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Sunday 5th February 2012 - Weather could get in the way
Thankfully we all survived yesterday's self inflicted marathon albeit I've a slightly sore head this morning. Plenty of fun was had and it couldn't get any better on the sporting front with both West Ham & England winning.

Prospects for racing this week aren't looking good with most tracks under snow with some cold nights forecast. We'll have to see what happens but I'm not too hopeful of getting much action which would be a shame with plenty of horses to race. Even if meetings go ahead the ground will be awful after the snow has melted & got into the ground. Humbug !

The PRESTBURY PREVIEW night (March 12th) is nearly sold out with just 25 tickets remaining. If you're thinking of conming please book now or you could miss the show.

Saturday 4th February 2012 - Going to the beach
No jump racing today & Fontwell has already been lost tomorrow but we are told the bleak spell with be short lived. FERDY MURPHY & TEAM are coping well despite the gallops being frozen solid. Ferdy has been proactive by taking plenty of the team to the beach to work them on the sand. Today it's DIVERS & MANSONIEN LAS turn to exercise on the sand which must be hard work for both man & beast in the prevailing temperatures.

I hope the cold spell does clear off as I'm bored stiff and, more importantly, we have loads on runners planned for next week so it could be really busy. MILANELLA holds her first bumper entry at Huntingdon on Thursday, so that's good news, whilst PISTOL BASC, RICH LORD, MANSONIEN LAS & NINE DE SIVOLA could also run weather permitting.

Today is a very rare Saturday off so it's an opportunity to watch a superb feast of football & rugby on the pub TV in the warm. It could be a long day but you have to let your hair down every now & then. Some readers may think West Ham vs Millwall is not worth watching but I'm a life long Hammers fan so that gets the day off to a good start (as long as we win, of course) and then we have the 6 Nations rugby with a new look England side playing the Scots at Murrayfield. A minibus is booked to take 12 to Shrewsbury, hopefuly all 12 will come back tonight.

Friday 3rd February 2012 - Divers to race tomorrow (or not)
Sorry about the lack of update yesterday but I clean forgot such was the boredom level without any racing to watch or decs to do. Tomorrow at WETHERBY we have DIVERS (Graham Lee) due to race but the chances of racing look remote after a -6 degrees last night. There is an inspection at 4pm today so I'm far from hopeful. Jack Frost has hit everyone hard this week but it's been a good winter with very few distruptions so we have been lucky. The current cold spell is due to disappear quite quickly which is handy as we have multiple entries from Tuesday onwards. More on them as we get closer to many final decs.

If racing is off I'll be going to Shrewsbury Town Vs Port Vale which is always a keenly contested local derby game. It's an early kick off so there is a good chance we'll hang around to watch the 6 Nations game between England & Scotland. It's 'all change' for England with a new coach, new captain & some new players so it will be interesting to see how they get on. It will be tough but Stuart Lancaster seems up for it.

Wednesday 1st February 2012 - Entry news
PISTOL BASC has been entered at MARKET RASEN on the 7th (2m6f chase) but will also get an entry at Huntingdon 9th & Uttoxeter 11th to give options. As we stand the weather is supposed to get very cold from tonight for a few days, so we are covering ourselves, but forecasts are often wrong so we'll see what happens. NINE DE SIVOLA will get an entry into 2 x 3m chases on Thursday 9th at Huntingdon & Doncaster. Ferdy wants to find some decent ground for him so we'll have a look when the reports are available.

Yesterday the January transfer window closed so, in the last week, I've had to watch assorted well travelled footballers proudly wear their new club shirt, kiss the badge & or make statements they wont back up so it's all a load of old cobblers. Why can't they be honest by waving a bundle of £50 notes to the home crowd and then say "I'll be hear as long as I fancy it, or when the manager gets fed up of my attitude, or until someone offers me more money". The days of footballers who truly love a club, staying for a whole career, have passed us by in the main. Can't blame these guys earning what they can in a short career but please don't try to hoodwink the public with fake loyalty. Apologies for a rant but it's why going to a match now costs an arm & a leg.

Tuesday 31st January 2012 - FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Our annual FESTIVAL PREVIEW will take place on MONDAY 12th MARCH at the Royal Oak Prestbury. It's in aid of racing charities so please try to come along. Tickets can be bought by calling 07702 895 428. The preview always sells out very quickly due to the capacity of the room so call now to avoid disappointment.

The panel is superb with CHOC THORNTON, TOM SCUDAMORE, ANDREW TINKLER & PAUL NOLAN booked to appear. Last year Scu's nap was Junior who, at that stage, was 8's yet won at 100/30 whilst Choc gave Bensalem as his nap which also hosed up. It's a good fun night and well worth the visit.

It could be a very quiet week courtesy of the weather. Divers run at Wetherby looks in doubt due to frost and plenty of other meetings could be in trouble if the forecast is right. We get really busy again starting next Tuesday so let's hope it warms up quickly.

Monday 30th January 2012 - A cold week ahead
The weather forecast doesn't sound very encouraging for the week ahead so DIVERS entry at Wetherby on Saturday could be in danger. There is no panic if the race is lost as Ferdy could take him for a gallop somewhere should we get too close to Cheltenham for a replac ement race. He is in really good form at home. RIGUEZ DANCER has come out of his race at Doncaster in good form & could head to Ayr (14th) or Kelso (15th) next month for a handicap. Both a quite valuable so are certainly worth an entry, we can check the ground out in due course. Nicky Henderson reports FOREVER PRESENT to be in good form today & that she'll have learnt plenty from her debut on Saturday. She was very green and can only improve.

Sunday 29th January 2012 - Doncaster review
With today's meeting at Sedgefield called off after a 3rd inspection it was a long trudge home back to Shropshire. How much did that delay cost owners, trainers in staffing & jockeys to take get to the track ? Maybe tracks who want to look again & again should pay expenses should they eventually abandon ?

Yesterday wasn't too bad a day at Doncaster. RIGUEZ DANCER stayed the 3m well & came from a long way back jumping 2 out to run on into 6th. He was only just pipped 4th so that was a good run given the standard of opposition, the five who beat us all won their previous race bar Galaxy Rock but he has won at Cheltenham 2 runs ago. Graham Lee understandably rode around the inner, crept away, but in hindsight he wished he had commited earlier. Riguez is a very tough customer and just keeps on trying for you. FOREVER PRESENT proved she had plenty to learn as Barry reported she was very green indeed. That was a surprise coming from Nicky's yard, his horses are so well schooled, but different horses learn quicker than others. Barry was pleased with her as the penny did drop in the last furlong, she battled, in what Barry said was a good quality bumper.

Friday 27th January 2012 - Doncaster & Sedgefield bound
2 runners at DONCASTER tomorrow starting with RIGUEZ DANCER (Graham Lee) in the SKYBET CHASE. Last time out he came from a long way back, off a fierce pace, to run a fine 3rd over 2m4f at Mussleburgh. We can't be sure if he'll stay the 3m but it's worth a try for such a huge prize & the owners are keen to give it a go. If he stays he'll run well as Ferdy says he is in great form & working very well. The race is full of tough opposition. In some ways it's a shame Hold On Julio misses the race as he was visually impressive at Sandown but this was his acid test off a stone higher mark. Galaxy Rock should go well now back on more suitable ground after a disappointment on bottomless in the Welsh National. Nikola could run a big race at a huge price as he looked in good form at Cheltenham but didn't stay the longer trip after being kicked in the belly three out. Imsingingtheblues, who ran a superb race at 2m5f at Ascot just 7 days ago, has a valuable 10lbs taken off his back by Thomas Bellamy so he could go well too. It's a real needle in the haystack job to find the winner but that's why it's 6's the Fav.

FOREVER PRESENT makes her racecourse debut in the bumper with Barry Geraghty in the saddle. She is by Presenting out of Sidelcea (Best Mate's half sister) so is certainly bred for the job. The dam won a bumper on debut so let's hope lightening strikes twice. Nicky says she has been working nicely but it's her first day at work tomorrow, a huge learning curve with a likely big crowd making a lot of noise. ROYALE PERFORMANCE will miss the race as her scope was not 100%. Tim will get her right before running.

On Sunday RICH LORD (Graham Lee) steps up in trip to an easy 2m4f at Sedgefield on soft ground. Graham thinks this trip / ground combination will suit him so despite having plenty of weight we hope he'll go well in a very open event.

Interesting to hear MICK FITZGERALD make comment on jockeys wearing a gumshield. Boxers have been wearing them for as long as we can recall but jockeys have only just started. Fitzy said that wearing a gumshield reduces the chance of a concussion by 100% and, had he not been wearing one when he broke his neck at Aintree, his injuries would have been far worse as he would have been knocked out.

Thursday 26th January 2012 - Riguez goes 3m at Doncaster
RIGUEZ DANCER will step up to 3m on Saturday at Doncaster in the Skybet Chase with Graham Lee on board. He'll get a shock as he's not been that far before but we hope he'll get the trip. There are good reasons to think he will > he gets 2m4f well, has winning form at 2m1f on the flat, and the staying chase stats for Dansili (albeit a small sample size) do give encouragement. The owners have taken the sporting view (making my life easy, thank you) that it's better to try, learn about the horse & if he doesn't stay then we can drop back next time. It's a huge prize and the race has historically favoured the light weights, Riguez has just 10st 3lbs to carry. Ferdy says he is in good form at home and that Graham felt it was worth a go.

I had to smile when the RUK team at Warwick said AIDAN COLEMAN'S departure at the last fence on Reginaldinho was a soft fall. Some falls are softer than others but they probably all hurt and this fall certainly wasn't soft as Aidan landed face first & looked badly winded. Have a peak at the tape and you'll see what I mean. Ouch !

Wednesday 25th January 2012 - Rain stay away please
The ground remains Good to Soft at Doncaster for Saturday's Skybet Chase but 5mm of rain could land tomorrow night folowed by two drying days on Friday & Saturday. That amount of rain wouldn't make much difference but forecasts are not to be relied upon. Riguez Dancer has form on soft & heavy but with the trip an unknown ideally we wouldn't want a slog.

Tim Vaughan is having a month to forget. His normal strike rate is at least 20% if not higher but in January it's just 3%. Today at Hereford he had an odds on shot beaten & another overjump before toppling over. Nothing is going right but he'll bounce back very soon as he's a high class operator. Tim has his first runner for us on Saturday when Royale Performance takes part in the bumper on Doncaster's card. Either Sam Thomas or Richie Killoran will ride says Tim. I'll leave that with him as both are highly skilled in the saddle.

