getting at her early in the straight. Very few lead throughout here; Lesstalk In Paris narrowly failed to become the exception but had a hard race in her attempt.

Indonesienne (second to Miss France last time so providing a major boost for her claims next year), picked up a legless Lesstalk In Paris in the last half-furlong.

Queen Catrine (mulish at the start) was a last-gasp third ahead of Royalmania (looked inconvenienced by ground, ran on well and will do better) and Stormyra.

Beaten just over three lengths, Wonderfully gives rise to any theory that, good race though this was, it is probably five pounds off top class.

The colts had their moment in the Grand Criterium.

Karakontie ground out a hard-fought victory from unbeaten Spanish colt Noozoh Canarias.

Charm Spirit was third ahead of Gimcrack runner-up Wilshire Boulevard, whose run should delight the boys from Ballydoyle. They have better at home but Wilshire Boulevard provides an excellent yardstick and, on better ground, is not far off Group 1 standard. Considering Wilshire Boulevard is probably not in the first six in the O’ Brien pecking order, this does demonstrate the strength of their team.

Barley Mow did not have the run of the race in fifth but would not have won. Even so, this was a good run and provides a big boost for Be Ready, who beat him comfortably last time and should not be underestimated in whichever target he is aimed at before the end of the season.

On a day when the quality kept coming, Tasady, behind Arc contender Treve last time, just failed to land the Prix Opera on her seventh race of the year. She has held her form remarkably well all season.

Dalkala, delivered with clinical precision by Soumillon, pounced in the final strides.

Thistle Bird was a closing third in what is her last race, setting the seal on a distinguished career.

Unbeaten Treve was simply imperious in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Sweaty and edgy beforehand, she cruised into the lead from a slow pace as it quickened. She was soon away and gone.

A fragile Orfevre, awash with sweat an hour beforehand and edgy at the start, was nursed through the race and stayed on without matching the winner’s crucial burst. Prone to burst, finishing second is a major training achievement for his Japanese trainer.

We have to conclude Intello stays this trip – at least he did today. His record speaks for itself: winner of the French Derby and not beaten far by Moonlight Cloud over a mile in the Jacques Le Marios, he is versatile as regards trip and faces a big season if kept in training next year.

In fourth, the Japanese Derby winner Kizuna confirmed superiority over the British equivalent winner Ruler Of The World.

As a confirmed stayer, Leading Light was unsuited by the slow pace; even so, he picked up strongly down the straight, running better than his finishing position suggests.

Moonlight Cloud was astounding in the Prix de la Foret! Last with less than two to race, on soft ground, she picked up to sweep past her Group 1 rivals under a brilliant ride from Thierry Janet, completing an unforgettable day for him and those that bore witness to yet another exceptional performance.

Big efforts from Gordon Lord Byron and Garswood – cementing his position as a top class contender over seven furlongs – were simply not enough to contain this wonderful mare, who is unbeaten this season.

Apparently she will have one more run, either in Hong Kong or at the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita, before heading for the paddocks.

A breathtaking afternoon came to its conclusion (Group-wise at least) with a strong renewal of the Prix du Cadran.

As at Chester last time, ex-Australian Tac De Boistron – now with Marco Botti – travelled ominously strongly for most of the way but probably found this marathon trip of 2m 4f a bridge too far.

Having looked all set to collect, he was unable to go on when tackled by Ascot Gold Cup fifth, the German-trained Altano.

Times Up was an honourable third and Gloomy Sunday fourth.

 


 

October 5th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

In the right place throughout, Mill Reef third Hot Streak proved an easy winner of the Group 3 Cornwallis. He did have the run of the race so this margin may be misleading.

In second, Outer Space stepped up markedly on his Sandown debut. The subject of a considerable gamble, indicating improvement was expected (stable had a line with Fast), he only found his stride when the race was all over.

He will appreciate a sixth furlong and looks potentially useful.

Kickboxer and Extortionist (surely given too much to do but would not have troubled the winner in any case) were next to finish.

Secret Number finally opened his account on turf in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge following several promising efforts this season.

It all worked for him today and he won easing up from Royal Empire (once again the penalty did for him as did the ground, but an honourable effort – will surely do well again in Meydan next year).

Gatewood (bit keen) had every chance but failed to quicken in ground that should have suited.

Newmarket Racing Results Review

The Tattersalls Millions sales races kicked off the card – fillies first with Wedding Ring prevailing in what looked the lesser event – something confirmed by the clock.

Manderley and Fashion Fund filled the places.

Night Song, a victim of an easy debut success that has failed to work out, was a long way back when changing legs in the dip before plugging on. Seven probably stretches her at this level. She ought to be marked up, although opportunities next season will be limited.

A runner last weekend when second to stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer in a Group 2, turned out again, Oklahoma City was always travelling before staying on strongly for a clear-cut success. His win further indicates the Irish juveniles may be better than the English.

Postponed snatched second ahead of Bon Voyage, Hunters Creek and Jallota. Toofi did plug on but it is entirely possible this seven stretched his stamina.

With a good pedigree (Sea The Stars), Seagull Star – who is not very big – became another debutant winner for William Haggas in the Class 4 maiden. They were a mixed bag in behind.

Now thrice-raced Rasameel was a big-priced runner-up with no obvious claims in a Newmarket maiden.

The fancied Venezia scrambled into third ahead of Johann Strauss, who filled up the plane alongside Oklahoma Star for his debut.

A very good-looking son of High Chaparral, he has a reputation for being fizzy and was ridden (some may say too much so) with a great deal of sympathy. Clearly he has ability.

Others said to be worth watching out for were Dance Of Heroes and Battersea. Both looked the part but neither showed enough on this occasion to quicken the pulse.

Longchamp Racing Results Review

It was a great day for Cirrus Des Aigles, who chalked up his third Prix Dollar win at Longchamp. Now seven, this cemented his comeback from the cold after a mixed season. He travelled superbly well throughout, supplementing a win at Maisons-Laffitte last time. His very adept trainer has produced him at the top of his game at this stage of the year but reckons he will strip fitter for his next intended start – the Champion Stakes.

Having failed to stay the 1m 4f last time, Mandour was another to return to his best in second.

Noble Mission never looked likely to win but made up plenty of ground from plum last turning in to finish fourth.


 

October 4th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

On rain-softened ground, Tinghir, who so far had raced over further than this trip, possibly outstayed hot favourite Modern Tutor in the classified over a mile.

Reliable yardstick Gworn was third. Born To Surprise and Emilio Largo attracted support but are essentially ‘casino’ horses, neither consenting to run to their best.

Intibaah was always in prime position in the Class 2 handicap, striking for home early and racing beyond recall inside the last furlong.

In second, on only the third race of his life, having been absent since July of last year, Blessington ran particularly well, finishing as if an extra furlong will be no problem. Breton Rock once again performed with credit, as did late-finisher Normal Equilibrium in fourth.

A thorough stayer with a soft ground action, Nichols Canyon, who ran creditably in the Queens Vase behind Leading light over this track, returned to winning form when lifting the listed event from Greatwood. He could be a player in the Cup events next year.

The unexposed Ballinderry Boy relished conditions to win the Class 3 handicap from the tough Man Of Plenty who seems suited by two miles.

September Results

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF SEPTEMBER 28TH:

At this late stage of the season we are running out of candidates, although we continue to highlight several possibilities for the coming weeks.

Three from our original list ran this week:

Sweet Deal———–1st 7/1 to 4/1

Yuften——————-3rd 5/4

Ehtifaal—————– Lost

Overall record is a PROFIT————6.6 Points.

