LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION LINE RESULTS

Wednesday 23rd July 2008 - Well done Bangor
No bets yesterday or today. After having a busy time last week it's gone very quiet but no point betting when there is no value about. Michael Bell reported on ATR that REDFORD is in excellent shape ahead of Saturday's race at Ascot. He isn't worried about good to firm ground even though the horse has been beaten both times he has raced on it. Mr Bell said that on debut he ran very green & at Royal Ascot he hit the front far too soon but travelled very well. I would expect Redford to drift a little as punters (should Ascot stay dry / forecasts vary) will see 2 fast ground defeats and oppose him. If that does happen, great, as I'll back him again granted a decent draw. Ideally that draw would have some guarenteed pace around him. As a hold up horse, who does ziltch in front, he's going to need a good lead to the furlong pole or even later. I made a trip to BANGOR RACES last night> It really is a lovely track nowadays with some good facilities for the public - providing it's a dry day of course as there is no stand. The ground was in excellent shape & they should be congratulated on providing such a good surface for summer jumping & on a very warm day.

Monday 21st July 2008 - Venetia reports the horses to be very well
No bets today. Venetia rang yesterday to let me know how the horses were getting on. Theatre Diva and Dansimar are both in great form and will be coming back into the yard this week. Oscar Jack was already back in work as he'll need a longer preparation due to the length of time he has been off. Thankfully he seems in good shape now after 18 months off due to a pulled stifle ligament & a cracked cannon bone. I hope he can repay the owners as they have shown great patience.

Sunday 20th July 2008 - Not a good Saturday
No bets today (Sunday) but we had 3 yesterday with no winning luck. I detailed on the daily message that it was a very hard day, stakes kept very low, lets go for some value prices. However I wished I hadn't as it undid a small portion of the previous two weeks good work. That'spunting, you can't win every day. Bahamian Babe 8/1 ran very well (4th) to be beaten less than a length in a massive Super Sprint field. Lord Of The Reins 12/1 was taken off his feet in the 5f Newmarket sprint - the winner won in a time just outside of the course record - our lad finished 8th beaten about 3L. Last up was Johnny Ebeneezer (5/1) in the Lingfield 6f handicap. He was my main fancy of the day but came 2nd. The young 7lb claimer on top may have been caught napping by the winner as he got first run from the 2f marker. No point moaning about that however as I knew he was inexperienced before placing the bet.

Friday 18th July 2008 - A tough decision for Joe in 20 years
No bets today as the racing looked really trappy. Last night I went down to the local cricket club as there was a junior game taking place with some good county players on show. One of my friends (Dave) had to give his 13yo son (Joe) out LBW, it was plumb. As Joe trudged off, clearly very unhappy with his dad, one wag shouted " Don't worry son, you can decide which old peoples home he goes to in 20 years, so head up".

Thursday 17th July 2008 - Persian Sea lands a huge punt at Doncaster
Three bets today. First up, to small stakes, was NEVER WITHOUT ME 16/1 ew in a 6f sprint at Leicester. He broke well, was always pressing the leaders, finished 3rd. A good start to the day, SP 20-1. Next up was Queen of Thebes 11/4. This was a huge disappointment as her race was over before she started. She was first into the stalls but reared up & got her legs over the top of the metalwork. Only some good work by the always alert stall handlers stopped it being a really nasty incident. She broke well enough but was hanging badly after just a furlong. Jockey William Buick was easy on her from 3 out & eventually pulled her up. That run can be forgotten & hopefully she is Ok. Our last bet was a very strong bet on PERSIAN SEA 15/8 (SP 6/5) who was making her handicap debut over 7f. She looked to be an improver & on a decent mark, others agreed as she was heavily backed. Phillip Robinson set a steady pace up front before quickening rapidly just under three furlongs from home. That left the rest of the field with a mountain to climb, they were caught napping, an excellent ride. Persian Sea won very cosily but will seldom get an easier lead or be allowed to dictate a pace so readily. An excellent day.

Wednesday 16th July 2008 - ASTURIENNE our new 4yo filly
This weekend I'll be advertising our new 4yo filly called ASTURIENNE in the Racing Post. She is a half sister to LOUGH DERG and from the family of LA LANDIERE, so she is clearly very well bred. Having spoken with Alan King this morning I can let you know that she is doing very nicely & the trainer is happy with her. Asturienne has been broken & is now cantering up Sharp Ridge gallop in company with other new arrivals to the yard. Alan says she shows a good attitude to her work, moves well & he's very pleased with what she is showing him so far. I'm delighted with that progress report, it sounds very promising. There were no bets today.

Tuesday 15th July 2008 - Hayley on Redford ?
No bets today. On ATR today trainer Michael Bell did an interesting interview. He was talking about Redford & plans for the Ascot handicap on 26th July. Due to his light weight it's likely Hayley Turner will ride and not Jamie Spencer. As she has won on him before, at Doncaster, that shouldn't be a disadvantage. He trades at 9/2 with all bookmakers now pricing up the race. The early 8-1 looked fine but 9/2 looks a bit short to me. Consequently I think he'll drift a little bit come the day particulary if the ground is good to firm. Quicker ground doesn't worry me but he has been impressive with cut.

Monday 14th July 2008 - Skybet a loser today
One bet today to very small stakes, Ice Tea 7/1, in the 3m2f chase. After travelling well it made mistakes on the 2nd circuit, faded on the last circuit, then he was pulled up with 5 to jump. The ground did seem to be riding slower than the advertised, and required, good but that would be a lame excuse for the display. We were right to take on a bad favourite (drifted 9/4 to 7/2) but sadly I picked the wrong one to beat him. I had to laugh early this morning when SKYBET refused to take my bet on Ice Tea. Knowing they aren't the bravest I asked for a small wager of £80 at 8/1 but after a referal I was offered £25 at 8's. Pathetic isn't it; and a perfect example to illustrate why punters use the exchanges in preference to bookmakers. Thank you Skybet, you saved me £55.

Sunday 13th July 2008 - Balakiref wins by a short head 4/1
Things went our way today in a tight photograph in the 6f Haydock sprint. BALAKIREF 4/1 (SP 7/2), under an excellent ride from Tom Eaves, came from behind to grab the prize in the shadow of the post. Coming into the race his form looked poor but a combination of a good handicap mark & heavy ground (7 runs on heavy, once out the frame, two wins, therefore a very good ratio of success) gave cause for optimism. He had also shown signs of a return to form last time too, so that added to the mix. Tom Eaves carried one pound overweight and at one stage that looked likely to be vital but, fortunately, the game 9yo got up to win. Balakiref could win again on similar ground & maybe over another furlong. There were no other bets. It's been a good week !

Saturday 12th July 2008 - Zommerlust 7/2 keeps up the winning flow
Bets in 3 races today and things started off well with ZOMMERLUST 7/2 (SP 4's) winning under a powerful ride by Robert Winston. The horse had previously been 8th at Newcastle but had run better than his final position. He had been drawn on the wrong side & won his group cosily that day. Next up was Pressing 6/1 > 7/2. In a field of 7 we were right to take on the top two in the betting (Cesare & Ramonti) as they didn't figure. However Pressing (4th) used tactics that surprised. He was dropping back to a mile, had previously been ridden prominently in his races, his last win came over 1m2f on soft, yet he was held up off a slow pace here. Maybe there was a good reason to be five lengths off the lead turning for home, the winner was handily placed turning in and never looked like being caught once he flew. On last bet, backing two heavy ground horses against the field, came in the John Smiths Cup. Ezdiyadd 6/1 came 3rd but had he actually helped his jockey he would surely have hosed up. The horse was edgy before the race, didn't settle in the first half mile and then, despite running on well, gave the impression he had bundles left in the tank. His head carraige wasn't great - frustrating times ! Heaven Knows 9/1 ran unplaced. It was another winning day but it could have been better.
The mere mention of HALA BEK brings me out in palpertations & heavy sweating. Long term clients will recall our 50/1 ante post bet for The Derby going up in flames on the big day. He was just about to make the race his when something caused him to swerve. He got unbalanced & finished 4th, we didn't even get the place money. It was an incredible last 100 yards of the race & took some getting over, victory at 50's was cruelly snatched away. Therefore it was interesting to see him back on the track after 2yrs off at Nottingham the other night. I haven't seen the race but he won by 7 lengths, so that's a remarkable piece of training as he's had all sorts of problems.

Friday 11th July 2008 - Carnolan 7/2 & Relative Order 20/1 keep up the run
A decent day with 5 bets, two winning efforts, so we showed a small but reasonable profit. The thing to take out of the first two days at Newmarket was that those leading or pressing for the lead did best. Hold up horses were not favoured as they struggled, in the vast majority of cases, to make up ground. It was therefore a surprise to see some fancied mounts ridden with exaggerated waiting tactics.
Ryan Moore's ride on Lovelace actually managed to get a reaction from the normally placid Jim 'Timeform' McGrath. He said Ryan Moore was guilty of some 'shocking rides recently' and that included a fast finishing 2nd on Lovelace & a poor effort on Lang Shining. I wrote a few weeks ago that jockeys don't watch (or probably don't have the time to watch) how races at a 3 or 4 day festival work out. Patterns do develop and it's a shame when jockeys don't react to these patterns as they miss opportunities to increase their chance. This could be taking favoured ground or just knowing how each race is likely to be run ...with Newmarket today being a prime example.
Jockeys have an incredibly hard job, they are a fantastic bunch of people, so do they get the attention they deserve. They must be one of the few groups of sportmen that do not have a coach to help on a daily basis. They just get trainers orders but are the trainers better informed than the jockeys, do they follow the form book 100%, have they watched the patterns ? Therefore would a jockey be better prepared if he had someone walking the track on their behalf, to assist with the form for each race, work out how a race would be run, is there any pace, what horses are likely to challenge late etc ? You decide for yourselves but I know what I think.
Our day started with RELATIVE ORDER 20/1 ew who came 3rd. He ran a blinder in the circumstancies (held up mid div, found a bit of trouble with 2 to run) so we shall stick with him for the future. John Best's horses can be over priced !The winner, Duntulm, looks well handicapped. To a minimum stake we also backed Summon Up Theblood in the same race, whilst this 20/1 shot ran Ok he was unplaced. Next up was Zaahid 5/1 but that bet was probably a mistake on my part due to his draw. He never looked a likely winner from stall 1. CARNOLAN 7/2 (SP 4's) hosed up at Ascot in, what looked, a tight knit 3yo handicap. He won 5 lengths so the handicapper may force him into pattern company. That's a shame as his mark may be blown. Also watch out for the 3rd home Roaming Forte who was unfavoured by the ground being from the family of Zafonic. It was his first run for ages and he'll be sharper next time on faster terrain. Last bet of the day was Cool Judgement 11/4. He was backed into 13/8 but despite being given an excellent positive ride he couldn't catch all the way leader Profits Reality. The winner was ridden by Darryll Holland who also gave the Bunbury Cup winner, Little White Lie, an excellent front running ride. If ever a rider was suited by the way this track rode it was D.Holland. There is no better judge of pace from the front.

Thursday 10th July 2008 - Generous Thought wins 7/2 at Newmarket & Redford prices
Four bets, one winner, some frustration but a small profit made. The day started with frustration as Lazy Days (10/1 > 7/1) was asked an impossible question by Jamie Spencer, the horse being dropped out miles off the pace. Even if it doesn't affect a result I'll never work out why any jockey wants to give away 10 lengths that easily from the stalls. It looks great when a horse swoops from last to first but how often does that happen, particulary in tightly contested handicaps like today. Next up was Paris Bell ( 7/2 > 2/1) who fell out of the stalls at Warwick, he was always playing catch up & eventually not beaten far in 4th. That's a shame as the ground was right for him & he's on a good mark. GENEROUS THOUGHT 7/2 (SP 4's) was impressive under Robert Winston, stepping up to a mile on this slower ground suited. This win was not out of turn as he'd been given far to much to do by another jockey ( guess who ?) earlier in the season. If he stays in handicap company he is one to follow, however the trainer was talking of Group races for him post race. Lastly we had Sundae (11/2) in the sprint. He ran very poorly finishing last after travelling well until 2 out. It's a shame to see him run like that as he was a good progressive horse last season. At least we made a profit again today but it was hard work. & not without it's stresses. Before going on holiday I suggested backing REDFORD for the Totesport International on July 26th as soon as prices were out. They were published whilst I was in Vegas so I missed the 8-1 but did get some 6's. He now trades at 9/2 Tote and 4/1 Bet365. I'm glad plenty of you got the 8's as he still looks very well handicapped after just a 6lb rise for his Newcastle win.

