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UK Horseracing – Sat 18th and Sun 19th.

sudo_wp — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:16:29 +0000

At last the weather relents and organisers can focus on what really matters. Some good racing this weekend, with fixtures from Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton being the feature meetings. Ascot looks a great card and each of the 7 races are of interest. The Reynoldstown Chase at 1.50pm has produced some great winners over the years and Join Together and Walkon will be looking to join them. Paul Nicholls and Alan King have both said during the week that they expect big runs for their charges, so both look worth a few pennies. Paul Nicholls is always popular when it comes to the big races, so although many of his are under priced, they still usually deliver the goods. The Betfair Chase at 3pm has been eagerly awaited, with trainers trying to keep their runners on the boil the past couple of weeks. I like the look of Medermit for this, as the trip and ground suits and the race has plenty of pace about it. Alan King trains him and has said that all has gone very well in preparations, so Robert ‘Chocolate’ Thornton should get the best out of him. Several top class dangers, but Medermit gets the nod. Another Betfair sponsored handicap at 3.35pm looks a tough puzzle to solve, but that’s half the fun of horse racing. Many come into the race with chances, with many of the top trainers looking to claim the money. Mad Moose is getting on in years now, but still retains ability and could pop up at a nice price, and the same goes with Dunraven Storm. Nicky Henderson, Phillip Hobbs, Paul Nicholls and Alan King all have runners, so all the top trainers involved. Ascot is a right handed, galloping, testing track, with stiff fences. The Betfred Grand National Trial takes place at Haydock at 3.20pm and plenty of pointers can be had for the big one in April. I like the look of Neptune Collonges, trained by Paul Nicholls, as he stays and jumps well, so should be involved in the finish. Plenty of other races to take an interest in, so good luck studying those. Gowran Park and Lingfield make up Saturday’s action.

Sunday sees Ffos Las, Navan and Market Rasen take centre stage, with Ffos Las’ 7 race card looking the better of the three. The Dunraven Welsh Foxhunters Hunters Chase at 4.10pm is the highlight, as despite being amateurs, the race is always a good spectacle. Whispers suggest that Heron’s Well and Sunday City will run well, so those two are worth keeping an eye on in the betting. Ffos Las is a left handed, flat, galloping track, and is gaining a fast reputation of being one of the fairest tracks in the UK, despite being the newest. Market Rasen is a right handed, sharp, undulating track with easy fences, so completely different to Ffos Las, but still worth a look with competitive racing. All meetings should go ahead, so a weekend to look forward to.

Horse Racing in the UK for February 11th and 12th

sudo_wp — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:17:21 +0000

Yet again the weather is playing havoc with UK racecourses, with Newbury and Musselburgh praying the cold snap relents. Newbury, especially, will be hoping to stay alive, as with Betfair sponsoring a great looking 8 race card, it will be a big shame if they do not get the go-ahead. The Denman Chase at 2.35 sees Long Run looking to get another valuable win under his belt, and to be honest he should collect with the opposition not looking up to his class. He jumps well and should win if staying on his feet. A strange move is the fact that Channel 4 are showing 4 races live from Newbury, but aren’t showing the Grade 1 Chase at 1.30! So, quite bizarre, but Racing UK viewers will not bother about that. Lucinda Russell will be out to topple the big boys with her charge Bold Sir Brian, and although he will need to be at least at his best, he should run his race and give the others plenty to think about. All the races at Newbury are competitive on Saturday, so picking winners isn’t easy and maybe the angle in is to play permutations in the Placepot pool. Musselburgh host a pretty average card, it has to be said, so although it will be good if they escape the weather, it’s not too exiting to be worrying that much about it. Santa’s Son should go well in Scottish Champion Chase at 2.50, and that would be my only each way bet at the meeting. Lingfield and Kempton have all weather cards lined up, so there is always those to fall back on if the weather bites (of course, unless they get frozen!). Several of the top flat trainers have runners at Kempton, and with reading in the week that Richard Hannon expects a big run from Haafhd Handsome in the 3.00 race, that’s worth a bet straight away. Mick Channon has runners at the track, so well worth keeping an eye on them with Channon not known for bringing runners out during the cold. Rasheed in the 4.45 race is interesting from the great John Gosden’s yard, and I for one will be checking the odds on that one. Lingfield seems to have a meeting every other day, but it’s a fair track and is very popular with locals and all weather fans. Lingfield is a left handed all weather circuit.

