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MARCH

 BUSH TELEGRAPH:

TUESDAY MARCH 31st

At this stage FOLKESTONE is anyone’s guess.

SOUTHWELL HORSE RACING TIPS:

2.10: Dzesmin has not always created the right impression but he has ability, acts on soft and seems versatile enough to handle the Southwell surface. Now down amongst the dead men in terms of rating, he ought to be good enough to land the opener.

2.40: Rebel Duke is presented with a clear cut opportunity in a race that to my mind concerns only three runners. Although not especially well treated in general from a mark of 83, Whiskey Creek has a definite chance and along with unknown quantity on the surface, Tajneed, looks likely to present the main stumbling block.

4.55: The improving Statute Book – a course and distance winner – will be hard to beat here. In Hunterview he faces a horse with reasonable turf form, from a yard that knows the time of day, and whose sire is responsible for winners on dirt; so there is every chance he will act. A close contest to call.

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MONDAY MARCH 30th

LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:

4.00: Set The Trend, a fine big son of Reset, handled this track well last time despite a rough passage. In a race that contains the usual suspects, he ought to add to his tally without too much trouble.

3.00: At this time of year late foals in two-year-old races are at a disadvantage. Victorian Art is the youngest filly by a day, but the Choisir filly, Emma Jean Lass is only a day behind and is a big price in the paper. She is bred to go a bit and may be value.   If there is a bet today, it is Set The Trend.

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Sunday March 29

Doncaster Horse Racing Tips

This looks a tough day by any standards. I have tackled the 4.15 at Doncaster but it does not have a good shape to it.

Palace Moon is obviously interesting – something picked up by the bookmakers. Northern Fling has solid form at this level but the fact that Adrian Nicholls rides Evens And Odds could be interesting. Now with Dandy Nicholls, this is undoubtedly a well handicapped horse capable of running up a sequence if his astute trainer can find the key to him. Of late this horse has been a massive under achiever, hence his generous mark based on his best form. He is one to watch, but on flimsy evidence it is hard to recommend a bet on such a complex sprint handicap so early in the season.

4.50: Orbitor and Gilano Hernando look the interesting contenders, but they are the first two in the betting so such observation provides little in the way of original thought.   All in all a quiet day…

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Sat 28 March

After last night’s bullish optimism, this morning’s cold light brings a finger of realism. Today’s cards are tricky, but not without opportunities. Here goes, with a slightly abridged version after yesterday’s gushing, And Another Thing… Great leveller this business:

DONCASTER HORSE RACING TIPS

2.45: This may be tough but the quality horses should rise to the top. They are Spectiat, Slugger O’Toole,  Manassas and Fireside. The last two are unproven in competitive handicaps and are ‘ghost’ horses. Slugger O’Toole looks on the upgrade and will do for me.

3.55: Again the Lincoln (not normally a race I would consider too much) looks as if it will be dominated by the quality contenders. To my mind these are Swop and Expresso Star. Fit from an emphatic win in Dubai, Swop should be hard to beat.

4.30: London Bridge has clear form claims for this maiden after a troublesome passage on his debut at Newbury last October. The horse that beat him had form with Donatavium and Kites Wood. Above Average is expected to run well at a price but this looks a race with London Bridge’s name on it.

KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS

3.00: Cape Express is strongly fancied. He might well win, but 5/2 about a dual Wolverhampton winner racing from a mark of 96 in a competitive handicap…you can fill in the blanks! Whitcombe Minister remains the selection despite a dodgy draw.

3.35: Bronze Cannon did well enough last week in a slowly run event to suggest he can take this.

NAD AL SHEBA HORSE RACING TIPS

1.40: Godolphin seem to feel Gayego may beat two Step Salsa, in which case he wins. At face value his last run was excellent.

2.15: Naval Officer looks overpriced over this extra yardage against Desert Party.

2.55: Tough specialist dirt sprinter Big City Man is taken to beat  Indian Blessing.

