7th November Breeders Cup Santa Anita USA

Joy of JOY...the Breeder's Cup is the final big race meeting of the year for me on th flat. No Sea the Stars so some good value in the big one.

Here goes...

6.45 @ Santa Anita

Awesome Act €25 place @ 3.55

7.23 @ Santa Anita

Califonia Flag €50 win @ 6.6

8.10 @ Santa Anita

Gayego €50 win @ 3.6

8.49 @ Santa Anita

Beethoven €25 place @ 3.2

9.28 @ Santa Anita

Delegator €50 win @ 6
Cowboy Cal €25 place @ 3.5
Gladitorus €25 place @ 2.5

10.12 @ Santa Anita

Mastercraftsman €50 win @ 3.15

10.57 @ Santa Anita

Conduit €50 win @ 2.2

11.45 @ Zentatta €50 win @ 4.7

Good Luck & Enjoy

JB

7th November Wincanton & Doncaster

Massive day ahead of me and you'll be delighted to hear the X-Facotr and Strictly Come whatever is taking a back seat this evening in place of the Breeder's Cup...more on that later.

This afternoon's action first from Somerset, Wincanton to be exact.

2.15 @ Wincanton

Celestial Halo €50 win @ 4.3

2.50 @ Wincanton

Gullible Gordon €50 win @ 1.72

3.25 @ Wincanton

Exmoor Ranger €50 win @ 9.4

2.05 @ Doncaster

Les Fazzani €50 win @ 3.1

2.40 @ Doncaster

Icelandic €50 win @ 5.1

3.15 @ Doncaster

Baila Me €25 place @ 3.8

3.45 @ Doncaster €50 win @ 8.2

Good Luck Folks

JB

Doncaster Racing Post Trophy

I reckon I've come up with a decent ew shout in the Racing post trophy at Doncster today.

Winner of the Autumn stakes at Ascot on cutting ground, over a mile so he has stamina.

Only horse in the race to win a Group class race other than the facourite....I've just taken 20/1, definatly worth an ew shout.

3.30 @ Doncaster Morana €25 place @ 5.6


Good Luck, I'll catch up wth the running total on Monday folks, I'm a bit pressed for time.

JB

Champions Day @ Newmarket

The last big day at Newmarket of the season, two biggies to look at today.

Champion Stakes...

Class horse in the race is Fame & Glory, this would be this seasons great if Sea the Stars wasn't around!!

3.00 @ Newmarket Fame & Glory €50 win @ 1.89

Dewhirst Stakes...

The stars of next season are born in this race and the fact the Goldolphin have paid so much for this horse speaks volumes, however today he's still running under Jim Bolger's flag who won this with Teofilo, New Approach & Intense Focus 3 years on the spin Chabal cannot be ignored.

2.25 @ Newmarket Chabal €50 win @ 2

I've got two weeks to catch up on but will do that next week.

Good Luck

JB

Ascot 26th September

Some results from last week, no great shakes but the 6k milestone has been reached!

Ayr 14:05 My Gacho €25 place @ 5.5 -€25

Ayr 14:35 Conniption €25 place @ 2 -€25

Ayr 15:10 Everymanforhimself €25 place @ 6 -€25

Newbury 14:20 Angel's Pursuit €25 @ 3.5 +€112

End of day balance €6,027

Ascot today...

Best days racing of the year so far in my opinion, here's what we're on.

.55 - Balaagha €25 place @ 3.6

2.30 - Frozen Power win €50 win @ 3.2

3.05 - Long Lashes win €50 @ 3
Sent from Heaven €25 place @ 2.5

3.40 - Castles in the Air €25 place @ 4

4.15 -

Has to be Delegator, all 10 previous winners have either run in the Celebration Mile or at Royal Ascot....only two in the race have done both and that's Delegator & Aqlaam.

Delegator €50 win @ 3.4
Aqlaam €25 place @ 2.6

Good Luck folks

JB

Ayr Gold Cup 19th September

Afternoon folks...

I'm being shouted at to get ready to go to a wedding so I'll be breif. Quick tot up from last weeks marginal profit from the St Ledger!!!

Father Time €50 win @ 4.2 -€50
€25 place @ 2 -€25
Mastery €50 win @ 16 +€850
€25 place @ 4 +€125

Monistor Closely €50 win @ 6 -€50
€25 place @ 2.2 +€80

Not a bad day all in all!

End of day balance - €5,990

Ayr & Newbury Today

All place bets today, big fields so plenty of value on offer.

Ayr 14:05 My Gacho €25 place @ 5.5

Ayr 14:35 Conniption €25 place @ 2

Ayr 15:10 Everymanforhimself €25 place @ 6

Newbury 14:20 Angel's Pursuit €25 @ 3.5

Good Luck folks, lets hope for a repeat of the St Ledger.

JB

St Ledger Day

I love this race, it's for Derby also rans who found the 1 mile 4 to fast and horses that just didn't shine ealrier in the season.

Conduit was my pick last year and he was a nice return at 11's!!

This year however there's no real star on show but there's value none the less.

The Great Voltiguer stakes at York is the key race here so it leaves me with.

Father Time €50 win @ 4.2
€25 place @ 2

Mastery €50 win @ 16
€25 place @ 4

Monistor Closely €50 win @ 6
€25 place @ 2.2

Good Luck folks...it'll be a feast of or a famine!!

JB

Leopardstown/Goodwood/Kempton/Haydock/Newmarket Round Up

Some action on last week that I just didn't have time to get online and post up from Kempton and Leopardstown. Here goes

Kempton...

2.40 Kirklees €50 win @ 2.56 +€146

Haydock...

3.30 High Standing €50 win @ 4.6 -€50

Leopardstown...

2.40 Rainbow View €50 @ 2 +€100

3.50 Sea the Stars €100 lay -€100 (posted up a few weeks back, one weekend in Ireland it hasn't pissed hard with rain!)
Mastercraftsman €50 @ 5.6 -€100


Goodwood & Newmakret the week before...

2.35 Urban Poet €50 win @ 2.74

3.10...The Celebration mile

3.10 Delegator €50 win @ 1.74 +€122

Newmarket

1.50 Dafeef €50 win @ 2.88 -€50

2.50 Damietta €50 win @ 8.2 -€50
€25 place @ 2.5 -€25

3.25 Acien Regime €50 win @ 8.2 -€50
€25 place @ 2.8 -€25

Balance after these days sits at €5,185

Newmarket & Goodwood 29th

One race from York to clear up from last week.

3.25 @ York

Kingsgate Native €50 win @ 3.8 - €50
RadioHead €25 place @ 2.32 +€83
Dandyman €25 place @ 7.2 -€25

Profits Profit!!

Today's card is a healthy one in my opinion, Delegator a close 2nd to Sea the Stars in the Guineas and a close 2nd to Mastercraftsman in the St James Palace at Ascot lines up for the 1st time in the Godolphin blue having come 2nd to 2 of the highest rated horses on the planet today I think even money is a huge price for him given his stable are in the form they're in.

