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