Wednesday 9th July 2008 - Red Dune 2/1 wins & an audience with the Pope
Back to work today after 4 nights in Las Vegas so it was good to bang in a winner with a strong bet on RED DUNE 2/1 (SP 11-8) at Newmarket. She never looked in danger, leading from the break, to win cosily under Philip Robinson. I thought the drop back to 7f would suit but she may be even better over 6f as she has speed to burn on this evidence. Our other bets were to very small stakes ( the draw is a potential nightmare at Newmarket) were SPITFIRE 16-1 ew, who ran a blinder to come 2nd, and Good Gorsoon 12/1 ew, who looked to dislike the rain softened ground.
LAS VEGAS was excellent but quite tiring as nothing seems to shut down .. plus with it being 112 degrees a relaxing laze in the sun leaves you crispy fried. There are no clocks so you've no idea what the time is, once you get chatting it can be 4am before you know it. I didn't gamble in Vegas as I've no interest in machines or cards but plenty do get engrossed. Those who gamble get unlimited free beer delivered to the table. Consequently there are loads of quite tipsy punters throwing hundreds of dollars into machines or onto the poker tables. Clearly this isn't a good combo unless you own the hotel so they aren't being that generous. Many regular punters get accomodation free as the hotel know they will more than break even due to large losses incurred on the tables. The portions of food served can look daunting when you fancy just a quick snack. It was amazing to see one chap eat a huge breakfast called ' The Full Works ' as it took two waiters to deliver this 9am feast to a clearly very hungry man. There was so much cholesterol on the plate it must be doubtful the big fella chomping his way through this meal lived until the end of the day. It looked a struggle for him just to get up out of the chair.
It really is a full on city so four nights was enough for me & my travelling companion Paul. There was never a dull moment & the big fight we had came to see certainly didn't disappoint the experts. I would include Paul in this expert bracket as he has black belts in loads of various martial arts. In fact he has so many belts his trousers will never ever be able to fall down. We both thought the UFC show was excellent with the brave Forrest Griffin beating the fearsome Quinten 'Rampage' Jackson on points to become the new World Champion after 5 very tough & bruising 5 minute rounds.
About two hours after the show Paul & I were having a beer in one of the many busy Mandalay Bay hotel bars. We couldn't believe our eyes when we thought RAMPAGE JACKSON sat down on the next table. As nobody else seemed to spot this American superstar maybe we mistaken ? The press say Rampage Jackson is a decent guy but he didn't get his nickname by always being a tame pussycat. He's a bit like Mike Tyson in appearance & terrifying in the ring with knockout power in either hand. So it was with a large degree of fear we walked over and said ' Hello - are you Mr Rampage '. It was indeed the great man and thankfully he gave us a big smile. Rampage couldn't believe we had travelled from the UK just to see his fight, nor that we wanted to meet him after he had lost his world title. He explained that the American crowds can be very fickle after a fighter has lost. Rampage was superb company, very funny, and insisted we have a beer with him. If you were a catholic it would have been akin to a private audience with the Pope in the Vatican. Great memories.

Wednesday 2nd July 2008 - Dr John at the British Open & Las Vegas
No bets for us today but Dr John Studley-Evans (fresh from his NAP bet on Spain) has come forth with 3 value selections for the British Open Golf starting 17th July. They are Andres Romero, Sean O'Hair and Boo Weekley. Available at 45's, 250's and 140's on Betfair as this is typed I've had to follow the Doc in with £10 on each. That's mainly so I can yell " Go on Boooooo - In the hole" every time he takes a tee shot. Why do golfing fans in the USA shout that one out, have you ever seen a tee shot holed on a par 5 ! I'm going on holiday tonight to Las Vegas so maybe I'll ask somebody.
The purpose of the trip is to see UFC 86 where Forrest Griffin fights Quinten 'Rampage' Jackson. It's going to be superb as both are top class fighters & very exciting to watch. UFC is a massive sport in the States with the major contestants being superstars. It's just starting to get huge over here with 20,000 stadiums sold out to watch the big names from the US and UK. Our top man is Michael Bisping who is an awesome middleweight from the north west. The other big sporting event this weekend is a slightly more laid back occasion. It's the Las Vegas Classic Darts tournament. I'll be taking in few sessions hoping to see two time World Champion Dennis Priestley do really well. Dennis has been racing with us a few times and is a good friend of Let's Live. It's good to see him back on track after some recent nasty health problems. So that Sky can show the darts live at 7pm UK time it starts 11am USA time. This does give some players a problem as it's well known they like a couple of drinks to calm the nerves before going on stage. Breakfast order must be interseting, maybe something like cornflakes with a pint of lager please.

Tuesday 1st July 2008 - Never again at Brighton
Two bets today to small stakes. I'd had trouble remembering the last time I had a bet a Brighton, today reminded me why it's a track to avoid in the future. Hendersyde 4/1 > 11/4 seemed to hate running downhill on bone hard ground and who can blame him. He, like the rest of the field, rolled around in the last half mile which didn't make good viewing with one horse breaking down. He came 3rd. Our other bet was Reddy Ronnie at Thirsk, each way at 12-1. Thanks to a NR at the head of the market he went off 11/2, well supported. Ronnie ran well but would probably be served better by a track where early pace isn't so important like Pontefract or Carlisle. He got tapped for toe early, was bustled up to the leading group, was 2nd with 100yds to run, came 5th. Bother !

Monday 30th June 2008 - The good run continues with a 6/1 winner
Only one bet today, to small stakes, on a 6/1 winner. I was impressed with the manner of the win so Info Line callers will keep that one on side next time. SPAIN won the European Football Championships last night with an impressive performance against the German's. The 1-0 scoreline didn't do their superiority justice as the German's didn't really have a kick, they were pretty average & negative. I watched the game in the local pub with some mates. One of which, Dr John Studley-Evans, is a social but very canny golf & football punter. He had been very bullish about Spain winning the tournament & backed them to win a few quid. Therefore despite England not being in Austria ( what a shambles that was Mr McClaren) we had a team to support to keep the interest levels up. It was good to see him collect a decent pay out. Dr John is currently assessing the form for the British Open Golf which starts at Birkdale on the 17th July. We await his next NAP with anticipation.

Sunday 29th June 2008 - Surface To Air wins Summer National at 9/1
A good weekend was completed today when SURFACE TO AIR won the Summer National at Uttoxeter. Back on 23rd May, when we backed him when winning at Stratford over 3m4f, the diary entry suggested this race was an ideal target so we had to follow him accordngly.
The 9's freely available on the exchanges at message time looked to be generous given potential improvement over this 4m 1f marathon trip. Despite drifting to 10-1 (SP) he jumped well & took it up 3 out before powering clear to win by 13 lengths under Noel Fehily. He is a most progressive stayer and considering this was just the 7yo's 4th start over fences he can still improve again. Another big prize can come his way. Our other bet to a smaller stake, Balnagore, 11/4 > 7/4 ran poorly at Salisbury. I thought he had run promisingly last time but that judgement, despite him being heavily backed today, was wide of the mark.

Saturday 28th June 2008 - Redford 5/2 wins despite finding all sorts of trouble
Three bets today which showed a good profit. Highland Legacy 6/1 had a good draw in the 2m handicap but found all sorts of trouble. Disappointing ride & run. Boy Blue 16-1 ran well enough until fading with a furlong to run. REDFORD 5/2 was a large stake bet & hosed up under Jamie Spencer but it wasn't all plain sailing. Taken sharp left from the stalls Redford was cantering all the way but was also steered behind a wall of horses. A furlong from home he had to turn sharp right to find some racing room, he was totally boxed in. Fortunately the horse had bundles up his sleeve & got us all out of trouble. A heart stopping moment for sure. Redford now heads to Ascot for the Tote International 7f sprint. He will have a major chance but can't find trouble like that in, what wil be, a classy event.

Friday 27th June 2008 - A boring Friday bar the weather
No bets today despite there being 6 meetings. When there is so much racing it tends to have me going round in circles, there is too much form to look at some days. There were a couple of possible bets but the prices had been cut (more exchange nibblers at big prices in the early hours) so I sat still. Tomorrow looks likely to be busy as long as the ground & prices are right. The weather forecasters got it wrong again at Newcastle. The course clerk reported, at 11am this morning on ATR, that the Met Office said showers until 2pm, then that's it for the weekend. The " ground might dry up" said the clerk. However it's hosed down since 6pm, the ground is now soft going into the 8.55pm race.

Thursday 26th June 2008 - Fiona's going stick
Two bets today but no luck. I'm getting the Michael Jarvis yard badly wrong this year which is annoying as they have been a constant source of sucess in the past. He is a brilliant trainer. Today Ghaidaa ran below expectation at Newcastle, he never picked up a leg. The other bet, Seamus Shindig, ran well in the 5f sprint but had no chance (hindsight) due to the track. It was riding very quick at Warwick, course records were broken, and it proved almost impossible to get past the leaders. As a hold up horse he should have stayed stayed at home. The clerk at Warwick, Fiona Needham, said it was decent good to firm ground but times say different. Fiona's going stick strikes again.

Wednesday 25th June 2008 - Draw bias at Ascot
No bets today. An article by Tom Segal in the Weekender has made me reflect a bit. Was I right in stating there was no draw bias on the straight track at Ascot ? On reflection it looks like there was a negatibe bias. Not for those drawn low or high but, probably, for those drawn down the middle. One interesting thing Segal says is that, in the Wokingham, of those horses drawn in stalls 10 to 19 Lipocco (draw 11) was first home in 11th place. Then 8 of the last 13 home were drawn bewteen 12 & 19. He also mentions other middle draw examples that give backing to his theory. It was an illuminating piece and one I'll be remembering for future meetings at Ascot.

Tuesday 24th June 2008 - A busy weekend brewing
No bets Monday or today but we could be very busy this weekend. I've had a quick look through the decs & there are several likely looking types providing the ground is right.

Sunday 22nd June 2008 - Royal Ascot reflections
No bets today so we have some space for a few Royal Ascot reflections. JEREMY NOSEDA went into the meeting with high hopes based on a TV interview recorded just two days before the meeting. His horses were reportedly in top form, yard confidence was high. After day 1, and a few defeats, he pulled all his other runners out due to a bug in the yard. Sadly fortunes can change quickly in racing. AIDAN O'BRIEN & JOHNNY MURTAGH had a fantastic week, both on absolute top form. THE GROUND was like a road all through the meeting. The clerk had a difficult job due to the rain not coming as predicted but Ascot's drainage appears to be too good. At the showpiece meeting we need decent ground and not the M4 to race on. WEATHER FORECASTERS are generally abysmal at their job. Some serious rainfall was forecast each day this week at Ascot yet they only received a few spits. It made punting harder than anticipatedJOHN KETTLEY. Why do Ascot & Cheltenham employ this guy to prepare bespoke forecasts when he continues to get so many badly wrong. If he says it's going to be sunny, take an umbrella. DRAW BIAS. After the Hunt Cup some pundits on TV said it looked like anything drawn higher than 8 had no chance on the straight course. This was totally inaccurate as later results proved, well done the course executive. THE ROUND COURSE definately favoured front runners. Ryan Moore (Sugar Ray) and Frankie Dettori (Camponologist) were briliant in riding the others to sleep with front running tactics. REDFORD was my big hope for the meeting but the fast ground may have scuppered his chances. However, after watching the tape a few times, there is another theory. He travelled so well, cruised into the lead, that maybe a stiff 6f would be up his street. That's where I'd go with him next time granted some cut in the ground. PACEMAKERS need to be dealt with in a tough manner as they give an unfair advantage to those who can afford to run complete no hopers in championship races. If you're running a horse to solely set the right tempo for a stable companion then you can't be doing your best for your own chances. The authorities need to step up to the plate & do something about it. TEAM TACTICS see above re pacemakers. RESERVES As an owner these are welcome as it gives a better chance of getting a run in a valuable contest. However for punters they could be a nightmare. It won't be long before we have a big field handicap won by a reserve who didn't appear in the early morning Pricewise table. That's not fair on punters. It was great to see JOHN BEST really go to town with the cheering & dancing celebration as Kingsgate Native won the Golden Jubilee. We have plenty of drab days when a fancied one gets beat so why not show some emotion when you win a big one. That was great TV.

Saturday 21st June 2008 - A poor end to the week
Our punting this week has been a mixed bag but we kept our heads in front due to a low grade handcapper at Ripon to round off a good Wednesday. Thank you San Antonio. I had hoped to finish off the week in good style but failed. There were no excuses today, no Docofthebay or Halicarnassus rides to whinge about, just poor selections. Sakees Secret 5/1 seemed to hate the ground, Lipocco 12/1 ran OK but faded at the finish, Proponent 8/1 also ran Ok but tired in the last furlong whilst Vive Les Rouges 16/1 ran poorly. Fortunately our stakes were low due the prices & tough racing. A poor effort on my part today, a bad day at the office.