3.55: Mike de Kock’s remarks that Bankable may peak for Hong Kong are off putting for a horse I considered to hold a great chance in a wide open contest. Archipenko may come out on top but it is hard to call.

Best on the day: Gayego, Big City Man, London Bridge; with small multiple bets suggested on the priced horses: Slugger O’Toole, Whitcombe Minister, Swop and Naval Officer.

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Friday 27th March

ASCOT HORSE RACING TIPS:

Philip Hobbs has his team in good order just now and must have high hopes of a double on this card.

4.40: Last year’s winner, Out The Black, looks to have every chance of lifting this prize again after a decent effort at Doncaster in February.

5.15: Barnhill Brownie is perhaps the more interesting from the same stable in what appears a weak event, certainly in comparison to the company he has raced against. A most likeable sort with a will to win who is only lightly raced and partnered by a top conditional, he has to be the call.

I am resisting any temptation to add to this list today as tomorrow appears to be bursting with betting opportunities.

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Thursday 26th March

SOUTHWELL HORSE RACING TIPS:

4.05: You Avin A Laugh narrowly missed out on the money last time over five furlongs. He gave the impression that an extra furlong may have made the difference, so it is arguable this slower surface will suit. However, those unproven at Southwell are always dubious propositions and his pedigree  is not an obvious dirt one.

4.40: This looks to rest between course winner Calculating and Rough Sketch. Although a winner over two miles on Polytrack, there is no guarantee Calculating will stay the trip on this surface. Rough Sketch on the other hand looks as if it may improve him. Caught out for pace in a slowly run affair won by subsequent winner Shanafarahan last time, he is taken to outstay Calculating despite what appears an unwarranted 5lbs weight rise from the handicapper.

CARLISLE HORSE RACING TIPS:

3.35: The booking of Timmy Murphy for Checkerboard could be significant here. Many of Howard Johnston’s inmates had been held up by the weather so it seems reasonable to expect improvement from Checkerboard who appears to jump well.

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Wednesday 25th March

LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:

3.20: Some Time Good showed promise when fifth to subsequent Newmarket winner Heliodor at Goodwood in September. With his yard in fine form, he could be the answer here.

KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:

7.50: There is a word from Lambourn for Seek N’ Destroy from the in-form Barry Hills yard. He is a tricky horse to assess as his juvenile form gave little away, except to demonstrate he possessed ability. Paper favourite, Pedasus looks beatable, but Seek N’ Destroy bumps into a couple of likely lads that are unraced and hail from big yards tonight. He is certainly one to include in calculations.

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Tuesday 24th March

LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:

There is a message for Muraweg in the 2.50 at Lingfield today. He likely to be a short-price. Personally I am taking the opportunity of what I consider to be a poor day’s racing to take a break. There should be plenty of better opportunities in the pipeline over the coming weeks and months.

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Monday 23rd March

KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:

It is not hard to fancy horses here – You’re The Top – Dreamy Sweeney – possibly Randwick Roar – but the prices are unappealing and doubts persist. Two heavy falls for Dreamy Sweeney – and in the case of Randwick Roar regarding the proficiency of his jumping.

PLUMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:

2.30: First Avenue ran well enough on soft ground on his debut and has been well-schooled since. However, a catalogue of excuses trail in his wake and Know The Law may be a safer option for those wishing to pull up their money.

WOLVERHAMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:

Claimer and Selling day. Mick Easterby is always a man to be feared at this level. In Western Art in the 2.20 and Danish Art in the 2.50 he fields two very interesting contenders. The fact Western Art only went through the ring for 2,500 gns tends to be off-putting until one has a second look at the owner, who in fact retained the horse! Two possible gambles.   However, we are dealing with dubious possibilities that may only become apparent as stronger contenders when the money is down. With a big day looming on Saturday in preparation for Aintree, there is no need to guess for anything other than shirt buttons just now.

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Sunday 22nd March

A quiet day is reported from this quarter, making it an ideal to take a break. A busy time is ahead!