With the removal of the above, this only leaves Hillstar to run and it could be we will have to wait until next year for that.

Maintaining this feature is time-consuming, but so far it has been rewarding, meaning we will be maintaining it to the end of the current Flat season and during the winter.

 

For now, we will rely on comments only, but do check on our Free Bets feature as we always comment on Notebook horses when they are engaged to run.


September 28th:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Returning after his Chesham win back in June, Berkshire took his time to get on top in the Group 2 Royal Lodge. A big powerful unit of a horse that hits the turf hard, this ground was plenty firm enough and he will surely be even more effective with some give. On this evidence he does not look a Guineas candidate.

Like the winner, Somewhat has an easy-ground action; like the winner he battled to the line.

The close proximity of Sir Jack Layden casts a shadow over the form.

Three lengths away in last place, having finished behind them in a Group 3 at Leopardstown, Kingfisher represented Australia and Free Eagle. Although possibly underperforming here, Kingfisher’s run still suggests either of the two that finished in front of him last time would have won this or gone very close.

Having won the Robert Papin and finished second in the Prix Morny, French filly Vorda offered the best form and comfortably won the Cheveley Park. Once asked to quicken she lengthened on this unseasonably fast ground to beat Princess Noor and Kiyoshi. At this stage she deserves to assume a prominent position in the 1,000 Guineas betting, although her ability to stay a mile cannot be taken for granted either on pedigree or given the manner of her successes.

There were no excuses for Kiyoshi today (the stable’s best Classic hope could be Coral Mist); comparatively inexperienced Come To Heel ran well enough in fourth, whilst Joyeuse was too keen early.

Back to the scene of her 1,000 Guineas victory in May, Sky Lantern roared back to her best in the Group 1 Sun Chariot.

Always travelling well, she picked up the vastly improved Integral in the last hundred yards. Her only lapse since the spring was in the Nassau, when arguably she was beaten through no fault of her own.

The fact she has remained at the top of her game all season speaks volumes for both her and her connections.

Integral – who has come to hand late in the year – continues to creep up the ratings after this, her best effort. There may be more to come from her.

Consistent Duntle was third ahead of Elusive Kate.

As always the competitive Cambridgeshire took some winning. Well backed, quality horses dominated, meaning triumph for punters over bookmakers.

Educate maintained the extraordinary big race strike rate of Johnny Murtagh in a close finish with Code Of Honour.

Tres Coronas, the improved Graphic and lightly raced Seek Again were next to finish. Predictably the exposed contingent, of which there were plenty, failed to strike a blow.

After a good first run at Newbury in a much better maiden, Ehtifaal was his own worse enemy at Haydock. Queally had his feet out of the irons at the start; Ehtifaal pulled hard through the early stages and soon found himself too far back. He did pick up when it was all too late but on this evidence has learned nothing from a promising debut.

Market Rasen Racing Results Review

Despite an erratic round of jumping, ex-Aidan O’Brien inmate Royal Irish Hussar knuckled down to win at the first time of asking in the novice hurdle. Although typical moderate early-season form, he showed plenty of determination and if he sharpens up his hurdling is the type to do a lot better.

Obviously he is in good hands.


September 27th:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

1.40

The Group 3 Oh So Sharp went to Chantilly maiden winner Miss France, who was strongly supported.

Already quoted for the 1,000 Guineas, success here advertises her claims as she did appear to have plenty in hand. A strong, well made filly, this is as far as she is bred to stay. She and the runner-up pulled clear, recording a fast time and suggesting there is nothing wrong with this form.

Lightning Thunder is a game filly that kept trying but on this occasion she met one that was too good.

Sweet Acclaim headed the rest, ahead of Radiator who, after that fifteen-length verdict at Lingfield, found herself outpointed from a long way out in this company. She will be better over further next year.

Stealth Missile was another that could never go the early pace but stayed on for fifth.

2.10

In the Listed event, returning to something like her early season form that saw her finish fourth in the French Guineas, Zurigha ran down six-year-old Igugu, who was last seen in March at Dubai.

Lanansaak and Maureen were next to finish in a race that had a decent look to it.

2:40

Soft Falling Rain got back on track after that blip at Newbury behind Gergorian (in truth, no excuse necessary for that run) with a big win in the Group 2 Joel Stakes.

Best on firm ground, he is a grinder rather than a quickener – something that may hamper that so-far elusive Group 1 victory. His win today provides further uncalled-for testimony to the ability of his excellent handler, Mike De Kock. Next stop is apparently Ascot for the QEII on Champions’ Day, where he will not be out of place.

Montiridge cruised in his slipstream from two out but was unable to pick him up. He is another three-year-old that has failed to hack it against the older division this season.

Stalwarts Premio Loco and Penitent were next to finish with Guest Of Honour and Glory Awaits both running abysmally.

3:15

The Fillies’ Mile presented another shock in the juvenile division when Chriselliam, winner of a maiden at Warwick to date and twice beaten at Haydock, beat the ‘big two’ – Rizeena and Ithimal.

Neither of these two were given the best of rides in a slow run contest, but the winner – who seems to have one burst of speed – powered past Rizeena with Ihtimal always struggling to pick up from the rear.

If there is any mitigation, Rizeena was jig-jogging in the paddock and was keen early. It is worth recording that this is the third time she has run below par at Newmarket (once on the July course), so it could be, as a big filly, the undulations are against her.

Bearing in mind her size, Ihtimal probably had her best Group 1 chance here, which was not aided by a negative ride – De Sousa having held on to her for too long.

The win of Miss France earlier in the day looks to represent a much better standard than anything we saw here.

3:50

The Class 4 maiden attracted what looked to be a quality field. Favourite, Yuften, lined up having shown clear potential at Newbury when a narrow runner-up to Barley Mow.

The other two to attract market support were the good-lookingBaarez and Tall Ship.

Unconsidered Mitraad – a gelding (by Aqlaam) – benefitted as Baarez jinked across the course once he hit the front.

The runner-up appeared to baulk upon encountering a patch of squelchy ground in the dip. He should be forgiven and looks a sure-fire future winner. It can be potluck with maidens at Newmarket – they can be either easy meat, as per the opener yesterday, or choc-ful of dangers – as appeared the case here.

Yuften had every chance but was soon struggling. On the face of it, this was disappointing considering the promise shown on debut. A stablemate of the winner, apparently his trainer expected better today but emphasised he is only a work in progress and will not run again this year.

Tall Ship was looked after, picking up under hands and heels. Clearly capable of better, there will be another day, as there should be for slow-starter Salmon Sushi, another doing his best work at the business end of the race.

4:25

The defection of Gatewood (owing to quickening ground) took some of the shine from Listed event.

Consistent Renew proved too good for Wigmore Hall.

5:00

There was consistent support for Frankel’s half-brother, three-year-old Morpheus in the Silver Cambridgeshire.

Closely weighted with Silver Dixie after their running over this course last month, this was not reflected accurately in the market – for good reason as it turned out.

Morpheus did plenty of work considering he was well behind at halfway, finishing fourth. He should make up into an imposing four-year-old if kept in training.

In second, considering he fell out of the stalls and was detached early, Sheila’s Buddy has to be marked up.


September 26th:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Beforehand the Class 4 maiden had a decidedly good look to it; after its running that shifted somewhat.

Master The World had run with promise at Goodwood and is a nice enough type, but the fact he was able to dominate against some very well-bred debutants suggests this may not have been the best of contests.