Good to see WAYNE HUTCHINSON getting some positive reviews in the press. Wayne is No2 to Choc at Alan King's but whenever he had ridden one of our horses nobody had a moments worry. He's a high class jockey who, as recent results have proven, could fill a top job easily. The news on CHOC is really positive as he is hoping to be back (broken arm) on February 3rd or just after. Choc's misssed a few good Saturday winners so he'll be really hungry when he returns.

Tuesday 24th January 2012 - Riguez at Doncaster ?
Both PISTOL BASC & MANSONIEN LAS are fine this morning after their races yesterday. It's likely RIGUEZ DANCER will go to DONCASTER on Saturday, it's a no brainer really as he's 13lb out the handicap at Cheltenham. The handicap is looking lop sided for us due to Mr Nicholls entering the highly rated Poquelin in that race. Let's hope the ground stays decent at Doncaster as the step up to 3m on testing ground would add a worry to the thinking process.

Normally I can leave reality shows alone but the latest Celeb Big Brother has been fun as the house is loaded with fruit & nut cases. Andrew Stone (who ?) thought he was the next big thing to arrive on TV but was first out because the rest of his housemates thought he was a numpty. The American twins, who claim to be prudish but have forgotten they posed naked in Playboy, have threatened lawsuits because Big Brother showed their backsides on TV. You couldn't wish to meet two more horrible self centered egotistical girls than that pair. Actress Denise, who is 53, can't hold her drink & keeps flashing her boobs when smashed so that's an accident waiting to happen. Last night the women had a mass argument which had me in fits of laughter as they were all as unreasonable as each other. Romeo only ever says "Chill man, chill" so he should be sitting in the freezer as he's so ice cool, whilst the most normal bloke seems to be young Frankie but he could go bonkers unless he finally gets some female company. Not that I've had a bet but my money is on Frankie or rugby star Gareth to win.

Monday 23rd January 2012 - Good day at Wetherby
MANSONIEN LAS ran a nice race when 3rd at Wetherby despite trying to demolish a couple of fences on the way round. He tagged on to the leaders with 4 to jump, all looked good, but a mistake 2 out didn't help. Graham was pleased with him as he's still a big baby, still learning, and will improve. PISTOL BASC jumped super for Lucy bar one big mistake at a vital (6 out) time of the race. He was still going nicely just behind the leaders but the mistake knocked the stuffing out of him. Lucy reported that he blew up, which was expected, but after getting his 2nd wind ran on up the straight. He'll be all the better for the run so we have something positive to take forward.

TIM VAUGHAN was in touch this morning. He says ROYALE PERFORMANCE is ready to race in a bumper at DONCASTER on Saturday. She is still quite green & babyish but the only way to learn is to get on to the track, the experience will not be lost on her. The forecast decent ground will help. FOREVER PRESENT will also take her chance in the same race.

At this stage RIGUEZ DANCER looks likely to be a long way out the handicap at Cheltenham with the highest rated horse 168. IF things stay the same then our decision will be made a bit easier on where to race as he has 10st 3lbs at Doncaster albeit the 3m trip is an unknown. We'll have to keep an eye on both races to see how they pan out through the week but Riguez is in really good form.

Sunday 22nd January 2012 - Two run at Wetherby on Monday
Tomorrow we run two at WETHERBY. First up is MANSONIEN LAS (Graham Lee) who takes his chance in the 10 runner 2m4f handicap chase. He is in good form after a short break since having a hard race at Sedgefield in early December. he'll go there with a decent e/w shout but there are a couple of interesting types in opposition. Grey Crozene makes his debut for Tim Vaughan so with his reputation for improving horses taken from other yards he's one to watch. Sycho Fred comes here in good form too. The trip for Mansonien is probably short of his best but it's likely to be testing ground so his staying power will come to the fore. PISTOL BASC (Lucy Alexander 5lbs) take on 5 opponents in the 3m1f handicap chase later on the card. Pistol need his first race at Catterick after a long absene from the track (cracked pelvis) and will also benefit from tomorrow. There look to be a couple in the race who could be on an upward curve. Kilcommon Pride was handicapped over hurdles but has shown marked improvement over fences to win 2 races whilst Hopeful Start is thrown in on hurdles form too. He ran really wel last time out at Taunton and is sure to provide some stiff opposition. Hopefully Pistol will run well enough to earn some prize money. We have a healthy group of owners attending tomorrow so hopefully they will all have a great day.

Was yesterday April 1st ? Ascot have since backtracked from their embarrassing "Dot Of Shame" gaff by offering a refund to clients but what a terrible way to treat paying clients. Making a customer wear an Orange Dot to signify you're not dressed well enough is absurd as, surely, we should be encouraging people to come racing not to turn them away.

Saturday 21st January 2012 - What might have been
There was some excellent racing today but the feeling was definitely "what might have been". The valuable Mares race at Ascot (£22,780 to the winner) was won in good style by Violin Davis but thinking back to Kempton WHOOPS A DAISY beat her quite comfortably. You can never be sure what will happen on a different day but the form is in the book. Whoops A Daisy is recovering from her pelvic injury, which is great news, but today has really hit home what the owners are missing.

Somersby finally had his day in the sun when taking the Victor Chandler at Ascot beating Nicky's Finian's Rainbow in the process. Whether that form is good enough for the Champion Chase only time will tell.

Thursday 19th January 2012 - The Chilli was very hot
BRAVE ALLIANCE ran another super race today but was beaten fair & square by a good mare in All Annalena. She was Listed class on the flat so if translating that form, which she did impressively today, it was going to be hard work to beat her. Jonjo's in 3rd, Tigresse Royale, was fancied to run well so it could have been a hot little race. BARRY GERAGHTY was happy with Brave Alliance as she jumped well & tried very hard on ground that would not be ideal. All she does is stay so she'll improve on a more galloping track and with a better pace to follow. Hopefully she'll be OK in the morning and we can look forward to the Mares Final at Newbury in March. However she'll need a qualifying 3rd run beforehand, that will be around the end of February.

I wasn't surprised she was beaten as having a runner at LUDLOW can only mean one thing which is coming 2nd. For some reason the owners & I keep congregating in the same runner's up spot after every race. It's becoming our bogey track but we'll get in the winners circle eventually, Kempton was the same but we cracked that one earlier in the season. It's strange how some tracks are always lucky & others not.

One thing to be wary of when visiting Ludlow is the CHILLI & RICE that's served in the members restaurant as it was like eating a bowl of steaming hot coals. The chef must like super hot spices as the chilli would have blown the sombrero off any Mexican's head. There was no need to put the heater on for the drive home but I'm praying the effects won't be lasting too long. Its ironic that England's top scorer against Pakistan in the Test Match was J.Trott.

Wednesday 18th January 2012 - Brave runs at Ludlow
BRAVE ALLIANCE will take her chance in the Mares race at LUDLOW tomorrow with BARRY GERAGHTY in the saddle. Her hurdles debut form has been franked with Lady Kathleen sadly falling at he last when poised to hack up at Plumpton yesterday & Zahirah Moon (3rd, beaten 12 lengths) winning over C&D next time against geldings. The 5th home has also won a little race to give further substance. Brave Alliance will probably start favourite but it's far from a walkover with Sussex Sunset (could be better than she showed at Warwick), All Annalena (mid 80's flat rated but made mistakes on hurdles debut) & Jonjo's unexposed filly Tigresse Royale in opposition. Hopefully we'll have a good day as plenty of owners are coming to Ludlow to see her race.

At this stage MANSONIEN LAS & PISTOL BASC are likely to go to Wetherby on Monday.

Tuesday 17th January 2012 - More entry news
MANSONIEN LAS has been entered into a 2m4f handicap chase at WETHERBY on Monday. Catterick could be in danger of abandonement as the forecast isn't great so it's best to have options. At this stage Ferdy is liking the look of Wetherby as it might cut up a little bit. There are only 16 entered at the 5 day stage, 2 of those are already declared to race this week, whilst 10 others hold other engagements. FERDY had a winner today at Ayr which was good to see. PISTOL BASC may also go to Wetherby on Monday

Monday 16th January 2012 - Entry news
PISTOL BASC will get an entry into two handicap chases at MARKET RASEN (22nd) & WETHERBY (23rd) whilst NINE DE SIVOLA will get 3 handicap chase entries, all at 3m, at LUDLOW, NEWCASTLE (1st Feb) and TOWCESTER (2nd Feb). Ground will play a big part in where Ferdy decides to go with each horse.

Saturday 14th January 2012 - Wetherby Off
The forecast was for minus 2 but unfortunately the forecast was incorrect. Wetherby went down to as low as minus 5 last night so the track had no chance of racing with the meeting abandoned at 8am this morning. All very frustrating for the owners of PISTOL BASC as they were looking forward to seeing him race but there are alternatives from next weekend onwards. MANSONIEN LAS holds an entry at Catterick next Friday in a 3m1f handicap chase.

The 'whip rules' have reared there head again this week with jockeys receiving long bans & losing win percentages. Today WILL KENNEDY forced Pricewise selection SWINCOMBE FLAME up in the last stride in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton but got 7 days for his trouble. He also lost roughly £2,000 in earnings for 2 extra slaps, one of which was in the wrong place.

Jockeys have my sympathy as the current penalties are too draconian but the easy way to avoid a ban is not to break the rules. Barry Geraghty wrote on Twitter that he would have won a chase (Problema Tic) at Huntingdon with one more slap but he didn't administer that slap so was beaten a head but avoided a ban.

I also have sympathy with the connections of the 2nd horse at Kempton (Featherbed Lane) as they were only beaten a nose yet the jockey kept within the rules. The difference in prize money between 1st & 2nd was roughly £17,000 - so trainer, jockey, stable staff & the owner have lost their percentage of that sum. Is it right that you can get beaten by staying within the rules yet still lose out to such a large extent financially ?

Friday 13th January 2012 - Wetherby on Saturday
PISTOL BASC will take his chance on Saturday in a 2m4f handicap chase with the in form 5lb claimer LUCY ALEXANDER taking the mount. The meeting has to pass an 8am inspection due to the threat of frost. On paper looks a competitive little event despite having just 7 runners. I hope Pistol will run well for his owners but he might just benefit for this 2nd run back after injury. The main thing with him is to get him switched off early in the race and thus allow him to finish off nicely. Let's hope he goes well on his favourite track.

