Just one race I fancy getting involved in today, the three-mile handicap chase at Sandown. Frustratingly there are just the six runners as I'd have liked to have had a bit on Without A Doubt each way. As it is I fancy Jaunty Times to get back on track at around 4/1. His reappearance effort at Cheltenham was encouraging but he tended to race a shade lazily at Kempton next time. The handicapper has been fairly generous in dropping him to what looks an attractive mark given his form as a novice last year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him return to that level with conditions to suit and, hopefully, the cheekpieces on to perk him up a bit. I'm not sure how much further improvement Millards Point is open to and am happy to take him on at 2/1, Bubble Boy's mark looks a stiff on and has questions to answer after shaping as if amiss last time, The Luder is a hound, so it wouldn't surprise me to see the top two in the weights finishing first and second.

Jaunty Times 2pts win.
Jaunty Times and Without A Doubt 0.5pt RFC.

Lots of good racing today, and could do with a couple of winners.

At Haydock I'll be backing Estate in the handicap hurdle and Captain Corelli and Geeveem in the Vodka race.

At Wincanton I want a fairly decent place bet on Hot Diamond in the first, a little on Mandingo Chief in the handicap chase and Katchit in the Kingwell (whilst I've never been huge on the horse, today should be his day I feel).

At Ascot Peacock and King's Revenge make plenty of appeal in the opener, whilst I also really like Doubly Guest in the mares novice.

Estate 1pt win
Geeveem 1pt e/w
Captain Corelli 1pt e/w
Hot Diamond 3pts place only
Mandingo Chief 2pts win
Katchit 2pts win
Peacock 1pt e/w
King's Revenge 1pt e/w
Doubly Guest 4pts win

Having quite a frustrating time of things at the moment, that much typified by results on Satruday.

Estate, 1pt win, LOST 7/2, -1
Geeveem 1pt e/w, LOST 11/2, -2
Captain Corelli 1pt e/w, LOST 16/1, -2
Hot Diamond 3pts place only, PLACED 2.1, 3.3
Mandingo Chief 2pts win, LOST 7/1, -2
Katchit 2pts win, WON 4/5, 1.6
Peacock 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1, 1.25
King's Revenge 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1, 1.25
Doubly Guest 4pts win, LOST evens, -4

-3.6pts


Arnold Layne looks to have an outstanding opportunity at Warwick today, and I'll be happy to back him at around 6/4. (3pts win).

A very late night looking through tomorrow's racing. I often get suckered into backing Henry Daly's horses on a Saturday, but I REALLY like Palarshan at present for the RP Chase. May have to lump this bastard to make up for a particularly frustrating time I'm having gambling-wise and girl-wise at present! Nothing makes you feel better than a decent priced winner of a big h'cap!

Well it's now an early morning looking through the cards, and Palarshan still stands out as a really good bet, but, and this often happens, Pricewise appears to have put him up as well which is frustrating as the price tends to go. I think Alphabetical and Ned Ludd are looking well worth a crack later on at Kempton. And on to Newcastle......!!

Just the 2 bets today on balance.

Palarshan 2pts e/w.
Ned Ludd 1pt e/w.

Have avoided looking at the competitive handicap hurdle at Hereford this arvo, concentrating instead on the weak novice and lowly handicap chase, a mistake I'll doubtless regret!

Nevertheless, the value in the former race comes from taking on Fabulous Jet. Silver Sister is likely to find this an insufficient test and I'm more interested in Josear and Sunisa, neither of whom are particularly good, but this is a weak race of its type and at the prices I can afford to dutch the pair.

1pt win Sunisa @ 17/2
1pt win Josear @ 17/2

The handicap chase is more interesting than it looks. Both Cusp and Mondial Jack look potentially well treated if off today, whereas Los Suenos almost certainly remains capable of better and Queen Excalibur is simply far too big a price.

1pt win Mondial Jack @ 12/1
1pt win Cusp @ 9/1
1pt e/w Los Suenos @ 9/1
0.5 pt e/w Queen Excalibur @ 50/1

A good day!