Nevertheless, Divisional finished off well in second. Beautifully-bred King’s Land needs to learn to settle and race, but obviously has ability in view of his antics as he still finished third.

Touch The Sky, another with a pedigree to die for, was physically slightly disappointing. He is narrow and lacks substance. Maybe that will change. On and off the bridle he stayed on.

The nursery won by Safety Check from Newmarket Warrior did not look that strong an event.

It is not often Sir Michael Stoute turns a filly out as quickly as he did with the lightly-raced Astonishing in the Listed event. Beaten in a handicap over this course on Saturday, she picked up her field in effortless style and looks an improving filly. Court Pastoral reportedly lost a shoe.

Outsider of the pack, Miracle Of Medina, supplied a shock in the Group 3.

Cable Bay stayed the extra furlong but once again just came up short.

Nezar was third ahead of Brazos, God Willing (should better this in time) and Championship (received a bump in the dip and may be capable of better).

Second in the race last year, Ladyship was always handy in the closing handicap, shrugging off a mark of 97.


September 25th:

Goodwood Racing Results Review

Having finished fifth at Ascot behind Stealth Missile last time, Fracking, represented what on the face of it looked only okay form.

However, the subject of good support in the morning, he made all to win the maiden easily. Those in behind may struggle for now.

Travis Bickle needs to plough the nursery furrow, whereas the Derby entrant, Arbaab, looks the part but Goowood is never the best of places to judge a debutant. He ran in snatches, eventually allowed to coast home. He will surely better this in time.

With his stout pedigree, Double Bluff, second to Pupil at Doncaster on debut, was suited by the trip of nine furlongs in his maiden, making all and staying on in the expected manner.

Grandeur struggled to make light of what for him should have been a simple task in the listed event, but the ground was looser than ideal and it blunted his natural finishing kick. He is much better on quick ground.

Quick Wit followed him home. Several failed to fire.

The decision to run Brown Panther carrying a penalty over ten furlongs resulted in the obvious – in that he led but was soon outpaced.

Rewarded ran poorly and Sugar Boy, on his first effort for a new yard after fizzling out in the Irish Derby, bade a rapid retreat in the manner of a horse that is not right.

Sweet Deal completed a quick-fire double for Jeremy Noseda when winning the Class 4 handicap from a mark of 76. A winner at this track on this day last year, and having shown promise again here on his reappearance, his liking for soft ground tempered confidence to a degree but once he began his run he was never going to be beaten.


September 21st:

 Newbury Racing Results Review

Extremity readily won the opening maiden, vindicating the high opinion his stable have. He may not have beaten too much but did it well.

Cambourne is on the crest of a wave at present; once again sweeping from last to first to win the Group 3 from Gifted Girl. Kassiano emptied quickly leaving no obvious excuse.

Supplicant won the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes without telling us too much as it was not the best of line-ups. The speedily bred Shamshon will presumably revert to the minimum after failing to be as effective over this six furlongs.

Trained in Ireland, we may not see Saxo Jack again this side of the Sea. However, if we do, he was a very unlucky loser in the valuable Class 2 handicap – continually denied a run – and merits serious consideration.

On his day and with cut in the ground, Maarek is a serious sprinter.

He demonstrated that once again in the Group 3 over five furlongs.

In second, York Glory confirmed how unlucky he was last time at Beverley, reversing those placings with fourth home Stepper Point.

Meteoroid – highly regarded by his stable – had no answer to Bow Creek (who is no slouch on his day) in the nursery. With a good action, he travelled well but appeared to labour in the ground. On a better surface, he is worth another chance at this level.

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Taghrooda made a successful debut from two reasonable benchmarks in Casual Smile and Tea In Transvaal in what looked a well-contested maiden for fillies.

Brown Diamond and Gold Approach were newcomers to catch the eye, whilst the winner’s stable companion, Criteria – having shown so much promise at Goodwood – looked a different filly here and was never happy. It was something of a surprise she could not overturn form with Tea In Transvaal; instead, merely plugging on, she was two places behind her in fifth. She ought to better this in time.

Ayr Racing Results Review

After a crawl, the Doonside Cup developed into something of a sprint. It was won by Sharestan, who was in the right place at the right time.

In contrast, being too far back, Willie The Whipper was in the wrong place. To confound his tale of woe, when he did motor, Spencer had to switch. It was painful viewing for backers – the horse should have won. He has speed, likes soft ground and has a proven autumnal record. Although time is running out, there is a race for him; a mile would not present a problem.

In a rough race for the Group 3 for fillies, Coral Mist defied her race-position to get up in a last furlong scramble from Hoku. Consolidating promise shown at Goodwood in August, this was a good effort from a filly that ought to be marked up for grabbing this despite detrimental circumstances. On this evidence, she would not be out of place in top company.

Valonia – who had beaten Coral Mist at Goodwood – was close up in third, with the Irish filly, Remember You, (representing the form of Middle Park aspirant Great White Eagle) inches away in fourth. This was a strong event.

With the exception of Coral Mist, those on the stands’ rail have dominated all races on the sprint course at this meeting. Full credit must therefore go to Oisin Murphy for bagging it on Highland Colori and thus winning the Ayr Gold Cup having been drawn 19 out of 27.


September 20th:

Ayr Racing Results Review

Despite having run below expectations for the second time when failing to land a blow in the maiden, it may be premature to dismiss Derbyshire. American-bred, with a fast ground action to match, he could not cope with the soft ground and has to be better than either effort so far suggests.

Newbury Racing Results Review

The second division of the maiden looked better than the first.

Dominated by two unraced colts, it was the Verglass, Cape Wrath that came out on top. A strong individual that according to Richard Hughes will stay further, a mark in the mid-seventies would give him a chance next time in a nursery.

Given the easier introduction, runner-up Dark Leopard should win his maiden – possibly at somewhere like Kempton.

On his first run since last November and looking well, Samba King ran-on in the closing stages of the Class 3 handicap without ever looking dangerous. A step up in trip may be the answer for a back-end handicap, particularly while the ground is soft. It cannot be too heavy as far as he is concerned.

After the Class 2 Conditions event known as the Haynes and Hanson, Red Galileo remains a maiden on this, his third attempt, but he battled to the line when challenged by Pinzolo.

The winner got better as the race progressed; whilst in third, Pupil upheld the progress shown at Doncaster.

Beaten three lengths in fourth, What About Carlo, rated 79 going into this – meaning a valuable nursery was his for the taking – now faces at least a 7lb hike and a spell in the wilderness.

Lady Lara’s win in the Class 2 Conditions Stakes did not come out of turn. In getting off the mark, she paid a compliment to last week’s Park Hill winner Ihtimal, who had beaten her readily. The debutant, Water Queen showed a good deal of promise in third.


September 14th:

Doncaster Racing Results Review

Absent since finishing second in the Vintage at Goodwood, Outstrip proved too good for his rivals in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes. Played late, in this company he has a telling turn of foot.

The Grey Gatsby had every chance today on ground more to his liking than he encountered at York. With a pronounced knee action, he spends a lot of time off the ground. On today’s evidence he is not up to this level. Gimcrack fourth, the consistent Cable Bay, was a close up third.

After only two runs this season, word from Ireland suggested Viztoria was strongly fancied in the Group 2 over seven furlongs. Last seen in the Coronation at Royal Ascot, she relished these easier conditions and picked up for a cosy win from the improving Lockwood and a solid benchmark at this level in Gregorian. Providing there is give in the ground, she looks a useful filly.

Slipped in here after an enforced break, Leading Light took the final Classic with a game from-the-front performance.