Thursday 12th January 2012 - Arctic is fine
ARCTIC ACTRESS is fine, albeit a bit sore, this morning. The team at Nicky's yard feel she'll be OK in 48hrs so that is really good news. The ground whilst as good as you'll get in January wasn't ideal for her so we may give her a break. That's Nicky's decision so we'll see what he says next week.

BRAVE ALLIANCE will get an entry at LUDLOW (19th) to suppliment his entry at Plumpton on Monday. Ground is the biggest driver with her.

Wednesday 11th January 2012 - Arctic Actress sore after her race
ARCTIC ACTRESS ran a game 4th today but returned sore after cutting her off hind during the race. She hit the 2nd hurdle with her hind legs so maybe that's when it happened ? Hopefully it's a superficial injury and she'll be fine in a couple of days, an update will appear on this page when available. It was disappointing as we felt she would go very close but, in hindsight, Corkage proved to be a very well handicapped horse. He ran a close 2nd off 128 a little while ago yet turned up here (recently changed yards after losing his form) on just 115. The ground was a bit dead for AA today, she'll be seen to best advantage on genuine spring Good ground.

The next runner will be on Saturday when PISTOL BASC takes his place in a 2m4f handicap chase at WETHERBY with LUCY ALEXANDER (5) on board. Lucy has impressed this season & she is picking up lots of rides for plenty of trainers in the north. Ferdy wouldn't use her unless he felt totally confident in her ability. Later in the month RIGUEZ DANCER has an entry in the SKYBET CHASE at Doncaster (28th) but is not a certain runner as he will have other options.

DONCASTER do treat their owners very well and you're made to feel welcome. Owners are offered complimentary drinks all day & given a light luncheon too. The spacious owners room is looked after by two lovely guys named ERIC & ERNIE, they couldn't be more helpful & polite and do a super job. Eric was tall, balding & wore glasses but I didn't have the guts to ask Ernie if he had short fat hairy legs as he was at least 6ft4in and 17 stone. He's probably heard that one anyway !

Whilst on the subject of racecourses & owners LUDLOW deserve a positive mention. They have an excellent carvery in the members area serving well priced food & they also have a small room, just for owners, tucked away under the main stand. In there you are served complimentary coffee with home made cakes & scones. Little things like that add much to making the experience of owning a racehorse a pleasant one. It's also a very pretty track in the middle of the Shropshire hills & not far from home. You do need a sharp nippy type of horse to be competitive as the track is quick, flat, with small fences plus the ground invariably rides quite decent.

Tuesday 10th January 2012 - Arctic goes to Doncaster
ARCTIC ACTRESS (RICHIE KILLORAN) will take her chance tomorrow at Doncaster in the 2m4f handicap hurdle. She is up 8lbs from her recent C&D win but remains in good form at home. It looks a competitive race with Peedeeque, Swallow & a few others all looking to have fair handicap marks but the ground will be important to Arctic Actress. She'll enjoy the surface (as long as the going report is accurate) & Richie has never lost on her. They seem to get on well so let's hope the partnership can run a respectable race for her owners. Tactically it will be interesting as there looks to be loads of pace to track whereas last time out we made the running as the remainder of the field were hold up horses.

BRAVE ALLIANCE has been given an entry at PLUMPTON on Monday in a 2m5f Mares novice. The ground looks like drying out, the forecast is positive, so we may well take our chance. FOREVER PRESENT is ready to be entered and Nicky has 3 bumper races in mind for her (Hereford 25th, Doncaster 28th, Taunton 31st). It will be good to finally see her on the track after being held up with the little knock she got whilst schooling at the yard back in October. The owners did have Brave Alliance to run (she won) as a replacement to tide them over but it's been good of them to remain patient.

Monday 9th January 2012 - Pistol ready & loaded
PISTOL BASC has been entered at Wetherby on Saturday in a 2m4f handicap chase. He is an intended runner so we are looking forward to seeing him race. Only 15 have been declared at the 5 day stage so taht's handy. More on him later in the week when we have the final decs & jockey booking.
Interesting to see BARNEY CURLEY'S 8yo Sommersturm win after a losing run of 25. No surprises to see Mr Curley land the punt with the winner backed into 7/2 from 7's.

Saturday 7th January 2012 - Reality hits
I didn't realise quite how disappointed I was about WHOOPS A DAISY'S injury & retirement until I saw the Listed Mares race at Sandown today. Reality really hit home hard as she would probably have gone to the post as market favourite & would surely have gone very close. The David Nicholson is also cutting up with several prominent mares due to go elsewhere. My chin(s) were firmly on the floor after that for everyone concerned. On a brighter note Ferdy had another winner today (to add to the one at Sedgefield yesterday) when his only runner at Newcastle, Negus De Beaumont, won a 3m chase in gritty fashion under Graham Lee. The future looks bright at Wynbury Stables !! Graham has now ridden 999 winners (2 on the flat) so he'll hopefully celebrate a big landmark very soon.

A tremendous gamble was landed on Shadow Boxer at Newcastle today as 14's into 13/8 is some punt. The horse had shown little in hurdles & bumpers but on chase debut, on a mark of 74 & a year off the track, the result never looked in doubt. The trainer, Donald Whilans, said he didn't know where the money had come from but " he had schooled well" whilst one of the owners in the syndicate said "I got 9/2 just before the off". Congratulations to connections.

Friday 6th January 2012 - Entry News
PISTOL BASC will get an entry at WETHERBY on Saturday 14th Jan in a 2m4f handicap chase. The handicapper left him alone after his seasonal debut on 100. Pistol loves Wetherby so hopefully he'll run a nice race. MANSONIEN LAS will head to CATTERICK on Friday 20th for a 3m1f handicap chase. Ferdy says he is in good form after a short break. RIGEUZ DANCER will get two race entries at DONCASTER & CHELTENHAM both on Saturday 28th. Due to his 130 rating we are chanelled into a small pool of races so, due to potential for bad weather or ground, we'll cover all bases. At Doncaster we have the 0-155 3m Skybet Chase whilst at Cheltenham we have an open band 2m5f handicap chase to aim at. A decision will be made after assessing ground & opposition. RICH LORD will head to SEDGEFIELD on Sunday 29th for a 2m4f 0-115 handicap chase.

It was good to chat with Ferdy this morning. His horses are just starting to show some good form so everything was very upbeat. Let's hope we get a good run with the weather and I'd be hopeful he'll be a yard to follow over the next few months

Thursday 5th January 2012 - Welcome winner for Ferdy
It was good to see FERDY MURPHY back in the winners enclosure with GOING WRONG at Sedgefield today. He's had a testing time over the last few weeks but the tide is turning and the horses are beginning to run more consistently. The runs of Charlingworth, Riguez Dancer, Guess Again & Going Wrong are giving cause to plenty of optimism. Let's hope we get a clear run with the weather as entries are due for RICH LORD, PISTOL BASC & MANSONIEN LAS in 10 days or so. NINE DE SIVOLA & RIGUEZ DANCER should be out at the end of the month whilst DIVERS will run in mid / late February.

ARCTIC ACTRESS has been given an entry at DONCASTER next Wednesday in a 2m4f handicap hurdle. There are 34 entrants so it's going to be a likely big field but the main component for her to run is the ground. It would need to dry out but that's always a possibility at Donnie.

Tuesday 3rd January 2012 - Quiet week ahead
We have a very quiet 10 days as most of the horses have had a flu jab and need a short break to recover. The only entry this week is for ARCTIC ACTRESS at Bangor but she is not a certain runner. Nothing wrong with her, she is in good form, but with a penalty to carry it might be asking too stiff a question. We'll see what Nicky thinks on Thursday morning. NINE DE SIVOLA was dropped 7lbs to 108 whilst PISTOL BASC was left alone after their respective races last week.

TIM VAUGHAN gave upbeat news on ROYALE PERFORMANCE this morning. She was understandably green when first getting to the yard but has now started to work very nicely & we are not too far away from her debut in a bumper. She is very well related so I hope she'll be able to show good form on the track for her owners. There are TWO SHARES AVAILABLE in her so please get in touch in you're interested in a good mare.

Sunday 1st January 2012 - Riguez a game 3rd at Mussleburgh
We saw a really pleasing performance from RIQUEZ DANCER this afternoon when running 3rd in an ultra competitive handicap chase at MUSSLEBURGH. They went a million miles an hour early so Riquez was detached by some way but he made good ground to pick off the majority up the home straight. The winner, Fiendish Flame, produced a remarkable performance under Allan O'Keeffe to blaze a trail & still hold on. Hopefully Riguez will come out the race well & we can plan ahead. MUSSLEBURGH really know how to look after their owners, it was first class, as a lovely meal was provided free of charge & the owners room was both spacious and comfortable. We shall go back with pleasure. Compare this with Hexham who make you pay £1.50 for a cup of tea - we shall go back with a flask !.

Anyone else been watching the darts ? Superb entertainment and, should you get the chance, well worth going to see live.

Saturday 31st December 2011 - Only Riguez left to run
ARCTIC ACTRESS has been taken out of her race at Fakenham due to the ground. Earlier in the week it was predicted to be Good but about 20mm of non forecasted rain has turned the ground soft. It's pointless going all that way to race on ground she'll not enjoy & therefore very disappointing for the owners as they were looking forward to seeing her. She has been popped into a novice at BANGOR on the 6th but is far from certain to race as it looks a very hot heat. RIGUEZ DANCER will now be our only runner up at Mussleburgh so it will be a very early start to get to Scotland on time. The race looks highly competitive but that's to be expected for the excellent money. There looks to be loads of early pace so that will suit Graham's style as he likes stalking his opponents from behind. I hope the horse runs well for his keen group of owners.

