3.00 Musselburgh Creekside 2/1 Really shocked that 2/1 is available about this and I'm having a big bet on John Ferguson's 4 year old who I like a lot. Creekside was a very talented horse on the flat for John Oxx winning off a mark of 100 and was I thought a very impressive winner on debut for Ferguson at Catterick earlier this month despite not being overly fluent jumping. He should improve for that and as his Grade 1 entry in Leopardstown next weekend as well as his Cheltenham festival entries indicate that he is very well thought of at home. The 2nd that day, Uncle Bryn, was 2L back in 2nd and gets a 10lb swing (Jack Quinlan claimed 5lb that day) but I really cant see him turning the tables. Debutant Lyvius was a fair performer on the flat in Germany and is a new recruit to the Henderson yard but he was nowhere near as good as Creekside in that sphere and my selection has had the advantage of a run. I really think that Creekside is one of Ferguson's best horses and if anything beats him tomorrow they'll have to be very, very talented. I've also taken some of the 33s available for the Triumph hurdle at Cheltenham
Kempton 3.40 Sulis Minerva 5/2 Up against course specialist and current favourite Torres ...... but hopefully that will ensure a decent price. and Musselburgh 13.30 Simonside 13/2 Back in trip after disappointing over further last time
it'a all about the zeb v sizing europe tomorrow at punchy- I think it will be same as last year in that the zeb will tomorrow and SE will come up the hill at cheltenham on top.beers n premiership highlights now and then see were dublin city nightlife takes me,gona be rough tomorrow morning!!!
3.25 Punchestown In Great Form 6/1 Very interested in Francis Flood's 7 year old who is improving at a speed of noughts who attempts to land a hat trick stepped up for 3m4f for the 1st time and who is up 12lb for his last victory. After landing his maiden victory 2 starts back off a 20lb lower mark at Fairyhouse over 2m5f, he put in an extremely eye catching performance LTO when landing a 3m1f event by 2.5L on New Years Day, although the margin of victory could have been so much more. He travelled into the race effortlessly and was never off the bridle when he was heavily eased at the finish. He really seemed to appreciate the step up in trip and the further he went the better and it is clear he was very well handicapped. Not only was the manner of victory very impressive, but he beat a horse in the shape of The Hard Hat in facile fashion who I rate very highly. On The Hard Hat's only subsequent start, he finished an excellent 5th in a Grade A chase at Leopardstown on ground and at a trip that was probably unsuitable so on the basis of that In Great Form's effort looks very strong. Although not guaranteed to stay the extra 3f, he had absolutely no issue with 3m1f the last day and it he may indeed improve for that. He faces his toughest task to date stepped into a Grade C chase but if building on his last effort I think he could be very difficult to beat under the same conditions as his last victory. I think the 6/1 available looks very reasonable in this 17 runner event and hopefully he can complete his hat trick 'In Great Form' (Couldn't resist) Also very interested in Allure of Illusion and Joxer in the first to races on the card but they don't represent betting propositions for me.
Sergent Guib's is a decent bet for me tomorrow if Punchestown is on. He shaped really well on his debut for Willie Mullins when finishing 3rd behind Ipsos Du Berlais and Western Leader. Three out I thought Sergent Guib's was going to win as he liked but he bombed out and I feel he may well have needed the outing. He steps up to 3m tomorrow and although he has top weight in this handicap I think he will outclass them and win this easily.
Simenon @ 9/4 (GP) Sergent Guibs @ 4/1 (GP) Up The Beat @ 5/1 (GP) put these on in a trixie and accumulator before Willie even text me !! stay frosty kids (i know i am brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr)
From the BBC North East web site re recent weather "People planning a night out were also advised to dress appropriately for the expected snow and falling temperatures" im sure RV will inform us that the dress code in the Big Market last night would have been bikinis with a wrap in case it got to cold (and thats just the gents)
Interesting card over in Ireland today, and we could see some pointers for the festival. I wanted to have a bit of a chat about the festival, so could you all take a minute to have a think about this! I am not a watcher of Irish racing, so I need to be informed on the novice heats over in Ireland, so I ask you all - Which horse looks the best novice hurdler? and which horse looks the best novice chaser?
Odddy what about Punchestown you tart ? And Danbo you are correct Sir. The Mankinis were a popular option last night Nass- Boston Bob is the best Novice hurdler by a mile out there. Best Novice Chaser potentially Bog Warrior but there are a few good chasers- Sir Des Champs , Hidden Cyclone (scoped dirty after narrow defeat by SDC) he isn't going to Chelts though. Last Installment and First Lieutennant are interesting staying chasers. A lot of Gigginstown horses lol. Two decent ones who could have lively outside chances somewhere at the festival Shot from the hip & Call the police
Morning chaps and chapesses Glad to see that the Irish can still put on a meeting - just the two for me today. Can't see Simenon being beaten in the 13-50 and am taking a little punt on Really Unique in the Pertemps qualifer. An out and out stayer with a liking for the mud, he is up in grade but with a feather weight, and should easily make the frame at least. Back later - good luck to all
well its not cold enough to stop me having my sunday morning dip in the tyne---must admit i had to put my trunks on tho.
Punchestown 2.20 Sergeant Guib’s was well backed to win first time out, but finished third behind the useful Ipsos Du Berlais. However, the handicapper has done him no favours by asking him to carry 11st 10lbs in a competive event in testing ground. His current price offers little value. Catch Me was a top hurdler three years ago- and beat Brave Inca at levels. He’s obviously way below that level now, but he has never run off a mark of 133 in his life. He was way behind fancied Swordfish on his debut but still ran reasonably well- and enjoys a stone pull in the weights today It’s significant that the shrewd Eddie O’Grady has booked the good 3lb claimer, Mangan, instead of his usual jockey, Andrew McNamara. He could go very close at a big price. Mouse Morris’ Beckett Rock has sound credentials, and should run very well. However, the choice on form has to be Dessie Hughes’ Raz De Maree, given that he’s spot on for his seasonal reappearance. His fifth place off 128 in a Grade 2 conditions race at the Punchestown festival- behind Askanna, Mossey Joe, Battle Group, and Allez Garde, reads far better form than anything these have achieved in the last year. He seems relatively kindly treated off 11st 1lb. Raz De Maree. Best Price 14/1 Victor Chandler, Blue Square.
Morning all, 1st day on for a couple of days. Good card at punchestowns, I take it is still on. havent had a proper chance to study will have quick look and post my selections
Instead of backing Joxer today I've decided to have a small bet on him at 50s for the Neptune at Cheltenham. Today will prove how good he is and if he comes out on top today then I'll be quite content sitting with my AP bet.
ROTO quick questions - why have you backed him for the Neptune ? he seems a propper 2m horse to me do you think he would be suited by 2m5f ? interested to hear your thoughts . I really like horse and have backed him again today 4/1 is big
simenon for me. good strong travelling sort. have just got on him at 33s for the supreme. will love that fast run big field race.