The run down of my selections today will appear to be a Frankie Detorri lovein but rest assured if a 2 year old is running in Royal blue, bet on it!!!

Starting with Goodwood

2.35 Urban Poet €50 win @ 2.74

3.10...The Celebration mile

Can't see Delegator who on pure form along is one of the top 5 horses in the world, my own predictions are that they will campaign this horse ready for the Breeders Cup then go to Dubai in March in the hope this season's top 3 year olds have all gone to stud.

3.10 Delegator €50 win @ 1.74

Newmarket

1.50 Dafeef €50 win @ 2.88

2.50 Damietta €50 win @ 8.2
€25 place @ 2.5

3.25 Acien Regime €50 win @ 8.2
€25 place @ 2.8

That's us for today....Good Luck!

JB

Nunthorpe Stakes York

Disapointing York thus far...

No value in the two biggest races but tomorrow big sprint will hopefully throw up what the stats say it should.

Personal favourite of mine Kingsgate Native runs again, good winner for this syndicate at Goodwood, sadly that 8/1 is not there this time around!

3.25 @ York

Kingsgate Native €50 win @ 3.8
RadioHead €25 place @ 2.32
Dandyman €25 place @ 7.2

Good Luck Fellas

JB

York Day 1 & 2

Back again, will do the much needed catch up this week (I promise), things are very hetic at work and at home and I've not seen a live horse race since the King George!!

Anyway York...

I'll clear up yesterday 1st.

2.15 - Poet's Voice -€50

2.50 - Father Time -€50
Mastery (place) +€90

3.25 - Pointless betting race really but great to see the best race horse for 40 years carry on winning. However, he's in the Irish Champion stakes at Leopardstown....he'll win if he runs but it will no doubt rain so I'm going to lay at 1.4 ante post in the hope he's a non runner.

Today...

2.15 - Drill Seargent €50 win @ 3.55

2.50 - Orpsen Grey €50 win @ 3.85

3.25 - The Betworh Kid €25 place @ 6.4
Warringah €25 place @ 3.3
Deutchland €25 place @ 5

Good Luck

JB

Newmarket 18th July

Need to catch this blog up, I've been away every weekend following my triathlete girlfriend to all corners of Ireland in recent weeks and not been online. Bets have gone down though with mixed fortunes, I shall do a summary tomorrow night.

Today at Newmarket there's a listed Fillies contest over 1 mile 4, Looking for a horse that has gone the distance in a group race and come close.

The Ribbiesdale stakes at Ascot is the best guide for this. Flying Cloud won but dosen't line up today but

Flame of Gibralter wasn't far behind in a much better race than this so that's the winner, not a huge price but better in your pocket than theirs.

Uvinza ew is a juicy price and was 3rd in at Ascot behind Flame of Gibralter

reverse forecast on both horses is recomended

2.25 @ Newmarket

Flame of Gibralter €50 win @ 3.05
Uvinza €25 place @ 2.88

Good Luck Folks

16th June...Royal Ascot Day 1

It's the finest 5 days of horse racing if not sport as a whole in the World, it's the week my life builds up to every year.

I have the week off, I'm writing to you from my home in Dublin but will be flying in later today to attend the Royal meeting tomorrow.

The Racing Post is bought, the form books have many a scribble on them, the Antepost bets are on, the suit is out of the cleaners, the champagne is in the fridge and it's only hours away.

We kick off with the Group 1 Queen Ann stakes over a straight mile, this race holds a special place for me as the year before last Ramonti battled home at 8/1 with Frankie on board to land the prize and send me on my biggest winning streak of my 15 year betting career & it looks like the Royal Blue hold the aces again.

The stat I'm looking for here is a horse that didn't win the Lockinge at Newbury & did win the Sandown mile, reasons being the contestants of the Lockinge in previous years have gone on to win this race, in the past thirteen years it reads like this 08 - Haraduson, 07 - Ramonti, 04 - Refuse to Bend, 02 - No Excuse Needed, 96 - Charwood Forest.

The Sandown Mile, no horse has won the Sandown Mile and taken this prize in the last 10 years so that rules out Paco Boy for me.

The Goldpolphin have sent out 7 of the last 13 winners of this race, for me Alexandros who got pipped on the line in the Lockinge at Newbury holds the key and is a decent price.

1.30 @ Ascot - Alexandros €100 win @ 8.8

King Stand Stakes...

A 5 furlong sprint which attracts a big International field with Australia sending over their finest and have given a decent show of late with Takeover Target & Miss Andretti take 1st prize.

The big stats here is the Prix Du Gross at Chantilly and Tax Free landed the spoils there and gets the nod at 10/1, favourites have a shocking record in this and my opinion is the favourite hasn't gone down the prefer ed prep route and is there to be shot at.

Some decent each way shouts with Borderlesscott and Hoh Hoh Hoh fitting the bill over trip and ground.

2.05 @ Ascot - Tax Free €50 win @ 15
Borderless Scott €50 place @ 3.35
Hoh Hoh Hoh €50 place @ 8
Scenic Blast €50 lay @ 4.1

St James Palace Stakes...

Reading the history of this race can only be described as a who's who of the Irish 2000 guineas but the winner of this years classic has only acted on the most heaviest of ground and the 2nd only acts on the quickest ground, Ascot is good to firm today so I'm going with Delegator who was 2nd to the Derby winner Sea the Stars in the English 2000 g's and a prep race in France is a good pointer and Orziba came 3rd in a handy Group 3 at Chantilly recently so is worth a place.

3.45 @ Ascot - Delegator €100 win @ 6
Orizba €25 place @ 5.6
Mastercraftsman €100 lay @ 1.92

The Coventry Stakes...

Now this looks like a minefield, for reads like a pattern of over keen in the 1st 2 furlongs, night races & no group form to work with.

However one stat I do like is winner last time out over trip & ground with only one career win. The Flying Statesman fits this bill and is a very juicy price so some value to be had here.

4.20 @ Ascot - The Flying Statesman €50 place @ 9

4.55 @ Ascot - Judge the Moment €25 place @ 3.1
Som Tala €25 place @ 4.1

That's the 1st day folks, hope you enjoy this wonderful days racing.

Good Luck

JB

June 5th Epsom Oaks Day

Maybe a sign of the times that one of the world biggest companies has given up their sponsorship of the worlds most famous horse race, Vodafone didn't renew their sponsorship this time around and Investec take over but it's an odd ring to it.

Annnnnnyway, it's the girls turn in the Oaks. Not my most sucessfull of races to be honest but I'll have a crack.

1.40 - Confront €50 win @ 2.48

2.10 - More Time Tim €50 win @ 12

2.45....Coronation Cup

I think I have a gem here, Eastern Anthem beat the favourite Youmazin in Dubai in a Group 1 over ground and distance at the World Cup meeting and is at 11's at the moment. Frankie takes the mount and this horse is so over priced it's quite beyond me.

2.45 Eastern Anthem €50 win @ 11
Eastern Anthem €50 place @ 2.74
Bucellti €50 win @ 10

3.25 Seeking the Buck €50 win @ 7.6

4.05 Oaks...

Rainbow View wins this I think, too much class & needs more than a mile. Our old friend Oh Goodness Me lines up and she's not without a chance and again at a big price.