Bush Telegraph

Saturday 21st March

LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:

2.05: Judd Street returns to this country after three excellent runs in Dubai, any one of which would be good enough to win this. It is hard to see his latest defeat by the high class J J The Jet Plane (beaten only just over four lengths) being matched by today’s opponents. In great form, a spring horse with a good draw, he lines up with plenty of positives to his name.

2.35: I can give Qalahari a chance here at a big price.

3.05: The Winter Derby is simply too hard, with more potential winners of the race in the line up than losers. I expect Premio Loco to stay and clearly he has been trained with this in mind. But Re Barolo is solid, Scintillo on a roll, Suits Me and Kandidate have proven credentials. Although Bronze Cannon was unimpressive last time we saw him, his yard have kept him so one presumes he will better his abysmal last run. So a tough race best watched.

3.40: Hypnotist is a hopeful selection after a good debut in a warm maiden

5.25: Jesse James looks different class and is confidently expected to win the sundowner.

With the exception of the impeding Aintree meeting, jump racing is too complex for me at this time of year.

NEWBURY HORSE RACING TIPS:

2.20 Strawberry does well in the spring and could go close .

2.50: Ping Pong Sivola returns to action after a hard race nine days ago at Cheltenham. The wisdom of such action is debatable.

3.30: Ravello Bay breaks blood-vessels, so not one to rely on. The list continues…

Judd Street and Jessie James for me.

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FRIDAY 20th March

NEWBURY RACING TIPS:

2.10 Michel Le Bon and in the next, the 2.40, Fiftyonefiftyone both finished behind the progressive According to Dick at the last meeting. Both have their chances today. Neither will be attractively priced though, and fall into the category of being in the bleedin’ obvious. 5.00: Indian Blood could be well treated here.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.00: You Avin A Laugh could be better than so far shown and should be monitored in the betting.

2.30: Simplification has run against better class than she faces here and can be relied upon to be fit. Only the unraced Kaabari stands in her way of that first success.

4.50: The handling of Sir Liam is turning into a catalogue of misfortune. Stepped up in trip, he can win today, but is 2lbs out of the handicap. Surely a more suitable event can be found. I am becoming exasperated by events surrounding this animal and, whilst prepared to see him win, reluctant to throw any more money his way.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.50: Phoenix Flight won like a horse capable of better last time. But by Hawk Wing, he is stepped up to two miles tonight so it is hard to be confident.

DUNDALK RACING TIPS:

7.00: Tarousa fits the part in this, but is something of a guess on a day that requires a degree of blind faith.

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THURSDAY 19th March:

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.20: Onemix may not be the most original of selections but her second to Boscage – albeit slightly flattering as the winner ran about a bit – entitles her to break her duck in what looks a poor maiden. Boscage has confirmed his wellbeing since by winning (admittedly a weak event) from a mark of 85.

Onemix showed enough promise and it will be a surprise if her price matches that of the 9/4 quoted in the paper. She looks the bet of the day.   I can pass on two messages: Western Roots in the 6.50 at Kempton and William Bonney in the 2.30 Ludlow. Neither make enough appeal to tempt me to risk a diminishing pot at present.

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Wednesday 18th March:

Jump racing today is too much of a struggle for me, but this evening’s card at Kempton is of interest.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

 4.10: Sir Liam is a winner without a penalty here and may be worth a small investment. Held-up off a slow pace last time then caught out when it increased, he was catching the winner hand-over-fist at the line, which came a few strides too soon. This is harder, but he looks primed to win and there should be more pace on today. Ideally, I would like to see him over further but feel a strong run mile-and-a-half should be adequate.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.50: The Kentucky Derby Challenge sees the reappearance of several interesting types. Mafaaz boasts the best form on his fifth to subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Donativum at Newmarket. Richard Hills elects to partner him in preference to Haashed, a winner in a fast time at Lingfield when creating a favourable impression. Akhenaten is another coming here with a reputation and unlike the other two, a run under his belt. In the lack of any definite pointer, a race to watch at this stage.