Sunday will probably see just Southwell’s all weather card left after the weather biting , but hopefully the cards from Hereford and Exeter will pass their inspections and go ahead. Exeter would be more confident of going head, so hopefully many will get to have a few pennies on Inside Dealer running a big race in the 3.00. Colin Tizzard hasn’t said the horse will definitely run, but has also said that if he does then he will run well. Exeter is a right handed, very undulating and testing track, so runners will need to be pretty versatile.

Weekend Racing Action for the UK (4-5 Feb)

sudo_wp — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:38:13 +0000

The weather is the first thing on everybody’s mind, as with parts of the UK hitting temperatures of -8, there’s a big doubt about racing on the turf going ahead. However, courses remain hopeful of a change in temperatures and so we may get to see some action. If not, there’s always the all weather tracks to fall back on, unless of course they become frozen! (not so ‘all’ weather then, eh!). Trainers up and down the country have been finding it quite tough to get enough work into their horses, so with the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, it’s simply a pain in the rear end for most. Lined up for Saturday we have Sandown, Wetherby and Ffos Las hoping to get the go ahead, and if Sandown survives, then it’ll be a good job jobbed, as they say. Bookmakers Betfred sponsor all seven races at Sandown on Saturday, and with the feature being the Grade 1 Novice Chase at 2.30pm, the ground could actually cut up quite bad if the first two races are run. Paul Nicholls will be hoping to get another win out of Cristal Bonus, and with his form holding up well in context with this race, he should be a tough nut to crack. He won on heavy ground last time, so the softer the better for him. Mossley and Mad Moose will be pushing him hard, however, and the winner should be coming from these three, bar any mistakes. Sandown is a right handed, galloping, testing track, so runners with form on soft ground will be sought after more than those with the best form. Wetherby’s Grade 2 Chase at 2.15pm is sponsored by Totepool.com and they’ll be looking to serve up a cracker over 3 miles 1 furlong. Again the ground will be soft at best if racing goes ahead, and although Lucinda Russell’s horses Blenheim Brook and Bold Sir Brian will be popular, they both have their fair share of weight and that could be the undoing of them. Helpston has been talked up during the week, so a big run is expected from him, but at the same time you’ll have to ignore the poor win to run ratio of trainer Pam Sly. So plenty to ponder, but should be a cracking race whatever the outcome. Wetherby is a left handed, galloping track, with stiff fences, so those that take pat will need to be half decent jumpers to get away with any mistakes. Wolverhampton’s all weather cad could be the only meeting to go ahead if the weather plays up, but picking winners there is one of the toughest tasks around, so good luck if left with that option.

Sunday gives us Kempton (William Hill sponsor all the races) on the all weather, so again, if all else fails there’s always sticking a pin in the all weather card, but hopefully Musselburgh, Fontwell and Punchestown will get the go-ahead and punters will then have plenty of fair racing to get stuck into.