4.05

Rainbow View €100 win @ 4.2
Oh Goodness me €50 win @ 14
Oh Goodness me €50 place @ 3.85

Good Luck Folks

JB

24th May Results

Some results to catch up on from the Irish 1000 Guineas.

3.05 Famous Name €50 win @ 4.5 - €50

3.40

Super Sleuth €50 win @ 8.4 - €50
Oh Goodness me €25 place @ 5.5 + €162

4.45

Alvian €50 win @ 2.66 - €50

End of Day Balance €4,971

24th May

Day two of the Curragh's Irish Guineas meeting, two big races to condsider here and the heavy ground view paid off yesterday so that's what we're sticking with.

Firstly it's the Tattersalls Gold Cup Group 1 affair to look at, some of the very best to ever grace a race course have taken this in the past but this looks a weaker affair with the mud larks looking to land the spoils.

Famous Name gets the vote for me, shown well in Group class on soft and heavy and should see out the trip.

The Curragh

3.05 Famous Name €50 win @ 4.5

The Irish 1000 Guineas next, no real class act here but I'll take a look at a horse who won well for us on the opening day of the season for some place money & Super Sleuth who was 2nd in the English Gunieas for the win.

3.40

Super Sleuth €50 win @ 8.4
Oh Goodness me €25 place @ 5.5

4.45

Alvian €50 win @ 2.66

Good Luck Folks

JB

23rd May Results...

Make it five weeks in the green, if life was a flat race I'd have not a care in the world!

Here's how we went.

The Curragh 3.45

Mastercraftsman €50 win @ 2.98 +€199

Haydock 3.10

Look Busy €50 win @ 7.2 +€410

Haydock 3.40

Desert Creek €50 win @ 3.05 +€202
Can Win €25 place @ 7.6 -€25

Newmarket 2.50

Couragous €50 win @ 18.5 -€50
Couragous €25 place @ 5.9 +€173

Newmarket 3.25

Dark Lane €50 win @ 6.6 -€50

End of Day Balance €4,959

23rd May

Four winning weekends in a row sees us sitting the better side of four grand in the bin, not a bad result all in all considering an in different Cheltenham and a disasterous Newmarket.

The big race today is the Irish 2000 Guineas, some fantastic horses have lined up here in the past with Rock of Gibralter being the most successfull after.

Winners of this race are to be noted with a £35.78 £1 level stakes profit from 14 winners from 38 runs later in the season with the St James Palace stakes at Ascot the likley target followed by the Sussex Mile at Goodwood.

Sad news is it's been raining all week in Kildare so heavy ground is the surface for todays contest.

The main stat I'm looking for is a Group win as a 2yo and a placing in either the English or French Gunieas last time out. Delegator has all these states but Mastercrafts man goes a little further with a win on heavy ground at the Curragh last season so he get's the vote.

The Curragh 3.45

Mastercraftsman €50 win @ 2.98

Haydock...

Some big sprints here today, again heavy ground so we might find some long priced gems hiding on the card and I think I have one.

3.10...

Look Busy was placed in a group race over this distance on soft ground and is the only horse in the race to have any quality form on testing ground.

Haydock 3.10

Look Busy €50 win @ 7.2

Haydock 3.40

Desert Creek €50 win @ 3.05
Can Win €25 place @ 7.6

Newmarket 2.50

Couragous €50 win @ 18.5
Couragous €25 place @ 5.9

Newmarket 3.25

Dark Lane €50 win @ 6.6

Good Luck Folks, I'll be back on tomorrow for the 2nd day of The Curragh

JB

16th May Results....

Newbury...

2.05 The Betchworth Kid €50 win @ 4.2 - €50
All The Aces €50 win @ 4.7 - €50

2.40 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes

Virtual €50 win @ 9 +€500
Dream Eater €25 place @ 5.1 -€25
Tariq €25 place @ 8 -€25

3.10 Heritage Handicap

Aqwaal €50 win @ 3.2 +€220
Holyrood €25 place @ 2 +€75

End of Day Balance...€4,101

16th May....

After bursting through the 3k barrier last week we are looking in great shape to head into June for The Oaks, The Derby & Royal Ascot.

Big card at Newbury this afternoon with two listed races and the Group One Juddmonte Lockinge stakes, winners and places of this race have in the past gone on to Royal Ascot glory, the most famours in 2007 with Ramonti.

Starting with the 2.05

Aston Park Stakes...

A horse that has been profitable for me last season lines up here, The Betchworth Kid, usualy ridden by Hayley Turner but Jamie Spencer takes the mount today. Should act well with the extra cut in the ground, distance no issue and all runners off of level weights.

All the Aces can go close here and with the always the bridesmaid never the bride Geordieland a non runner it's out of these two horses for me.

The Betchworth Kid €50 win @ 4.2
All The Aces €50 win @ 4.7

2.40

Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes

As I said earlier some high class horses have taken this price, 1 mile up the straight course. Group 1 winning form is required here and that would point straight to Paco Boy after his win at the Sandown Mile BUT 15 winners of that race have taken their chance in the Lockinge since 1986 and all have failed to land the spoils.

However, placings in the Sandown mile have thrown up a few winners so I have three selctions to run with. Virtual to win, Dream Eater place and making his seasonal debut Tariq also for a place.

Virtual €50 win @ 9
Dream Eater €25 place @ 5.1
Tariq €25 place @ 8

3.10...

Heritage Handicap

Only two here that fit the ten year stats so thats what I shall go with.

Aqwaal €50 win @ 3.2
Holyrood €25 place @ 2.5

Good Luck folks

JB

9th May Results

One shining star from last weekend & at a nice price saw the day end in the green.

Here's how it went last Saturday.

2.15 ... Quest for Sucess €25 place @ 6.4 -€25
Blue Sky Basin €25 place 7.2 -€25

2.50 ... Key Art €50 win @ 3.5 -€50

Haydock...

3.05 Beacon Lodge €50 win @ 14 +€750
Beacon Lodge €25 place @ 3.2 +€100

Lingfield...

2.40 Angie Stellatto €50 win @ 5 -€50
Father Time €50 win @ 2.8 -€50

End of Day Balance €3,456

9th May

It's Epsom trials day at Lingfield were some of the hopefulls might give off some clues to the Oaks and the Derby in a month's time.

Fivel isted races to look at today starting with Ascot

2.15 ... Quest for Sucess €25 place @ 6.4
Blue Sky Basin €25 place 7.2

2.50 ... Key Art €50 win @ 3.5

Haydock...

3.05 Beacon Lodge €50 win @ 14
Beacon Lodge €25 place @ 3.2

Lingfield...

2.40 Angie Stellatto €50 win @ 5
Father Time €50 win @ 2.8

We're doing ok funds wise, need a decent couple of weeks to realy take it war at Royal Ascot.

Good Luck Folks

JB

Bank Holiday Results

I come to you today from Donegal on Ireland's wet & windy North Atlantic coast my triathlete girlfriend was up and away this morning on her 15k bike ride followed by 6k run giving me time to sit watch the Morning Line and catch up with some results.