Friday 20th June 2008 - Patkai an impressive 13/8 winner at Ascot
We managed to make a profit today thanks to PATKAI 13/8 winning impressively under Ryan Moore, he looks a Leger winner in waiting. Our other bets were on huge priced runners, all each way. Prince of Light 66-1 & Giganticus 22-1 ( both unplaced in Buckingham Palace ) with Halicarnassus at 25-1 in the Wolferton. His SP was 8's thanks to 2 NR's and some heavy support. Going into the race I was really confident of a big run from this one and, given the circumstancies, thought he ran a blinder to come 5th. He was hampered leaving the stalls but then his rider made no effort to get competitive until turning for home. He was at least 10 lengths off the pace with 2 furlongs to run & yet only got beat by under 2 lengths. I do wonder if some jockeys actually bother to watch the pattern of racing at a 3,4 or 5 day Festival meeting. The week has shown that unless you've got bundles in hand it's been very hard to come from behind on the round course. Front runners or prominently ridden horses have held sway. It therefore defies logic when a jockey allows himself to be virtually tailed off with just 2 furlongs to run unless there is a very good reason. There wasn't on this occasion.

Thursday 19th June 2008 - San Antonio 7/1 & a super day at Ascot
Three staked bets today & several snippets for Royal Ascot. NEVER WITHOUT ME 11's e/w ran an excellent 2nd in the Ripon 5f sprint - the winner, Wotashirtfull, could be one to follow. SAN ANTONIO win bet 7/1 won nicely at Ripon. I backed him last time out (see entry 3rd June) when he failed to stay but back over a mile he held on well under Micky Fenton. SP 8-1. REDFORD was unplaced but that tells only half the story. He cruised into the lead with 2 furlongs to run (traded at evens on Betfair) but then when asked to quicken he either found the ground too fast or, even worse, may have broken down. Certainly a furlong out he took several false strides & was eased down by Jamie Spencer. The forecast rain didn't materialise so the ground was quick enough. No doubt the press will report back so I'll update the blog with any news. I really hope he just wouldn't let himself down, he is a serious tool. The snippets were SOUTH CENTRAL won 11/4, GEORDIELAND e/w 10-1 2nd, Kensington Oval 11/2 Unplaced, STAYING ON e/w 16/1 2nd and COLONY won 11/2. Despite Redford, my big hope for the week, getting stuffed it's been a really good day.

Wednesday 18th June 2008 - Docofthebay 2nd 12-1 e/w but should he have won ?
The seemingly thrown in Bankable was well stuffed today in the Royal Hunt Cup. Maybe it was the draw, maybe he was allowed to drift too far off the nearside pace, who knows? Our each way selection Docofthebay, at 12-1, led two out until 100 yards from the finish getting touched off by a neck. Annoying as that's another crossbar we hit. Shane Kelly, perhaps, should have held on to him longer. If he had then maybe he would have won, the horse is a tricky customer. I did also suggest a minimal bet on Overturn at 33-1, but he once again ran as if 10f would help. The worrying thing is that the highest stall in the Hunt Cup frame was 6. Redford is drawn 27 tomorrow in the Brittannia. Hopefully I'm not panicking on limited evidence as no horse has gone far side yet. Also Phillip Robinson said, on ATR, that the ground is faster over there. If it rains (forecast 5mm) then the rain will get further into the cut up near side ground.

Tuesday 17th June 2008 - Some crossbars hit at Ascot
Stakes were kept to a minimum today as I wanted to see if there was any draw bias - the evidence was inconclusive. I did back Fleeting Spirit 3rd 9/4, Himalya 4th 5/1 & Liberate 3rd 11/2. All hit the crossbar. The latter was beaten a short head & a head, a gallant effort from him. If there had been more pace early in the race, to utilise his stamina even more, he may well have won. Not a winning day but no real damage done. There are better opportunities later in the week.

Monday 16th June 2008 - Royal Ascot plans
No bets today. Throughout RA I'll be putting on a 8.30am message - but not until Wednesday. Ideally it would be good to assess the ground on Tuesday before we really dip our toe in the water. Ascot seems to have missed plenty of the forecast rain, they say it's good to firm, but it can ride differently. We shall also try to work out if there is any drawe bias. Premio Loco is out of the meeting as he didn't work that great last week according to the trainers website. Fortunately quite a few other horses in my notebook are still lively contenders. Hopefully we shall have a good meeting.

Sunday 15th June 2008 - A quiet weekend
There were no bets on Friday 13th or today.

Saturday 14th June 2008 - Lindoro 2nd at Sandown
Today's betting revolved around one race at Sandown where Lindoro & Adversity were both thought to be ahead of the handicapper. With Lindoro at 7/1 and Advertsity 5/4 it was a no brainer what to back - Lindoro - but we did have a saver on Adversity. The race went all wrong however, so both horses got beat. Lindoro fell out the stalls & was then held up last, off a meduim pace. He was given too much to do & did really well to get 2nd. Adversity was in a good position with 2 to run but then found various doors closed on him & he got murdered in running. Ryan Moore had no other option but to accept the situation.

Thursday 12th June 2008 - Exchange frustration
There were 3 horses I wanted to back today but didn't because the price contracted heavily overnight on the main betting exchange. Two of them,Ghaidaa & Capucci, won which was frustrating. As discussed on today's message the exchanges are a free market, so we cannot complain too hard, but those taking £5 at decent odds usually alert the larger masses of a generous price. Capucci was laid at 11/2 for peanuts, it won at 15/8. Ghaidda was evens but won at 1/2.

Wednesday 11th June 2008 - Redford goes up 6lbs
No bets yesterday or today. REDFORD was raised 6lbs for his neck win on Saturday. Whilst this is a couple of pounds more than anticipated it should be within his compass, for Ascot on Thursday, given the amount of benefit he'll get from Doncaster. My worry now is the price as he seems to be getting loads of publicity in the papers, maybe the bookies will cover themselves a little. At Donnie he beat 10 3yo's who had won a race within their last two starts. Therefore it was a strong competitive race full of lively types. He is potential quality! Moving away from Redford there are several other handicappers that will be of interest. Hopefully the ground on Friday will be quick as Premio Loco is a fancy for the Buckingham Palace Stakes. The rain came at the wrong time for him at Newmarket & the impression left was that it was a tune up for bigger pots with the 6f being inadequate. His trainer, Chris Wall, is top class with handicappers, he improves them steadily. I'll be waiting to see what draw Loco gets & what the price is.

Monday 9th June 2008 - Royal Ascot only a week away
ROYAL ASCOT will be upon us next week so we are assured of some top quality racing & plenty of betting opportunity. Hopefully the horses circled in my notebook will prove to be the right choices, given they are value, but ground will be crucial to many of them. The current forecast is predicting some showers up to this weekend but unless it rains hard the ground will probably be quite quick on the straight track. If the course has to water I'll be playing pretty safe over the first few races to see how the draw is working out. It should be an exciting week. No bets yesterday but one today, to a low to meduim size stake, which ran unplaced.

Saturday 7th June 2008 - Redford wins at 8/1 under Hayley Turner
No bets yesterday but one bet today REDFORD who won at 8/1 under Hayley Turner. I stupidly thought he would be the subject of a big gamble, such is his reputation, so advised taking 5/1 this morning. However he drifted badly after trainer Michael Bell said, on ATR, that he was a big gross horse who might just need the run. He was absolutely correct as Redford appeared to blow up & idle after travelling strongly (pullied hard early) into the race a furlong from home. I'm convinced this horse is the real deal and, due to only winning a neck today, the handicapper can't do much to his mark. Redford can win the Brittania at Royal Ascot, 19th June, before moving into Group class. I hope Hayley keeps the ride as she is a strong, quality rider, who keeps it simple.

Thursday 5th June 2008 - Overturn needs a step up in trip
Two bets today at Sandown. OVERTURN 6/1 ran really well to be a close 4th over a mile. Whilst not winning he showed a really good attitude, battled hard, but will surely benefit from a step up to 10 furlongs. He can win soon as he'll come on for the run as well. Our other bet, Zowington 5/1, fell out the stalls in the 5f sprint. Game over straight away & very disappointing as he had a plum draw.

Wednesday 4th June 2008 - A new horse for Let's Live Racing
We have secured our first new horse for 2008-9 season. She is a unnamed 4yo filly who went through the sale ring for £50,000 last week at Doncaster Sales. A beuatifully bred half sister to LOUGH DERG & from the same famile at LA LANDIERE she is 16.1 hands, athletic & with plenty of scope. Alan is thrilled with her. Full details of her pedigree can be found on the " Our Horses & Trainers " page. She is very exciting & will contest bumpers this season. The website has also been updated to show new profiles for all our trainers & horses. I hope you enjoy reading through. No bets today.

Tuesday 3rd June 2008 - Heavy ground in June - so much for global warming !
Two bets to near minimum stakes today but both ran unplaced. Disappointingly we gave back 15% of last nights winnings. The 33-1 shot ran like a 100-1 shot but clearly hated the ground. It's hard to believe only 13mm of rain can turn a track from good to heavy but that's what happened at Ripon. The other bet San Antonio (12-1) ran well enough but I got him wrong as I thought he would stay the 10f Ok. The race proved he only gets a mile but he showed plenty enough to remain interesting over 8f in a similar level contest sometime soon. He's on a winning mark.

Monday 2nd June 2008 - Hula Ballew 100/30 & Lindoro 4/1 do the double
Two bets today, both won to give us a huge profit on the day. HULA BALLEW 100/30 (SP 85-40) was back on her favourite Thirsk track. She had to battle hard but duly got up by a neck. LINDORO 4/1 (SP 3/1) was well ridden by Adam Kirby to thread his way through. He won cosily over this 7f and could be the type to follow up in similar company. We have been on a big winning run over the past few months but it's highly likely we will hit a sticky patch at some stage, so let's enjoy the good days while they last.

Sunday 1st June 2008 - Snoopy Loopy 2nd at Perth
A good run from Snoopy Loopy (7's > 4's) today but he was eventually beaten just under 2 lengths in a very competitive race at Perth. The race looked likely for the taking turning for home, he traded at 1.50 on the exchanges for good money, but he was worn down by Brooklyn Brownie. We only staked low, unlike yesterday, so it's been a decent weekend. ROYAL ASCOT is only two weeks away so I'll be formulating some plans for that meeting over the next few days. We may have some ante post action.

Saturday 31st May 2008 - Patkai 7/4 & Ben Chorley 4/1 both win
Three bets today with two winners thereby keeping the profitable run going. PATKAI 7/4 won easily under Ryan Moore, relishing every yard of the 1m4f on fast ground. Held up off a decent pace he quickened clear in fine style without coming under heavy pressure. He can win again if the handicapper doesn't go mad - SP was 6/5f. BEN CHORLEY 4/1 led all the way in the 1m handicap at Newbury. He finds plenty for pressure & is an improver so if we get similar conditions, with cut, he may be worth following. Tears Of A Clown 4/1 was held up off a slow gallop which was disappointing as his trainer has stated, on a few occasions, he wanted this step up to 1m4f. He was tapped for toe & finished 6th. I haven't lost total faith with him despite today's negative tactics by Richard Hughes.

Friday 30th May 2008 - Daryal settles in with Gary Moore
No bets yesterday or today. Visited Gary Moore at his new yard in Lower Beeding this morning. Gary still has his yard in Brighton but come the late summer all 100 horses will be located at the new yard. The set up is very impressive with terrific gallops & a very peaceful feel to the place. We are delighted to have a horse with Gary as he is a top class dual purpose trainer. Gary thinks DARYAL will be fine to race again in the new year, so that's good news. The horse has settled in well, is eating well & has been fine to deal with. Over the next few months he'll be treated by Gary's vets & will then be turned out to recover fully.

Wednesday 28th May 2008 - Ollie gets a great send off
No bets today. I attended a surprise party for OLLIE McPHAIL on Sunday night held at the famous racing pub THE PLOUGH. The party was designed to commemorate Ollie's retirement from the saddle at the age of 31. It was great to see such a large turnout as it was well deserved, Ollie is one of the niciest guys you could meet. Ollie rode several winners for Let's Live Racing in our early days with his partnership with Mondul, a top juvenile hurdler, being the highlight. The wonderful atmosphere at The Plough hasn't changed over the years mainly thanks to landlord Craig who is nutty as a fruitcake. Only the dismal wet weather on Monday stopped him competiing in the annual cheese rolling meeting. That event was shown on the BBC news, it looked complete madness with people hurtling & somersaulting down a steep bank. How someone wasn't killed I'll never know. The winner was taken to hospital with a lower back injury.

Monday 26th May 2008 - Pricewise breaking the rules
No bets today. One thing that gets me hot under my collar is how the Racing Post portray the Pricewise column. Tom Segal is a fine tipster but the prices the paper claim for his winning bets can sometimes be laughable. On Saturday he selected Staying On - 14-1 with Stan James & Bet Direct. On Sunday we see a big headline saying " 14-1 winner for Pricewise". They forgot to add that the 14-1 was subject to a 20p rule 4 & that the two firms are now one united force who will probably duck a well backed horse if they have a standout price. Was 14's there for more than 5 minutes ? When placing an advert in the Post we are subject to strict advertising laws but the Post do not follow their own rules.