Friday 30th December 2011 - Viewing the decs
RIGUEZ DANCER (GRAHAM LEE) goes for a big prize at Mussleburgh on Sunday so no surprise to find a competitive race with several in form horses taking part. It's good to have Graham back quicker than anticipated from his collarbone injury but jockeys do mend quicker than the average human ! Riguez should enjoy the trip, track & ground so hopefully he'll run well for his owners. FERDY had a winner on the 27th to get him off the mark in December. It was a much needed winner & one that surely gave everyone at the yard a big boost. More to come we hope. ARCTIC ACTRESS (RICHIE KILLORAN) has been declared at Fakenham but the going report wasn't music to our ears this morning. The forecast was for dry weather and Good ground but forecasts are often wrong, and this one was, as they had 11mm of rain. The ground is now Good to Soft with another 10-12mm to come over the next 24hrs. We'll have to see what actually lands before assessing. The race itself also looks a competitive affair as Hawk Mountain & Judiciary take part, both hold good novice form, but both have to carry plenty of weight because of it.

Thursday 29th December 2011 - Pistol is fine after Catterick
PISTOL BASC is fine after yesterday's run at Catterick. He ran a bit free, was far too resh, but delighted with his jumping. The plan is to go back to his favourite track, WETHERBY, on 14th January for a 2m4f handicap chase. We will be very thin on the ground runners wise over the next week with just RIQUEZ DANCER & ARCTIC ACTRESS having an entry. Both will race on New Years Day at Mussleburgh and Fakenham respectively. The decs will be out tomorrow so we'll have time to study the races in depth.

Wednesday 28th December 2011 - Whoops retired after injury
The bad news was confirmed as WHOOPS A DAISY (5 time winner & Listed winner) did fracture her pelvis at Kempton yesterday. Although retired from racing thankfully the future looks bright so she'll stand at GOLDFORD STUD as a brood mare but only after a lengthy period of treatment. I'm told she'll be kept immobilised at the vets for 8 weeks (how boring will that be !) but it's the only option to ensure the injury heals properly. Everyone is gutted but we've had some great days with her & it's good to know she will be fine longer term. JERRY McGRATH who rode at Kempton was kind enough to get in touch to say 'bad luck' but perhaps it's us who should be thanking him. If he hadn't acted so professionally by dismounting when he thought there was a hint of a problem then it could have been far bleaker. Whoops trotted up fine after the race but after cooling off she was badly lame - Jerry was right to say there was a problem, she wasn't moving well, so well done to him for his swift action.

Today PISTOL BASC made his comeback after injury & did fine at CATTERICK. He jumped super but was too keen & understandably got a little tired with a mile to race. He'll be fine, will come on for the run, so plenty to look forward to with him.

ONLY THE BEST has left Ferdy's yard and is now housed with VENETIA WILLIAMS in Kings Caple, Herefordshire.

Tuesday 27th December 2011 - Not a Happy Christmas period
It's not been the greatest two days. NINE DE SIVOLA ran below par at Market Rasen yesterday which is typical of the yard's fortunes right now. Tony Kelly said he tried very hard, showed enthusiasm, but just couldn't go with the rest of the field turning out on to the last circuit. He finished 6th & will live to fight another day. Today was a nightmare as the high class mare WHOOPS A DAISY was pulled up at Kempton and, it's suspected, she has a fractured pelvis. Having viewed the tape she didn't seem to be moving well, or jumping well, after making an uncharacteric mistake at the 1st flight. Thankfully Jerry McGrath pulled her up with half a mile to run & walked her back as a precaution. Nicky was still at the track at 6pm tonight, he kindly reported that she wasn't in danger but clearly it's a nasty injury. X-Rays will be taken tomorrow so we'll know more in 24hrs. It's a real gutter for the owners, Nicky & everyone else involved as she was very progressive and in superb form.

On a brighter note SPRINTER SACRE was simply electric today. Having backed him last season to win the Supreme I'm unsure how I didn't back him for the Arkle given the reports of 'superb schooling'. BARRY GERAGHTY said he was the best horse he had ever ridden so, considering he rode Moscow Flyer over 2m to win just about everything possible at the trip, the 5/2 available for the Arkle might still be a bit of value.

Tomorrow PISTOL BASC makes a welcome return to the track at Catterick. We are thrilled to have him back but it's likely he'll need the run after a long period out of action.

Sunday 25th December 2011 - Boxing Day at Market Rasen
Just one runner tomorrow NINE DE SIVOLA (TONY KELLY) who runs in the 3m5f Clugston Lincolnshire National. Only 8 line up but it's a competitive little event with likely favourite Wide Receiver looking the main player. Since he changed stables his form has transformed with two wide margin wins and a fall (when leading 3 out) at Lingfield. Ferdy Murphy tells me Nine de Sivola is in good heart, Tony takes off a valuable 7lbs, but the yard badly need a boost as it's 26 days & 41 runners since they last had a win. Let's hope Nine de Sivola is the horse to put a smile on Ferdy's face over Christmas. Yard form can turn very quickly so we shall remain positive when driving to Market Rasen.

Wednesday 21st December 2011 - Iron Man AP so close on Brave Alliance
BRAVE ALLIANCE ran superbly at LUDLOW today under AP McCOY when only just denied by Lady Kathleen in a tight finish. She was kept wide on her hurdles debut, to give her some light, and she jumped really well & real fight from the home turn. Nicky was thrilled with her & she'll hopefully keep improving as she gets stronger with progression through the season. We nearly lost the services of AP as he had a bad fall in the previous race which resulted in quite a few stitches to a nasty gash on his forehead & another cut across his nose. Considering he is also limping due to injured ankle ligaments he may need some rebuilding over Christmas time. It was typical AP as he just shrugged his shoulders & got on with it without moaning.

WHOOPS A DAISY holds an entry in the 3m Mares handicap at Kempton on 27th. She isn't a certain runner but it could be tempting as just 10 are in the handicap. We'll see what Nicky wants to do when we chat later this week.

Tuesday 20th December 2011 - Brave Alliance goes to Ludlow
BRAVE ALLIANCE goes to LUDLOW tomorrow with AP McCOY doing the steering. She has won a bumper, been 2nd under a penalty, but tomorrow she makes her hurdling debut so a whole new ball game. It looks a competitive little race but we hope she can go well on a track where Nicky has had far more luck (39% strike rate last 5 years) than LLR (0-2) have had. On Boxing Day NINE DE SIVOLA will take his chance in the 3m5f Lincolnshire National at MARKET RASEN with Tony Kelly likely to take 7lb off his back. On January 1st we intend to run RIGUEZ DANCER at MUSSLEBURGH (2m4f 0-140 handicap chase) with, potentially, Lucy Alexander in the saddle. She has really caught the eye this season, is well worth her 7lb claim, and rode another chase winner at Mussleburgh today

Monday 19th December 2011 - Rich Lord update
Sorry for the lack of an update over the last 48hrs, my PC has been on the blink. RICH LORD ran no sort of race on Saturday, never jumping or travelling, so he was pulled up after 4 out. It was most disappointing as he seemed to have plenty in his favour. The good news is that he is fine after the race so we live to race another day. At Haydock CAPRICORNUS was transfered from Ferdy's horse box to TIM VAUGHAN's and, therefore, he is now to be based in Wales. Tim will give him a break but then prepare Capricornus for a late spring / summer campaign.

It was good to see Aerial win at Ascot to further frank the Paddy Power form of DIVERS, Aerial ran a good 4th that day. With Great Endeavour's excellent effort in the Henessey & Quantitieeeasing winning the Atlantic 4 Spinal Research it looks strong form and therefore gives us hope for the spring when Divers returns. BRAVE ALLIANCE will miss Taunton tomorrow but wait for LUDLOW on Wednesday.

Friday 16th December 2011 - Rich Lord at Haydock
RICH LORD will run at HAYDOCK tomorrow with DARYL JACOB in the saddle. It's the first time Daryl has ridden for us but we are looking forward to it as he is a very good pilot. The race looks typically competitive for a good prize but Rich will love the ground so we hope he can run a nice race. It's no secret that Ferdy's team aren't really firing right now but Rich Lord has performed well in his last two outings to give encouragement. DIVERS will now take a well earned holiday before coming back for a spring campaign - it will be one run then the Cheltenham Festival if all goes to plan.

The one problem with Haydock tomorrow will be the weather. RUK's Graham Cunningham, who lives locally, has just tweeted that snow is falling. That's not music to my ears. Please don't let us have a 2nd / 3rd inspection scenario only to then not race.

Thursday 15th December 2011 - Brave Alliance plans
BRAVE ALLIANCE has been given another entry, this time at LUDLOW on Wednesday, in a Mares novice. Good to have options to choose from. CHOC THORNTON has had his operation to repair a badly broken upper right arm. I hear all went well and despite being understandably sore Choc is in good spirits. It's such a shame as he was riding superbly & the King yard was going really well. Did anyone else see the photograph of Choc, taken by Gerard Tumelty, on Twitter this morning. It was comical & you have to see it to get the gag.

Wednesday 14th December 2011 - Entry news
BRAVE ALLIANCE will not go to Exeter tomorrow but may now go to TAUNTON on Tuesday 20th. The ground looks OK at the moment but we'll have to see what the weather bring. RICH LORD will take his place on Saturday in the 2m handicap chase at HAYDOCK. Not sure who rides yet as both Graham & Keith are injured. Due to Carlisle being waterlogged ONLY THE BEST will head to Market Rasen (26th) and PISTOL BASC to Catterick (27th). NINE DE SIVOLA may also appear at Market Rasen in the 3m5f handicap chase on the same card at Only The Best.

Bad news is being 'tweeted' about BHA bans for 5 flat jockeys who have been seemingly involved a corrupt or fraudulent practise in relation to passing information for reward and/or not riding to obtain the best possible placing. Not what we want to hear - more bad publicity for the sport !

Tuesday 13th December 2011 - Weekend plans
The handicapper raised ARCTIC ACTRESS 8lbs for her win at Doncaster last Friday which is fair as she won by 7 lengths. I doubt she'll be going anywhere in the short term as the ground looks to be awaful everywhere. BRAVE ALLIANCE will miss her engagement at Exeter due to the ground, it will be bottomless, on Thursday. This weekend we have RICH LORD entered into the 2m 0-135 handicap at HAYDOCK. He won't mind a bog so that's why we entered him. ONLY THE BEST & PISTOL BASC will race at CARLISLE if the meeting gets the go ahead. They will both need the run after having time off the track.

Moving horses is never easy but CAPRICORNUS is moving from Ferdy to TIM VAUGHAN to commence a summer jumping career. This is no reflection on Ferdy but the horse needs decent ground and, despite trying to find it at Mussleburgh & Doncaster, the weather keeps getting in the way. We are battering our heads against a brick wall so we have to do something. Ferdy closes down in the summer bar the odd runner so it makes logical sence to send the horse to a yard who regularly bang in the winners at that time of year. In 4 runs this season Capricornus has dropped from 100 to 90 so Tim starts with a good base point.