8.20: Interestingly, Scintillo by-passes the Winter Derby (one assumes) to contest this tonight. After a promising return, despite a chequered career, he would appear to have a big chance. He is the sort of four-year-old his excellent yard does well with. I am not put off by his win to run ration as he has often taken part in races he was incapable of winning. My one reservation is tonight’s trip. I would have thought ten furlongs would have suited better but, the Hannon stable rarely get such things wrong and I am not about to suggest they are wrong here. It is just a stone in my shoe as far as selecting him with confidence is concerned.

8.50: Merton Lad does look as if this step up in trip has already improved him. Third last time behind Dubai Storming over this distance, tonight may be his night. He should not beat Suupernoverre, but that is based on form over shorter. An 11lbs hike for Key Regard who beat yesterday’s winner, Filun, looks harsh and he will need to improve again. Merton Lad and Sir Liam are seen as value bets on a tricky day.

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Tuesday 17th March:

Little to mention today:

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

At SOUTHWELL, Boscage should be good enough to win this handicap if home reputation is any guide. Although only a narrow winner at Lingfield, he was green that day and should leave that run behind him. A mark of 85 does infer his usefulness, so the handicapper was presumably impressed. The fact he switches surfaces should prove no barrier as Mark Johnston never gets this wrong. That is to say, I have never noted one of his run at Southwell and get beaten because they failed to act on Fibresand.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

At KEMPTON, China Gold should win the 3.05, particularly as he receives weight from chief rival, King’s Forest. The one negative is that being by Bob’s Return, the ground may be too lively.

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Monday 16th March:

TAUNTON RACING TIPS:

2.20: Alflora is fancied here. Seems short enough after plenty of chances.

5.20: It is invariably hard to carry a penalty in bumpers, something first and second favourites, Giordano Bruno and Swansbrook attempt. The 5lbs lobbed off the Hobbs representative by the conditional rider will help, but apparently Swansbrook has improved since his last success. At the prices, neither make much appeal.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

4.30: Statute Book is very much on the upgrade but faces a tough task now having been hoisted to a 10lbs higher mark by the handicapper since his last win. Apparently he faces a fancied Pearl Of Manacor from a in-form stable.

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Sunday 15th March:

There are no messages or tips today.

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Saturday 14th March:

It is back to Lingfield and the Flat for me today.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.30: This tame-looking seller looks well within Sunset Boulevard’s compass. He is surely better than this.

4.05: Having tumbled in the weights since winning last March, Bee Stinger looks to have a good opportunity of getting back on the score sheet. He last won off 80 but contests this from a mark of 68. Okay, he is no longer up to defying a mark of 80 but still looks four or five pounds well in. A recent campaign that has included runs over ten furlongs (not his ideal trip) have helped settle his mark and now he returns to his ideal distance and must have a good chance.

4.40: Volito recovered from a sluggish start on debut to run with promise. He should know more today in an event that will take little winning.

5.15: Stepped up a furlong to his optimum trip after a promising second over the minimum last time to in-form Chjimes, Qadar lines up with a favourite’s chance despite the outside draw which, for a hold-up horse, may not be a disadvantage.

UTTOXETER RACING TIPS:

At UTTOXETER in the 2.35, it is possible that Bulwark may make the most of a light weight. But his record suggests he can never be considered as anything but a tenuous bet. King’s Revenge is edging toward a winning mark but is drastically raised in trip, which may not suit. After some hard battles, it could he the edge has gone from a horse whose consistency has been his own worst enemy.

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Friday March 13th:

CHELTENHAM RACING TIPS:

1.30: Jumbo Rio looks the best of the Irish contingent using Ebadiyan as a guide, as he beats Lethal Weapon and these appear the best on offer from across the Irish Sea. Master Of Arts will need to break a trend if he is to win this on the back of only one run over hurdles. Invariably this is a rough race won by a streetwise hurdler, and for that reason the progressive Walkon – likely to be all the better on good ground – is taken to gain revenge on his Newbury conqueror, Zaynar, whose best form is on soft.