Sunday 25th May 2008 - One for the notebook
Two bets today, both to minimum stakes. Moustique De Lisle was backed each way at 16-1 (SP 13/2) but unfortunately came 4th, beaten a head for 3rd. The money looked significant but in truth he was never travelling & only got 4th due to some misfortune to other runners up the straight. The other bet was PREMIO LOCO 8/1 from the Chris Wall stable. Some late rainfall went against our chances ( race times indicated good to soft ground, not as advertised ) and he finished mid division, never really dangerous. However he showed plenty enough for me, under a tender ride, to jot his name down for the 7f Buckingham Palace H'cap at Royal Ascot. He needs fast ground to show his best.

Saturday 24th May 2008 - Staying On keps up the terrific run at 8/1
Four bets today with one winner, STAYING ON 8/1, showing a nice profit due to the staking plan. He was given a super front running ride by Adam Kirby & is a horse to follow as he was still a little green but very tough. Masaalek (2nd 4/1) can win of his current mark and so can Kal Berg (2nd, beaten a neck, 100-30). Tasder (11/1) ran unplaced but lost his action & finished looking sore.

Friday 23rd May 2008 - Surface To Air wins at 15/2
Our first bet of the week, SURFACE TO AIR, won very cosily tonight at 15/2. At mesage time he was only 5/1 but fortunately the big drift did not affect his chances. He looks a real stayer & an improving horse so maybe the Summer National might be a decent option for him. The step up to 4m could be an added bonus. The race will be most remembered for Ruby Walsh taking the wrong course on Gallik Dawn who would have been 2nd. Ruby didn't see the water jump half way up the straight so ended up jumping it. The result being a lengthy ban & disqualification. I'll never work out why tracks have water jumps, particularly half way up a run in, as they serve no purpose.

Thursday 22nd May 2008 - Daryal settles in with Gary Moore
Had a brief chat with GARY MOORE today about Daryal. Gary is happy with the way the horse has settled in and will now, therefore, start to treat his injury. It's not going to be a quick job, we shall not see him until the New Year, but hopefully the wait will be worth it. Daryal is still a young horse and has plenty of years in front of him. Once again no bets today. No point betting if the value isn't there.

Wednesday 21st May 2008 - Ayr abandoned in controversial circumstancies
No bets yesterday or today. After the recent ground fiasco at the AYR Scottish National meeting it was disappointing to see them mess up again today. The tracks first flat meeting was abandoned shortly after the published start time. On good to firm ground the jockeys found a large soft patch, just after the bend turning for home, which they deemed unsafe. I recall a large waterlogged patch that resembled a swimming pool being in the same area during the winter. I'm sure rumblings will go on for a while. Ayr is a hard track to get to, so I feel sorry for those travelling a long way, particulary owners who have costs to pay. Will the course reimburse them ? The other big question is why didn't this patch of ground get inspected earlier in the week, how can this be left until race day ?

Monday 19th May 2008 - Silencio settling in well
No bets today. One of SILENCIO'S owners, Zac Fortune, mailed me a large batch of photographs showing the horse arriving at his new home. It will be a few months before Silencio is properly mobile, he has a tendon injury to repair, but he is very comfortable & happy. Once back to fitness Silencio will get ridden but only as a hack so, hopefully, his legs will be able to cope Ok. He should make a super ride for an inexperienced rider as he doesn't pull or hang.

Sunday 18th May 2008 - Paktolos flatters to deceive
One bet today, Paktolos, who looked to be cruising with 3 furlongs to run at Market Rasen but found precious little when asked to quicken. On flat form he looked well handicapped but was disappointing on ground that should have suited.

Saturday 17th May 2008 - Ouzbeck wins on chase debut 2-1
Two bets today that gave us a decent profit. OUZBECK 2-1 hosed up on chase debut at Bangor under a confident Choc ride. He jumped very well and, if kept going, could win again over the summer. Our other bet Colony was backed from 5/2 into 6/4 but could only manage 3rd in a competitive race. I've not lost faith with him as the pace wasn't very quick & to be seen at his best he would want a real test at 1m2f. He stayed on nicely but was never going to get to the winner, maybe 1m4f would suit him better.

Friday 16th May 2008 - Marufo wins at Aintree at 28-1 (SP 20-1)
One bet today, MARUFO 28-1, who won cosily at Aintree under Stephen Craine. SP was 20-1. With form figures of F65-9 Marufo had to show improvement to figure but thanks to a combination of decent ground & a 3m trip saw him do just that. The run that highlighted some talent, to cause the notebook entry, was on hurdles debut. He fell 4 out at Warwick in a maiden but was cruising at the time. Only a small e/w bet was suggested but at 28's ( Tote & Hills ) the profit was considerable. Marufo, who completed a double for his very talented trainer HEATHER DALTON, looks an improver and is one to follow. Chasing may see him in an even better light.

Thursday 15th May 2008 - Gary Moore - a new trainer for Let's Live Racing
No bets today. SILENCIO has been retired due to persistent leg problems but thanks to the kindness of his owners he has been found a lovely new home. ZAC & SARAH FORTUNE have done loads of work behind the scenes to find him a recovery home for the next few months with a view to him being someone's hack when fit. He is moving to an Equestrian Centre in Essex on Friday to start the next chapter of his life. His temperament is perfect for a social rider to care for him. We shall miss Silencio as he was very tough, very genuine & won plenty of races. DARYAL is also starting a new chapter in his career. Sadly he picked up an injury on his last run for Alan so he will not run until the New Year. When we do see him on the track the trainer's name will have changed to GARY MOORE. We are delighted to start using Gary, based in Brighton, as he's an excellent dual purpose trainer we have long admired. Gary will take delivery of Daryal on Friday & we hope that when fit he will provide the yard with a winner or two.

Wednesday 14th May 2008 - Tastahil noted for the future
We had two bets today, both ran well, but both got beat. Tastahil (2nd 6/1 > SP 9/2) was hampered by the tactically astute slow early pace set by F.Dettori on eventual winner Folk Music. Our bet stayed on really well, looked like he might prevail at one stage, eventually beaten 3/4 length. He remains one to follow in a similar handicap, maybe over 1m4f. This form will turn out to be pretty strong as nothing, bar Tastahil, came from off the pace. Willing Weasel (4th 9/2 > SP 100/30) was cantering all over his rivals for most of the race but turning for home, in this 3m chase, the petrol tank started to empty & he appeared not to get the trip. I judged him wrongly as I thought he would enjoy 3m. Fortunately we didn't do much damage as ther staking was set low. The big eyecatcher was Collection who won a York handicap with real ease despite not getting a clear run, he looks miles ahead of his mark.

Tuesday 13th May 2008 - The wind down begins
All of the string are now being wound down in preparation for a well deserved summer break. We've now had our last runner, it's been hard work over a long period, but also very enjoyable & successful. The owners are already looking forward to the autumn as we have our best & most progressive team assembled. There will be additions to the string over the summer, Alan will be taking a new juvenile for us, and we will surely buy something else when opportunity arises. Exciting times. Like the horses I'll be taking a holiday or two in the off season. My better half, Gill, is a big tennis fan so a trip to Flushing Meadows for the US OPEN TENNIS is planned. I'm told it can hit nearly 40 degrees in New York at that time of year, so that's a worry as I can break out into a sweat sitting in a fridge. Some factor 35, a cold beer & a large hat will be required !
No bets today.

Monday 12th May 2008 - Valleyofthedolls fine today
No bets today. Delighted to hear friom Alan this morning that Valleyofthedolls was fine after her run. It's always a worry when running on fast ground but UTTOXETER did a good job as the turf had been well watered & there was a lovely covering of grass. The heat at Uttoxeter was tropical & you had to feel sorry for those working hard in those temperatures. We reviewed the race video in a glass fronted room which can only be described as the ultimate in sauna's. The poor girl serving the bubbly had suffered 7 races in that heat & looked like she would be going home on a stretcher due to dehydration. Owners are looked after well enough at Uttoxeter with 8 badges & the tidy owners room being handily placed adjacent to the Parade Ring. The roast beef rolls are top quality & well worth £4 bytheway. With the camper vans & funfair in the middle of the track a big screen should be available for granstand punters.

Sunday 11th May 2008 - Valleyofthedolls wins on debut at Uttoxeter 5/2 > 13/8
It has been a long wait to see her but VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS won on debut at Uttoxeter today under a typical power packed Choc Thornton drive. She was supported from 5/2 into 13/8, which is no surprise given her breeding & home work. Choc said the pace slowed about a mile from home which caused some traffic problems as the field bunched up. Therefore he decided to switch to the outside 3 furlongs from home & despite running very green she powered away to win impressively by two & half lengths. A super effort from both horse & rider. I really wouldn't swap Choc for anyone else, we are so lucky to have him on our side. The further they went the better she went, learning all the time. Owners IAN TAGG & JOHN McCARTHY were on hand to collect the trophy. We have so much to look forward to next autumn, she is very exciting. Alan will put her away now & we can dream about the future.

Saturday 10th May 2008 - Silver Suitor lands a hefty wager at Ascot
One of our notebook horses, SILVER SUITOR, won very nicely at Ascot today. Backing handicappers, with a near max stake, at cramped odds of 6/4 (13/8 Exch) isn't normally my cup of tea but he looked over priced with the step up to 2m expected to suit. He can't go up much for today so I'd expect him to win again. That was our only bet but a really nice profit made. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS runs at Uttoxeter tomorrow. She has been working nicely so we hope can run well. Alan's horses are never given a hard time on debut as it's vital they enjoy the job & want to come back. Therefore it's great to have Choc on top as he's certainly the man in form. It's been a long wait to get her to the track due to a cracked cannon bone & then a hamstring pull. At one stage Alan thought about turning her out but, thankfully, he kept going. It will be an exciting day for her owners, the beginning of a long journey.

Friday 9th May 2008 - Persian Sea runs well to get the e/w (SP 17-2)
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS has been declared to run on Sunday at Uttoxeter with Choc on top. It's been a long wait but we are excited about her finally getting to the track. Alan tells me she is working fine & is a good filly in the making. However who knows what we face with so many unraced & unexposed fillies in opposition. Hopefully she can be competitive & run a good race. The work watchers had been giving decent reports about Persian Sea (8's Done, 9's Corals) as she was working well. Maiden races are always difficult as you can't evaluate the oppostion but she ran with emmence promise to come 3rd. Our other bet Taikoo 4/1 drifted badly as he sweated up quite a bit. The dawdling pace in this 1m6f race wouldn't have suited either, he duly got tapped for toe at the business end. His jockey Steve Drowne is quickly becoming my man to avoid. Nothing against him, he's a fine jockey, but whenever he rides one of mine it goes wrong.

Thursday 8th May 2008 - Follow Adversity
No bets today due to the draw bias being against my particular fancies. One of those, Adversity, must go into notebooks. He was drawn 12 of 12 so basically had little chance before he got going. Switched to the inside he found the usual amount of Chester traffic before running on really well over this 7f. Watch out for him over a mile when drawn better. Fervent Prince, in the same race, was given a wonderful ride by John Egan. to come from a wide draw into 2nd. Nobody rides Chester better, he is a man to watch round there.

Wednesday 7th May 2008 - Highland Legacy 5th at Chester
Highland Legacy finished out the frame at Chester today under Jamie Spencer. Considering he traded at 1.51 in running on Betfair it was a bitter disappointment to come 5th to miss out on the each way part of our bet. Held up mid division he made his move turning for home but seemed all at sea on that tight turn when asked to quicken. Trainer, Michael Bell, blamed the ground however. He said, post race, the horse wanted proper soft ground to show his best. I've not lost faith with the horse so, maybe, the Northumberland Plate might be suitable should we get ground like last year when it was awful. We had 2 other double figure price bets, to minimum stakes, but they both finished out the frame. Not a great day at the office, that can happen betting at the bigger odds I prefer, but we live to fight back tomorrow.

Tuesday 6th May 2008 - Highland Legacy gets a good draw
No bets Monday or today. HIGHLAND LEGACY has got a plum draw tomorrow at Chester so we shall have no excuses, the ground looks to be fine too. I tend to have more on when the price is bigger, the value being greater, so I'm nervous but happy with everything so far. Roll on 2.45pm tomorrow. There are a few dangers as in all top handicaps but our lad is unexposed & definately ahead of his current mark. Thank heaven for miracles. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS does not have a ballot number this SUnday at Uttoxeter, we can run if we want to. She also has another entry at Towcester on Monday as back up.