Here goes...

1st May Punchestown...

3.45 Sameolddingdong place -€25

4.20 Dulgolti Bob place -€25
Lochman Lacha place -€25

4.55 Equus Maximum win +€260
Golden Silver place -€25

5.30 Punjabi win -€50
Won in the Dark place -€25
Muirhead place -€25

6.05 Mikeal D'Higuet win +€70
Bouggler place +€125

6.40 New Phase win NR

2nd May...

Punchestown...

1.45 Serpentaria -€50

2.20 Baby Run +€350

2.55 Thaarwaat win -€50
Fist of God ew +€95

3.30 Mystical Breeze -€50

4.05 Essex +€112

Newmarket...

Evasive win -€100
Ashraam place -€50
Quqba place -€50

2.30 Spanish Moon win -€50

3.45 Cheif Editor win -€50

3rd May...

2.35 Barbashia -€50

3.15 Rainbow View, this filly for me is the next Ouija Board. -€100

5.00 Golden Stream -€50

Total blank over the Newmarket weekend, my worst Ginuees festival for 12 years, but it'll point the way to some future Classics so not all bad.

End of Day Balance €2,790

25th April

Sandown...

2.05 @ Sandown Spanish Conquest €50 @ 5.8 -€50

Celebration Chase...

2.35 @ Sandown Mahognay Blaze €50 win @ 10 -€50
Mahagnay Blaze €25 ew @ 3.65 +€116
Kalarhi King €50 lay @ 2.2 +€50

Gold Cup Chase...

3.10 @ Sandown Church Island €50 win @ 11.5 -€50
Church Island €25 place @ 4 -€50
Lacdoudal €50 place @ 3.6 +€230

Sandown Mile...


3.45 @ Sandown Virtual €50 win @ 4 -€50
Stotsfold €25 place @ 1.87 -€50

Gordon Richards Stakes...

4.15 @ Sandown Pipedreamer €50 win @ 3.05 -€50

One more at Liecster

3.40 @ Liecster Asset €50 win @ 4.2 +€260

End of Day Balance €2,906

May Bank Holiday Weekend

Bit pushed for time but I've got four days of racing which I went through last night, haven't got time to grab the prices but I'll update on Teusday but I'd advise backing the place selections for the 2000 G's as they are big priced.

€50 win selection, €25 place.

1st May Punchestown...

3.45 Sameolddingdong place

4.20 Dulgolti Bob place
Lochman Lacha place

4.55 Equus Maximum win
Golden Silver place

5.30 Punjabi win
Won in the Dark place
Muirhead place

6.05 Mikeal D'Higuet win
Bouggler place

6.40 New Phase win

2nd May...

Punchestown...

1.45 Serpentaria

2.20 Baby Run

2.55 Thaarwaat win
Fist of God ew

3.30 Mystical Breeze

4.05 Essex

Newmarket...

1st big one of the season in the 2000 G's, it's going to be a quick surface at Newmarket tomorrow, main stats are last time out winners and group/listed form.

I don't like Delegator, reason...JAMIE SPENCER, he is not a group 1 jockey & I will never forget his shocking ride on Hawk Wing in 2002. His hold up showing off tactic might work on a Monday night at Wolverhampton in a seller but on the big stage he's not got it.

The 2 place selections were close up in a on the line bundle in last years Dewhurst so will go close and have listed/group for on good to firm at Newmakret.

2000 G's

Evasive win
Ashraam place
Quqba place

2.30 Spanish Moon win

3.45 Cheif Editor win

3rd May...

1000 G's this time and it's all about the girls.

2.35 Barbashia

3.15 Rainbow View, this filly for me is the next Ouija Board.

5.00 Golden Stream

Right, I'm off to Punchestown for two days.

Best of Luck

JB

25th April

Big day at Sandown with action from both codes of racing this afternoon at the same track, followers of last year blog will have fond memories of this day last year the great Monkerhostin rolling in 25/1, can't see much like that today but here's what the stats have thrown up for this rainy Dublin afternoon.

Sandown...

Clues are thin on the ground in the 2.05 but Spanish Conquest looks a game horse and has some value about him.

2.05 @ Sandown Spanish Conquest €50 @ 5.8

Celebration Chase...

Interesting race this as history suggest we are looking for a late bloomer with Spring course form, only one fits this bill & a weak favourite begging to be taken on

2.35 @ Sandown Mahognay Blaze €50 win @ 10
Mahagnay Blaze €25 ew @ 3.65
Kalarhi King €50 lay @ 2.2

Gold Cup Chase...

Formaly the Whitbread, won by some greats in the past & won by the Greatest Desert Orchid. It's a profitable race for me, I've landed the winner 3 out of the last 5 years with Lacdoudal three tears ago & Monkerhostin last year providing holiday paying profits!

This year my old friends are scarce but Lacdoudal is in there & lightly handicapped, will get the trip & comes into his own in the Spring. One I like to win is Irish National 2nd Church Island, his age goes against him but at the price he's at he can't be ignored.

3.10 @ Sandown Church Island €50 win @ 11.5
Church Island €25 place @ 4
Lacdoudal €50 place @ 3.6

Sandown Mile...

Thr obvious horse is Paco Boy but he's achored down with top weight, it's always a sharp mile at Sandown and the uphill finish might just catch him out.

I like a horse who hasn't won at the highest level and is improving, two take my eye here with ok prices.

3.45 @ Sandown Virtual €50 win @ 4
Stotsfold €25 place @ 1.87

Gordon Richards Stakes...

Derby 2nd Tartan Bearer will go off favourite but this being 1 mile 2 not 1 mile 4 I think he could find this a bit sharp.

Pipedreamer gets grabs my attention from the inform yard of John Gosden.

4.15 @ Sandown Pipedreamer €50 win @ 3.05

One more at Liecster

3.40 @ Liecster Asset €50 win @ 4.2

That's all for today, enjoy the days racing.

Good Luck

JB

Aintree Festival

Gotta be honest work got in the way of me going through every race in any depth barring the National.

Here's how we went...

Thursday...

Liverpool Hurdle

Mighty Man - €50

Friday -

Melling Chase

Voy Por Ustedes + €330

Saturday -

Aintree Hurdle

Kasbah Bliss + €200

Grand National

Brooklyn Brownie - €75

State of Play + €110

End of week balance €2,700

Not a bad week at Aintree all in all, Voy Por Ustedes battling in by a nose nearly brought a tear to my eye it boaded well for Brooklyn Brownie in the National who was the only horse in the race to fit every single stat needed to win the race in the last ten years & I'd back him at 50/1, fell at the 2nd.

However, a horse falling at the National 1st time out have a decent record the following year so one for the note book.

Not much else happening realy, Sandown this weekend & that blog will be up on Friday, followed by the Punchestown Festival & the 1st big one of the season in the Guniees weekend where it all begins.

We're doing well & hopefully have a really decent pot to have an attack on Royal Ascot.