Edmo Yewkay, 1pt e/w, WON 15/2. +9
An Accordion, 2pts win, WON 11/2. +13.75
Aztec Warrior, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 25/1. -1
Femme d'Avril, 1pt e/w, LOST 14/1. -2
Rich Nomad, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 33/1. -1
Nemetan, 1pt e/w, WON 5/1. +6
Topless, 2pts e/w, FELL 13/2. -4
Lester Leaps In, 0.5 pt win, LOST 12/1. -0.5
Our Jasper, 1pt win, LOST 13/2. -1
Gentle John, 1pt win, LOST 4/1. -1
Idian Mix, 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Sea Senor 1pt e/w, LOST 15/2. -2
Harper Valley 3pts win, LOST 11/8. -3
Something Silver 3pts win, LOST 11/4. -3
Another Rum 1pt win, LOST 5/1. -1
Five Dream 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Mohayer 1pt e/w, PLACED 16/1. +3
Mephisto 1pt e/w, LOST 33/1. -2
Figurita 1pt e/w & 2pts place, LOST 8/1 & 1.36/1. -4
Pilca 3pts e/w, PLACED 12/1. +4.2
Calculaite 1pt e/w, FELL 20/1. -2
Jaunty Times 2pts win, LOST 7/2. -2
Jaunty Times and Without A Doubt 0.5pt RFC, LOST -1
Estate, 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Geeveem 1pt e/w, LOST 11/2. -2
Captain Corelli 1pt e/w, LOST 16/1. -2
Hot Diamond 3pts place only, PLACED 2.1. 3.3
Mandingo Chief 2pts win, LOST 7/1. -2
Katchit 2pts win, WON 4/5. 1.6
Peacock 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
King's Revenge 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
Doubly Guest 4pts win, LOST evens. -4
Arnold Layne 3pts win, WON 11/8. 4.12
Palarshan 2pts e/w, LOST 12/1. -4
Ned Ludd 1pt e/w, LOST 12/1. -2
Sunisa 1pt win, FELL 17/2. -1
Josear 1pt win, WON 17/2. 8.5
Mondial Jack 1pt win, WON 12/1. 12
Cusp 1pt win, LOST 9/1. -1
Los Suenos 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
Queen Excalibur 0.5pt e/w, LOST 50/1. -1

INVESTED 82.5pts
+16.72 pts
20.27% ROI

Not much quality today, but still a few of interest. At Folkestone the Newbury eyecatcher Lupanar ought to win the first, although I won't be getting involved at a shade of odds-on. I'll be interested to see how Figurita shapes in the second with handicaps a possibility next time, the trip and conditions she faces today probably an insufficient test. The 2-mile handicap chase is only of a poor standard, and probably shouldn't, but can't resist chucking a few quid at Olival, the relatively easy fences liable to suit this sketchy jumper.
There were only 2 I could fancy in the handicap hurdle, and the disparity in price between The Wooden Spoon and Mon Mome means that the former has to be backed at 9/1 or so. It's easy to see Mon Mome winning off a much lower hurdles mark but, just 11 days on from shaping amiss at Wincanton, 5/2 seems a little on the short side.
The Kent National (do we really need any more of these spurious local 'nationals'!) is no more than a fair handicap chase. Keepatem has been dropped a stone in the weights since his reappearance and, tried in blinkers, I think he can get back to form as he'd shaped as if retaining ability on his first run this season and might not be on the downgrade as a 12yo as much as his form figures suggest.

Just quickly as the race is about to start, at Southwell, I'm dutching Spiritual Society and Barton Sun in the first.

Olival 1pt win
The Wooden Spoon 2pts win
Keepatem 1pt win
Spiritual Society 1pt win
Barton Sun 1pt win

Olival, 1pt win, LOST 8/1. -1
The Wooden Spoon, 2pts win, LOST 8/1. -2
Keepatem 1pt win, LOST 7/1. -1
Spiritual Society, 1pt win, WON 8/1. +8
Barton Sun, 1pt win, LOST 14/1. -1

+3pts

In the 19f handicap chase at Doncaster the favourite Randwick Roar has a decent chance, but one that is summed up in his price, perhaps overly so. Both Marked Man and, in particular, Oso Magic make more appeal at around 7/1 or so. Marked Man can be let down by his jumping so probably less of an involvement with him, but Oso Magic looked just to need his first run back from a break last time where he went with more encouragement than for some time and is potentially well treated.

Oso Magic 2pts e/w
Marked Man 1pt e/w

Been through the card at Stratford and tempted into having a couple of bets to try and further enhance the kitty for Cheltenham!

Manhattan Boy isn't a likeable horse by any means having shaped as if amiss more than once, but there was more encouragement at Exeter last time and the way I figure it if he shows his form he'll win. On balance I'm prepared to take evens or better about him doing that.