2.05: There is only one winner of this if he is able to replicate his Imperial Cup form and that is Dave’s Dream. However, that is not certain; but the form is strong – as confirmed by Mr Thriller’s effort on Wednesday – so he is difficult to oppose. As a betting proposition though, he makes limited appeal.

3.20: A confusing Gold Cup that is probably best watched. Possibly Air Force One should be included in perms, but it will need the principals to under-perform for him to win.

4.40: Understandably, the Pipe stable field a strong hand here. Best of their runners would appear to be Mamlook, who took the eye at Ascot last time when blowing up after looking likely to take the winner, Serebad, all the way in a valuable handicap. He has the look of the horse laid out for this, whereas several of the others give the impression of appearing as an afterthought.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

At WOLVERHAMPTON, after his third last time to Spectiat, Tourist gets his chance despite a wide draw. However, with only eight runners, he should get away with it.

Best on the day: Walkon, Mamlook and Tourist.

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Thursday March 12th:

CHELTENHAM RACING TIPS:

1.30: Once again the Irish seem to hold the key to this. A case can be constructed for Back On The Road on his second to Horner Woods, but it is a tenuous one as he is held by Tranquil Sea who looks more of a solid contender. Northern Alliance has strong claims and the race could be between him and Tranquil Sea. The Irish have looked much too good for us at this meeting for whatever reason. Possibly the winter weather hold up has played a major part; whatever the explanation, they seem to hold the best hand of cards. Of the home contingent, Kia Kaha’s jumping is not convincing. Astrador can be accorded a chance on his second to Arkle runner-up Kalahari King but his stamina is unproven.

2.05: The drying out ground should aid Don’t Push It. Stablemate, Synchronished, seems best on soft. Buena Vista could be of interest, as could Scriptwriter who shaped well last time at Haydock behind Synchronised and Tazbar. He could represent each-way value in a tough heat.

2.40: Voy Por Ustedes looks teed up for a win here with so much in his favour. Monet’s Garden does not seem to act round Cheltenham, but the each-way alternative is Tidal Bay, now reverting to a suitable trip and racing over a track where he has a good record. He makes some appeal at the price in a race where it is hard to fancy anything else.

3.20: Along with Voy Por Ustedes, Kasbah Bliss is seen as the second banker on the card by many. The one chink in his armour could be the ground, which is quickening all the time. Course winners, Punchestowns and Big Buck’s are credible threats.

On a day of limited possibilities and at a meeting that seems to be getting harder by the day, Tidal Bay is nominated as the only wager, mainly because he seems overpriced with only one horse to beat. For those brave enough, a small each-way bet on Scriptwriter may pay for itself.

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Wednesday March 11th:

CHELTENHAM RACING TIPS:

A suggested perm is set out on our other feature, Pennies To Pounds.

For those wishing a more direct approach, the following may be preferable…

1.30: Kornati Kid. Form with Wichita Lineman speaks for itself.

2.05: Mad Max is the call here although the message for Karabak is strong. I have been impressed with Mad Max this season and he has already beaten Karabak and looks as if this trip will suit. The way he lopes over his hurdles, I am of the opinion the track will not pose a problem.

2.40: Course winner, What A Friend is the call over form choice Cooldine here.

4.00: I consider Pierrot Lumaire to be worth a bet at a long-looking 20/1 at morning odds. He is a spring horse and his latest pipe opener should put him spot on for this. He finished second to Binocular last year at Aintree, meaning he might have been let in lightly from a mark of 153.

4.40: There is a good word for Miss Sarenne here. Recent work with Punjabi may be too good to be true, but if taken at face value, clearly she has a major chance in this handicap.

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TUESDAY March 10th:

CHELTENHAM RACING TIPS:

It’s here! So let’s go… Nobody gets everything right at Cheltenham, but perhaps by pooling our resources we can have a profitable week. The first four races look like the ones to concentrate on today.