UK Racing 28th and 29th January

sudo_wp — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:56:41 +0000

Cheltenham on Saturday 28th is the main meeting of the weekend, and they hold a very competitive 7 race card. The card starts at 12.55 with the JCB Triumph Hurdle qualifier, and plenty of pointers can be had from this race regarding the ‘big one’ at the Cheltenham Festival. All are unexposed and looking to improve, so ultra tough to pick a winner, but those in with a chance are Pearl Swan, Hinterland and Sadler’s Risk, with the latter being the selection. Phillip Hobbs was pleased with his debut win over hurdles and he should improve a good deal from it. It’s over 2 miles and 1 furlong, which should be ideal for him, especially with the ground looking to be racing with a bit of cut. Paul Nicholls is mob handed at Cheltenham this Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see how much prize money he picks up on the way to another Champion Trainer title. He has entries in every Cheltenham race this Saturday and those from his yard that stand out are Hinterland (12.55), Criqtonic (1.30), Aerial (2.05), The Minack (2.35), Rocky Creek (3.10) and Edgardo Sol (4.15). All have win chances and so are worth a look at in the market. The 3.40 race will be viewed by millions, not just from a betting perspective, but for the fact that Big Bucks goes for yet another win. Again Paul Nicholls is the trainer, and if this horse wins, which he should, then to roof will come off the grandstand. It will surely be his final race before he heads of to the Cheltenham Festival in March, so fingers crossed he can win yet another big race. Cheltenham is a left handed, galloping, undulating and testing track, with stiff hurdles and fences. The Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster (2.50) is another race that stands out, and with it being over 3 miles, it’s sure to be a great test of stamina with the ground on the soft side. Nicky Henderson has said in the week that he expects a big run from Shakalakaboomboom , and that’s good enough to invest a bit of hard earned money. He jumps well enough, stays well enough, and should have the race run to suit. It’s another 7 race card from Doncaster, so plenty to divulge, even though it lacks the class of Cheltenham.

Sunday sees Ffos Las (youngest race course in the UK) in Wales hold a meeting, and despite being average racing at best, it’s a great course for those with their heads in the form book. Wise Move will be popular in the 3.00 race, as with being trained by Nicky Henderson, he looks sure to improve again and go well. Leopardstown (jumps) and Sedgefield (jumps) make up Sunday’s action and it’s worth popping over to Ireland to take a look at the 1.55 race at Leopardstown. Jigalo will be looking to end a recent run of seconds with a win, so stick a fiver on him.

UK Racing – Sat 7th & Sun 8th January

sudo_wp — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:08:44 +0000

The whole of Saturday’s card at Sandown is sponsored by 32Red.com, so it’s gambling all the way for punters. It’s a six race card and with the heavy winds ripping through most of the country this past week, many will be watching the weather before heading off to the track and the winds could actually dry out the ground. Hopefully all will be fine and many can get stuck into the 2.35 race, which sees Judiciary entered to run. He ran a stinker on Thursday and couldn’t ever be fancied to take this against better horses , so he’s one to avoid if taking part. The one who appears to have a decent chance is Magnifique Etoile, and although the price will be on the short side, he’s won his last three races and should go close to making it four from his last four. Charlie Longsdon has his stable firing at the moment and so no reason why he shouldn’t run a very big race. Sandown being a right handed, galloping, testing track will ensure runners need to be at the top of their games. Channel 4 are broadcasting the last four races from Sandown, so along with Racing UK, punters are sorted. Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Donald McCain are all quietly confident of their charges running big races in the 3.10 race, so watch out for Be There In Five, Qhilimar, The Knoxs, Wymott, Master Of The Hall and Neptune Collonges – gun to head time and it would be Neptune Collonges each way for the sensible bettors. The ground is expected to be soft on Saturday, but don’t be surprised if the winds dry the ground out to be racing on the good side of soft. Anyhow, time will tell.

Sunday is quite interesting, with Hereford (jumps), Naas (jumps) and Southwell (flat) taking centre stage, as although it’s not high class racing, it’s still competitive and worth a look. Victor Chandler sponsor the first race on Hereford’s card (1.00), and with Nicky Henderson bringing out Charlie Wingnut again, plenty of punters will be jumping on him to recoup last time’s losses. He should go well, but a competitive little race and not one for big stakes. Horses will need to be very fit with the ground predicted to be heavy, so make sure the form is studied before hand, especially concerning acting of heavy ground. Again the winds could dry it out a little, but Hereford should remain heavy or very soft at best. The Tipper Road Handicap at Naas at 2.10 will be good to watch, as several have chances. Hard job to pick winners at Naas on Sunday, so good luck to anybody taking the plunge. Southwell, as always, will give the lesser lights of the flat world a spin, but again looking impossible to make a profit there, so maybe a trip to Ladbrokes, Corals, William Hill, etc, for a look at their special bets, such as winning distances and how favourites will perform.