The handicap hurdle which follows is much more interesting but nothing like as straightforward. Mickmacmagoole is worth his chance to prove that he remains progressive, but given that he looked to have a problem just 7 days ago I'll swerve him. Truckers Delight has more ability than he's shown so far, of that I'm sure, but there was a sign that his attitude isn't all that it might be at Sandown last time and I think his price pretty much reflects his chance. For me Warsaw Pact and, to a lesser extent, Daraybad represent the value.

The two and a half mile handicap chase is a pretty turgid affair, but I'm chucking a few quid at Amir El Jabal and Wenger, both of who have doubts against them in terms of temperament but are still too big a price, both around 14/1 or so.

Manhattan Boy 3pts win
Warsaw Pact 2pts e/w
Daraybad 1pt e/w
Amir El Jabal 1pt win
Wenger 1pt win

Another enjoyable day, although it was disappointing that I didn't take the early price about Wenger given the late money there was for him. I feel in decent nick heading into Chelts!


Edmo Yewkay, 1pt e/w, WON 15/2. +9
An Accordion, 2pts win, WON 11/2. +13.75
Aztec Warrior, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 25/1. -1
Femme d'Avril, 1pt e/w, LOST 14/1. -2
Rich Nomad, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 33/1. -1
Nemetan, 1pt e/w, WON 5/1. +6
Topless, 2pts e/w, FELL 13/2. -4
Lester Leaps In, 0.5 pt win, LOST 12/1. -0.5
Our Jasper, 1pt win, LOST 13/2. -1
Gentle John, 1pt win, LOST 4/1. -1
Idian Mix, 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Sea Senor 1pt e/w, LOST 15/2. -2
Harper Valley 3pts win, LOST 11/8. -3
Something Silver 3pts win, LOST 11/4. -3
Another Rum 1pt win, LOST 5/1. -1
Five Dream 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Mohayer 1pt e/w, PLACED 16/1. +3
Mephisto 1pt e/w, LOST 33/1. -2
Figurita 1pt e/w & 2pts place, LOST 8/1 & 1.36/1. -4
Pilca 3pts e/w, PLACED 12/1. +4.2
Calculaite 1pt e/w, FELL 20/1. -2
Jaunty Times 2pts win, LOST 7/2. -2
Jaunty Times and Without A Doubt 0.5pt RFC, LOST -1
Estate, 1pt win, LOST 7/2. -1
Geeveem 1pt e/w, LOST 11/2. -2
Captain Corelli 1pt e/w, LOST 16/1. -2
Hot Diamond 3pts place only, PLACED 2.1. 3.3
Mandingo Chief 2pts win, LOST 7/1. -2
Katchit 2pts win, WON 4/5. 1.6
Peacock 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
King's Revenge 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
Doubly Guest 4pts win, LOST evens. -4
Arnold Layne 3pts win, WON 11/8. 4.12
Palarshan 2pts e/w, LOST 12/1. -4
Ned Ludd 1pt e/w, LOST 12/1. -2
Sunisa 1pt win, FELL 17/2. -1
Josear 1pt win, WON 17/2. 8.5
Mondial Jack 1pt win, WON 12/1. 12
Cusp 1pt win, LOST 9/1. -1
Los Suenos 1pt e/w, PLACED 9/1. 1.25
Queen Excalibur 0.5pt e/w, LOST 50/1. -1
Olival, 1pt win, LOST 8/1. -1
The Wooden Spoon, 2pts win, LOST 8/1. -2
Keepatem 1pt win, LOST 7/1. -1
Spiritual Society, 1pt win, WON 8/1. +8
Barton Sun, 1pt win, LOST 14/1. -1
Oso Magic, 2pts e/w, LOST 6/1. -4
Marked Man, 1pt e/w, PLACED 15/2. +0.5
Manhattan Boy, 3pts win, FELL 13/8. -3
Warsaw Pact 2pts e/w, WON 8/1. +20
Daraybad 1pt e/w, LOST 7/1. -2
Amir El Jabal 1pt win, LOST 16/1. -1
Wenger 1pt win, WON 13/2. +6.5

105.5 pts invested
+35.72 pts
33.9% ROI

At Fontwell in the race coming up Massini Sunset is far too short, and I think Cleymor House (2pts win) will beat it. Also having a little on Opal Ridge (0.5pt win) and Runshan (0.5pt win) as both are far too big.

At 4:00 River Indus, Kiltimoney and Cusp are all opposable, and I'm taking them on with Jaloux d'Estruval (2pts win), Golden Oak (1pt win) and New Perk (0.5 pt win).

Decent start to the day, tho should have had some place money on Opal Ridge.