1.30: A better run is expected from Ainama. He has been working well and the stronger pace than he got at Kempton, which he is ensured, is in his favour. We have to be ruthless in assessment of races or else we will end up with a shortlist of ten. Ainama is not for me. Aachen beat Big Eared Fran at Taunton – form that was boosted at Sandown on Saturday. Aachen will need to improve again, which is not out of the question. I am prepared to oppose Cousin Vinny. Slick-jumping four-year-old Torphichen needs to be the equivalent of Binocular to succeed. In a tough opener, my two against the field are Go Native and Kempes.

2.05: I am against Tatenen who is stripped of his weight-for-age advantage now he is a five-year-old. Calgary Bay does not appeal in a rough race such as this is likely to be. Much as I like the horse, Planet Of Sound may be better served by further. I am looking at Golden Silver and Follow The Plan.

2.40: Wichita Lineman is fancied. Although rated 14lbs higher over hurdles, on form so far seen, that looks about right. He has yet to look as good over fences. Perhaps he will put that right today, but I remain unconvinced. Possol made a bad mistake at Kempton in the Racing Post. I am dubious of that form. Patsy Hall may be capable of pulling off yet another big handicap win for his clever trainer. He is blinkered for the first time. For me, Tot O’ Whiskey has disappointed this year. I am going for Millenium Royal who, unlike Wichita Lineman, appears to have transferred his hurdle form to fences.

3.20: For me, now the ground has failed to soften up drastically, Binocular should win. Without the advantage of soft ground, Celestial Halo, apparently in great form, may struggle to beat Binocular. Osana should improve for his first run of the season and can go well. Outside these three it is hard to see anything causing an upset. Crack Away Jack looks underpriced at 14/1 – more like 33/1 I would have thought! If there is to be a surprise, it could be provided by Ashkazar. i am dismissing the remainder.

Those are my thoughts at present. I have put together a staking plan in our other betting feature, Pennies To Pounds, which may be worth taking a look at. Nothing stands out for me as a bet worthy of lumping on, so a few multiple bets could be the answer. Whatever you decide on, good luck.

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MONDAY March 9th:

STRATFORD RACING TIPS:

4.10: Norman The Great has been upped 1lb for finishing third in a slowly run event at Newbury last week that he may have won if things had unfolded differently. Fourth-placed Procas de Thaix did not advertise the form in the Imperial Cup on Saturday and although this represents a drop in grade, that and the fact Norman The Great carries 11st 10lbs tempers confidence. He should go well but faces some likely lads this afternoon.

5.10: I can pass on a word for Pipe Banner in this.

TAUNTON RACING TIPS:

3.20: It is no surprise that Thundering Star has returned to novice company having been raised 5lbs for finishing third at Kempton in a handicap last time. He has a penalty to defy but appears to face little of consequence.

So a quiet day. The quiet before the storm one could say!

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SUNDAY MARCH 8th:

With the standard of racing at a low level today, Bush Telegraph is taking the opportunity to take a rare day off. There will be no tips or Track Notes for today but normal service resumes tomorrow.

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SATURDAY March 7th:

SANDOWN RACING TIPS

2.05: After a double yesterday, there can be no doubting that Nicky Henderson’s horses are peaking once again after an Arctic hold up. Burton Port makes a great deal of appeal in this novice handicap. Third to According To Dick over this course last time in a race where a penalty meant he couldn’t win, he was ridden as if another day was in mind. I suggest this is the day.

2.35: Fresh Air And Fun has to prove his stamina here and looks a dubious favourite.

3.10: If you are prepared to oppose the two market leaders in this, the race has a nice look to it. Mr Thriller may be a good horse but has a lump of weight for a four-year-old. Numide, said to be strongly fancied, is nevertheless fully exposed and vulnerable to an improver. So it is back to Team-Henderson for the highly thought of Dave’s Dream. Considering the reputation this horse holds, it is interesting that Mr Henderson has chosen to follow the handicap rather than novice route with this future Gold Cup winner!