Never worse than second, he responded to pressure to see off all challengers. Talent was the last to throw her hat in the ring, running extremely well to take second.

Galileo Rock and Libertarian upheld Derby form to a degree in third and fourth.

Galileo Rock, in front halfway up the straight, continues to run well at this level. According to connections he is better on a sound surface.

On only his third run, Foundry acquitted himself well in fifth and should make his mark next year.

The biggest disappointment was Excess Knowledge who probably failed to handle the ground or stay the trip. Whatever the excuse, his record is a that of winning a maiden. Although bits of form suggest he is bordering on top class, it may be (after Sandown and Goodwood this season) he is destined to catch the eye in defeat rather than in victory.

The nursery went to Photography, the outsider of the remaining seven runners. As feared the decision to run Showpiece over a mile was misplaced as he blatantly failed to stay. Mistakes such as this are costly all round. The horse has had a wasted experience and is given another reason to underperform next time.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF SEPTEMBER 14th:

EHTIFAAL

HILLSTAR

SWEET DEAL

YUFTEN

(As the season winds down so the list becomes depleted, although there are a couple of eye-catchers noted this week that have not been included in our list, but should be respected when next appearing.)


September 13th:

Doncaster Racing Results Review

Green Door’s chance in the Flying Childers was not obvious beforehand, but he has run to a consistent level all season, producing the goods again now.

Wind Fire had every chance in second, Extortionist and Fast – the next two to finish – appear to have run well.

Camborne’s finishing kick proved decisive in the Class 2 Mallard Handicap.

The old guard had their day in the Doncaster Cup, won for the second year running by Times Up from High Jinx.

Repeater took third ahead of Biographer who had every chance and kept trying. This is as good as he is.

Ihtimal – a small but strong filly who lengthens well – pounced on her rivals late to win the Group 2 May Hill. Her form, including a third in the Chesham to Berkshire, entitled her to win but there was a lot to like about the way she did so. Apparently the Fillies’ Mile is her next port of call.

Perhaps the Listed race over seven won by Be Ready was the most informative on the day. Be Ready had shaped well at Newbury in the Washington Singer when his reputation preceded him.

A big son of New Approach, he has done well since and won a shade cosily. A steadily run race should have suited Barley Mow but, although having to be switched over a furlong out, he was unable to make any impression on the winner.

Voice Of A Leader was third, so the right horses finished in the first three, indicating this was a strong event. Be Ready is said to be Godolphin’s best two-year-old by a long way and looks ready for a step up into better class.

Shropshire confirmed himself in good form when making up a good deal of ground without quite being able to challenge in the six-furlong handicap. He requires serious consideration next time on these his favoured conditions.


September 12th:

Doncaster Racing Results Review

Despite a slow start, Aqlaam Vision won the Class 2 nursery going away from Ticking Katie and Cornish Path. Racing on the stands’ side may have benefitted her. Her trainer nominated the Fillies’ Mile as her next likely target, but having run to a mark no higher than the high eighties here, such a task is asking rather a lot.

Gown was another that was slow to stride and whereas luck was on her side at Sandown last time when beating Lilyfire, it was against her today as gaps failed to appear. She can be marked up a couple of lengths for this – she would probably have finished third with a clear run.

Tacky ground was against Maureen in the Group 3 Sceptre – a race won by Nargis, another that had the rail to help.

The Lark won a weak Park Hill very easily, having her path smoothed by the fall of second favourite Seal Of Approval. She probably would have own anyway; if nothing else this proved she does stay very well.

Eight lengths behind God Willing when fancied at Newbury, Pupil left that behind with a clear-cut success in the Class 3 maiden. He took a while to warm up but responded to pressure to dispose of Double Bluff, the pair clear of Raven Ridge and Fast Delivery, whose stamina appeared to run out in the closing stages.

Lightly-raced Conduct was a warm betting order in the concluding handicap.

He was a closing third to Clon Brulee and Tha’ir, finishing in the style of a horse that may improve for a step up to a mile-and-a-half. Clearly he handles easy ground and may win something similar to this before the end of the season.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 07/09/13:

EHTIFAAL

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE

HILLSTAR

JAZZ

SHOWPIECE

SWEET DEAL

YUFTEN

Coral Mist WON ————-11/10 (From 11/8)

(Broxbourne and Seek Again are removed – though it is entirely possible both may win again before the end of the season. Free Eagle is unlikely to be seen again this year and Artistic Charm is removed without reappearing after Ffos Llas as her present engagements – including the Cheveley Park – mean she is almost certainly going to be targeted at races she cannot win.)


September 11th:

Doncaster Racing Results: Races of note:

Second to Stars Over The Sea at Newcastle when last seen, Braidley took the Class 2 nursery with some ease from Master Carpenter and Jazz, neither of whom aided their cause.

Master Carpenter fluffed the start only to get going when the winner had flown.

Jazz, on the other hand, started smartly but took a keen hold, resulting in his rider tucking him in. Produced with every chance, he stayed the seventh furlong fine, but had no answer to the winner’s burst. With the extra furlong in his favour, this should have been his day. There is a race for him, but after eight tries he is prolonging the wait. Perhaps he can get off the mark in a modest maiden that does not affect his mark of 83 followed by another crack at a nursery.

The right three horses fought out the finish to the Class 2 over six furlongs. Lightning Thunder improved beyond her debut win at Newbury( fourth beaten at Beverley) to inch out Justice Day and Expert.

Justineo made all to land the Listed Scarborough Stakes, lasting out over is best trip to hold Masamah. After an excellent third in the Group 2 King George at Goodwood, this drop in grade clearly helped.

Last seen in Meydan in March, Out Of Bounds held on by a diminishing half a length to land the Class 2 conditions event from Gatewood. The runner-up was returning after a spell in Australia.

Said to have just needed this, Gatewood may make amends next time.


September 7th:

Kempton Racing Results: Races of note:

2.20

On a day muddied by soft ground in the case of Haydock, and some impossible events at Ascot, Kempton, although hard enough, was the less complicated option.

Main Sequence can safely be ruled out of future calculations after his run in the September Stakes. The list of excuses for his long losing run has simply become too long.

In narrow defeat, Royal Empire found the penalty his undoing.

Masterstroke is clearly another dud from the Godolphin portfolio.

2.55

Seek Again (without blinkers today) squeezed into fourth in the London Mile Final. This was another good effort but there is no reason to assume he will better it in the future – although an extra furlong will help.

Emilio Largo closed well and may be about to hit form. He is a hard horse to recommend but ought to be included in future calculations, particularly now he is running off his last winning mark.

4.10

Not beaten far by No Nay Never and Rizeena in France, Brown Sugar successfully defied a 3lbs penalty to lift the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes from a closing Figure Of Speech, who was well beaten in France but realised earlier promise. This was a warm little race today with Hot Streak and Brave Boy (saw too much daylight and pulled early) among fancied opponents.

Ascot Racing Results: Races of note:

2.25

Art Of War looked an unlucky loser in the class 4 maiden at Ascot. Squeezed out at the start, then hopelessly disorganised at halfway, a big slab of a thing, he finished from out of nowhere to take second place. The question now is: how good was the race?

The winner – the only filly in the line-up – was Stealth Missile, who had finished eight lengths behind Lilyfire over this course on debut.

In third, Bon Voyage, had shown promise at Newmarket and was fancied to win today. On the face of it, Art of War has a future. Maidens at the better tracks (where we assume Art Of War will be seen next) are not so easy to win this time of year. His gangly action suggests he would be best on a flat, galloping track at present. A winner without a penalty, maybe it is prudent to see what happens next.