Saturday 3rd May 2008 - One run too many for Kandjar
Kandjar Dallier jumped well today at Uttoxeter but, according to Choc, didn't have the same sparkle as earlier in the season. Both Alan & I thought it was worth running him in this valuable race as he was still in good form at home. The worry was that it was potentially too soon after a hard race at Bangor only 14 days prior. At the business end of the race, despite trying very hard, he was found wanting finishing 6th. We were weighted, on Bangor form, to finish level with Chickapekray but ended up a fair way behind that mare. Kandjar will now have a nice long rest & come back fresh for next season, he can still win races. Two bets today. Genki 7/1 ran well enough in a typically ultra competitive sprint to finih 8th in a big bunched finish whilst Prime Exhibit 7/2 was unluckly. He was boxed in, travelling super, two from home & couldn't get out. Steve Drowne (received 2 day ban) has to resort to barging tactics but he never got a clear run. The horse to take out of today's racing was Silver Suitor as he looks very progressive. Watch out for him later in May when he maybe steps up to 2m, he will be unexposed at that trip.

Friday 2nd May 2008 - Nice Try wins at Bangor 11/2
One bet today, NICE TRY 11/2, at Bangor. He jumped super under Aidan Coleman, poached a decisive lead turning for home, held on well to win. SP 4/1. Last time out he was running well at Aintree when BD at Bechers and,whilst he probably wouldn't have beaten the winner (Gwanako) , he showed enough for us to haver an interest here. KANDJAR DALLIER has been declared at Uttoxeter tomorrow, Choc rides. With 20k to the winner it's typically competitive but he's in good form at home & will no doubt give his usual bold show. We did not declare Valleyofthedolls as the ground will be horrible by the last race. There are quite a few opportunities from the 11th onwards, so we shall re-route.

Thursday 1st May 2008 - Highland Legacy stands his ground
Our Chester Cup bet HIGHLAND LEGACY stood his ground at the 5 day forfiet stage. He is guarenteed a run as he's 16th on the list and, in hindsight, could have not bothered getting the 3lb penalty. Better safe than sorry however. It's interesting to see Jamie Spencer now booked to ride, I'd assumed Neil Callan would get the leg up. There is no better rider in these big field handicaps than Mr Spencer, his success rate is impressive, but he can give punters a heart attack. Pray he doesn't employ exaggerated waiting tactics on the big day as, around these tight turns, it can be a rough ride. I'll have some pills to hand just in case. Highland Legacy is only 7/2 with the Tote ! There were no bets today.

Wednesday 30th April 2008 - Theatre Girl program for 2008-9
One bet today, to small stakes, but he got turned over at the swimming pool called Worcester. It lashed down from midday, standing water everywhere. The one horse to take away from today was Hula Ballew, she is handicapped to win soon. As mentioned on the message she would have been a serious bet today but the ground at Pontefract had turned very soft. Despite that hindrance she came a gallant 2nd. Watch out for her at Thirsk over a mile on faster ground. Everyone will have seen her run today so don't expect a great price. Breeder Richard Aston called today to discuss next season's program with THEATRE GIRL. Ideally she will start at Wetherby on November 1st in the first race of the Mares series. Then it will be Listed races all the way until the ultimate goal of the David Nicholson Mares at the Festival. Her full sister VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS has once again been denied a run, at Hereford, by the ballot system. Uttoxeter on Saturday would be the next port of call providing these April showers (monsoon) doesn't turn the ground soft. Lastly ..it was good to see Alan win a Group 3 with SHIPMASTER at Ascot, a terrific performance. To think he remains a novice over hurdles !

Tuesday 29th April 2008 - Kandjar entry on Saturday
KANDJAR DALLIER has an entry this Saturday at Uttoxeter, though not a certain runner at the minute. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS also has an entry on the same card. No bets again today but hopefully we will have some action tomorrow, if the rain steers clear !

Monday 28th April 2008 - Rough ground at Towcester
No bets today. Unfortunately we could not run Valleyofthedolls today as the ground at TOWCESTER had gone good to firm. The clerk, Robert Bellamy, was very honest about the hurdles track. It was lacking in grass due to loads of wear in the winter & poor grass growth. The card was desimated with about 40 non runners. That's a real shame as we were looking forward to her making her debut. We shall now look towards Worcester, Hereford or Uttoxeter for a run. With luck the dreaded ballot number system wont haunt us.

Sunday 27th April 2008 - Valleyofthedolls runs at Towcester
No bets today. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will make her racecourse debut tomorrow in a mares bumper at Towcester. She has had two seperate hold ups, a cracked cannon bone & a pulled hamstring, but we are ready to race now. That's great news as it's been a long wait for the owners to see her get to the track. The bang in form Choc rides. She is a full sister to Theatre Girl & related to other notable winners, so the breeding is there, and she has been working fine. Who knows what we are up against in this race, the majority haven't run either, but I hope she runs well. HIGHLAND LEGACY was originally offered at 14's by Hills in the Chester Cup but now only go 4's. It's good to have grabbed some value, May 7th will be an exciting day.

Saturday 26th April 2008 - Highland Legacy looks a Chester Cup 14-1 blot & double landed
Todays racing revolved around our ante post Chester Cup 14-1 e/w bet HIGHLAND LEGACY. Michael Bell decided to run him at Ripon as, if he won, he would get a 3lb penalty for May 7th, thereby virtually ensuring he makes the final cut of 17. I think he's handicapped to win a couple of big races so, in lower grade, he looked a shoe in albeit at 11-8. Highland Legacy never came off the bridle winning very easily, so we can keep hold of those vouchers, panic over ! He will need some luck at Chester with the draw but with his best price now being 6's we are, at worst, in a trade situation should you want to play safe. The Northumberland Plate is a race that would suit in mid season. We had a minimum stake bet on Pace Shot 33-1 e/w at Sandown and, though he ran well, he could only manage 6th. Our other bet was a very rare double but, at the prices, it seemed the best option to medium size stakes. Following John Gosden at the moment seems best so we went with CENTENNIAL 5/4 (SP 11/8) and RAINCOAT 5/6 (SP Evens). Both won to cap a good day.

Friday 25th April 2008 - More entry news on Valleyofthedolls
Two more entries for our unraced filly next week. She is in at Worcester (Wed) and Hereford (Thur). Alan isn't back from Punchestown until tomorrow so we'll have a chat after then. He will lead the way with running plans. It was yet another great day for the yard yesterday as Blazing Bailey showed his toughness when winning the 3m hurdle under a power packed Choc drive. No bets on today's racing.

Thursday 24th April 2008 - The season ends on Saturday
No bets once again today. The season comes to an end on Saturday and, as we'll have no more runners, we can have a brief SEASON REVIEW. In the 2007-8 season we put 35 runners on the track, with 9 winners & a further 11 placed. On the flat in 2007 we had 4 runners with 1 winner, the other 3 all being placed. We had a slow start as some of the bumper horses & novices were slow to come to hand. Amazingly Venetia didn't have a runner for us until mid January but did a terrific job with Dansimar & Theatre Diva from mid season onwards. She had another very consistant year with, at the time of writing, 66 winners and over 700k in winnings. Congratulations must go to her stable jockey, Sam Thomas, who won the Gold Cup on Denman & the Becher Chase on Mr Pointment. Well done Sam ! Venetia also seems to have found a very able deputy to Sam in 19yo Aidan Coleman. He couldn't get a ride at Hen Knight's last year but has blossomed under Venetia who has given him loads of chances to shine. Alan King's yard had yet another record breaking year with more prize money (2.1m) & winners (125) than the year before. He has improved his figures each season since he started which is remarkable. Choc won a Champion Hurdle & a Supreme Hurdle amongst his 100+ winners. Another superb season from a very good & consistant jockey.
There is always room for improvement but Let's Live Racing have had a pretty good year and, importantly, have a lot to look forward to next year with our expanding team. We will certainly be adding a juvenile hurdler in the autumn & also hope to add another couple of horses along the way in 2008-9. My sincere thanks go to our trainers, jockeys & stable staff for their hard work & dedication. Thanks go also to all our owners for their terrific support. We look forward to another great season - starting Sunday !!!

Wednesday 23rd April 2008 - Goodbye Beefy
PUNCHESTOWN is a place all racing fans should attend, a brilliant meeting at a lovely track, but take a spare liver. A super old warrior bowed out today as Beef or Salmon made his last racecourse appearance. To win as many Grade One races as he did shows he was it the top bracket, so why he kept getting beaten in England is a mystery. Another jockey, apart from Choc, hit his first 100 winners in a season today. Well done to PADDY BRENNAN who achieved the feat at Perth on one for his boss NIgel Twiston Davies. Paddy rode Theatre DIva to her first chase win at Exeter in January, so we helped 1% at least. No bets today.

Tuesday 22nd April 2008 - Valleyofthedolls gets an bumper entry
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS has a racecourse entry for a Mares bumper at Towcester on Monday 28th. It's been a long wait for the owners but we are nearly there. Alan was travelling to Punchestown today but he will no doubt get a report on her work due this Wednesday. Then we'll have a better guide, it will be his decision where & when we run. One bet today. Cooldine Boy 8/1 at Towcester. He was beaten half a length, nabbed with 50yds to go. This after having a terrible passage over the first few fences & also going to the last when a loose horse got in the way. I hate saying horses were unlucky but he was as he kept getting hampered. No fault of the jockey but Cooldine was the meat in the sandwich between two horses who repeatedly cannoned into him. One from the left, one from the right. At the 4th fence both horses on his outer followed the pattern. Amazingly they both unseated whilst Cooldine Boy kept going Ok. He lost important ground however, so did really well to get that close, trading at 4/5 in running. Received an Email today that listed the best ( most stupid ) Tommy Cooper jokes. Apparently two aeriels met in a TV showroom, they fell in love & got married. The wedding ceremony was rubbish but the reception was brilliant.

Monday 21st April 2008 - Theatre Diva misses Towcester
The weights didn't favour us tomorrow at Towcester so we have abandoned all thoughts of running THEATRE DIVA. She does hold another entry on Friday at Newton Abbot but that looks pretty hot at the moment. We shall have to think again but opportunities are drying up. Diva has had a really good year so even if she is put away we have to be pleased with her record. There were no bets today.

Sunday 20th April 2008 - Escape Route wins at Great Leighs 9/4
KANDJAR DALLIER has come out of his race yesterday with a clean bill of health, so good news there. If we can find a suitable race, within a month, he might turn out again before having a well earned rest. He hasn't won this season but has done all but that. Since being switched to front running tactics he's given his owners plenty of thrills with his bold jumping & never say die attitude. His turn will come. Three small bets today which saw a profit thanks to Escape Route winning 9/4 > 5/4. The track at Great Leighs seemed to get a universal 'thumbs up' from the trainers & jockeys, horses could win from the front or the back. I'm not sure why they have put a large granstand in the middle, you can't see the runners when they are on the far side. I'm sure there is a good reason. I recall going to the circular & mile round CARTMEL about 20yrs ago. It's a lovely track with a good atmosphere but you only get to see about 3 furlongs of each circuit no matter where you stand. It's totally unique with a fun fair in the middle of the course, it's well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Saturday 19th April 2008 - Transend wins with Flintoff 50's & Old Benny 12's placed
Our two ante post e/w bets for the Scottish National, FLINTOFF 50-1 & OLD BENNY 12-1, were both placed despite having conditions (annoyingly) too quick for them. Old Benny didn't jump as well today as he did at Cheltenham, maybe the ground had something to do with that, so I'll be following him in similar long distance chases. Flintoff was being niggled along most of the way but tried gamely for Aidan up the home straight, a very good run. TRANSEND 2-1 was most impressive at Thirsk to reward our confidence in a handicap, he can win again for the bang in form Gosden team. Our other bet, Sound of Nature, was very coltish in the parade ring & played up in the stalls. His race was over before it started. I have no doubt he is well handicapped but has to behave, maybe they will geld him now. KANDJAR DALLIER ran an absolute blinder at Bangor. We want to win every race but, even though beaten today, I was really happy with him as he jumped super & tried very hard. Jimmy said everything went to plan but he got mugged by two lower weighted rivals going to the last. He can win a race, maybe this spring, when the cards fall right. It was good to see Richard Aston (owner of GOLDFORD STUD) at Bangor. We are both hoping Valleyofthedolls gets to the track. Alan is giving me more positive vibes on her progress recently. So let's keep positive. Richard bred Valley and her sister Theatre Girl. Our next ante post bet is just around the corner. I have my eye on one for the CHESTER CUP on May 7th. Hopefully there is a very well handcapped & unexposed horse in the race. The weights are announced next week & the prices will be available.