Good Luck

JB

Some Results...Dubai Day

Folks...

Sorry for my absence, I've been away for the last 4 weekends and have not had time to blog.

We have been betting but staying on an even keel I'd say.

Here's some results I owe you.

We started Dubai World Cup Day with €2,160 in the kitty after the opening day of the Irish season. This is how we went on the 28th of March.

13:40 : Two Step Salsa win + €175
Kalahari Gold ew - €25

14:15 : Desert Party win - €50
Soy Libriano ew + €325

14:55 : Diabolical win - €50
Force Freeze ew - €25

15:55 : Archipenko win - €50
Lady Marian ew - €25

16.40: Dr Dino win - €50

17.30: Asiatic Boy win - €50

Doncaster

14:10 : Swilly Ferry win - €50

15:20 : Icelandic win NR

14:45 : Mangham win - €50

15:55 : Benandonner win - €50

End of Day Balance - €2,185

28th March

It's the start of the UK Flat season & thank god. I hope to make a good a start to the UK as I made to Irish season.

I'm very pushed for time so I'll list out what going on today from Doncaster and the Dubai world cup, €50 on win bets & €25 for place bets.

They'll be a summary tomorrow night.

Nad Al Sheba

13:40 : Two Step Salsa win
Kalahari Gold ew

14:15 : Desert Party win
Soy Libriano ew

14:55 : Diabolical win
Force Freeze ew

15:55 : Archipenko win
Lady Marian ew

16.40: Dr Dino win

17.30: Asiatic Boy win

Doncaster

14:10 : Swilly Ferry win

15:20 : Icelandic win

14:45 : Mangham win

15:55 : Benandonner win

Good Luck

JB

22nd March

Opening day of the flat season here in Ireland at the Curragh, got a decent Group race to look at.

Firstly from yesterday, the race was run at a total crawl so the extra two furlongs that I was laying the favourite on wasn't an issue but he got beat by a nose. I was very disapointed at Re Barolo who never got mentioned at the business end of the race.

3.10 @ Lingfield

Re Barolo €100 back @ 6 - €100
Premio Loco €50 lay @ 3.45 + €50

End of day balance.... €1,310

Today I shall be interested in three races from the Curragh, it's officialy soft down there today so not really ideal conditions for flat racing but it narrows things down somewhat.

3.15 -

First in Command won a handicapp on course, ground & distance in similar company last September is is kindly weighted and nicly priced.

First in Command €50 win @ 7

3.45 -

Group 3 contest for Fillies & Mares, hot favourite in this in Mad About You but they age trends sway towards three year olds and those who have showed good form in a listed contest.

Oh Goodness Me €50 win @ 17
Oh Goodness Me €25 place @ 2.5

Mad About You €50 lay @ 1.48

4.15 -

Big field here but some course ground and distance form at a long price is He Stands Alone which 8's he can get into the frame for a top four finish.

He Stands Alone €25 place @ 8

Good Luck Folks

JB

21st March

Today marks the official opening day of the Flat season, this is my prefered code of racing. There's more I can work with in terms of the form book, form obviously, draw, weight, ground, straight course, left handed, right handed but the big plus is brreding.

Example...Last years Epsom Derby was the easiest race to pick the winner of the whole season. New Approach was 5th in the market at 7/1 having not run over 1 mile 4. One look at his family tree of Sadler's Wells & Gallieo he was bred for the Derby and won!

Lingfield is the venue for todays Winter Derby, 1 mile 2 furlongs I'm looking for a horse that will stay along the long straight, has won on Lingfield's brand of all weather surface and has shown speed in the finish.

I like Re Barolo in this, won the trial from last to first stayed very well and beating three horses who line up today, nice price also. Looking at it the favourite does not stay the distance, is a sitting duck & I'm going to take him on.

3.10 @ Lingfield

Re Barolo €100 back @ 6
Premio Loco €50 lay @ 3.45

Good Luck folks....next week I shall be coming to you from Dubai where I shall be attending the Dubai World Cup carnival.

Cheltenham Review

Back from Spain, slightly tanned but the relaxing week didn't really happen for me as Cheltenham became a war of attrition with the bookies.

A big priced each way shot in injury time on Friday meant we got out alive!

Here's the tale of Friday...


1.30 ... Master of Arts $50 win @ 8 - €50

2.05 ... Aachen $50 Win @ 5 - €50

2.40 ... On Raglan Rd $25 place @ 3 + €100

3.20 ... Exotic Dancer $50 win @ 12 - €50

4.00 ... Baby Run $50 place @ 10 + €550

4.40 ... Big Eared Fran $25 win @ 6 - €25

5.15 ... French Opera $25 win @ 5 - €25


End of Cheltenham balance €720, profit of €220 from the €500 I set aside to play with.

On Friday I feel I missed a sitter by not backing Denman & Exotic Dancer for places but the Gold Cup is an emotional race. From a pure racing fans point of view I was willing Denman on and after just one prep race where it was all wrong for him to get 2nd was a monumental run. I'd love a 3rd rematch next year.

It was the bookies week with only one of the bankable favourites coming home, we have many close shaves but came out on the right side thanks to a 40/1 shot who went off at 16/1 in the end so most of the big hitters must have spotted on Friday morning what I'd spotted on Thursday night.

First big flat race of the year today so onwards and upwards

Total Balance €1,360

Cheltenham Day 4

THe end of this betting marathon is in sight, it´s not been easy out there with the two bankers of the week going down yeaterday. Still, that´s done now.

Today I have 270 left to play with and here´s what it´s going on.

1.30 ... Master of Arts $50 win @ 8

2.05 ... Aachen $50 wim @ 5

2.40 ... On Raglan Rd $25 place @ 3

3.20 ... The big one of the week, I´m not confident with Denman bless and I feel bad deserting him last year after his heroics for the smart punters last year but Exotic Dancer is the form horse going left handed this season after his Lexus Chase win.

Exotic Dancer $50 win @ 12

4.00 ... Baby Run $50 place @ 10

4.40 ... Big Eared Fran $25 win @ 6

5.15 ... French Opera $25 win @ 5

Good Luck folks and remember it´s only two months until the 2000 Guinees!

It´s been a tough weeks punting but a great week racing

JB

Cheltenham so far

I set aside 500 euros to go to war with this week and it´s been a brutal week with the smart punters down, mug punters up and bookies laughing their heads off.

Here´s how it´s panned out for us...

Day 1

1.30 ... Red Moloney -50
Aachen -25

2.05 ... Calgary Bay -50
Forpaddytheplasterer +118

2.40 ... Possol -50
Wichita Lineman +95

3.20 ... Osana -50
Ashkazar -25

4.00 ... Lámi -50

End of Day .... 420

Day 2...

1.30 ... Can´t buy time -50

2.05 ... Karabak -50

2.40 ... Cooldine +300

3.20 ... Big Zeb -50

4.00 ... Lough Derg -50

End of Day ... 520

Day 4...