UK Horse Tips over the New Year

sudo_wp — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:15:21 +0000

Jockeys and trainers have no rest come the turn of the year, but it is quality racing and well worth getting involved with. Newbury and Warwick are the spectacles on New Year’s Eve, with the Betfred Mandarin Handicap at Newbury one of the highlights at 2.35pm. There’s expected to be plenty of cut in the ground on Saturday 31st December and that will suit the likes of Quotica De Poyans and Key Cutter, with the latter being preferred at the prices. Dominic Elsworth rides for Paul Webber and they’re set to have a good season when looking at their fire power. It’s a 7-race card at Newbury, starting at 12.20pm and ending at 3.40pm, so plenty of action for punters to take care of. The Totescoop6 Levy Board Handicap Hurdle should be a cracker at 3.40, with old favourite Celestial Halo trying to concede weight to his rivals. He should put in a solid effort, but you would have to feel he’ll find things quite tough against a few others. Lifestyle, Ubi Ace and Dunraven Storm should give Halo plenty to think about and the feelings are that the winner will come from those three. Several others have chances and top trainers and jockeys take part, so should be a good race. Channel 4 are showing the last four races from Newbury, with Racing UK showing all the races. An interest at Warwick would have to be the 2.20pm race, with Samurai Way and That’s Ben taking the eye at fair prices. Both should run their races and should therefore go well. Bookmakers will be offering ‘Best Odds Guaranteed on all the live terrestrial races, so make sure you take a price early to guarantee those best odds. Warwick is a left handed sharp track, so horses that race up with the pace will have a slight advantage of softening ground. Lingfield (aw flat), Punchestown (jumps), Tramore (jumps) and Uttoxeter (jumps) make up the rest of racing for New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Day sees Cheltenham take centre stage and big crowds are expected. They host a 7-race card, with four of the races being shown live on Channel 4. Invictus and Walkon make plenty of appeal in the 1.05pm race, with Alan King training both and expecting big runs from both. Nicky Henderson trains Solix in the race, but not a good price, despite having every chance and trainer confidence. The Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles and 5 furlongs is competitive and picking the winner will not be easy. Several have chances, and at good odds, Cappa Bleu could run a decent race. Catterick (jumps), Exeter (jumps), Fairyhouse (jumps), Fakenham (jumps), Musselburgh (jumps), Southwell (aw flat) and Tramore (jumps) make up the cards for New Year’s Day in the UK. Out of those meetings, the 3.00pm race at Musselburgh draws attention, as with top northern trainers having a pop, it should be a cracker. The value appears to lie with Riguez Dancer and Santa’s Son, so both are worthy of an each way bet.

UK Racing over the Christmas Period

sudo_wp — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:04:18 +0000

Only one place to start for UK racing this Christmas and that’s at Kempton on Boxing Day (Sun 26th December) for the William Hill King George VI Chase, a Class 1 race over 3 miles. Desert Orchid, the magnificent grey, always comes to mind when this race is mentioned, so let’s hope the race lives up to all expectations. Again Kauto Star takes his place, and after putting Long Run in his place last time, he’s the one to beat. He has won this race before, so the trip and ground is no concern and Paul Nicholls says he expects a very big run. He has even been on record as saying he will come on for last time’s run, so all should be very exciting to watch. Long Run again lines up and will also be better than last time, so although he has to be, it all makes for a very interesting race. Master Minded, Captain Chris and Somersby also line up, so they will be trying their hardest to pull off a surprise. The race is due to start at 3.10pm, so nothing better to wash down that Boxing Day meal with. Another 5 races are on the agenda for Kempton and the Christmas Hurdle at 2.35 takes the eye. It’s over 2 miles and it should give plenty of pointers for the Cheltenham Festival in March. Binocular, Rock On Ruby and Overturn should have the race between them, but picking the winner from those three is no easy task. Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Donald McCain are all upbeat about their chances, so could be a race to watch and enjoy, rather than gamble and wonder ‘what if’. If putting a gun to my head, then Rock On Ruby would be the choice. Channel 4 and Racing UK are screening the racing live from Kempton, so no reason to miss it. Kempton is a right-handed, sharpish, flat track, which ensures a touch of class is always needed to get a win. Down Royal (jumps), Fontwell (jumps), Ffos Las (jumps), Huntingdon (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Market Rasen (jumps), Towcester (jumps), Wincanton (jumps) and Wetherby (jumps) make up an action packed Boxing Day in the UK for race fans.