Friday 18th April 2008 - Ayr ground fiasco - how can it now be Good ?
The ground at AYR, 3pm today, is reported by the jockeys to be good. However it was soft with G/Soft patches at 10am yesterday. On Monday,when I spoke with the clerk, it was soft with heavy patches. So how do we explain good ground ? Ayr's in Scotland not on the equator, so I'm stumped. Would Alan have declared Halcon Generaldis on this ground ? Has Kandjar Dallier, therefore, been denied an opportunity in a big race ? Will Ayr have to turn the taps on to stop the ground cracking up ? Who knows but the Ayr executive have made a right balls of the job. The connections of good ground horse Butlers Cabin must be seething & I have every sympathy. KANDJAR DALLIER will now run at Bangor in the 0-130 3m chase. He has top weight but has won 3 times carrying 11st 7lbs or more. Jimmy McCarthy rides and I'm delighted to use him as he's a hard working, good pro. Jimmy schooled the horse over 6 fences on Thursday, they got on well. The race does look a competitive event but this is a big step down in class for Kandjar as he's been running on Grade 1 tracks. Bangor is a good front runners track, the ground will suit, he is in good form & won't fail through lack of effort. We did have 2 bets today but they both pulled up lame. We have had a great run all season with our betting but in April I've been very average & struggled to get a horse round let alone win. If it can go wrong it will ! My chin(s) are on the floor at the moment but checking my past stats, over 10 years, bucked me up a bit. They proved to me that you don't / can't win every month in a year so it's the overall record that counts. We are miles ahead of the bookmakers, so let's keep positive, that is what I'm planning to do tomorrow.

Thursday 17th April 2008 - Update delay
Apologies for the lack of website updates in the last couple of days. I've been tied up with quarterly accounts & end of season contractual work. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow. KANDJAR DALLIER misses the Scottish National, he goes to Bangor instead with Jimmy McCarthy on board. Our two ante post bets for the big race stand their ground. Old Benny is now 6-1, Flintoff best now 20-1, 16's in places. At worst those allowed to trade (I'm not) can get into a decent position come what may.

Tuesday 15th April 2008 - Dicky Johnson rides Old Benny
No bets today. Press reports tell me Dicky Johnson has been booked to ride Old Benny at Ayr. This means the horse will carry 2lbs over his long handicap weight of 9st 12lbs. That's not a worry as only 4 look like carrying their proper weight now. Good to see some support for Flintoff today, he's now 25 & 20's. KANDJAR DALLIER will probably line up at Bangor on Saturday. The track does favour front runners so 3m round there, on soft ground, will be right up his street. The field is restricted to 13 so, with our 11st 12lbs, I'm hopeful the weights may end up compressed. I've no idea who rides yet as Choc will be at Ayr, I'll see who is going to Bangor. Today I've been arranging a hospitality day at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club as we want to say thank you to some people who have helped us have such a great season. Remarkably our cricket hating trainer, Mr King, has agreed to come along. However he has requested a chair facing the free bar & not the cricket. I have a feeling the bar tab may be a bit higher than anticipated at Let's Live towers.

Monday 14th April 2008 - Two for the Scottish National
No bets today. Last week we had two each way bets for the Scottish National and luckily things have worked out well since. We have Kandjar Dallier in the race, currently on 9st, but Alan was very open in warning me that Halcon Generaldis was a likely runner if it was soft. Whilst this does scupper our chances of running (we won't race from a stone out the handicap) it did open up some betting angles. OLD BENNY 12-1 and FLINTOFF 50-1 are the two against the field. They trade at 7-1 & 33-1, 20's in a place, respectively now. Old Benny improved no end over 4m at Cheltenham, the further he went the better,cantered round & won easily. He is still unexposed after a handful of chase runs. Flintoff's best form is all on very soft ground and, with Aidan's 5lb claim, will only be carrying 2lb more than his true weight of 9st 7lbs. Alan thinks Halcon has the class to win, and I respect that, but he's also been of the opinion Halcon is better fresh. He was deliberately put away for the Gold Cup after the Welsh National & he had a very hard race at Cheltenham. We shall have to wait until Saturday to find out but I'm happy with our position as only 5 may run with a true weight & Flintoff is only 12th on the list. The next big thing will be to find out who is to ride Old Benny, if Charlie rides he'll do 9st 7lb Ok, but they may put a pro on top to carry 10st.

Sunday 13th April 2008 - Some thoughts for the week & update on the horses
We are going to be short of runners until October. We only have Kandjar Dallier (Sat 19th), Valleyofthedolls (possible bumper run late April), Silencio (chasing from May 1st) & the good mare Theatre Diva ( maybe one more run if her cut heals nicely) left to look forward to. It has been a long hard season but thankfully a successful one. Another winner or two wouldn't go amiss !
When Theatre Girl won at 1-4 on Thursday I couldn't help thinking how many big time Pro punters lumped on her, was she a print your own money job ?. This was in the wake of Sir Harry Ormeisher getting beat at 1-12, in a 3 horse race, the previous day at Plumpton. I heard a very prominent owner / punter did 100k on that race ! Pleasing to see TONY DOBBIN get a great send off at Carlisle with a winner, but a shame the race was slightly controversial with the 2nd getting done for not trying too hard. I have only met Dobbs once but he's a true gent, therefore not surprising everyone had nice things to say about him in the press. Having ridden over 1000 winners he will be missed. Spare a thought for MICK FITZGERALD who isn't so fortunate as he's broken his neck quite badly. The newspapers say he's now wearing a fixed metal halo which must be murder to get used to. Hopefully he'll be fit enough to resume riding next season

Friday 11th April 2008 - Silencio 4th at Ascot
SILENCIO ran well today, trying his best as always, but could only manage 4th under promising claimer Jack Doyle. Jack did nothing wrong but Silencio didn't seem to jump anywhere near as fluently as normal, so maybe just an off day. I thought he would be in the frame but the huge weight took it's toll in the home straight, he got tired. Our each way bet, Snoopy Loopy, ran 3rd at 8/1 but would surely have done far better had he jumped a little better. I'm not sure why he was kicked into a clear lead 3 out as they are going up hill there & it's still a long way home. His speed was used up at the wrong point in the race maybe ? I'll watch with interest where he runs next & who rides. CHOC took a nasty bang on the leg when brought down on Kelrev but fortunately he is Ok. It was a shame for Kelrev's owners, they are a really nice bunch of people, to see the horse have his race ended so soon. ASCOT race course is a massive place, you can easily get lost. The viewing is poor unless to get up really high. The old owners room, that overlooked the track, has been sold off you the Godolphin team, so it was closed for the day. Instead we were put right out the back with no view of the racing. For those who arrive hungry - a burger & chips cost £8. Ouch !

Thursday 10th April 2008 - Theatre Girl wins by 23 lengths
THEATRE GIRL rounded off her season with an emphatic win at Fontwell under Choc this afternoon. She took up the running 3 out & steadily drew clear leaving her owners delighted. She will now have a nice holiday. Next season will be tough, there will be no hiding place in the best mares races, but she is good enough to cope. We are delighted with her progress as a novice, so have loads to look forward to. One owner, GUY HENDERSON, was really happy with the huge distance win as he backed her on the distance spreads. MATT BATCHELOR gave me a nasty shock in the parade ring, he seemed to find it very funny to stick his whip up my backside when he passed by. He told me it was harder to get out than to put in ! SILENCIO runs at Ascot tomorrow with Jack Doyle on top. He's in god form & can hopefuly get in the frame at worst. No bets today.

Wednesday 9th April 2008 - Greystoke Prince wins & Theatre Girl at Fontwell
THEATRE GIRL runs at Fontwell tomorrow in a novice hurdle with Choc on top. Purely on handicap marks she looks to have been found an ideal opportunity but having seen one of Alan's turned over at 1-12 the other day we shall taken nothing for granted. Alan says she is in good form. We had two small ante post bets for the Scottish National today at good prices. I'll detail those ante post bets, as normal, at a later stage. We also had one bet on the flat where GREYSTOKE PRINCE 15/8 (Fred Done) won easily by two lengths, SP was evens.

Tuesday 8th April 2008 - It's heavy ground at Ayr
I had a chat with the clerk ( Katherine Self ) at Ayr this afternoon, she was very helpful. I'm told the ground is stil heavy with soft places & not much grass. The weather has been awful in Scotland, they even had a frost this morning, so no wonder the grass hasn't grown. Fresh ground is provided around the inner but that is said to be worse. Even if we did run Kandjar I'd be worried about him staying on that surface. It's going to be a real stayers event, so I'll get my head in the formbook to find one at a decent price. The bookmakers prices could be in for a big shake up as they have good ground horses like Lothian Falcon, King Harald, Petit Lord & Noir Et Vert high in the list. Plus with Halcon Generaldis due to run there will only be half a dozen in the handicap, most will be carrying a stone more than planned. No bets today.

Monday 7th April 2008 - It's a dangerous job training racehorses
Bumped into RICHARD GUEST at Aintree, he had his right leg in plaster. Last time I saw him, back in February, he had his left leg in plaster. He told me he rode for 20 years, only broke one bone, but since taking up training he's smashed both legs. He got kicked by a young horse last week, hence the crutches. Still no decision on Theatre Girl's target this week from the choice of four races, we have added Newbury to the list. The ground will be important, so we shall be patient with rain & snow having an effect. No bets today.

Sunday 6th April 2008 - Well done Timmy Murphy
No bets today. THEATRE GIRL has 3 opportunities this week. We have lowered her sights a little as Alan feels it's important to get a good confidence building run into her before we concentrate on bigger fish next season. I'll follow his lead, hopefully she can win. Great to see TIMMY MURPHY ride the big winner yesterday, he's ridden a few for us & really is a master in the saddle. The first ride he had for Let's Live was on LORIENT EXPRESS at Leicester. Lorient went into the race with an unlucky run behind him, his form figures read F.U.B. We needed a confidence booster. The form figures weren't due to previous jockey error but we wanted every advantage for the owners. The instructions to Timmy were clear. Hold Lorient up, he pulls hard, creep away & come with a late run. Anyhow ...going to the 2nd fence he was ten clear, jumping boldly & tanking along. I looked at the owners faces, they weren't smiling, so then prayed for a miracle. Lorient won by 19 lengths ! Timmy came back and said ' sorry but Plan A went out the window going to the start'. In the minute he had to get to know Lorient cantering to the start he decided, & had the confidence, to radically change plans. He thought Lorient would settle better for him in front, which he did, that's pure genius. Lorient followed up, under Timmy, a week later at Windsor.

Saturday 5th April 2008 - Theatre Diva gets brought down again
In the words of Victor Meldrew ' I don't believe it '. THEATRE DIVA was fancied to run a big race today but met with loads of interference. She was cantering when one fell beside her ( last fence 1st circuit ) and nearly brought her down, losing about 5 lengths. Her ears went back, she shook her head, something had hurt her. Diva managed to get back into the race but then she got brought down when one fell directly in front of her before turning out the back straight. She made a little mistake of her own but Aidan said she got tangled up in a melee of legs, definately brought down. Amazing to get that twice in a week. Diva has returned home pretty sore due to cuts on her leg but will, hopefully, run again this season. The 3 day meeting was a personal bloodbath as just about every horse I backed either fell, unseated, broke a blood vessel or ran well below form. MON MOME was going really well in the Grand National but was brought to a halt when Butlers Cabin fell at Bechers. Aidan said he lost his place and couldn't peg the leaders back, he finished a gallant 10th. He might be a Becher Chase type for next season.

Friday 4th April 2008 - 12-1 Alderburn gives a little smile
Gwanako ! After saying at Cheltenham it was thrown in ( 2nd ) why did I abandon him today ( won 10-1) in the Topham. Instead we backed Pak Jack 9/1, fell Canal Turn, and Nice Try 25/1, brought down Bechers. Both were going well at the time but jumping is the name of the game round there, no complaints therefore. It's easy to criticise jockeys, so we try not to, but the ride Tazbar got today wasn't Phil Kinsella's finest hour. Held up off a slow pace, kept wide, found interference about 4 times, tried to make up ground around a bend when 5 deep. Oh deary me. Thankfully Alderburn got placed (12-1) to cheer me up a bit but the second day on the trot where things haven't gone right. THEATRE DIVA runs tomorrow with man of the moment Aidan Coleman on top. It looks a competitive affair but Diva will have her ground for the first time this season. She was going nicely last Saturday when brought down, too far out to say what would have happened, but Aidan was pretty happy at the time. Lets hope we get a clear run, she is in good form. One note of caution ...it's supposed to rain or snow tomorrow, we don't want it going soft please. THEATRE GIRL has 3 races next week at Towcester, Fontwell & Newton Abbot under consideration. SILENCIO may go to Ascot on Friday or Exeter the week after.

Thursday 3rd April 2008 - Aintree day proves difficult
A typically very competitive meeting, we had bets in 3 races, however it wasn't a great day. Thisthatanother, in the Hunters Chase, was hampered at Bechers so that didn't help. However it probably made no difference to the end result, he came 5th. His jumping was safe but deliberate early, that scuppered his chance as he had work to do. Leslingtaylor 7/1 was another that never got into the race. They went very quick early, he was also slow over the first couple, so was never in contention. Disappointing effort. In the last Peacock was held up last, never got nearer under Paddy Brennan. Maybe his eye catching run at Cheltenham left it's mark ? Through this first quarter of this year we have been in really good form but all punters have the odd bad day, today was exactly that. We shall do some hard work for tomorrow, the card does look very tricky however.