Haydock Racing Results: Races of note:

2.40

The ground gave us a first taste of autumnal conditions. Montiridge failed to fire in the Group 3, where Top Notch Tonto proved he is a soft ground specialist.

3.50

Gordon Lord Byron won the Group 1 Sprint – a race very few got into.

The decision to run Lethal Force was undoubtedly a poor one.

Garswood missed the break and was the only horse to make any late ground. A long last at one point, he did pick up but never threatened – even in this ground, sprinting is not his game.

Soul ran well enough to suggest, as an autumn horse, he should not be overlooked next time in similar conditions.

Leopardstown Racing Results: Races of note:

We all know they make us look fools.

Free Eagle, favourite for the Derby on the strength of an impressive maiden win at this course, returned to the track but was trounced by the impeccably bred Australia in the Group 3.

There seems no obvious excuse – the winner is clearly useful – but Free Eagle had finished well clear of the third, Kingfisher, last time and was only three lengths in front of him today. Back to the Derby drawing board!

The Fugue overcame the conditions to out battle Al Kazeem in the Irish champion, thus setting the seal on a brilliant career with her biggest win to date. Trading Leather ran his usual game race in third.


September 6th:

Haydock Racing Results: Races of note:

Coral Mist, such an eye-catcher at Goodwood on debut, opened her account in the maiden despite drifting off a straight line. She has done well physically since her debut.

In beating Lowther runner-up Merletta here, her rating may preclude a nursery.

Something like the listed Radley Stakes at Newbury might be next on the agenda.

Merletta was an uneasy favourite on ground unlikely to suit both her action and pedigree. So it proved. Unfortunately, that run at York means she has a current mark of 97 to overcome in handicaps.


September 5th:

Lingfield Racing Results: Races of note:

On the turf we saw two decent juveniles snapping up their maidens.

After finishing fourth at Newmarket, Outback Traveller had to battle but proved too strong for the late-finishing Travis Bickle.

Dependent on the mark, the nursery route should prove lucrative. Correctly placed, there is a race to be won with the runner-up.

Radiator – a strongly made and well-proportioned filly by Dubawi – won her event over seven furlongs by fifteen lengths. Those she beat were only ordinary, but she has done well since Goodwood and looks destined for better things.


Tuesday September 3rd:

Goodwood Racing Results

The course staged a good card. Martian looked a decent three-year-old when winning his maiden and is possibly capable of better. In the fillies’ event won last year by Liber Nauticus, the unraced Criteria made nice headway to finish fourth behind Uchenna and Tea In Transvaal.

Expert had every chance in the nursery from a mark of 91. Backed and looking all over the winner inside the last furlong, the weight concession to Deeds Not Words proved just too much close home. He falls between two stools presently.

Broxbourne may have hit the buffers for the time being. Raised 5lbs since York, she cruised down the straight in a highly competitive handicap, only for her run to fizzle away in the last two furlongs. She owes us nothing and may still be interesting in the Cesarewitch, where connections can play the extreme trip card. At present, the signs indicate she may benefit from a break.

August Results

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 31/08/13:

ARTISTIC CHARM

BROXBOURNE

CORAL MIST

EHTIFAAL

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE

FREE EAGLE

HILLSTAR

JAZZ

SEEK AGAIN

SHOWPIECE

SWEET DEAL

YUFTEN

OVERALL PROFIT————-PROFIT—7.5 POINTS

We need to add SEEK AGAIN to our overall record as he finished second to Ehtedaam at Kempton on 28th August. There was not much wrong with the run as it was in a competitive Class 3 handicap. He remains on our list. Although being by Speightstown and therefore dirt-bred, it strikes he may be better than an all-weather horse. He has an engagement in a similar race at Kempton this week that it appears he is likely to take up. We will look at him again after that, but the signs are he a big handicap awaits before the end of play – possibly on turf and over nine furlongs. Any advance on the Cambridgeshire?

OVERALL RECORD————-PROFIT—6.5 POINTS

August 25th:

Goodwood Racing

Having finished third to the useful God Willing at Newbury, victory for What About Carlo in the Class 5 Auction Stakes boosted the form. This form was further enhanced when the Newbury fifth, Signposted, won a similar event at Epsom on August 26th.

On the same card, Whipper’s Boy, who had shown promise last time at Goodwood, failed to progress when refusing to surrender last place to a rival in the five-runner conditions event.

August 31st:

Sandown Racing Results

Although impressive, last time we saw Kingman he looked as if he had spent a winter in a forest. On this occasion, he lined up for the Group 3 Solario with a gleaming coat, cruising to the front over a furlong out to win comfortably. Not a strong renewal, this race was an ideal stepping-stone in his development. It is early days but so far he is keeping the dream alive. It is most likely The Dewhurst will be his next engagement.

Integral is learning her trade; not beaten far in a messy Nassau, she showed a lot of grit to dead-heat in the Group 3 Atalanta. Shuffled to the rear early, from where she made up ground quickly to head Ladys First, she then battled back in the dying strides. She was the moral outright winner here and will not be out of place in the Sun Chariot. The chunky Zibelina lost her unbeaten record, lacking the turn of foot on this surface to make an impact when the pace quickened.

Lilyfire looked an unlucky loser in what was an average nursery. On a day of hard luck stories, her jockey always needed a miracle to get a run – once it came it was too late, all she could do was snatch second behind Gown. Her mark of 80 will give her a chance of making amends at this level next time.

Beverley Racing Results

Bookmakers took a rare chance with York Glory in the Listed sprint, pricing up a 5/2 chance at 5/1 in the morning. They got away with it.

Over five, York Glory was outpaced early, which cost him the race. A fast closer, he could not quite get to grips with Stepper Point. Although unlucky and probably not given the optimum ride, York Glory’s best form is at six furlongs. To be fair, Jamie Spencer peaked two hours later when pouncing on Consign from a long way back in the Class 4 handicap.

Sound Of Summer didn’t help herself too much in the maiden. Slow to stride, she is not the quickest and could only plug on to take third behind Dance Bid and Anipa. Better organised, she may have gone close but this does not advertise the claims of Lightning Thunder – the filly that beat her last time at Newbury.

Chester Racing Results

A failure to hit the gates running cost New Fforest an advantageous draw in the sprint handicap.

Her apprentice jockey stuck to the inner but too much ground had been lost to allow New Fforest to pick up El Vienito.

Under the circumstances, she did well to finish second. She deserves to pick up another race (particularly when ridden by her useful claiming rider) in the near future.


August 24th:

Rain-softened ground at all tracks meant some events turned into slogs, particularly at Newmarket.

York:

The speedy Astaire made just about all to win the Group 2 Gimcrack in the face of strong last furlong challenges from Wilshire Boulevard (just failed – will be better on a faster surface and could be interesting next time) and Parbold (always prominent, tried hard but lacked change of gear and may want a seventh furlong).

Always travelling kindly, Tiger Cliff pounced late in the Ebor to deny solo winner, Genzy, who put up another good performance after finishing fourth to Royal Empire at Newbury last week. Tiger Cliff stays two miles but is not short of foot. This had been the plan for a while, making this an astute piece of training from the Cecil yard.

Goodwood:

Amazing Maria successfully made the transition from maiden company to emphatically score in the Group 3 contest for fillies. Making all on soft ground, she had her rivals in trouble some way out and looks progressive. The Fillies Mile will be on the agenda. In second, Qawaasem kept trying but the winner was too good. This ground found a few out, including pint-sized Midnite Angel who floundered.