Good luck to CHOC THORNTON & KEITH MERCER who both have operations today on broken bones. Choc is having his upper arm pinned after a bad accident at Hereford whilst Keith is having his left forearm pinned after coming off Divers. We wish them well.

Sunday 11th December 2011 - Jockeys hurt
Not a great weekend in truth. DIVERS unshipped KEITH MERCER at halfway at Cheltenham and whilst the horse was fine Keith broke his right arm. That's a terrible shame as he had only just come back after breaking is leg quite badly about 18 months ago. With Graham Lee also out with a badly broken collarbone Ferdy will ge without a enior stable jockey for some time. Diver's race didn't go to plan but his Paddy Power form with Quantativeasing was franked as he won under a late surge from Barry Geraghty. Also on Saturday RICHIE KILLORAN had a nasty spill at Doncaster which saw him break his collarbone. Just 24hrs earlier he had ridden Arctic Actress to win at the same track - how fortunes change. Today we have seen CHOC THORNTON break his upper right arm in a spill at Hereford. It's been a really bad few days for jockeys who we are used to seeing on our horses.

The only 'plus' of the weekend was a trip to see TIM VAUGHAN's yard near Cardiff. Tim is training a lovely Kings Theatre 4yo called ROYALE PERFORMANCE for us. She looked in good form but won't be ready for a run until next year. It's an amazing story how quickly Tim has (a) built his yard from scratch (b) built up his string to 94 horses. He's a very ambitious man & as keen as mustard so hopefully we'll have a long partnership together.

Friday 9th December 2011 - Arctic Actress wins at Doncaster
Two runners at Doncaster today starting with CAPRICORNUS (Keith Mercer). Sadly we had unforecasted rain, which seems a recuring theme in all his runs, so the ground went against him yet again. He travelled fine, jumped well, but tired from 3 out as he hated the ground & didn't get home. We need to have a think with him as we're banging our heads racing him through the winter so maybe he'll have a short break. I was also worried about the ground for ARCTIC ACTRESS but she proved that all wrong by winning her Mares handicap by 7 lengths under RICHIE KILLORAN. The rain has made the ground loose, not tacky as at Newbury last time, so whilst not really enjoying herself she jumped well and won nicely. Richie gave her a good ride waiting in front. The handicapper will have his say on Tuesday and then we'll make plans.

Tomorrow we have DIVERS (Keith Mercer) running in the Atlantic 4 Spinal Research Handicap at Chetenham & he should go there with a decent chance after his recent 3rd in the Paddy Power. Hopefully the ground will be in his favour (albeit frost is forecast) which will be a bonus. GRAHAM LEE was to have ridden but he suffered a broken collarbone, snapped in two places, yesterday so he'll be out for a while. We all wish him well.

Many years ago I stopped, with a mate who we shall call Fred (to save embarrassment), in Stratford Upon Avon after a day's social racing. Checking in went well but when I arrived at breakfast the atmosphere was, to say the least, very frosty. The previous night Fred & myself had wandered into town and unexpectedly found a 'lock in' pub. As I wasn't working next day, nor was Fred, it would be fair to say we had a couple too many. It was a case of a quiet pint swiftly followed by 15 loud one's but you have to let your hair down sometimes.

Upon leaving the pub we tried to find some food, we were starving, but all the take-aways were shut. Bad news but we got back to the hotel OK & went to bed in two single rooms. I managed to make breakfast but Fred was still suffering in his room & didn't surface until it was time to check out. Whilst paying the bill our landlady gave Fred a stare that would have curdled milk so he shuffled off to the car I asked what the problem was .... she told me that at 4am her husband heard what he thought was a burglar in the breakfast room. However he found a completely naked Fred shovelling Rice Crispies into his mouth from the box that had been left out for breakfast. When questioned Fred had no recollection of this little incident but having had 'previous convictions' of sleep walking he wasn't surprised to see his name in lights. Thankfully an apology rectified the situation and we left on good terms.

Thursday 8th December 2011 - Graham Lee injured
Bad news was passed to viewers of RUK as GRAHAM LEE was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone after a heavy fall at Huntingdon. If it is broken he'll be a sad loss for a few weeks until he gets back to full fitness. He'll miss the ride on CAPRICORNUS tomorrow at Doncaster, he takes his chance in a typically competitive 2m h'cap hurdle. As we stand the going (Good) is in his favour but we don't want any heavy rain overnight. His last run was a big step on previous efforts so I hope that progression will continue. I would suspect Keith Mercer will take the ride but I'll have to chat with Ferdy later today. We also run ARCTIC ACTRESS (Richie Killoran) in the 2m4f Mares H'cap. She works well at home but is disappointing us on the track at the moment, so it's all a bit of a mystery, but hopefully she can improve tomorrow & show us what we think she can produce. DIVERS has been declared for Saturday at Cheltenham and is in good form. Graham was due to ride so I'll have to chat with Ferdy to see what we do now. Bloody shame for Graham as he has been riding very well & his feedback is always worth listening to.

Wednesday 7th December 2011 - Hexham races & Rich Lord runs well
HEXHAM passed an 8am inspection to prove me wrong (where did all the snow go ?) which meant that RICH LORD took his place in the 2m novice chase. I didn't envy horse or jockey as the conditions were awful & the strong wind bitterly cold. Hexham is up high in the hills so on days like today you really do miss the shelter a stand would provide. Fortune may have been on his side as two higher rated rivals fell but Rich Lord ran a blinder to come 2nd at 33-1. Graham said the ground was as bad as he's ridden on but Rich coped Ok on it. His jumping was excellent so that augurs well for the future as we have a few nice races coming up at the end of the month. Mr Woods (see yesterday's blog) was a non runner in the 3m chase so that saved me a nasty decision, hopefully he'll run in a suitable race quite soon.

MANSONIEN LAS is fine after his race on Tuesday and, as with Rich Lord, he has some suitable races at the end of the month. On Friday we run CAPRICORNUS (2m h'cap hurdle) and ARCTIC ACTRESS (2m4f handicap hurdle) at Doncaster. The ground is currently Good which will suit the pair so I hope the rain stays away. DIVERS is in good form ahead of his run on Saturday at Cheltenham where, if we the forecast is correct, he'll get his ground.

Last night I stayed in Hexham so being 'Johnny No Mates' I took a walk into town to watch the Champions League football in a pub. A guy walked up to bar and, in a broad Geordie accent, said to the barmaid " Hello Pet, what's your cheapest but strongest ale ? I've only got £20 but want to get as Pi***d as possible as quickly as possible". He was clearly a man who got straight to the point & I can only guess he must have had a bad day at the office !!

Tuesday 6th December 2011 - Hexham optimism !!!
Despite rumours of 'No Hope' Hexham passed it's 2.30pm inspection this afternoon. Having been to Sedgefield today it seemed best to stay overnight in HEXHAM rather than make the journey home. I've had a look at track and can report that it's very white, frosty & was also freezing cold. I'm happy to be proved wrong but the Clerk must be an optimistic chap to want to look tomorrow at 8am. He is banking on rain washing away the snow but with the going stick already at 3.8 I'd be worried about a quagmire.

RICH LORD runs, weather permitting, in the 2m novice on ground he should cope with (it will be awful) but the race doesn't really fit the bill as we are badly off in the weights with some opponents. The program book isn't being kind at the moment so we were left with little option (Ferdy says he needs a run to keep him ticking over) but to declare. The 2m4f handicap on the same card looked more suitable but on this very stiff track / terrible ground it could have bottomed him. Fortunately we have plenty of good target races in 3 weeks time - London buses !

MANSONIEN LAS is also a victim of the program book as the only 2 races in his grade, within a 200 miles travelling distance, were at Sedgefield (trip short of his best) and at Hexham (he would hate that ground but right trip) tomorrow. He ran well enough today, forcing the pace, until swamped going to the last. Graham felt he would have been placed bar making a mistake when he had to throw him at the last fence. He is a big gross horse so needs to run reguarly and, once again, we have nothing for 10 days but then plenty of options over the Christmas & New Year period.

Going back to Hexham .... one of the best handicaped horses in the UK runs there tomorrow in Mr Woods. Regular readers will know of my love affair for this horse despite his form figures looking like a bad hand in a game of Scrabble. He was rated 125 just a few runs ago but a series of mishaps have seen him tumble in the weights. I backed him 2 runs ago at 3m (33's into 8's) but he slipped & unshipped when cruising 5 out at Carlisle. Who knows what would have happened but he was going very well. Then I let him run for free 3 weeks ago at Hexham as 4m was surely going to be too far. He still looked like winning jumping the last ditch 3 out but then got very tired up the hill and faded badly. Remarkably he got dropped another 10lbs for that run & is now on a perch of just 95. The poser for tomorrow will be the ground, which should they race, will be bordering on quicksand. I'll have to dip my toe in the water (10's or bigger each way) despite my concerns but ideally I'd like to wait for a 0-100 on decent ground for me to jump in with both feet.

Monday 5th December 2011 - Mansonien Las runs at Sedgefield
Our hand was slightly forced by the poor weather forecast at Hexham but MANSONIEN LAS's race at SEDGEFIELD tomorrow looks sutiable on paper. He should be Ok dropping back in trip with some pace in the race assured. Graham Lee rides. RICH LORD will go to HEXHAM providing the track passes an inspection, this due to slow lying on the track. The good news is that 50% of the snow has gone away today so conditions are improving & we have a chance. I would havwe thought the ground would be desperate but Rich Lord will cope with it far better than the majority.

Sunday 4th December 2011 - Lack of sleep - Fawlty Towers
RIGUEZ DANCER ran well enough on Saturday at Wetherby to come 3rd but got a bit bogged down on ground that was far softer (it was really hard work) than advertised. He jumped well, so that was good to see, and he'll be better suited to stepping up in trip. NINE DE SIVOLA's run at Kelso proved to be a disappointment as he was absolutely cantering with a circuit to race but breasted a fence & seemed to wind himself. He went from going well to poorly in 50 yards but he'll be back very soon. This week MANSONIEN LAS, RICH LORD, ARCTIC ACTRESS & DIVERS could run so it will be busy providing the weather doesn't intervene.