4.20: Song Of Songs has always possessed oodles of talent but has been difficult to train. He jumps fences well, but Restless D’ Artaix, having beaten The Package, and to a lesser extent Deep Purple, make this a trappy event.

I am struggling with the other three cards at a period when it may pay to pace betting activity. Despite the numbers and the supposed complexity of the opening race, I suggest today’s bet is Burton Port.

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FRIDAY March 6th:

A quiet day I suggest:

SANDOWN looks the best of a bad day. Moncadou could be of interest in the 2.45. Backed to win a handicap at the Festival two year’s ago, he has been quiet after that failure but is reunited with Tony McCoy for the first time since. Considering what was expected of him at one time, this represents a big drop in class.   Nicky Henderson’s two runners, Don’t Tell The Wife (3.55) and Tanks For That (5.05) need monitoring. In particular, Tanks For That looks interesting as Barry Geraghty prefers him to Ravello Bay, indicating his mount must have schooled well. It is too close to Cheltenham for top jockeys to take unnecessary chances.

Essentially, take it easy…

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

Thursday March 5th

Courtesy of Dubai, this is a cracker of a day! Not only is the racing at Nad Al Sheba top class, but it provides some betting opportunities. Having looked at the domestic cards, only Wolverhampton offers any interest as far as I am concerned. I apologise to jumping fans in advance, but trying to decipher what is on offer at the likes of Wincanton, Carlisle and Lingfield makes no appeal.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

3.40: Jose Adan looked unwilling on his turf debut. He now switches to dirt and wears a visor: hardly credentials for a betting proposition.

4.10: City Style obviously has ability but his attitude looked questionable when winning here three weeks’ ago. His fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile gives him a tenuous length to find on stablemate Liberation who will be a big danger if fit. Naval Officer is the other runner in what looks a three-cornered contest. Slight preference is for Liberation.

4.45: This looks to be between Diabolical, whose form against the likes of Marchand D’or at Santa Anita and behind African Rose on soft ground speaks for itself. Dirt specialist Big City Man has already made his mark at the Carnival winning twice, and presents a serious challenge. He has a bit to find on Diabolical but his is winning form, whereas Diabolical’s form is in defeat. A tough call.

515: There are a couple question marks hanging over the principals here. Lucky Find will appreciate the step up in trip and Honour Devil showed no sparkle last month, whilst Echoes Rock is unproven on the surface.It may pay to take a chance with the progressive Snaafy who is three from four on dirt. He will need to improve again but the way he has been winning suggests he is riding a crest of a wave at present and he looks overpriced.

5.45: Mourilyan can make it third time lucky at the Carnival after a massive run a week ago when failing to see out the two miles. It is to be hoped the race has not left his mark. He travelled sweetly for most of the journey and will appreciate this drop back to a mile-and-a-half. This is no cakewalk. Purple Moon (possibly just in need of it but feared nonetheless) and the tough Quijano look the most likely dangers. The rest may be found out in this grade.

6.15: The big question mark here is whether Kirkless – so impressive on turf last time – can adapt equally effectively to dirt. This is no given. Asiatic Boy plugged on when third to My Indy last time but somehow did not appeal as quite the same horse as we saw last year. Happy Boy finished strongly when splitting My Indy and Asiatic Boy, creating the impression he will benefit from ten furlongs. This was his best run since last year’s blitz performance which encouraged Godolphin to purchase him. I am tempted to nominate him as the winner. It would be no surprise to see Tiz Now Tiz Then – a dirt specialist who ran with a great deal of promise a fortnight ago – go well at a price. He has at least seven pounds to find but could still surprise.

6.45: This a quality affair but provides a tough closer to a wonderful card. Vodka, Balius, Strategic News and Third Set seem to head the list of contenders, but a revival from Jay Peg could not be ruled out so this does look like a race to savour rather than to bet in.