Despite anxious moments at the stalls, Afsare eventually consented to load, settling well in the race and producing a killer kick at the end of the Group 2 Celebration Mile. As at Salisbury, this was a decent performance – particularly given his best form is on quicker ground. This appears to be his trip.

Magog was all the rage in the Class 4 handicap, a race he took his time to win, but in this ground it is understandable. His mark of 75 will be revised, but not too much and he may win again as obviously he is held in some regard. Returning after an eleven-month absence, the now gelded SWEET DEAL kept on promisingly and should be fitter next time. A current mark of 78 (may be adjusted after this) gives his shrewd trainer plenty of options. He has won on soft.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 24/08/13:

ARTISTIC CHARM

BROXBOURNE

CORAL MIST

EHTIFAAL

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE

FREE EAGLE

HILLSTAR

JAZZ

SEEK AGAIN

SHOWPIECE

SWEET DEAL

WHIPPER’S BOY

YUFTEN

Winners since last posted:

Broxbourne———————–Won 6/1

Golden Town———————Won 4/1 (Removed)

PROFIT ON WEEK ————6 POINTS

OVERALL RECORD————PROFIT –8.5 POINTS


August 23rd:

York Racing Results Review

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup with the two market leaders fighting it out.

Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Ahzeemah got the better of a slog to the line with the consistent Simenon. Times Up did best of the rest with Caucus and predictably Colour Vision downing tools at the earliest opportunity.

City Style won a scrappy Strensall Stakes, holding the last rattle of Danadana close home.

Considering the overnight rain, Pavlosk was a disappointment. Well backed and fancied for this, she pulled too hard early and found little down the straight. There might be another day for her but it is equally possible she has been overrated.

Not for the first time we saw an upset in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes – Jwala finding hitherto unseen form to win, ahead of the two candidates with form at this level.

Shea Shea looked slightly unlucky. The altered ground was not in his favour, a slow start also made life tough. He launched a late challenge that just failed, as did Sole Power, another that could have done without last night’s rain.

Hamish McGonagall – invariably at his best on this track – ran a blinder in fourth. Kingsgate Native and Tickled Pink came next. Moviesta was never seen with a chance.

Golden Town was better organised today than at Goodwood, comprehensively reversing form with the second and third this time in the Class 2 Convivial Stakes.

Breaking on terms and always travelling prominently, he had the run of the race. He may not be totally straightforward; fitted with a tongue-tie, he carries his head high and jinked right once hitting the front, making him look an awkward ride.

That may be greenness. On the other hand, he needs to be more tractable to be competitive in better class.

Red Galileo, who had posted a similar introductory effort to the winner at Newmarket, again got going too late. He should win next time.

Bow Street led early and hung on to third at a big price, whilst Tahadee – third at Goodwood, a place ahead of Golden Town that day – was fourth.

There was quite a word for Derbyshire who did no more than run okay. However, he looks the part, comes from a good stable and should improve.

On a day when it was noticeable those racing prominent had an edge, Secret Art closed nicely enough in the last, a class 2 handicap to finish fourth.

This was in part an endorsement for Notebook horse, Seek Again, who had beaten him cosily at Newmarket last time.


August 22nd:

York Racing Results Review

It is possible to single out Nezar and Rufford as possibles for something similar after they finished behind Haikbidiac (may have found stands’ rail an advantage) and Thunder Strike in the Yearling Stakes. Life won’t be easy for them so they are not actual Notebook horses for next time.

With the Lowther betting headed by a 79-rated filly in J Wonder(admittedly expected to leave that rating behind) it looked a sub-standard event this year.

After her win in the Cherry Hinton, Lucky Kristale defied a 3lbs penalty. Once again, she scooted up the near rail, but she has a great deal of size about her and the penalty that normally anchors horses at this level failed to stop her. Clearly, the Newmarket form was boosted by the run of Rizeena in France behind No Nay Never.

Queen Catrine was second ahead of Wind Fire (turned out quickly after her win at Newbury last week)

Revelation was Merletta – who demonstrated to her Doncaster and Windsor supporters what the talk was all about in finishing fourth. Obviously, had she run up to this level in either of those events she would have opened her account. Her handicap mark is shot now; consequently, she is removed from our Notebook. She would have been a good thing in a nursery!

The Fugue returned to her best on the fast surface, emphatically winning the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks.

In beating Venus De Milo, whose only card seems to be the ability to gallop and stay, this was not The Fugue’s finest hour, but she is now off the mark over 1m 4f on her fourth attempt. That said the time was comparatively slow and the opponents not as strong as she is used to meeting. Her appalling run at Sandown in the Eclipse is explained away after the news she scoped badly.

It was a big day for Willie Haggas. After the success of Haikbidaic, Our Obsession narrowly won the Galtres from Sayand Ghasabah was unlucky in the Class 2 handicap when failing to get a run and finishing with a late thrust behind Dutch Roseand Indignant.


August 21st

York Racing Results Review

With the sand flying, they raced on quick ground. It seemed to find out several in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes – which did not look up to its usual standard.

The Grey Gatsby struggled, losing his action two out but rallying close home. Treaty Of Paris kept rolling in front and lasted. Disappointments came from Brazos (never travelling) and First Flight (all over the place), who had pleased on debut but looked hopelessly out of his depth here.

In running, Telescope was always going to win the Great Voltigeur, although in the end he failed to clear right away as he had threatened at one stage to do. In winning, he upheld solid form. It may be he will be seen to best advantage next season.

Foundry did best of the rest and connections are sure to be pleased with this, only his second effort on the racecourse.

Toughness gained the day in the International Stakes.Declaration Of War has got better all season and reached his pinnacle by winning this.

Trading Leather completed the Irish one-two. Like the winner, he is a battle-hardened candidate.

Al Kazeem ran a little below his best but went down with all guns blazing in third.

Hillstar stayed on well under considerate handling. There is a decent event to be won with him over further – he would be a serious St Leger contender.

Toronado never looked happy (pulled early – ran as if finding ground too fast) and was beaten before the trip became an issue. He will probably return to a mile now; however, after his flop in the Guineas, this is the second time he has failed to fire on the big day.

Broxbourne pounced late from an impossible position to lift the Class 2 handicap, once again leaving the impression there is more to come especially over further. Only going up the handicap steadily, she shouldn’t be raised much for this and remains of interest, particularly if targeted for the Cesarewitch.

Last at one point, Jazz stayed on strongly in the closing nursery. Currently rated 83, if remaining on the same mark and stepped up a furlong he should go close next time.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 17/08/13:

PARBOLD

CORAL MIST

WHIPPER’S BOY

PAVLOSK

GOLDEN TOWN

FIRST FLIGHT

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE

BROXBOURNE

MERLETTA

ARTISTIC CHARM

SHOWPIECE

SEEK AGAIN

FREE EAGLE

EHTIFAAL

YUFTEN

Runners since last posted:

Spirit Of The Law ———–1st 7/2

Expert —————————–Lost

(Both now removed).

A word to followers of this feature:

In compiling this list, the aim is to produce a mix of contenders – some of which may be obvious but clearly of interest nevertheless, and others that may have been overlooked and consequently are likely to start at rewarding odds next time.

Just because something that has clearly shown a great deal of promise is excluded (such as Godolphin’s Be Ready – which will be on plenty of lists and no price when reappearing), it should not be construed that it either has been missed or is not a bet next time.

We are not necessarily suggesting we should follow these horses blindly over the proverbial cliff, but if placed to advantage they should pay for themselves. Keep in touch as we will be commenting on any of the above when they next appear.