After a very early start to get to Wetherby on Saturday I decided to drive direct to Kelso in readiness for today's meeting. I checked into a little B&B in the town centre which seemed nice enough on first inspection. The owners were pleasant and said " we're going out at 8pm, singing in a concert, so we'll see you in the morning at breakfast". No bother to me - so I cracked on with a bit of work on the laptop, then took the short walk into town but found Kelso to be shut (nice place but it really was a ghost town for a Saturday evening) so I mooched back to the B&B to watch Match Of The Day. Sadly the TV in my room didn't want to work so with the B&B owners unavailable to provide a solution an early night was the only option - or so I thought. At 10.30pm an unexpected phone call woke me up (the person who called will remain nameless but he got a bollacking) but then I dozed off again. However at 11.30pm the B&B owners returned home but they made a huge racket with some friends (can only assume the concert was in a brewery) which woke me up again. Consequently they got a nasty shock when confronted by a very angry Racing Manager in just his boxer shorts. Worse was to come as at 7am they started playing music on the kitchen radio which woke me again. Breakfast was a bit frosty !! If any reader would like the name of a lovely B&B in Kelso please get in touch but take some sleeping pills or ear plugs. Nightmare !

Friday 2nd December 2011 - Weekend chances
RIGUEZ DANCER will take on just 4 rivals at WETHERBY tomorrow so that's a good start. However it's a tight little race but we have plenty of pace to follow so that's handy as he has good stamina at 2m. Riguez has schooled well since last weekend's mishap (Racing Post say he fell but he unseated after being blinded by a rival jumping right handed across him). Riguez beat Diamond Frontier over C&D last season by a length when giving a pound but has to give 8lbs tomorrow so we meet on worse terms. He could be a tough nut to crack, so could Nine Stories, but racing isn't always predictable so we hope he can run very well for his syndicate. NINE DE SIVOLA's form at staying trips (Irish & Scottish National and an Eider) is very good & he runs off a lower mark when seen in those 3 races at KELSO on Sunday in the Borders National. On paper he is fairly handicapped, anyone can see that from the formbook, but he's had an injury or two over the last couple of seasons so has to prove he can still do it at this level. Encouragingly Ferdy is happy with him so I hope he can run well for his owners, they have been most loyal & patient so deserve reward. Wetherby & Kelso here we come and let's hope we have some lucky.

Busy next week to with runners at Sedgefield, Hexham, Doncaster and Cheltenham.

Thursday 1st December 2011 - Plans ahead
RIGUEZ DANCER will go for the 2m handicap chase at Wetherby on Saturday as that looks the most logical target & the cut in the ground will suit. It was a shame he capsized at Newbury as that race did look ideal but we're fortunate to have this one as a good subsitute. NINE DE SIVOLA is heading to Kelso as, thankfully, the ground looks fine (Soft) and no more rain is forecast. The owners have been looking forward to this race for a long while so I hope all runs smoothly on race day. It looks a competitive chase as you would expect for the money but NDS stays well & should be absolutely fine on the ground. GRAHAM LEE will ride the pair. ARCTIC ACTRESS may go to Doncaster next Friday for a mares handicap hurdle if the ground is decent. DIVERS, sitting on a lovely perch of 10 stone, will only race at Cheltenham in the Spinal Research Atlantic 4 Gold Cup if the ground is decent. There is no official report yet so we shall have to wait patiently.

Good to see Choc Thornton hasn't lost the fire in his belly. After two falls at Wincanton he then won the handicap hurdle with a finally judged ride from the front. However a 7lb claiming amateur commited the cardinal sin of trying to nip up the inner of a top jockey on the approach to the last. Choc understandably then gave him an almighty bollacking after passing the post. I've not seen him that angry since he had to buy a round of drinks.

Tuesday 29th November 2011 - Handicap Day
Tuesday is always important as it's the day we find out what the handicapper has done to the various handicap marks of our horses. This morning we have CAPRICORNUS -2lbs after running 4th at Mussleburgh WHOOPS A DAISY +5lbs to 134 after her win at Kempton MANSONIEN LAS -1lb after running 3rd at Sedgefield whilst ARCTIC ACTRESS has been given a mark of 93 after her 3 runs in novice hurdles. We had high hopes for her a short while back so didn't envisage that type of rating but she has disappointed us. Hopefully a switch to handicaps will ignite a flame. RIGUEZ DANCER was understandably left alone after his mid race departure at Newbury.

The response to my advert for BRAVE ALLIANCE has been good but shares are still available so please don't delay & give me a call. Hopefully the heavy rain in the far north will go away & allow Kelso to race on Sunday. Ayr was abandoned today so I'm getting twitchy about NINE DE SIVOLA getting a run at the weekend. Thankfully drier conditions are forecast.

There will be no blog update tomorrow as I'm attending a funeral.

Monday 28th November 2011 - Brave Alliance for syndication
Bumper winner BRAVE ALLIANCE has become available for syndication, to be trained by NICKY HENDERSON. Originally the partnership leased Milanella but she picked up a slight knock which kept her off the track for a couple of months. Luckily we had a 'super sub' in Brave Alliance to step in to give the partnership members some sport. Now that Milanella is due to come back into training we must release Brave Alliance. Is all that clear ?

What it means is that BRAVE ALLIANCE is now free and I can form a NEW PARTNERSHIP. Considering she is already a bumper winner, only beaten by a previous winner last Saturday at Bangor & is ready to race over hurdles it's an opportuinity not to be missed. She has schooled really well at Seven Barrows so we'll hopeful she do nicely. She cost 82,000 euros as a yearling and is directly related to VOY PER USTEDES

Should you be interested in taking a share, or hearing more, then her please contact me on 07702 895 428.

Sunday 27th November 2011 - Busy from Saturday 3rd
We have no runners this week but from Saturday 3rd it's very busy. RIGUEZ DANCER gets a total of 3 entries at Wetherby (3rd) & Kelso (4th) as he seems fine after his unseat at Newbury yesterday. We'll pick the best option based on ground & opposition. NINE DE SIVOLA runs at Kelso (4th) in the 0-145 4m Borders National, so off a mark of 120 he should get a nice weight. ONLY THE BEST will make his seasonal debut at Sedgefield on 6th in a 3m3f beginners chase. RICH LORD, who ran so well when 3rd at Hexham last time, will return to that track on the 7th in a 0-120 handicap. Joining him will be MANSONIEN LAS in a 3m1f handicap chase. CAPRICORNUS will get an entry at Doncaster on the 9th in a 2m handicap hurdle & we hope the ground stays quick for him. DIVERS will go to Cheltenham on 10th if the ground stays decent otherwise he could re-route to Doncaster on the same day for a 3m handicap.

I'll chat with Nicky sometime this week to make some plans for his team of 5. Really pleased with BRAVE ALLIANCE yesterday as she ran a very game race & was only beaten by a Tom Symonds filly who is highly thought of at the yard.

Saturday 26th November 2011 - Mixed fortunes today
BRAVE ALLIANCE ran very well this afternoon to come 2nd under David Bass despite not enjoying the dead ground at Bangor. David said she gave 100% but didn't give him the same feel as she did at Warwick on a surface with bounce. None the less she finished miles clear of the 3rd home, was only just beaten a previous winner, showed us plenty for the future. It's likely she go over hurdles now as she jumps very well. RIGUEZ DANCER was travelling nicely at Newbury for Graham Lee when unshipping him at the ditch down the back. Graham said he was slightly blinded going into the fence which caused Riguez to misjudge his leap & he left his hind legs in the ditch. Graham was shot up in the air and had no chance but thankfully both horse & rider are in good health. Riguez will be back on the track very soon as long as he is fine in the morning.

Great to see MATTIE BATCHELOR win the Hennessey today as he's one of the nicest blokes in the game & a funny fella as well. Jockeys like Mattie, who are down the pecking order for big race mounts, rarely get a major day in the sun but it's warming when they do as it's well earned. However you have to be on guard to make sure you're not caught out by his warped sense of humour. One day at Fontwell Park he was walking past our LLR group in the paddock but decided to stick the thick end of his whip up my backside. It made my eyes water and, to be honest, it bloody hurt but Mattie thought it was hilariously funny to see me jump 10 foot in the air. The BHA should introduce more stringent whip rules !!

Friday 25th November 2011 - Pleased with Capricornus
CAPRICORNUS ran well today when 4th on unsuitable ground at Mussleburgh under Graham Lee. It was quick ground yesterday when we declared but rain throughout the day (after watering !) turned the going soft. Graham took the wide route to find the best he could but it was still a disadvantage. We'll try to find some decent ground for him in due course.

Tomorrow RIGUEZ DANCER (Graham) takes his chance in the 2m4f handicap at NEWBURY. It looks typically competitive, and we would like a bit more rain, but he's working nicely so let's hope he can run well. The step up in trip will help him get into a rythmn. BRAVE ALLIANCE (David Bass) will bid to follow up her Warwick win at BANGOR in another 2m bumper. The race is sponsored by Goldford Stud who, by pure chance, is where she grew up & did her pre training. Bumpers are always difficult to assess as there is little or no form but Brave Alliance is in good form and should go very well.

DIVERS holds an entry in the December Gold Cup (10th) at Cheltenham but will only run if the ground is suitable - which means not with too much cut.

Thursday 24th November 2011 - RIP Terry O'Connor
Arctic Actress didn't really fire today but she hated the soft & tacky ground so maybe now we have a better idea as to why she didn't fire at Ffos Las too. The ground that day was similarly soft and holding. Her dam Blast Freeze showed her best form on quick ground (2nd Swinton Hurdle G/F ground) so maybe she is going to be a spring horse. We shall see soon and she has the option of handicapping.

CAPRICORNUS takes his chance at Mussleburgh tomorrow on ground that currently is in his favour. However rain is forecast so that's a worry. Ferdy has decided to put blinkers on the horse to give him a chance.

Not many readers of this blog with know TERRY O'CONNOR but he was a good mate of mine for 30 years who has now sadly passed away after a long battle with illness. In the dim & distant past we owned horses together, shared some success on the track & he enjoyed every win massively. Terry was a great supporter of racing and National Hunt jockeys in particular. Over a long period he sponsored a cricket match at our club (Wanstead CC) whereby a team of jockeys would play a side we put together from the club. Terry gladly paid for the bar, hotels, food, and even made a donation to the IJF on every occasion. There was no nicer man and he's a very sad loss to family & many friends.