1.30 ... Kia Kah -50

2.05 ... Don´t push it -50

2.40 ... Voy por Ustedes -50 (shakes head in disbelief)

3.20 ... Kasbah Bliss -50 (kicks desk)

4.00 ... Stan -25

4.40 ... Poke de Saviola -25

End of Day ... 270

Just Gold Cup Day to go

Cheltenham Day 2

It´s all about Master Minded today but sadly there is no value in betting on him but plenty of value out there in a one horse race.

Yesterday was winnerless for the win selections but two of the place selections won so not a disaster by any stretch. I´ll do a summary of yesterday later on as I´m pressed for time.

National Hunt Chase...

4 mile slog this one, I´m looking for a progressive type who needs to go up in trip. One horse is in great form recently with a win on good to soft at Sandown is Can´t Buy Time.

1.30 .... Can´t Buy Time $50 win @ 5

Ballymore Properties Novice Hurdle...

Winning form is essential and course form is a plus, I like Karabak in this but the untrustworthy Diamond Harry could be a danger.

2.05 .... Karabak $50 win @ 3

RSA Chase...

Only one winner in this for me and the fact Ruby Walsh has picked this horse over a Paul Nicholls runner says volumes, won well at Leopardstown last time out and like left hand tracks.

2.40 .... Cooldine 5

Queen Mother Champion Chase...

Biggy of the day, I was there last year to witness Master Minded destroy the mighty Voy Por Ustedes and he has progressed into pretty much an unbeatable horse so it´s who´s coming 2nd to think about.

Big Zeb won easily at Christmas in Leopardstown so I think he´ll get as close to Master Minded as any will.

3.20 .... Big Zeb $50 place @ 3.8

Coral Cup....

2 miles 5, you need a game horse who won´t mind a furious pace. Course winning form this season is needed and the love of spongy ground. Lough Derg has performed heroics on the race track this season and I´m shocked he is 28´s to back.

It might be one race to far for him but a course and distance winner can not be ignored.

4.00 ... Lough Derg $50 win @ 28

Good Luck folks

JB

Cheltenham Day 1

A change of tactic this year as I am doing all my bets in advance and will sit back and enjoy the spectacle of one of the greatest sporting events in the world, The Cheltenham Festival.

The BBC weather says rain so I'm going on a soft ground attack which will bring the bigger priced Irish horses into play & may see some of the short priced favourites founder.

The build up to this year has been one of 4 horses, Binocular in the Champion Hurlde, Kauto Star in the Gold Cup for the 3rd year running, Master Minded in the Champion Chase and Kasbah Bliss in the World Hurdle. The logic behind all these horses winning is a sound one but I have 3 form books, two supplements, a racingpost 10 year data base and a bottle of red wine to find the value and get the odds on beaten.

Day 1...

Supreme Novice Hurdle....

I love this race as Flat racing is my favoured code (read win more) of racing so I'm always keen to see a horse entered with strong flat form. History tells me I need a horse that has won it's last race, solid flat form, lightly raced over hurdles and will need to act on spongy ground if the weather forecast is correct so a French flat horse could pay off nicely. Two jump out off the page, Red Moloney who was placed in a Group race in the Summer and the French horse Aachen who has testing ground form.

1.30 @ Cheltenham -

Red Moloney €50 win @ 14
Aachen €25 place @ 26

Arkle...

I'm looking for a proper jumper here, with solid Grade 1 winning form over fences & will need my runner to be fresh so their last race being in January or one of the Christmas meetings.

Calgary Bay has been my Arkle pick since his 2nd at Ascot in January, he didn't like the right handed track there, he loves Cheltenham and he's scored over 2 miles 5 so the testing ground shouldn't be an issue.

Forpaddytheplaster gets my nod for a place after a battling display at Leopardstown over Christmas again his victories have come in the mud so I'm thinking he'll get up the hill.

2.05 @ Cheltenham -

Calgary Bay €50 win @ 6.4
Forpaddyhteplaster €25 place @ 3.7

William Hill Handicap Chase...

Lightly treated by the handicapper and rated at around the 140 mark gets my attention here, Wichita Lineman is a funny horse and take some persuading but gets there in the end ultimately so he gets my place vote and Possol who ran well at Kempton last time out is my win selection.

2.40 @ Cheltenham -

Possol €50 win @ 9.2
Witicha Lineman €25 place @ 2.8

Champion Hurdle...

The big race of the day with a very well fancied horse in Binocular, I don't think he wins & the Cheltenham Hill is going to eat up his stamina like it did last year. Osana is relativity fresh this term and will lead from the front and for my money will take the beating, Ashkazr likes Cheltenham and is in fine form so he gets my place vote.

3.20 @ Cheltenham -

Osana €50 win @ 12
Ashkazar €25 win @ 9.8

Cross Country Chase....

No easier race to bet on in the racing calender, a horse who is trained by Enda Bolger & won the Hogan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in February gets the nod.

4.00 @ Cheltenham

L'ami €50 win @ 3.4

So that's day one sorted.

JB

21st February

Afternoon all...

As Cheltenham edges ever closer the last chance for trainers to get a run on a decent quick track is today at Kempton.

We'll begin at the 1.30 @ Kempton

1.30 @ Kempton - Amigayle €25 place @ 5.8

Dovecote Novice Hurdle...Previous winners have arrived via Ascot & have recent winning form. Straight forward selection.

2.05 @ Kempton - Alfie Fits €50 win @ 9

Pendil Novice Chase...There's only one historical trend in this race and that is the Scilly Isle Chase @ Sandown three weeks ago, again an east selection

2.35 @ Kempton - Herecomesthetruth €50 @ 1.92

Racingpost Chase...Twenty runners in this handicap. I'm looknig for a no questions asked stayer in this race who has form at Kempton & Cheltenham and placed last time out. Three good value runners spring up from page 48 of my Racing Post but one I hold in the highest esteem is Phillip Hobbs' Lacdudal. Such an underrated horse for the sucess he's had, he's been lightly treated by the handicapper, Hobbs loves this race & it's at this time of year Lac wakes up and shows his best.

3.10 @ Kempton - Lacdudal €50 win @ 15.5
Lacdudal €25 place @ 4.2
Possol €25 place @ 3.8
Fleet Street €25 place @ 4

Adonis Juvenile Hurdle....Alan King is the major player in this contest looking back, his unbeaten mare Cosmea was sucessful on the flat and flat speed is crucial in these novice hurdles.

3.45 @ Kempton - Cosmea €50 win @ 4.8

Eider Chase....4 miles 1 furlong Grand National trial so the winner of this is worth an ante post shout for Aintree in April. Place form at Haydock is the big clue only one has that here.

3.30 @ Newcastle - Iwillrememberyou €50 @ 8.6

I'll do a review of last Sunday @ Leopeardstown tomorrow but good luck today folks and enjoy your Saturday

JB

15th February

Perfect Natioanl Hunt condidions here in South Dublin, ground is soft but heavy in places.

Some Leopardstown favrourites on show today & here's what we're on.

Deloitte Novice Hurdle...Hurrican Fly is a non runner which was the banker of the day but it's an easy move to back the 2nd in the market Cousin Vinny, I can see him making all of the running like he did in his previous run at Naas.