In the 4:20 at Catterick, Springaway looks to represent really good value. Whilst the trainer hasn't had a winner in over a year, Springaway's mark is such that he has to be supported either way as he's shaped as if in need of the run on each of his last 2. His price is such that you can save on Whistle Blowing, who I reckon has the second best chance in the race.

Springaway 2pts e/w
Whistle Blowing 1pt e/w

Finally the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at Fontwell features several who should be of interest now handicapping, primarily Choumakeur, who again shaped better than the result in a novice at Newbury last time. Trigger Guard and Dreams Jewel can also be backed at prices which understate their chance because the favourite is too short.

Choumakeur 2pts win
Trigger Guard 1pt win
Dreams Jewel 1pt win

Another good day in which I don't feel I did much wrong but think that I perhaps didn't make the most of!

Cleymor House, 2pts win, WON 5/2. +5
Opal Ridge, 0.5 pt win, LOST 20/1. -0.5
Runshan, 0.5 pt win, LOST 25/1. -0.5
Jaloux d'Estruval, 2pts win, UNSEATED 13/2. -2
Golden Oak, 1pt win, WON 7/1. +7
New Perk, 0.5pt win, LOST 20/1. -0.5
Springaway, 2pts e/w, WON 5/1. +12
Whistle Blowing, 1pt e/w, SLIPPED UP 7/2. -2
Choumakeur, 2pts win, LOST 9/2. -2
Trigger Guard, 1pt win, LOST 7/1. -1
Dream Jewel, 1pt win, LOST 12/1. -1


122 pts invested
+50.22 pts
41.2% ROI

Unsurprisingly really busy at present with Chelts just around a matter of days away now, but got a chance to look through a couple of races today, including the handicap hurdle at Lingfield where I believe (hope) I've found one of the best bets in the last few months.

Love Angel has been troublesome at the start previously, so it's probably best to get on I/R, but I'm also having some of the 22/1 that is on offer with Skybet as that's just a silly price. He's been dropped a couple of pounds since running at Ascot last time where he raced too freely over a trip beyond his best. Back in trip today I'll be surprised if he doesn't make more of an impact. The booking of Colin Bolger isn't the best of news but at least he still claims 3.

Love Angel 3pts e/w @ 22/1.

Orsus 1pt e/w in the next at Hereford. Shaped much better than the bare result at Folkestone last time and looks a good value bet today.

Have been suffering a bit of post-Festival depression and haven't been able to muster much enthusiasm over the last week or so, and I must admite I've never felt so little about the start of the Flat season. I will probably catch up before too long but will be sticking with the jumps for the time being.

Heez A Steel rates a decent bet in the 4:30 at Huntingdon as I reckon he has a very similar chance to the favourite Lady Pilot, yet he's more than twice the price. 2pts win at around 7/2.

Still no idea what's going on on the Flat, will try and catch up after the National I think, but have gone through a couple of the handicaps at Exeter this afternoon where there look to be a couple of decent bets.

The 19f handicap hurdle is an interesting race where I'm looking to take on the likely favourite Jigsaw Dancer, as I try and do with anything ridden by the appalling Mark Grant! Much will depend on the well-being of Rood Report, who's been off over 4 months but looks potentially well in on his handicap debut. I might look to save on him whilst backing Top Ram and Purple Patch, but this means backing three in a 9-runner race, the alternative to which is to just back Top Ram e/w (Purple Patch hasn't been the most consistent in his time, is 10, and may find even this on the sharp side). Top Ram hails from the yard of Jim Old which is obviously a negative straight away, but he did have a winner recently and this one has two solid runs to its name where he's shaped as if this sort of trip would suit him much better. In addition the excellent Jason Maguire takes over from the decidedly unexcellent Tony Evans in the saddle and he can be backed at 9/1. Simply too big.

2pts e/w Top Ram @ 9/1.


The handicap chase which follows isn't quite so clear cut but again involves me looking to take on a Mark Grant-ridden favourite in the form of Squire Lane. It was a most uncompetitive race which he won at N Abbot last time and even though the return to a right-handed track may prove in his favour, there are others who still make appeal. Namely Charlies Future, Cash King and Potts of Magic. The first two-named have both been priced up about right at around 4/1, but there's some value to be had in backing Potts of Magic. He must be backed each-way, however, as he showed a distinct disinclination to win at Ludlow last time having travelled the best throughout. Nevertheless he's well enough treated on hurdles form to make him well worth supporting at 8/1.

2pts e/w Potts of Magic @ 8/1.