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 - Gutted about Dansimar
Having looked at the declarations for the 4yo hurdle at Aintree tomorrow has left me wondering. DANSIMAR had to miss the race due to a bruised fetlock but had she run she would have had a great chance of being 3rd at worst. The race, worth 75k to the winner, has cut up quite badly with Celestial Halo & Binocular being the only top guns to stay in the race. Both of those had hard races at Cheltenham & recent pointers say those types don't always run their race at Aintree ( update post race - Binocular looked fantastic !! ). Gutted. DARYAL has improved slightly but he'll need a scan next week to see the extent of the damage. Let's hope it's just bruising. Once again no bets today, roll on Aintree. Having said that all my notebook horses have been taken out tomorrow, so it's back to square one, the formbook & videos.

Tuesday 1st April 2008 - A mundane days racing
No bets again today. It's no surprise the racing is so low key at the moment as we are between Festivals. It's making the form hard to read, the ground is getting a bit quicker after such a wet winter, but no point throwing good money after half fancies. THEATRE DIVA needs quite a few to come out at Aintree to get a run, we shall see how that works out later in the week. It was interesting to see Alision Thorpes decent hurdler Scarlet Mix make his return today. It was reported on RUK that he'd had stem cell treatment to repair a tendon injury. Earlier this year Phillip Hobbs said on TV that stem cell did work Ok but he often saw the other front leg go soon after. Maybe that's pure bad luck with horses close to his yard, but maybe there are some official stats on that type of treatment.

Monday 31st March 2008 - Entry news
DANSIMAR picked up a little knock at Fontwell so won't be ready to step up in grade at Aintree this week. That's a shame as we are itching to find out what she can really do but she won't be out long as I'm told it's only a bruise. Dansimar will have an entry in the 4yo Championship, and a valuable Mares race, at Punchestown on Saturday 26th as back up. Hopefully she'll run before that as there are plenty of nice targets in April. THEATRE DIVA has two entries this weekend. Aintree on Saturday in a 2m4f handicap chase, Southwell on Sunday in a 2m4f novice chase. We shall have a look and make a decision on Friday morning. THEATRE GIRL is back cantering & will get 3 entries next week at Towcester, Fontwell & Newton Abbot. Alan says she is in good form so good news there. After having some tough assignments this season we shall try our very best to get her head in front. SILENCIO has an entry at Ascot on Friday 11th in a 3m handicap hurdle. There are other alternatives with him afterwards, at Exeter & Cheltenham, but it all depends on the ground. He is in good form at home. After May 1st he'll go chasing and I hope he'll do nicely. KANDJAR DALLIER we may have to look for an alternative race for him as Alan is highly likely to run Halcon Generaldis in the Scottish National. Therefore we are a stone out the weights. We are not short of options come middle of April, with nice races at Cheltenham & Bangor. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS - Alan told me on Wednesday he wasn't happy, thought he might struggle to get her ready to race this season. Then on Saturday he told me she worked well up the mile gallop, so he is more hopeful. All season I've bored you with the same old tale, she's good but needs to get to the track & prove it. We'll have to see what Alan thinks in another week. It would be great if she could run, the owners have been very patient. No bets today.

Sunday 30th March 2008 - Diva Ok but Daryal sore
Charmaine Wood is fine albeit tired , she may run again this season but not on ground like at Newbury. Theatre Diva is fine bar a smal cut to her leg, so she can run again soon, but Daryal came back sore from Newbury. We need 48hrs for the injury to settle down & then it can assesed accurately. No bets today. I'm really looking forward to Aintree as there will be some surperb racing over the 3 days. With the ground being hard to predict I'm keeping options open for the meeting but we may well be busy. There look to be a few nice types to back.

Saturday 29th March 2008 - A miserable day in the rain
Our worst fears about the Newbury ground came to haunt us today, it was bottomless and scuppered our hopes before we really got started. THEATRE DIVA was hating the ground but still going well when she was brought down with 7 to jump. Aidan was upset but he had nowhere to go when two horses fell in front of him. Diva returned with a bloody nose but we hope she'll be Ok in a few days. CHARMAINE WOOD looked terrific in the paddock but also found the ground too testing. She travelled really well until turning for home but then faded away into 7th. She will be lovely for next year but just found the ground too testing at this early stage of her career. DARYAL also hated the ground which was, as Choc put it, as bad as he's ridden on, by the last race. Poor Daryal finished shattered in 5th. Not a day to remember but with luck all the horses will fight another day very soon. No bets today, just two snippets on the flat, with one winner, one loser.

Friday 28th March 2008 - Gutted it's rained at Newbury
No bets today. Watching the racing at Newbury today has really hurt. Tomorrow we run 3 at that track but the rain, which has made the ground very testing, has taken away my optimism a little bit. THEATRE DIVA goes for the Mares Chase Final which is a big prize & with black type for the taking. We think she's pretty good, her form from Market Rasen & Exeter has been well franked, but we think she'll prefer better ground. Despite winning on soft she ideally likes it better so it's a bloody shame it's rained. She isn't a massive mare so Aidan is on top to take off 7lbs thus reducing her weight to 10st 8lbs. That will help so she will go there and do her best. CHARMAINE WOOD is a lovely filly but we think she'll like better ground at this stage of her career. The hurdles / bumper track is worse than the chase track so once again she'll do her best but will she handle the ground ? The positive is that she is full of stamina in her breeding, there will be no hiding place tomorrow.Choc rides. DARYAL has won on soft ground so no hassle with him on the ground. He has won two handicaps over hurdles off higher marks, that's encouraging too. I hope his jumoping continues to improve, he was good at Stratford last time.

Thursday 27th March 2008 - Dansimar is going to Aintree
No bets today. DANSIMAR, who is 3 from 3, will probably run at Aintree next week. The handicapper has taken a dim view of her 3 wins and is going to give her about 125. That's harsh considering what she has beaten, they were egg & spoon races, but we have to go with it. She will get 3 entries ...the 2m juvenile hurdle and in the 2m & 2m4f handicap. We shall have a look and make the best choice for her. Aidan Coleman will ride THEATRE DIVA on Saturday at Newbury. I think she goes there with a decent chance in the Mares Final but ideally needs the rain to stay away. She will be better on good ground & it may not suit some of the opposition. DARYAL & CHARMAINE WOOD are also confirmed runners now. Neither of them want rain, so let's hope the forecasters have got it wrong.

Wednesday 26th March 2008 - Confusing telephone conversations
CHARMAINE WOOD, DARYAL and THEATRE DIVA will all run this Saturday at Newbury. Alan reports his two in good nick and therefore we shall go there with hope. No confirmed jockey bookings yet (bar Choc on Daryal) as both trainers are doubly declared in the bumper & Mares race. It's going to be a busy day. I did have one bet today but, as you may have sensed wasn't overly happy with the price, so only a nibble stake. The paper price was 9's but it opened up 9/2 so it was marginal value. Pace Shot ran a good 5th but didn't stay aftyer leading 2 out. One of Dansimar's owners, RICHARD HASTINGS, was gutted to mis her latest race. He had an important conference call to the USA at the same time Dansimar ran so couldn';t be in two places at once. However he freely admits to having his American colleagues speaking to one ear with the William Hill commentary line fixed to the other. How do you explain shouting ' Go on my son' to the Americans just as she was jumping the last.

Tuesday 25th March 2008 - Dansimar does the treble at Fontwell
DANSIMAR won for the 3rd time in a month today. She hacked up by 20 lengths under Aidan Coleman at 1-4. I couldn't recommend a bet on todays message but she did look to have an excellent opportunity. It was a poor standard race but she did it effortlessly & we shall now look to raise the stakes in higher grade. There have been no bets since Saturday. DARYAL, CHARMAINE WOOD & THEATRE DIVA all have an entry at Newbury on Saturday but only the last named is a certain runner. SILENCIO has an entry at Bangor but may wait until Wincanton on Monday. The ground will determine his target.

Saturday 22nd March 2008 - King of the Tipsters
It must be a hard life being a newspaper tipster with selections having to be made the day before a race & SP prices taken. However when I saw the headline ' Well done to the King of the Tipsters' the expectation was for a super human effort with large profits racked up - not £13.85 in a whole National Hunt season. Doesn't say much for those lower down the table. I'd better keep fairly quiet as we had one bet today, at 8-1, but he pulled too hard going to the start & got tired after running free in the race.

Friday 21st March 2008 - Good Friday report
A day with no racing is very rare nowadays so we'll enjoy the day off. Someone not looking for more days off is JOHN McCRIRICK. He appears upset that his role on Ch4 has been halved but we have to move with the times. Everyone has a shelf life and some would argue Big Mac's been hanging on for ages. He admits he doesn't understand the modern betting exchanges, leaving Tayna Stevenson to deal with those, and he still insists on using outdated tic-tak every time he mentions a price. He hasn't moved with the times. CHEPSTOW deserve a positive mention for the way they looked after our owners on Wednesday. They have a lovely lounge area for the owners which also provides a superb view of the track. After the race we were able to review a recording & accept a framed photograph of the presentation party. Well done them. Chepstow is a massive track, with severe undulations, which mean you lose sight of the horses. Therefore it would be well served by a big screen in the centre of the track.

Thursday 20th March 2008 - Running plans for next week
We could have a very busy day at Newbury on the 29th as Daryal may go for the 2m1f handicap chase, Theatre Diva definately goes for the Mares Final, Charmaine Wood may go for the bumper ( if not Kempton on 30th ) whilst there is a 2m3f juvenile handicap for Dansimar on the card. I'll have to check that last one out with Venetia when she gets back from her latest skiing holiday but it might appeal. Silencio will get two entires at Southwell 29th and Wincanton 31st. Kandjar Dallier is ticking over nicely in preparation for Ayr. No luck with our two small bets today with one seamingly hating the Ludlow track ( I can sympathise with that ) & the other just getting touched off. A water jump claimed yet another horse today, when will they get rid of them ?

Wednesday 19th March 2008 - Dansimar makes it 2 from 2
DANSIMAR hacked up this afternoon at Chepstow to win her second novice race of the season. She was a 8/13 favourite. It wasn't the strongest of races but she was very impressive. Sam Thomas was impressed saying she has a good cruising speed, jumps super & tries her best. The ground was horrible but Sam & myself agreed the best route up the straight - hence the rather weird zig zag navigation - but it worked a treat. The other hurdle races later on the card followed the same winning path. Venetia is a way on a skiing trip so I'll have a chat with her next week, see where we go. I travelled to Wales this afternoon with a friend called Jim. When I paid the £5.30 on the toll bridge he said ' that's two pints of Guiness or half a lapdance mate, just to get into Wales'. Funny ! It was great to have a good crowd of owners at the track today with ERIC JONES, SCOTT SMITHURST, GEOFF JEWITT & RICHARD HASTINGS making the trip. Eric told me he's had 12 winners from 59 runners with Let's Live with over 50% getting in the frame. Eric has been with us since the start, he had a share in the very useful juvenile Web Perceptions. Sadly Web met with a career ending injury when still a young horse and so it's really nice to see Eric get due reward with Daryal & Dansimar in recent weeks.

Tuesday 18th March 2008 - Theatre Diva wins at Exeter 11-4
A super result this afternoon at Exeter. THEATRE DIVA won her prep race for the Mares Final under the stylish Aidan Coleman. Aidan said she coped with the ground but would like it with more bounce. I suggested a small bet on Diva on today's message at 11-4 but was worried about the ground, hence the reduced stake. Diva is a lovely mover so I hope it dries out a little bit before the Final. Owner MARK THOMAS picked up the trophy from the Exeter executive, they looked after us very well indeed. I can give 9 out of 10 for the clotted cream & jams scones. Mark has owned shares in 4 horses with Let's Live. Apart from Diva he has Kandjar Dallier, Silencio & Charmaine Wood. They have all won races for him, so that must be some kind of record. Diva now heads to Newbury on 29th March which is a big opportunity to get 'black type' in her pedigree so I hope she runs really well for the syndicate. DANSIMAR runs at Chepstow tomorrow and looks to have an outstanding chance according to the ratings. She does stay well but I hope she can cope with the heavy ground. She an improving filly so, with Sam on top, we shall go there very hopeful. I doubt her price will be anything to write home about however.

Monday 17th March 2008 - Theatre Diva runs at Exeter on Tuesday
THEATRE DIVA will run tomorrow at Exeter facing 5 opponents. If the handicapper has rated all correctly then we stand a good chance particulary when taking Aidan Coleman's 7lb into account. He is excellent value & rides very well. It looks quite competitive but Diva is in good form. However we would prefer better ground, it may suit others better, but at least we have no weight. There isn't better ground available right now so we have no option and, importantly, a 3rd run is required to enable Diva to race at Newbury in the Mares Final on 29th March. No bets today. It's a case of after the Lord Mayor's show right now with some very average racing that is best left alone. Taunton looked very heavy today, they were finishing very tired.