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 - Arctic Actress runs tomorrow
MANSONIEN LAS is fine albeit a bit tired after his effort at Sedgefield yesterday. Very pleased with him and we can now plan ahead. ARCTIC ACTRESS (BARRY GERAGHTY) will take her place in a mares novice at NEWBURY tomorrow. I'll be going through the race carefully later today but it looks a competitive little event despite having just 10 runners. She should be fine on the ground & is there to do her best. The step up in trip will hold no fears as she is a staying type.
SEDGEFIELD really impressed me yesterday. I've been there many times purely as a spectator but, with a horse to race, I found it well managed and owners were treated in good style. The owners room was spacious, decent food was served at a fair price, free coffee all day, staff friendly & the track was in good nick. We'll go back willingly. One blot was the official going report which was Good but it rode Soft.

Tuesday 22nd November 2011 - Mansonien runs well into 3rd
MANSONIEN L'AS ran a terrific race at Sedgefield today to come 3rd in the 3m3f handicap chase under a determined Graham Lee. His jumping can be improved upon as he didn't really like the soft ground and he showed us enough to suggest he can win races this season. He had a hard race so will be given time to recover before we find him something else. WHOOPS A DAISY came out of her race well so we can look forward to finding her another race sometime soon. I'm very happy for Richard & Sally Aston at GOLDFORD STUD as they now have a Listed winner to add to the very impressive breeding operation they run.

Monday 21st November 2011 - Whoops A Daisy grabs Listed win
WHOOPS A DAISY gave her syndicate a massive day today when winning the 3m Listed Mares race at Kempton under BARRY GERAGHTY. This win formed part of the HENDERSON MAGNIFICENT SEVEN as NIcky saddled 7 runners on the day and all 7 won - remarkable !

Whoops jumped well bar one small mistake at half way, took up the running two out, stayed on well. She got the 3m in good style & Barry was delighted with her. All roads now lead to the 2012 Cheltenham Festival for the David Nicholson Mares but she'll run somewhere before then.

Tomorrow we have MANSONIEN LAS (Graham) running at Sedgefield in a 3m3f handicap chase. He will strip a lot fitter than when last seen at Hexham & has blinkers applied so we hope he can win some prize money for his syndicate too.

Sunday 20th November 2011 - Whoops runs tomorrow at Kempton
It's a big day tomorrow with WHOOPS A DAISY running in a Listed race with BARRY GERAGHTY in the saddle. The 3m trip is an unknown but Nicky feels she will stay ok particularly around Kempton's tight turns. Paul Nicholls mare Violin Davis is sure to start favourite but her impressive 13 length Wincanton win wasn't franked at Ascot yesterday as Cool Friend (2nd at Winc) was beaten 14 lengths. It's interesting that Alasi beat Violin Davis by 6 lengths giving 16lbs at Cheltenham in April whilst Whoops finished 2 lengths behind Alasi, off levels, at Wetherby. Mr Nicholls says Violin Davis has improved a lot over the summer, he would be a superb judge, but collaterial form lines may give us a squeak despite official handicap marks. Elyaadi could show improved form over hurdles now that she tackles 3m as her Royal Ascot (2nd Queen Alexandra 2m5f) form shows she stays all day. Cloudy Spirit also has good form at 3m. It's a tough competitive race where tactics will be vital. There isn't any recognised pace (3 of the 5 are hold up horses) so it could be messy over the first mile. Whoops will run her usual game honest race but only time will tell if she's good enough to win.

Saturday 19th November 2011 - Kauto Star rolls back the years
The 11yo KAUTO STAR won his 4th Betfair Chase today in thrilling fashion and showed a clean pair of heels to younger rivals. It was a tremendous performance from a remarkable horse. It's amazing to think that some people were trying to retire him last season. How can anyone prefer flat racing over the jumps when you regularly see old stars giving performances like that year after year. Long Run (2nd) made mistakes today but he'll be back for the King George with some cobwebs blown away. His season is surely based around the major targets at Kempton & Cheltenham. Time For Rupert looks a real stayer so a sharp 3m didn't really suit whilst Weird Al ran a decent race to run a good 3rd.

I've hardly had a bet for two months because I've not had time to study the form properly. On a rare Saturday at home I did back Torphichen at Ascot but he was nearly brought down at the first when Anquetta fell, so that was an early bath on my comeback. He deserves another chance as he looked to get badly kicked in the carnage yet still ran well enough.

Next week we could have runners at Kempton (Mon) Sedgefield (Tues) Fontwell (Wed) Uttoxeter & Newbury (Thur) Mussleburgh (Fri) and Newbury (Sat). It could be mega busy !

Friday 18th November 2011 - Haydock's ground a mystery
WHOOPS A DAISY will swerve the valuable 2m4f handicap at Haydock tomorrow as we're going to wait for the 3m Mares Listed at Kempton on Monday instead when Barry Geraghty will ride. Nicky had heard a few will miss that race, some have already run, so it could be a small field. The question mark for Whoops is does she stay 3m but Nicky feels she will around Kempton. Only one way to find out and that's to try. The favourite at Kempton is sure to be VIOLIN DAVIS who was a visually impressive winner at WIncanton two weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if that form gets franked tomorrow when Cool Friend & American Laddie race at Ascot. They chased home Violin Davis at Wincanton. ARCTIC ACTRESS will also miss her engagements at the weekend as Nicky wants to wait a few more days with her. She holds entries at Fontwell & Newbury. Also in at Newbury we have BRAVE ALLIANCE in a maiden hurdle too, she could make her hurdling debut.

Over the years we have had some fun and games with Haydock's going reports & going stick readings. Today the going was Good but without any rain it was changed to Good to Soft after two races. How hard is it to give an accurate report than owners and trainers can rely on ?

Thursday 17th November 2011 - Hexham a long way but Mussleburgh
........ is even further. CAPRICORNUS has two entries planned for next week at UTTOXETER & MUSSLEBURGH in a couple of handicap hurdles. Mussleburgh is a super track to visit, the facilities are very good, but it's miles from home. We'll be looking for the best ground for Capricornus. If we go to Scotland I hope the tea in the owners room won't cost £1.50 as it did at Hexham yesterday. RIGUEZ DANCER will not go to Haydock tomorrow as we wanted ground with a bit of cut and it also looks a very hot race. He'll head to Newbury on Hennessey Day for a 0-145 handicap chase. Ferdy says he is in good form which is encouraging. RICH LORD is absolutely fine after his run yesterday which is a relief. We can now plan ahead with him but we'll be going where the ground is soft over 2m or even a bit further. MANSONIEN LAS will run at Sedgefield on Tuesday in a 3m3f handicap chase.

Wednesday 16th November 2011 - Hexham is a very long way
Hexham is a lovely track to visit but is an awful long way from Shropshire. A good day none the less as RICH LORD ran a super race under Graham Lee to finish a fast closing 3rd in the 2m handicap chase. We learnt a lot today and that can be taken into his next few chase runs. Graham was very pleased with his jumping, bar one little mistake, and said that he ran on well after being outpaced off a slow early gallop. We'll see what the handicapper does to his mark next Tuesday morning. MR WOODS was once again a big eyecatcher on the card. I didn't back him over this 4m trip but will do so when he next seen over 3m. Today he cantered around, looked the winner 3 out, but didn't get home up the stiff Hexham climb to the home straight. I hope he's given a decent rest as he had a hard race today.

Tuesday 15th November 2011 - Pleasant surprises
DIVERS was raised just 3lbs to 142 for his 3rd on Saturday in the Paddy Power. Considering he raced that day from 5lb out the handicap we can have no complaints. JUst as good was the news of the 7lb (down to 120) drop that NINE DE SIVOLA was given for his seasonal debut at Uttoxeter. That's given us a chance with him to be honest. NDS has been off the track a long time, has probably got slower, and the handicapper has realised that. CAPRICORNUS was dropped 1lb for his run at Bangor.

Tomorrow RICH LORD (GRAHAM LEE) takes his place in a 6 runner handicap chase at HEXHAM. The race looks quite tricky, Donald McCain's new recruit Chester Lad looks interesting, but Rich isn't without a chance on ground he'll enjoy. A frustrating horse, whose form figures read like a scrabble board, called MR WOODS takes him place in the 4m handicap chase. I had a few quid on him last time out (33's into 8's) at Carlisle but he tripped over at the 5th last when cantering. I'm not sure 4m is his ideal trip, maybe 3m would be better, but he's very well handicapped. That's if he can get round of course !

WHOOPS A DAISY is perched on just 10 stone for the valuable 2m4f handicap on Saturday at Haydock. I'll have to discuss with Nicky.

Monday 14th November 2011 - Entry news at the weekend
A few entries have been made. WHOOPS A DAISY holds an entry in the valuable 2m4f handicap hurdle at Haydock on Saturday. She could get a nice light weight but that's not the only factor to put into the decision making mix. At Kempton on Monday there is a 3m Listed Mares race which will also come under consideration. ARCTIC ACTRESS holds two entries at Huntingdon & Towcester, both in Mares novices, so she'll probably go for one of those.
RICH LORD will go to Hexham on Wednesday, the ground is in his favour, and he is in good form.

Sunday 13th November 2011 - Divers shows his class at Cheltenham
DIVERS showed himself to be all heart at Cheltenham when 3rd in the PADDY POWER GOLD CUP under a superb Graham Lee ride. The rain on top of watered ground didn't suit (it rode soft) so to run as well as he did left the owners very proud & also wondering what might have been had the ground been good. Thankfully he is fine this morning and will head back to Prestbury on 10th December (ground permitting) for the 2m5f December Gold Cup. NINE DE SIVOLA also pleased everyone with a good comeback run at Uttoxeter as he needed the run and will come on quite a bit. His target is at Kelso on December 4th for the 4m Borders National, a race that suit suit him ideally. That's a 0-145 but typically top weight is a fair bit lower, so we'll have to wait and see how much weight Nine will carry.

This week is quieter with RICH LORD (Hexham Wednesday) and RIGUEZ DANCER (Haydock Friday) our only runners, the latter will only go if we get rain. I'll be chatting with Ferdy & Nicky early this week to put more dates in the diary.