2.15 @ Leopardstown - Cousin Vinny €50 win @ 1.85

Moriarty Novice Chase...I'm looking for horses who were in the frame last time & have Leopardstown form. Trafford Lad ran very well over Christmas as deserves investment today. Rare Bob is a decent ew price and is good for a place.

2.45 @ Leopardstown - Trafford Lad €50 win @ 3.85
Rare Bob €25 place @ 3.1

Hennessy Gold Cup....Neptune Colonge is odds on here but he can't win against the states, no course form, fell on course ground & distance last time out. It's heavy in places here today which gives me a simple betting stratagy & that's last years winning The Listener.

3.30 @ Leopardstown - The Listener €50 win @ 6

Good Luck

JB

February 14th Review

If I were a bookies I'd have had Voy Por Ustedes 1/7 favourite yesterday, a four horse race over the trip which he beat the best horse in training over, so we have the bookies to thank for giving us even money!!

Not a bad day all in all...


1.05 @ Ascot - Breedsbreeze €50 win @ 2.3 - €50

2.15 @ Ascot - Voy Por Ustedes €50 win @ 2.24 + €162
The Sawyer €25 place @ 8.2 - €25

1.20 @ Haydock - Duc De Regniere €50 win @ 3.45 - €50
Sweetheart €25 place @ 3.25 - €25

1.55 @ Haydock - Cornish Set €50 place @ 3.25 - €50
Sherwood Folly €25 place @ 3.55 - €25

2.40 @ Wincanton - Askazar €50 win @ 4.48 + €274

End of day balance €1,476

14th of February

I need some love today of all days. I've been in a loving relationship for 4 years now I'd say, we've had our ups & downs, we've been through the good times and stuck together during the bad but one things for sure I will love Voy por Ustedes no matter what.

This wonderfull horse is running today at Ascot which is the highlight of this busy weekend's racing.

I'll start at Ascot...

Reynoldstown Novice Chase...The key here is the Feltham Chase at Kempton, this has been the best stepping stone to todays contest. One horse who stands out after taking the Feltham, having won on testing ground in Ireland is Breedsbreeze

1.05 @ Ascot - Breedsbreeze €50 win @ 2.3

Ascot Chase...I'm looking for a horse who was in the frame last time out in a Grade 1 race, a horse who contested the King George on Boxing Day & has scored over two miles 5. Hmmmmm, I look down the card and see my one true love, Voy Por Ustedes.

2.15 @ Ascot - Voy Por Ustedes €50 win @ 2.24
The Sawyer €25 place @ 8.2

Rendlesham Hurdle....Bit of a tricky one this, history tells me to look for a French bred horse, who raced at Ascot or Haydock last time out & is rated 144 or higher. Leaves two horses, one is fantastic but one like the ground, one isn't so but will like the ground.

1.20 @ Haydock - Duc De Regniere €50 win @ 3.45
Sweetheart €25 place @ 3.25

Gold Cup Chase....a 3 mile 4 slog in the mud here, only two horses have experience in this kind of race on this ground. Using the Welsh National at Chepstow as a pointer it's got to be our old friend Cornish Set

1.55 @ Haydock - Cornish Set €50 place @ 3.25
Sherwood Folly €25 place @ 3.55

Last race of interest is at Wincanton

2.40 @ Wincanton - Askazar €50 win @ 4.48

7th February Review

Tough day last Saturday, again the tracks were racing like quick sand, rearranged fixtures and a favourite not in the mood. Still....this is how it went.

12.40 @ Kempton

Bedizen €25 win @ 16 - €25
Rossof €25 place @ 6.6 - €25

1.10 @ Kempton

Leading Contender €50 win @ 4.2 - €50

1.40 @ Kempton

Frontier Dancer €50 win @ 7.2 - €50

2.15 @ Kempton

Bally Conn €50 win @ 3.65 + €232

2.50 @ Kempton

Denman €50 win @ 1.63 - €50
Joe Lively €50 place @ 2.62 - €50

3.25 @ Kempton

Lightning Strike €50 win @ 3.85 - €50

4.00 @ Kempton

Double Dizzy €50 win @ 6.8 - €50

End of day Balance €1,215

7th February

Kempton passes an inspection and we're off and running. Newbury didn't make it so the AON Chase has been switched Kempton so we've got a great card.

London came calling last week and I was all over so blogging was difficult, none of what I would have backed won last week so dodged a bullet there.

They'll be a bet on every race here at Kempton as I really am up for this card, the highlight being the reappearance of last year's Gold Cup Denman. Soft at Kempton today, with Kempton being a quick track I'm looking for horses with proven form over the sticky stuff which has thrown up some decent value.

Here go's...

12.40 @ Kempton

Bedizen €25 win @ 16
Rossof €25 place @ 6.6

1.10 @ Kempton

Leading Contender €50 win @ 4.2

1.40 @ Kempton

Frontier Dancer €50 win @ 7.2

2.15 @ Kempton

Bally Conn €50 win @ 3.65

2.50 @ Kempton

Denman €50 win @ 1.63
Joe Lively €50 place @ 2.62

3.25 @ Kempton

Lightning Strike €50 win @ 3.85

4.00 @ Kempton

Double Dizzy €50 win @ 6.8

Good Luck folks

JB

25th Jan Review

Ian Botham once said "Form is temporary but class is permanent", well after the quick sand racing that was Cheltenham yesterday a horse racing punter always questions why his tried and tested formula failed in so many races with so many bets.

But I put the kettle on, opened the books up, logged onto racingpost.com & got stuck in today's card at Leopardstown.

Here what I came up with and how we did.

1.20 @ Leopardstown

Alexandre Severus €50 win @ 5.5 + €325

1.50 @ Leopardstown

Forpaddytheplaster €50 win @ 3.35 - €50 (2nd by a nose!)

2.20 @ Leopardstown

Conem €50 win @ 9 + €500 (wins by a nose!)

2.50 @ Leopardstown

Hardy Eustace €50 @ 11 - €50

It was simply a lousy day here in Dublin, the ground was heavy and these horses who won today are some game animals. One special mention goes to the Great Hardy Eustace, the duel Champion Hurdle winner just might have run his last race.

We've been through allot together since he beat Rooster Booster at Cheltenham in 2004, he's lead from the front and won nearly €2 million in prize money, he's never fallen & never unseated his rider.

His retirement is one that is sad for the sport but if he hasn't got it anymore in the final furlong it's time for the fields for him but the bookies will be pleased as he's been a profitable horse to follow over the years.

He's a horse that warms my soul & one of the reasons I watch racing, Happy retirement Hardy & thanks for everything!

End of day balance .... €1,383

25th Jan

Today is another day & a 7 race card at Leopardstown here in Ireland is the focus.

It's rained all week here and the ground is testing to say the least.

Here's what we're on....

1.20 @ Leopardstown

Alexandre Severus €50 win @ 5.5

1.50 @ Leopardstown

Forpaddytheplaster €50 win @ 3.35

2.20 @ Leopardstown

Conem €50 win @ 9

2.50 @ Leopardstown

Hardy Eustace €50 @ 11

Good Luck folks

JB

24th Jan Review

SHOCKING Day yesterday....all sorts of odd results springing up. No favourite winning either.