August 17th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

This is the time of year when some of the more taking two-year-olds make their appearances; with a crowded program-book they can’t all win next time. Lightning Summer (Fillies’ Mile entry) and Sound Of Summer took the eye when finishing first and fourth in the Class 4 maiden.

With his rounded action, aided by a shower of rain, Somewhat powered away with the Listed Washington Singer. He looks a Royal Lodge possible. It was surely a questionable tactic for Godolphin to introduce Be Ready – allegedly their best juvenile by a country mile – in this considering they could have run in the split maiden yesterday. A big son of New Approach, he got tired in the closing stages but showed plenty of promise. Speedy Approach, a similar sort by the same sire, stayed on for third. In fourth, Expert was not good enough. There is a race for him but not in this league. He is presently in no man’s land, meaning removal from our list.

With too many horses disappointing, the Geoffrey Freer was inclusive. Aiken folded, Biographer never figured. Royal Empire continues an upward curve – trying this trip for the first time – and winning bravely from penalised Red Cadeaux.

Soft Falling Rain enhanced his future chances at this level with a fine run in defeat in the Group 3 Hungerford Stakes. To an extent, he answered most of his critics after going down with all guns blazing behind the consistent Gregorian, to whom he was trying to concede 2lbs. This shows he can mix it with decent rivals outside Dubai. Proven on Tapeta, it might be worth considering the Breeders’ Cup with him. A hard-pulling Caspar Netscher failed to reproduce his excellent comeback run at Goodwood.

With hindsight a trick was missed with Glen Moss in the Class 3 handicap. Many were quick to seize on his good run in better class at Goodwood, reckoning that he had every chance off the same mark. He duly won as he liked. The boat has sailed but he could easily follow-up.

August 16th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

The Class 4 maiden attracted some nice-looking sorts and winners should emerge. Run at a steady pace (seven seconds outside standard) the winner, God Willing, is a fine son of Arch that is open to improvement. Sympathetically handled, despite looking green he won nicely and can step up.

Raise Your Gaze (fourth to Sea The Skies at Sandown) and What About Carlo (beaten seven lengths here on debut) set the standard.

Fourth home, Ehtifaal, should better this soon. This looked a slight cut above the second division that was run in a faster time.

The well-backed Barley Mow received a more vigorous ride than runner-up Yuften, who should go one better before long. Richard Hughes likes the winner who did quicken well. Whatever the merits of the two events, we should see more of the respective winners who will face sterner tests next time but, for betting purposes, backing Ehtifaal and Yuften next time looks the call.

August 14th:

Salisbury Racing Results Review

Not inconvenienced by a drop back to a mile – if anything it helped – Afsare made mincemeat of his Group 3 rivals in the Sovereign Stakes. On a going day (not always the case -sometimes refuses to start), he is a high-class performer.

Future engagements in Group 1 company (these include the QE2) mean he is hard to recommend. Second in last year’s Arlington Million, this win further endorses the Sandown race where he finished second to Dansour and in front of Excess Knowledge and David Livingstone – all of whom have franked the race in various ways.

Although swamped for speed, Boom And Bust was an honourable second. He needs to have his sights lowered but is fully exposed and hard to place.

Newmarket Racing Results Review

On his first start of the season and only his third ever, Seek Againtook his time to find stride in the Class 2 handicap. When he did, he ran out a cosy winner.

A winner at Newmarket then second in a conditions event to the useful Van Der Neer at Leicester as a juvenile, he looks guaranteed to improve on this. His current mark of 90 (shouldn’t rise by more than 5lbs) looks generous, particularly when tackling a mile or more. He could easily win a couple of decent handicaps – possibly culminating in the Cambridgeshire.

August 12th:

Ayr Racing Results Review

Spirit Of The Law became our first representative in the Class 3 handicap at Ayr – winning at 7/2. His astute trainer found a perfect opportunity. One of four vying for the lead inside the final furlong, once switched, Spirit Of The Law found the best turn of foot to defy Fort Belvedere and Kashmir Peak.

Likely to be raised three or four pounds for this, whilst not ruling out further success, for now, having justified our comments he is removed from the list.

Windsor Racing Results Review

Merletta could be on her way to a favourable handicap mark after again failing to meet expectations in the Class 5 maiden. She may have an issue or two (tends to be keen and hangs her head at times) but should not be discarded just yet. Her next outing will be crucial. Not one to take a short price about, she looks ready for seven furlongs and may benefit from a hood. Fast ground looks essential. She could win a nursery once qualified.

August 13th:

Ffos Las Racing Results Review

Having posted a promising performance on debut behind strongly fancied Lamar at Newmarket in a race responsible for two subsequent winners, the run of Artistic Charm was disappointing in the Class 5 maiden. Heavy rain almost certainly comprised her chance as she failed to handle the surface adequately getting bogged down. The much stronger Valen, who had shown promise at Goodwood, had no such worries.Artistic Charm is worth considering in a moderate event on better ground.

Salisbury Racing Results Review

The two with form dominated the Class 4 maiden that looked a decent enough affair.

By discarding a disappointing run at Newmarket last time,Showpiece was just about the form pick on his second to the useful Outstrip. Unhappy on the undulations early (probably similarly affected at Newmarket last time), he found his stride when meeting the rising ground to pull away from Newbury third Captain Bob. He is a likeable sort that may lift a valuable nursery or conditions event on a flat track.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 10/08/13:

SPIRIT OF THE LAW

PARBOLD

EXPERT

CORAL MIST

WHIPPER’S BOY

PAVLOSK

GOLDEN TOWN

FIRST FLIGHT

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE

BROXBOURNE

August 4th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

Backed before the Class 4 maiden, First Flight justified confidence despite a slow start that should have sealed his defeat. However, he made headway to lead inside the last furlong, pulling away decisively. This was not a strong event, but this was an impressive win from a juvenile presumably capable of better.

August 10th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

Weights and measures indicate Broxbourne is improving. 8lbs worse off with Homeric for three lengths on last month’s running, she was only beaten an unlucky two lengths and change here from a mark of 89 in the Class 2 handicap over two miles.

As at Goodwood, she switched off mid-race. Consequently, she was set too much to do by her New Zealand lady rider. It would appear a trip in excess of two miles (won over 2m 5f last time) and a stronger gallop will pay to her strengths. There are not too many obvious opportunities on the horizon, but the Cesarewitch does spring to mind as a suitable end of season target for this progressive filly.

Haydock Racing Results Review

Victory in the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster for David Livingstone over the right horses, Telescope and Noble Mission, has to point to the claims of Excess Knowledge in the St Leger. Fourth, inches behind a rusty Excess Knowledge at Sandown, David Livingstone franked that form here. Already noted as an unlucky loser at Goodwood, with no Hillstar to worry about at Doncaster, Excess Knowledge has to be the call in the final Classic.

TRACK NOTES

August 2nd

GOODWOOD RESULTS REVIEW

Coutts Glorious Stakes [Group 3]: Some of the gloss was removed with the withdrawal of Aiken and the knowledge that the clear form pick, Arc third Masterstroke, was unlikely to be at his best.

Royal Ascot winner Forgotten Voice successfully stepped up to the twelve-furlong trip, benefitting from a typical canny ride from Johnny Murtagh.

Lost In The Moment had his chance at this level but failed to take it;

Sheikhzayedroad was squeezed up at a vital moment but was not travelling well enough to suggest he would have finished closer. This remains a fair effort and apparently the Ebor is on the horizon.