Sunday 16th March 2008 - Dansimar plans & more Cheltenham reflections
DANSIMAR misses Taunton tomorrow as it's bottomless ground after heavy rain. She is a lovely mover so that surface wouldn't suit ideally. We have Chepstow on Wednesday up our sleeve. THEATRE DIVA will run at Exeter on Tuesday and we hope to have Gold Cup winning jockey Sam Thomas on top. It was a shame to see so many jockeys get whip bans over the Cheltenham Festival. Some where deserved, there is no excuse for hitting a horse in the wrong place, but the majority of bans were an over reaction by the Stewards. You see far worse most days. I wouldn't swap CHOC for anyone as he's a superb jockey & doesn't harm horses even in the tightest of finishes. His style is to only flick them really, mainly in the back hand position, with the whip not brought down from up high. Alan says his horses always come back well & eat up, which is testiment to Choc's kindness. Top jockeys don't beat horses up, they wouldn't have a job in a top yard if they did. No bets today at soggy Fontwell.

Saturday 15th March 2008 - Cheltenham reflections & they are not all good
No bets today so we have some time to reflect on the past week. THEATRE GIRL is fine this morning but will have a little break now. Alan wants to get a win into her, so we'll drop back into novice company next time. The star performance for me was Master Minded. It was a breath taking performance for a 5yo to run to such a high standard. Boylesports went 9/4 for the 2009 Champion Chase shortly after his win and were, unsurprisingly, knocked over. What's going to beat him if he turns up ? CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE do a super job putting on the Festival but their treatment of race day owners never ceases to amaze. The staff are lovely to deal with but they are tied down with procedure solely designed to make as much profit as possible. The course give every 'owner' 4 badges at the 5 day declaration stage (6 badges for syndicates). You're allowed to use these badges regardless of your horse running or not. My request for 2 extra comp badges, to accomodate Theatre Girl's 8 owners, was politely turned down. I was asked to purchase these at £80 a time. It's wrong to have owners who do have a runner not accomodated whilst others who don't have a runner, and have not paid the expensive final declaration fee, are given freedom to walk in free of charge. In the County Hurdle 77 horses were declared at 5 day stage but max field is only 24. Therefore the track gave away 4 free badges to 53 sets of owners who didn't have a runner - yet some of Theatre Girl's owners had to pay to get in. The track provide a marquee for owners but even tea & coffee, at £1.30 a cup, has to be paid for from the outset. It's a disgrace and needs looking at very quickly. Moan over ! To end on an upward curve we had a superb week on the punting front, hopefully all Information Line listeners are holding a lot more cash than they were last Monday.

Friday 14th March 2008 - Theatre Girl runs well but finds ground too tacky
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 4. Same format for today's message as with yesterday. Nothing partuculary strong today on the betting front. It was a nervous start to proceedings as THEATRE GIRL ran in the Mares race. She ran with credit but didn't really handle the sticky ground. Choc said he'd got into some trouble down the back, being hampered by a faller, then having to go wide. It didn't affect the result one jot but we are all proud of the mare. Whiteoak, who we had beaten twice prior, won the race in dramatic fashion in the last stride. It was a super day for the owners & my thanks go to Richard & Sally Aston (GOLDFORD STUD), Alan, Choc and the Barbury team. Having a fancied runner at the Festival is what it's all about at Let's Live. Maybe she can come back next year, with more experience under her belt, and win the race. Ballymore Properties - I'd backed Group Captain but he didn't really figure. Coral Cup - Choc had reported that Junior had been sharpened up by blinkers & could run well (3rd @ 16's). Eventual winner Naiad De Misselot was given a favourable mention @ 9-1 whilst my own biggest fancy, County Zen, was heavily punted but never got involved. Truimph Hurdle - no bet but Choc had said he was worried about Franchoek being done for toe by something quicker off the flat. He was right as Celestial Halo gave Andy Stewart his first winner at the Festival. Gold Cup - I'd been in the Kauto Star camp but DENMAN proved too good & was awesome under Sam Thomas. Great for him to ride such a big winner, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. We shall bump into Sam when THEATRE DIVA runs at Exeter on Tuesday. I did suggest a small wager on Halcon Generaldis without the big two but he was beaten into 4th by yet another Nicholls horse. Albert Bartlett 3m Hurdle. A super result for us as NENUPHAR COLLONGES 14-1 won under a power packed Choc drive to give Alan his 3rd winner. Foxhunters - sorry but no interest there. Grand Annual - only a negative for favourite My Petra given, she ran Ok but did get beaten. County Hurdle - I'd backed Missis Potts 25-1 and, whilst she ran well, she could only get 5th just out the money. It had been a terrific festival with no amount of great racing, great jockeyship, brave horses. Only 365 days until next year. DANSIMAR has two entries next week at Taunton & Chepstow. She has come out of her last race well.

Thursday 13th March 2008 - Master Minded 14's & Old Benny 25's land ante post punts
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 3. Today's message would have put callers asleep had we gone through each race in detail so it was just definate bets, snippets from the preview night, and a list of what I'd backed. The lengthy 10 race card started with the 4m National Hunt Chase. Our ante post bet OLD BENNY 25-1 hosed up under the impressive Charlie Huxley. What a start to the day ! Sun Alliance Chase - I'd had a token bet on Starzaan but he jumped poorly. Jewson - no bet, too difficult. Champion Chase - out ante post bet MASTER MINDED 14-1 took the race in ultra impressive style. Has any other horse won a championship 2m event on the bridle by 19 lengths before ? It was an incredible performance for a 5yo, the first of his age group to win a Champion Chase. It landed some good bets for us. Ryanair Chase - I didn't really fancy anything at the top of the betting strongly, a token bet on Billyvoddan e/w @ 33's was suggested for those desperate to have a wager. He ran as if he had divers boots applied. World Hurdle this race revolved around Inglis Drever. If he was 100% he would probably win, but I'd not had a bet & couldn't do so with doubts surrounding the yard form. The result showed him to be as good as ever. Therefore another kick in the pants for the stats men as 9yo's are not supposed to win this race. Racing Post Plate - we had 2 ante post e/w bets on GWANAKO 16-1 and Crozan 25-1. Gwanako ran really well to be 2nd to a rejuvenated 11yo 66-1 shot whilst Crozan ran poorly. Pertempts Final - Onnix was a token selection at 12-1. He was hampered by a faller 3 out, staying on into 6th. Kim Muir - my own fancy Bob Bob Bobbin was pulled up but Charlie McCann had been very sweet on High Chimes 16-1. It hosed up, thank you Charlie. Bumper - would be in the car, no selection. THEATRE GIRL is in a field of 13 tomorrow, fingers crossed for her.

Wednesday 12th March 2008 - Blown Away at Cheltenham
No racing today due to high winds. I'm staying a mile from the track and can vouch for the strength of the wind. No bets on today's racing but did suggest having a few quid on Kruguyrova at 16's each way for the Grand Annual. If she turns up she'll go off a thrid of that price. It's NRNB so why not. Cheltenham have done a super job putting together a 10 race card tomorrow but it will be the ultimate test of stamina for racegoers. I'll be on line at 11.30am with all the news & views tomorrow but one horse that does catch the eye is Bob Bob Bobbin in the Kim Muir. He's well handicapped and comes here fresh after a wind op. I hear he is working very well. Also of interest will be County Zen in the Coral Cup. We backed him last time & he's one to follow over a longer trip. Our ante post bet on MASTER MINDED will either land a massive punt or go down the tubes tomorrow, it should be exciting. Fortunately, thanks to yesterday, we are in a 'no lose' situation now.

Tuesday 11th March 2008 - An Accordion 12's Katchit 6's & Kruguyrova 25's e/w make a great Day 1
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 1. Information Line listerners would have had the benefit of all the latest news from a preview night held yasterday. The panel were Choc, Tom Scudamore, Joe Tizzard & Charlie McCann of Bet Direct. I was in the Chair & tried to extract the information. Supreme Hurdle. In any race that's 7-1 the favorite you'll never be too bulish but Choc told us Captain Cee Bee was supposed to be very good, however he was concerned AP was riding the other JP horse called Binocular. They finished 1st & 2nd !. Scu thought Blue Bajan would run well, he did but 6th. I didn't recommend a bet, far too difficult. Arkle. The panel all thought Noland would win (3rd) but gave negatives for Moon Over Miami & Leslingtaylor. My e/w ante post bet KRUGUYROVA 25-1 ran a blinder to be 2nd, so a good profit made. Her SP was 9-1. Champion Hurdle. Both Scu & Choc were very keen on their own mounts and couldn't see them out the frame. They finished 1st & 2nd. Choc gave the winner a brilliant ride, the horse gave everything, marvellous for all concerned. Delighted for the King team !! Early in the season we backed KATCHIT ante post at 6-1 ( see Diary 29th Oct ). He won but clearly a balls up with the price taken on my part, SP was 10-1. I also suggested a lay of Sizing Europe & Sublimity > both finished out the frame. William Hill Chase Scu was very bullish about AN ACCORDION which was great news as we were on at 12-1 Tom was prominent all the way & would not be denied on this fine young chaser. He drifted from 4-1 to 7-1, amazing. Cross Country - the panel had no interest at all, nor did I, no bet. Fred Winter - the panel were very keen on Ashkazar but he came 2nd to Crack Away Jack, I suggested a bet on Ashkazar as he looked thrown in but he was beaten fair & square. None the less it was a superb day & very profitable.

Sunday 9th March 2008 - Theatre Diva is a non runner
We didn't take up the option to race at Warwick this afternoon, there had been only half a mill of rain, it was good to firm. The race ended up a 2 runner affair won by 1-4fav Harringay. It's disappointing to miss the run but even worse to break a horse down on bad ground. No bets today, I'm still hacked off about Fredensborg getting beaten. The big fight was explosive but, therefore, over too quickly. Haye won in Round 2, he outclassed Maccarenelli, never taking a punch.

Saturday 8th March 2008 - Fredensborg given too much to do but gets 2nd at 20-1
One bet today, Fredensborg, 20-1 each way in the Imperial Cup. The eventual winner Ashkazar was prominent the whole way, off a surprisingly slow pace, whilst Fredensborg turned for home almost last under Tom O'Brien. It was a very disappointing ride as the horse was given so much to do, he finished like a train into 2nd. Gutted ! Ashkazar will now try to win at the Festival, trainer David Pipe says either the Fred Winter or the Triumph is the target. We hold a NRNB voucher on Fredensborg for the County Hurdle at 25-1 so it will be good to se him turn up,he's clearly well handicapped. Warwick haven't had any rain so we're unsure if THEATRE DIVA runs tomorrow. It should be an exciting night tonight as owner Mark Thomas, Choc, Jodie Mogford & myself are going to the big fight in London. It looks a real even money contest bewteen David Haye & Enzo Maccerenelli. It could end early as they are both big punchers, so no blinking.

Friday 7th March 2008 - Theatre Diva declared at Warwick but we need rain
THEATRE DIVA will need some rain to hit Warwick if she is to run on Sunday. Fortunately there is plenty forecast so, with luck, we will be Ok. More on her tomorrow. Dansimar has come out of her race at WINCANTON really well, so we can look ahead with her now. She is very promising & should give the owners plenty of fun. The track is one of the finest for owners in the Uk. As a syndicate we get 8 badges (well done, why cant all tracks help in this manner), a very nice private owners room with excellent race viewing facility, free tea & coffee all day. After the race you're able to watch a video recording, get offered tasty snacks, are presented with a framed photograph of the presentation, are given two DVD's of the race. Marvellous ! It all adds up to make the occasion a really enjoyable day for the owners. If only more tracks could follow, some lag a long way behind. This week we had 4 options where to race Dansimar with FONTWELL only considered if it was a penalty kick. I love the track, it was the first I ever visited, but the prize money was a disgrace. The winning horse in that novice hurdle won £1952 which is pretty poor. At Wincanton she picked up over £3000. It does make a difference when paying expensive training fees.

Thursday 6th March 2008 - Dansimar wins on debut at Wincanton 11-1
Our new juvenile DANSIMAR made an excellent start to her jumping career when hosing up in the novice at Wincanton. She travelled really well & jumped accurately. Aidan said she loved her job & he was impressed. An incredible SP of 11-1 was the return, she was far from unfancied. Hopefully those ringing the INFORMATION LINE took the advice and backed her to win a tidy sum. Dansimar will be left in the Triumph Hurdle but it's likely she'll be saved for Aintree, with another little novice in between. One other horse was mentioned today, Cnoc Moy, who won a handicap hurdle at 3-1. I didn't have much on if truth be told, I'd hoped for a slightly bigger price, but a couple of opponents were weak in the market. Punting is all about value but a winner is a winner. The last snippet of news for today is that KRUGUYROVA will be ridden by AP McCOY if he is passed fit by the doctor on Friday. That will she her price shorten a bit more for sure.

Wednesday 5th March 2008 - Dansimar to be ridden by in form Aidan Coleman