I don't think I've drawn a total blank since World Hurdle day at Cheltenham last year, today is another day.

Here's the tale of the tape from yesterday if you have the heart to look!!


2.05 @ Cheltenham

Akilak €50 win @ 6.6 - €50
Private Be €25 place @ 3.35 - €25

2.35 @ Cheltenham

Tidal Bay €50 win @ 6.8 - €50
Snoopy Loopy €25 place @ 4.1 - €25
Nozic €25 place @ 2.02 - €25

3.10 @ Cheltenham

Simarian €50 win @ 11 - €50
Pemberton €25 place @ 4.7 - €25
Walk On €50 Lay @ 2.16 - €106

3.45 @ Cheltenham

Punchestowns €50 win @ 2.12 - €50
Blazing Bailey €25 place @ 2.08 - €25
Lough Derg €25 place @ 4.5 - €25
Turpin Green €25 place @ 12 - €25

2.50 @ Doncaster

Raglan Road €50 win @ 2.36 - €50
Gullible Gordon €25 win @ 7.8 - €25

End of Day Balance .... €658

24th January

Happy Saturday racing fans....A lovely day here in South Dublin, I've been running along the seafront, got my Racing Post, settled down with a cup of tea & read Sir Clement Freud's column.

Cheltenham & Doncaster today, a superb card at both tracks all live on Channel 4 & Attheraces.

There's seven contests I shall be looking at today, the ground is bottomless and it'll take a game horse to get up the Cheltenham hill this afternoon so they'll be a few mud larks in the mix & it'll be the bookies day, but the bookies may win but they don't win off of everyone.

2.05 @ Cheltenham

2 miles 5 on the new course, this handicap doesn't really through up many clues historically but we well rested horse that comes here fresh is preferred.

Akilak from the in form Howard Johnson yard is my pick for this one, he loves the mud, has scored over this trip, he has been unfairly treated by the handicapper but still middle of the weights.

In the place market I'm going for Private Be, another mud lark & if he's not in the money I'd be surprised.

Akilak €50 win @ 6.6
Private Be €25 place @ 3.35

2.35 @ Cheltenham

Big race of the day and many Gold Cup hopefuls line up. Mere words of mine cannot describe how much I love a 2nd season novice with previous Cheltenham form. His win in the Arkle last year sublime, Cheltenham is his track and acts on testing ground, again from the yard in form it has to be Tidal Bay.

History tells us that runners who contested the King George on Boxing Day do well in this contest,only one here to worry about that's Snoopy Loopy & I'll stick a mud lark in there in Nozic.

Tidal Bay €50 win @ 6.8
Snoopy Loopy €25 place @ 4.1
Nozic €25 place @ 2.02

3.45 @ Cheltenham

Interesting novice hurdle here and one course & distance specialist has appeared to have been over looked on this card.

Simarian has won twice here at Cheltenham & on heavy ground, why is he such a big price? That's not my concern & he's the one for me.

Our mud lark is AGAIN from the in form yard of Howard Johnson and that's Pemerton, the favourite isn't the winner in my opinion and is short enough to take on.

Simarian €50 win @ 11
Pemberton €25 place @ 4.7
Walk On €50 Lay @ 2.16

3.45 @ Cheltenham

Cleeve Hurdle, 3 mile staying contest....Punchestowns is the only winner for me, course form, acts on spongey ground. If he get's beat I'll want to know why.

Soft ground horse and one of my favs is Blazing Baily for a place as are old warriors Lough Derg & Turpin Green

Punchestowns €50 win @ 2.12
Blazing Bailey €25 place @ 2.08
Lough Derg €25 place @ 4.5
Turpin Green €25 place @ 12

Doncaster 2.50

The best two horses in the race are Raglan Road & Gullible Gordon, both act on the ground and both have class form

Raglan Road €50 win @ 2.36
Gullible Gordon €25 win @ 7.8

Good Luck folks

JB

Jan 17th Review

Off to a decent start, I think the track at Ascot was riding the soft side of good & was more testing than the official going indicated.

However some decent winners, two near misses & a dead cert flying home is what one wants for the 1st day of our little project.

We started the day with €800 & this is where we ended up....

Ascot 1.40 - Calgary Bay €50 win @ 3 - €50

Ascot 2.15 - Master Minded €50 win @ 1.28 + €64

Ascot 3.25 - Iron Man €25 place @ 4.6 - €25

Haydock 1.20 - Snap Tie €50 win @ 1.98 - €50

Haydock 1.55 - Cloudy Lane €50 win @ 8 + €450
Kandjar D'aller €25 place @ 2.66 - €25

Haydock 2.55 - Dee Dee Williams €50 win @ 2.72 - €50
Alfie Fitz €25 place @ 3.05 + €100

End of Day Balance...... €1,214

17th Jan

This is the 1st day of the Eurontoawinner 2009 syndicate. The starting pot is €800 & 8 people who drink to much & gamble to much have put their faith in me to repeat recent success.

Thankfully the weather has improved and the jumps racing can recommence, Ascot & Haydock are the focus today in the UK also there a decent card at Nass here in Ireland.

There's 6 races that will need investing in today & the selections are as follows:

Ascot 1.40

I'm looking for a horse who has been out in the last two months, won over the larger obstacles & has been up against listed company.

The one that stands out for me here is Calgary Bay, won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time out, he's dropping back in trip but that won't worry me & I think he's good value in the market.

Calgary Bay €50 win @ 3

Ascot 2.15

The Victor Chandler chase....only one horse can win it & if he doesn't I'd want to know why. Master Minded is so good it's frightening. Short price but it's better in our pockets than theirs.

Master Minded €50 win @ 1.28

Ascot 3.25

A big field in testing ground always throws up an each way gem, I think I've found it in Iron Man. Form over course, ground & distance, very good value to get in the frame.

Iron Man €25 place @ 4.6

Haydock 1.20

The champion hurdle trial, history tells us that previous winners have come from Christmas meetings at Kempton, Cheltenham or Ascot, have been lightly raced and have form in this class.

One jumps off the page & that's Snap Tie

Snap Tie €50 win @ 1.98

Haydock 1.55

The Peter Marsh chase over 3 miles, previous winners have arrived via the Rowland Merick @ Weatherby, the Hennessy or previous form at Haydock.

Cloudy Lane ticks all boxes if history is to repeat itself (and it generally does!) with Alan King's runner Kandjar D'aller for a place following his form on this track.

Cloudy Lane €50 win @ 8
Kandjar D'aller €25 place @ 2.66

Haydock 2.55

Decent looking novice hurdle...I'm looking for a horse who has won or came 2nd last time out, Irish bred & has scored over hurdles before, Haydock form is a plus. It leaves me with 2 here, Dee Dee Williams to win & Alfie Fitz place.

Dee Dee Williams €50 win @ 2.72
Alfie Fitz €25 place @ 3.05

That's it for today....Good Luck folks

JB