Tuesday 27th December sees many heading to Wales and Chepstow, and they should enjoy a competitive 7 race card. The feature race is the Coral Welsh National at 2.10pm and with the going predicted to be on the soft side, it will be a total slog over 3 miles and 5 furlongs. All the top yards have entries and punters will be keeping an eye on the low weighted horses with the soft going forecast. Taking the eye with a low weight is Any Currency with 10st 3lb to carry. He likes the soft ground, stays well enough and has shown he can jump well, so at around the 20/1 mark, he would be worth a small each way bet in what appears a very open race. What ever the result, it is always a good spectacle and so well worth tuning in to watch on BBC2 or At The Races. Kempton (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Southwell (AW flat) and Wetherby (jumps) make up the rest of Tuesday’s action.

Racing in the UK – December 17th and 18th

sudo_wp — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:32:14 +0000

The weather is the one thing most punters have their eyes on for this weekend, as with rain and snow forecast, it could be a bit of a wet weekend. However, Ascot hopes to show off a 6 race card, with the last 4 races being screened live on Channel 4. They start at 12.55pm with a novice hurdle, but the race most will be interested in is the Long Walk hurdle at 2.30pm. It’s over 3 miles 1 furlong and with the going looking sure to be soft or worse, punters will be looking for runners with soft ground form that stay longer than the mother-in-law. Those that fit that criteria are the odds on favourite Big Bucks (unbeaten thus far) and Dynaste, who has shown form on heavy ground in France. The odds will be short on Big Bucks, but he should win and many will be hoping he keeps that record intact. Dynaste looks good for the forecast and may just make the favourite work a little harder than expected. Paul Nicholls has said that the favourite remains in top form, so who are we to doubt him. The Silver Cup at 3.05pm should be a good spectacle over fences, and with Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, David Pipe and Nicky Henderson having runners, it appears that the big guns want the prize. Neptune Collonges is of interest from the Nicholls yard, as although he pulled up last time, he’s much better than that and could hit the frame at fair odds. Ascot is a right-handed, galloping, testing track, with stiff fences that ensure those taking part will need to stay the trip and jump well. Haydock holds a 6 race card on Saturday and another decent crowd is expected, despite the poor weather that’s expected. Buena Vista lines up in the 2.10pm race, and despite his age, he’ll be popular with many and could go well at a decent price. Across The Bay and Drill Sergeant are a couple of decent each way choices, but with many having chances, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see several of them running well and hitting the money. Fairyhouse (jumps), Lingfield (flat) and Newcastle make up the rest of Saturday’s action.

Scottish racegoers will be praying the weather relents a little, as it’s looking as though Carlisle will be making its 6 race card into a 4 race card as of the chase course being under water at the moment. That leaves just the 4 races and so a small crowd is expected – Livvy Inn could run well at a big price in the 3.00pm race. Lucinda Russell is no stranger to having winners at Carlisle and this one could go well at decent odds. Kempton holds an all weather card, so unless that gets waterlogged or frozen, it should get the go-ahead without much fuss. Richard Hannon brings out a few runners for this meeting and that always has to be taken note of, so his runners will be worth a second glance. Navan (jumps) is the only other meeting taking place on Sunday.

