3.15 Pontefract. There are a few decent looking contenders at the top of the handicap that I quite like but the horse that I having a little EW on tomorrow has plummeted to near the bottom of the weights. Its not difficult to see why, when you haven't won since August 2010 its certainly time for the handicapper to give you some respite and thats just what he has done with TAJNEED 20-1. On his most recent outing he was beaten a couple of lengths over 7 furlongs which probably stretches his stamina. Much his best form is over 6f and he handles a bit of cut without problem. At 9 he is obviously not improving but none of the others being obviously well handicapped he certainly looks to have a chance off 90, his last win being off 97. He is fit having had a couple of runs. I cant vouch for the lass on board though Dandy seems to trust her despite her poor strike rate for him. I guess he is more a sporting Monday punt than anything but at 20-1 you dont need to have much on! Good luck all.
3.15 Pontefract Grissom 20/1 Keeping this short and sweet but looks a huge price. Only 3lb higher than last winning mark and has great form at the track, with a win over C+D and a 1L beaten 2nd from his 2 efforts at the track. Has won in this grade and ground conditions shouldn't be a problem at all. On the back of a similar break last year, he ran a very unlucky 2L beaten 2nd after being hampered a fair bit and the way powered to the line leads me to believe he will have no problem on his seasonal reappearance. Trainer Tim Easterby is amongst the winners at the moment and jockey David Allan has a good record whilst on board. His current mark certainly doesn't look to be beyond him and although its an ultra competitive race I'm having a decent enough e/w bet on him.
It seems the 3.15 is the race to look at. My views - I think you want to be drawn relatively low as its normally rather important to get close to the rail when turning with three furlongs to go, and I think its important to run with or close to the pace. Two I like are Parisian Pyramid and Nasri, the latter is for me the class horse in the race, but I wonder if this is going to be his day (need to keep his mark for Goodwood - cough) and the former would be interesting if Spencer rode him prominently. Mirza is one you have to look at, but I am really worried that it might drop in on the rail and be in the fortunes of the gods, if he gets a clear run he will probably be good enough to win this, but at 7/2 he isn't going to be a bet. He could be a horse who improves more this season, he looked like the type to do that when he beat Blue Jack at the weekend on bad ground. However, the one horse in the race that I think has a great chance is Coolminx of the Fahey yard. She is a winner on soft and heavy ground, she is relatively lightly raced and more importantly she likes to race prominently. She will need to get away well and be fit enough on seasonal reappearance, but at 14/1 I think she is a fine price and should run a big race.
Two for me today: 3:00 Hexham - Malua Maid 4/1. 3:15 Pontrefact - Nasri 9/1. Good luck all with their bets.
Anyone any thoughts on the 3.45, 2ml 5f on the flat. Which horse will see the trip out best? Am looking at Bocamix with the King on board but not sure.
Morning, all. Very disappointing to see that God’s own racecourse, Newton Abbot, have abandoned tomorrow’s fixture. Oh Mother Nature, you cruel mistress! Despite this setback though it should still be a really good week’s sport what with Punchestown (where I understand there is a real live ‘un, a filly with a lovely name to boot, set to run at the end of the week) and then Sandown Park. But enough of the future. I think there is a very interesting one running today: Victoire De Lyphar (3.15 Pontefract) – if someone had held a gun to my head, at the commencement of the 2011 Flat term, and asked me to nominate the Champion Sprinter then I would have said Victoire De Lyphar. However, he had a very disappointing campaign as his form figures of -400 indicate. However, he’s dropped to a mark of 99 as a result and on his form in the second half of 2010 looks very reasonably treated (won a £100k event at York and was then 2nd in the Ayr Gold Cup). It may be quite a pair of ‘ifs’ but if he can regain his old form and if he is fit enough on his seasonal bow then despite being handed top weight here I think Victorie De Lyphar can go close. 28/1 is most deffo value to my eye, as old boy ‘Dandy’ Nicholls has so often in the past rejuvenated such an animal, and he appeals as an each-way wager here. Good luck all.
The 3.15 seems to be a popular race so, after studying the race for 3 minutes I'll plump for Docofthebay. Nae money doon though - done with punting for a while, in fact probably until the Cheltenham open meeting
Happy St George's Day one and all. Go slay a dragon and then mutter something about other religions. Proud.
I always celebrated St George's day when I was younger as it was also my Grandad's birthday - he would have been 103 today. It really ought to ba a public holiday. Germany has their reunification day, the French have Bastille day. Seems to be highly "un-PC" to be proud to be English these days, which shows you just how ridiculous things have become.
It's Monday It's Windsor It's Richard Hannon 5.25 Lucky Suit (NAP) 6.25 Al Mahmeyah (E/W) - crying out for further than 6F
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' Have a Good one and all Shropshire for me in the 3.15 seen as everybody seems to be having ago stay frosty
Only 5 line up tomorrow so very happy with the 14s I took the other day. He only has to beat 2 home now for a profit and I'll be very surprised if he doesn't do that at least.
Morning chaps, hope we are all well after the weekend... Not looked at any cards yet but the 3.15 seem to be drawing much attention... oh, and its great to be English... but just don't shout it out... Back in a bit...
They're forecasting heavy going all week at Punchestown. 13mm of rain yesterday and much more to come over the next few days. Should make it a cake-walk for the Fly.
Morning All. Let's see if we can't cover the field in the 3.15. Crown Choice looks rather too big at 28/1.