Whatever the story with Masterstroke (suffered a setback in Dubai) he failed to convince. His pottery action suggests soft ground is essential, but on this evidence he has something to prove.

Mujaar was another that appeared a shadow of his former self.

Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes [Group 3]:

Montiridge made it three from five this season with a smooth success here. He is a very likeable sort, with whom the Hannon team have been patient. Avoiding the top-notch races with this big son of Ramonti looks sure to pay dividends. He is all quality.

Tawhid (third and behind Montiridge at Ascot) was again beaten on 3lbs better terms.

Snowboarder was third in a comparatively weak renewal.

The slow to stride Whipper’s Boy may have been out of his league but made up ground under considerate handling to finish fifth. He should improve for this his first run of the season and be placed to advantage next time.

The Hannon/Hughes bandwagon continued to roll in the Class 2 handicap over a mile.

So far the season had been a catalogue of misfortune for Wentworth, but today everything dropped right. In a rough race, Hughes picked his way through the field to strike the front inside the final furlong and Wentworth made no mistake, winning with something in hand. It is felt he is an even better prospect with some give underfoot. Off 99 today, he may remain ahead of the handicapper. In second,

Cape Peron is another likely to be more effective on easier ground. These two endorse the quality of this event.

Sandagiyr made up plenty of ground to take third. If he could be relied upon to reproduce this, he could be fancied next time. Galician did receive a bump from the winner as he was making his run. It probably made no difference to her finishing position of fourth, but emphasises she is in good heart just now. Beyond these we had the usual suspects for a race of this type.

Betfred King George Stakes [Group 2] :

Moviesta became the first three-year-old to win this for ten years. It was a smart performance from an in-form and progressive sprinter who now goes for the Nunthorpe.

There was a good deal of trouble in the closing stages. Principle sufferers were the runner-up, Swiss Spirit, Spirit Quartz and Tickled Pink.

To be fair the right horse won, but Tickled Pink could be marked up as she would probably have been placed but for intimidation in the closing stages.

As another three-year-old, Glass Office did particularly well to finish fourth.

Smoothtalkingrascal (looked on the burly side after sixty-two days off) missed the break and never landed a blow. This is becoming a trend with him.

Jazz showed improvement in the nursery.

Pavlosk threaded through the field from last place two furlongs out to finish best of all in the Oak Tree Stakes.

Seven furlongs is probably on the sharp side and she should soon regain the winning thread over a mile.

Retirement Plan’s victory from 88 in the Class 3 handicap earned a quote of 16/1 for the St Leger.

A somewhat raw colt by Monsun, he has a future but it is premature to think in terms of a Classic at this stage.

His owner has a more credible contender in Excess Knowledge at present.

August 2nd: Goodwood Results

Having his first run of the season, after a slow start Whipper’s Boywas not knocked about when fifth to the smart Montiridge in the Group 3.

Winner aside this was a weak contest, but Whipper’s Boy is the sort worthy of consideration in a handicap.

Pavlosk finished strongly in the Oak Tree Stakes from what looked a near impossible position. Last with two furlongs to run, she flew to snatch fourth. Outclassed in the Coronation, she can recover the winning thread returned to a mile.

August 3rd: Goodwood Results

Golden Town made up a great deal of ground to close on once-raced Snow Trouble in the Class 2 maiden without ever looking likely to get on terms. This effort means he should be hard to beat next time as word suggested this was a race full of talent.

HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 03/08/13:

SPIRIT OF THE LAW

PARBOLD

EXPERT

CORAL MIST

WHIPPER’S BOY

PAVLOSK

GOLDEN TOWN

TRACK NOTES

August 1st

Goodwood Results

A competitive Class 2 handicap for three-year-olds provided the curtain raiser.

Broughton, sitting nicely in the handicap from a mark of 86, sealed it inside the last furlong. This was his third win of the season, following success at Chester and Ripon. Beaten over twelve furlongs last time, this trip of 1m 2f seems crucial for a son of Teofilio.

Aussie Reigns and Red Avenger dead-heated for the runner-up spot. The latter provided a boost to the form of Maputo, his Newmarket conqueror from last time. Noble Gift is on the upgrade, finishing strongly in fourth from 3lbs out of the handicap.

Tha’ir was unable to justify market support. A mark of 106 is plenty high enough.

The way the race panned out made life tough for Ajmany (unable to get competitive from the rear after a slow pace), who can be forgiven his final placing.

AUDI RICHMOND STAKES [Group 2]:

Beaten seven lengths in the Norfolk and winner of his two previous starts over five, this extra furlong seemed ideal for Saayerr. For now it would appear, both on paper and as a result of this, that this is his trip. Quotes of 33/1 for the 2000 Guineas seem optimistic.

On a line through Whaleweigh Station, Cable Bay looked held by the favourite, Figure Of Speech. The fact he presented the winner with the biggest problem suggests he is on the upgrade.

Thunder Strike came back to his Woodcote form in third.

As for Figure Of Speech, he was in own worst enemy. Once again his demeanour left something to be desired. An awkward start was followed by continual traffic problems. He may do better stepped up to another furlong.

ARTEMIS GOODWOOD CUP [Group 2]:

A cup race with new names on the block, the old guard ultimately left struggling. The race was run at a breakneck gallop so it is understandable that several jockeys were content to sit still in rear. As it turned out the leaders did not come back as could have been expected.

No one can begrudge Michael Owen his success with Brown Panther, who did it the hard way having been prominent throughout. The horse showed a good deal of resolution as he batted away challengers, sticking his head out inside the last furlong.

Ahzeemah spearheaded the Godolphin bunch in second;

Ascot Gold Cup fifth Altano (given an awful lot to do that day) did best of the closers to finish third.

Number Theory and No Heretic ran above themselves. Cavalryman, Colour Vision, Mount Athos and Caucus all plugged on without looking dangerous.

Caucus in particular seemed ill-suited by the track.

BLACKROCK FILLIES’ STAKES [Group 3]:

Not a competitive field for this, won for the second year in succession by Wild Coco. Official ratings suggested this was a straightforward task – so it proved. Presumably, she will now be aimed at the Park Hill where she will face sterner opposition.

Ribblesdale third, Elik, was an honest second ahead of Alta Lilia (second to Maputo at Hamilton) with Souviens Toi (second to Brown Panther at Pontefract) in fourth.

The New Ham,

a Class 2 for fillies that often throws up a useful type, featured the introduction of the buzz filly, Radiator. By Dubawi out of a Green Desert mare, she did not disappoint in the flesh. Still slightly on the leg – as were many of these – she gave the impression she had done enough at home but that the race would bring her on.

Despite several other debutants catching the eye, it was Amazing Maria – with two Newbury runs under her belt – that scooted clear, winning emphatically by six lengths. Experience did serve her well, but her stable have always held this filly in high regard; today she justified that opinion. Her long-term objective is the Fillies’ Mile. With Storm Cat on the distaff side, it is no surprise she can be fizzy. It will be a surprise if this race fails to throw up a winner or two.

Inchila, a stoutly bred daughter of Dylan Thomas, did well to recover from a slow start to chase the winner home. She should go one better soon.

There was promise from Radiator, Remember (easier ground will be to her advantage) and Regardez (from the family of Look Here) who was very green.

The two for money fought out a desperate finish for the Class 2 handicap.

Majestic Moon added to wins at Newmarket and York this season, holding on by a whisker in the face of a last furlong rattle by Pythagorean.

Quickening ground, which may play a part in results tomorrow, enabled Highland Duke to win the Class 3 apprentice handicap. It was a rough house of a race.

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