Snaafy and Mourilyan look to represent the best bets on the card; but a multiple bet incorporating some of those mentioned should be considered.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.50: Canwinn should be different class to his rivals.

8.50: Tourist remains an interesting prospect, but the cat is out of the bag and scampering down the road after last week’s fine run from a poor draw. This is a tough little handicap with Spectait one of several serious opponents. Pevensey is worth keeping an eye on as this trip on this surface looks too sharp for him. It would appear he is being groomed for an imminent pop at something, possibly at the start of the turf season.

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

Wednesday March 4th

Not much to quicken the pulse today:

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

3.10: Sir Liam may have turned some sort of corner. I only hope it is not leading me into a blind alley. A step up in trip appears to have brought about improvement and with two good recent runs at Lingfield on the board, he should be in the firing line again today. There is just a chance that the favourite, Rough Sketch, is too short based on one run and the booking of Jamie Spencer, so Sir Liam is offered as a value alternative.

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

Tuesday March 3rd

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

2.10: Grimes Faith returns to the track where he has the best record. This opener looks to be between him and Efistorm.

4.40: More Time Tim is only a 1lb higher than when winning an apprentice handicap five days ago from Barataria more comfortably than he was entitled to on the book. This points to a horse very much on the upgrade and he can go in again.

BUSH TELEGRAPH:

Monday March 2nd

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

5.10: Just the one suggestion on an otherwise ordinary day. It may be worth taking a chance with one of racing’s under-achievers in Al Azy. Don’t laugh! This son of Nayef did nothing but disappoint for John Dunlop but has run in much better company. Some of Nayef’s offspring do tend to need time as he throws up big unfurnished types. Al Azy falls into this category and I suspect he was a weak three-year-old. Now with David Simcock, a very able trainer, Al Azy ran a lot better than the formbook suggests on his reappearance at Kempton after an eight month break. Momentarily outspeeded, he was staying on under very considerate handling behind Prince Charlemagne. He has not been gelded as you might have imagined and holds several engagements later in the month. Now, maybe I am constructing a case that is non-existent but at likely odds of 10/1, I consider Al Azy worth an interest.

BUSH TELEGRAPH

Sunday March 1st

HUNTINGDON RACING TIPS

2.40: Conditions are in place for a major run from Hot Diamond in this.. He barely stays two miles but this sharp track and half-decent ground means he gets his optimum requirements. El Dancers’ form has been let down and Mount Helicon, although a horse with ability, is looking as if his heart is not in this game. No good thing in a race peppered with doubts, but Hot Diamond gets his chance.

4.10: It would be wise to disregard Dave’s Dreams’ latest run at Ascot.. He made a mistake early and his stable was not firing having been all but snowed-in during the bleak spell of weather. We should see more of the real article here. Held in the highest regard, he should go close from a mark of 130. For a big horse, this may not be the ideal track but Nicky Henderson invariably knows what he is doing. Hills Of Arran faces more realistic opposition after bumping into Lough Derg last week and Kasbah Bliss before that. But the weight concession and his third race in quick succession may find him out.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS

3.20: Baan ran one of his better races last time when a closing second to Mr Aitch. 2lbs better off with the winner for a neck plus a 3lbs apprentice allowance, he gets the chance to put a long losing run behind him. He looks overpriced on the assumption that pundits have marked him down as a non-winner. This extra trip may be what he has been crying out for. Benhego’s best form is on right-handed courses and one wonders whether Gary Moore can produce the oracle twice with a Stuart Williams cast-off.

3.50: Making sense of this is not easy. Flipando has an obvious chance.. Internationaldebut would have made plenty of appeal but the draw is off-putting. Wasp has a chance but is hard to way-up.

MUSSELBURGH RACING TIPS

3.30: Along The Nile returns to a track where he has a good record. He failed to stay last time at Southwell when hardly put in the race. He has a good chance in a tricky race. His mark is okay but he is saddled with 11st 7lbs including his rider’s allowance. Should be in the firing line. There is little between him and Joe Jo Star on a line through European Dream.