Racing in the UK – December 10th and 11th

sudo_wp — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:25:59 +0000

Only one place to start this weekend, and that is at Cheltenham. They host a 7-race card that brings out some of the UK’s top class horses. The 2.30pm race is sure to be a great spectacle, and Great Endeavour is taken ahead of Medermit to take the glory. Stan James sponsor the 3.05pm race & although it just falls short of a top class field, there are still several favourites lining up. The going is expected to be soft, but with the winds drying out the ground, it could race on the side of good to soft come Saturday. A horse that fits the bill for this race is Menorah, as with being just short of top class, he does have the class to be there at the finish of this race and should take all the beating. The trip and ground suits and he certainly has the heart for a fight. Rated the best horse in the race, he looks the one to side with. Brampour, Overturn and Grandouet can give him most to do. Nicky Henderson was excited about the chances of Oscar Whisky in the week, and although he will not be a big price, he should go very well in the 3.35pm race. He will surely be targeting the Cheltenham Festival and can take this en route. He fell last time when looking booked for first or second, so if he doesn’t think too much about that tumble, the others will struggle to beat him. Doncaster’s juvenile hurdle at 2.45 will be of interest to many, as it sees many ex-flat recruits trying to cut the ice over hurdles against those that were bred for the job. Hinterland will be popular with punters, being 2 from 2, and with things seemingly in his favour again on Saturday, he should be a tough nut to crack. However, the price will be quite short and it might be more wise to go with a value outsider. Looking through the field, it’s Crafty Roberto who looks worthy of a small ach way bet, as with having just 4 runs on the level, he showed enough to suggest he can win races over hurdles, be it on Saturday or in the future. Lingfield (flat), Navan (jumps), Southwell (flat) and Wolverhampton (flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s action.

Punchestown takes centre stage on Sunday, with their feature race being the Grade 1 chase at 2.05pm. Rubi Light and Joncol are sure to be popular and should run well, but Cooldine at around the 10/1 mark can run them close and looks worth a bet. Willie Mullins is no stranger to winning at this track and he has already been quoted as saying he expects a big run. Ladbrokes sponsor the 2.35pm race and Willie Mullins will be looking to win this race also, with Allee Garde. He has the experience and goes well on a soft surface. Cork (jumps), Hereford (jumps) and Southwell (flat) make up the rest of Sunday’s action.

Racing Tips for the Weekend – December 3rd and 4th

sudo_wp — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:12:10 +0000

Aintree, the home of the Grand National, holds a 7 race card on Saturday 3rd December, and many spectators will be interested to see how the course is looking a few months prior to the big race itself. As always, the groundsmen will have the track as good as they can get it, and so the predicted wet weather shouldn’t get into the ground too much and we can see some competitive racing. Bookmakers Betfred sponsor 6 of the 7 races and their feature race would be the Becher Handicap Chase at 2.10pm. Plenty of runners are in with a chance, but many punters will be interested in Always Waining, who loves a good test of stamina. However, despite this, he does tend to leave his best races for Cheltenham and can be a very hit and miss performer, so the percentage call is to ignore his single figure odds and look elsewhere. Nicto De Beauchene looks sure to run a decent race, as with liking the good to soft ground and surely staying this demanding 3 miles and 2 furlongs, he also comes into the race after a recent run, so fitness shouldn’t be too much of a worry. Should also improve a little on that recent run and therefore looks a solid each way bet. Paul Nicholls, Alan King and David Pipe have runners in the race, so not easy to select a winner. The 3.20pm race is another competitive race on the card, and interesting that Always Waining is entered to run in this race, too. However, the same make up applies and, although he will almost certainly go for the 2.10pm race, he couldn’t be backed if going for this race either. It’s a 2 mile 5 furlong chase, and several have chances of landing the main prize. Nacarat would be the class act lining up, so with him being fit and ready after a couple of runs already this season, he looks the one to side with. The Sawyer and Fine Parchment are also of interest and should run their races.

Sandown hold a 6 race card, with the Tingle Creek at 3.05pm being the race everybody will want to be watching. Ireland’s Sizing Europe would hold a strong chance of taking this race, as he has the form in the bag, jumps well and has won over the distance. He will be the favourite for the race, but deservedly so and should take all the beating. Gauvain would appeal to each way punters at around the 12/1 mark. Chepstow (jumps), Fairyhouse (jumps) Wetherby (jumps) and Wolverhampton (evening flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s racing action.

A quiet day for racing on Sunday 4th December, with Kelso, Warwick and Fairyhouse holding meetings. The ground at Fairyhouse is expected to be heavy, so finding winners should be a tough ask. If taking an interested, then finding runners with form on heavy ground is a must. The 2.30pm at Kelso looks a good betting heat and many will be placing a few quid on Ballyfitz running the 4 mile race in the fastest time. An out and out stayer and should run a big race for Nigel Twiston-Davies.