Thursday 10th November 2011 - Divers gets a run at Cheltenham
Good news ! DIVERS got into the final 20 for the PADDY POWER GOLD CUP albeit is out the handicap by 5lbs. This means he'll be carrying 12lbs more than when winning in March at the Festival. Clearly no easy task but he'll do his best as always, the ground will hopefully remain in his favour. RICH LORD has been entered into a Limited Handicap at Hexham (0-135) on Wednesday even though he is rated 114. It's worked out quite well at the highest rated entry is just 128 so Rich Lord will be able to race off bottom weight of 10st 5lbs. CAPRICORNUS is fine after his run yesterday, we are discussing options with him.

Wednesday 9th November 2011 - Perfect timing at Bangor
The weather forecasters actually got one right today. Heavy rain will fall between 3pm & 4pm they said on the BBC and that's what happened. Just as we were entering the paddock at 3.20pm "whoosh" it poured down so we all got soaked. Come Racing !. Tony Kelly reported that Capricornus didn't really enjoy the ground today and found it hard work under top weight. He ran on into 5th, would have been 4th in another 20 yards, but he was beaten a fair way after losing his position at half way. We'll have to see what options we have open in the next few weeks but finding good ground could be hard work.

It's declaration day tomorrow for the Paddy Power. The two big issues are (1) will Poquelin run thereby keeping Divers out the weights by 5lbs (2) will Divers get a run as we need a couple to come out to be certain. All will be revealed just after 10am tomorrow. It's a bit disappointing to read that Cheltenham have watered heavily to get G/Soft patches particularly as rain is forecast each day up to Saturday. Hopefully the ground will not end up like a pudding and ride genuinely good. Aidan Coleman tweeted that it's walking pretty good so that's encouraging. Aidan is currently out with a broken collarbone but aims to be back this week. Considering he only broke it on 29th October that's remarkable news but jockeys are tougher than the average man in the street.

Tuesday 8th November 2011 - Ferdy in form
Good to see FERDY MURPHY bang in 2 winners at Sedgefield today to showe the yard are coming to the boil. He also had several placed horses who ran well. Tomorrow he takes CAPRICORNUS to BANGOR for a 2m conditional jockeys h'cap hurdle with Tony Kelly (claims 8) in the plate. The ground was drying out quite nicely and, as of yesterday, no rain was forecast but it drizzled most of today. I'm just 15 miles from Bangor so hopefully it was just one grey cloud above my house that was getting me wet. It's a competitive event but Ferdy's horses all come on for their first run so I'm hopeful Capricornus will step up markedly on his last effort. In total 9 owners are coming to the track so it should be busy & fun come what may.

Monday 7th November 2011 - Entry news
CAPRICORNUS will take his chance on Wednesday at BANGOR in the 2m CJ's handicap hurdle. Tony Kelly will take the ride w hich means he can take a handy 8lb off. He'll strip fitter from his debut run. On Saturday we hope DIVERS gets a run in the PADDY POWER but he needs a few from above to come out to be sure. The ground is likely to be in his favour so let's hope he gets in. Poquelin is a spanner in the works off 170 as he keeps Divers out the handicap by 5lbs. NINE DE SIVOLA holds an entry at both Uttoxeter & Wetherby so will get a run. Ground will determine where he goes on seasonal debut. Both BRAVE ALLIANCE & WHOOPS A DAISY hold an entry at Cheltenham on Sunday with fast ground certainly in Brave Alliance's favour. She may take her chance in a Listed bumper (a big jump in grade from Warwick) if the ground stays fast. However fast ground would be a worry for Whoops A Daisy so she may wait for another day. The weather forecast will determine what we can do.

Sunday 6th November 2011 - A mixed week
It's been a busy week with trips to Wetherby, Warwick, Hexham & Kelso. We've seen some success & had a couple of horses need the run so a mixed bag. Our two runners at the weekend Mansonien L'as and Rich Lord both ran as if needing the run quite badly. Encouraging to see Rich Lord jump so well.

Thursday 3rd November 2011 - Brave Alliance wins the George Mernagh
We had a terrific day at WARWICK yesterday as BRAVE ALLIANCE (DAVID BASS) won the bumper in impressive style. It was an emotional win for Nicky, breeder Sally Aston, and many of the team at Seven Barrows particularly Nicky's secretary Rowie. The race was run in the memory of George Mernagh who sadly died this year after a long illness. He was a great friend of Nicky etc so it was his ambition to win the race. Seldom do these things come right but yesterday was one such day. BRAVE ALLIANCE will probably go straight over a hurdle as she has schooled well at home.

Tomorrow we run MANSONIEN LAS (KEITH MERCER) at HEXHAM in a competitive looking 3m1f handicap chase. Ferdy's team are in better form than the figures show (6 of last 8 in the frame) but he's made it obvious in the press that all of his horses are coming on a bundle for the run. I doubt tomorrow will be any different. ONLY THE BEST misses his engagement to wait for another day. On Saturday RICH LORD will go to KELSO to make his chase debut with Keith Mercer riding.

Tuesday 1st November 2011 - Brave Alliance takes her place
A trip to WARWICK is booked for tomorrow for BRAVE ALLIANCE (DAVID BASS) in the 10 runner Mares bumper. Nicky has been very happy with her progress since last seen ans she's going fine at home. let's hope for a good run. Rain is on it's way (do forecasts come true ?) so we should be able to see MANSONIEN LAS, ONLY THE BEST, RICH LORD & NINE DE SIVOLA take part over the next few days.

RIGUEZ DANCER was dropped just 1lb to 133 for his Aintree outing whilst WHOOPS A DAISY was (happy surprise) left alone for her gallant 2nd at Wetherby. She remains on 129 so we now have plenty of options.

Monday 31st October 2011 - Weekend Review
The ups & downs of racing were illustrated over the weekend. WHOOPS A DAISY ran an absolute stormer at Wetherby when 2nd in the Listed Mares race behind the very talented mare Alasi. She lost nothing in defeat and we were delighted with her effort. Richie Killoran felt she wanted another half mile in the future. We'll see where we can go with her once the handicapper has had his say. Conversely DIVERS didn't run as well on ground that Keith Mercer described as holding & tacky. Divers didn't enjoy the surface and was eventually pulled up with two to jump. As long as Ferdy is happy with the ground he'll still head to Cheltenham for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. The main thing is that he is absolutely fine today.

Plenty of entries this week. BRAVE ALLIANCE will run on Wednesday at Warwick in a bumper. MANSONIEN LAS & ONLY THE BEST will go to Hexham on Friday. RICH LORD will go to Kelso on Saturday whilst NINE DE SIVOLA will go to Market Rasen (Sun) or Carlisle (Mon). A busy few days ahead.

Friday 28th October 2011 - Actress runs well at Uttoxeter
ARCTIC ACTRESS ran really well today to show her Ffos Las form to be all wrong. She ran a good 3rd despite suffering interference a couple of times in the race & we learnt plenty about her. There are races to be won with her this season. Tomorrow we have WHOOPS A DAISY taking on 6 rivals in the Mares Listed at WETHERBY. She is in very good form and therefore hope she can run well. On ratings she is 2nd best behind the good mare of Paul Webber's Alasi but, in our favour, perhaps she is better over 2m4f / 2m6f ? Time will tell but we're hoping for a bold show. On Sunday DIVERS races in the 6 runner COLIN PARKER at CARLISLE. The ground looks to be coming right but the weights of the race do not favour us. In a handicap Hidden Keel would be giving 10lbs but Divers is giving him 2lbs, so no easy task, but Ferdy has to get a run into him. Ferdy's team remain typically quiet in October but I expect to see better once the horses have blown away some cobwebs towards the middle of next month.

Thursday 27th October 2011 - Arctic Actress runs at Uttoxeter
ARCTIC ACTRESS will take her place at Uttoxeter tomorrow in a 2m maiden mares hurdle with ANDREW TINKLER in the plate. We have no explanation for her disappointing run at Ffos Las bar lack of fitness, and she has continued to work well, so we will be sure to learn more tomorrow. It looks a more competitive race than at Ffos Las with quite a few decent types coming off the flat to make a debut. This race starts a mini tour over the next 3 days as I'll be at Uttoxeter, Wetherby & then straight on to Carlisle, Let's hope we get some encouraging runs.

BRAVE ALLIANCE holds another entry, this time at Warwick on Wednesday, in a bumper. With the current fast ground being a real pain (we have showers today terrific !) Nicky is looking for every available entry to get her a run. She's not a certain starter & may get other entries.

It was interesting to read comments from top owner ANDY STEWART in yesterday's Racing Post. His view is that the top jockeys should be paid far more per ride than lower ranking jockeys in a free market. Mr Stewart would raise the basic fee to £150 then it's an open market that decides how much you would pay AP, Dicky Johnson or Ruby to ride your horse. Normally I'd support any suggestion that allows jockeys to earn more as they put their necks on the line for us & are a terrifically hard working bunch of people. However I can't agree with this idea as, by virtue of having a top job, the elite jockeys get loads more rides & quite a few steering jobs every week which increases their earnings considerably.

What I would support would be a tiered fee for different grades of race. It does seem silly that a jockey gets paid the basic fee for a selling hurdle & the same fee in the Gold Cup or Grand National. Maybe a structured system would work ?

Mr Stewart uses the comparision of The Ivy & KFC. One clearly costs a lot more than the other for a meal as the quality is different. However with a bad meal we can send it back and ask for another, or even walk out without paying. At the moment owners pay a jockey fee regardless of how the jockey performs on the day. Over the last 8 years I've had a few jockeys, with typical honesty, say " Sorry but I gave that a shocker". If fees are to increase then maybe owners should have the right to refuse to pay for a poor ride ? That is being a bit michievious but it can't all be one way traffic.

Wednesday 26th October 2011 - Whoops A Daisy heads north
WHOOPS A DAISY will head to Wetherby on Saturday for the 2m Mares Listed race. Nicky was kind enough to call last night to tie up plans & he is keen on Wetherby. The ground looks set to be decent, I'm told she is in good form, so we'll race amongst our own sex this time. I'm not sure if Nicky's other mare, A Media Luz, will take her place or go to Ascot for the handicao. Ritchie Killoran knows Whoops A Daisy well having won on her twice so he will take will ride.

The entry list for the PADDY POWER GOLD CUP was issued today with 51 horses, including Divers, penciled in for the race. We will learn far more when the weights are published next week and, laterly, on November 7th when the 5 day decs are made.

Other plans include ARCTIC ACTRESS going to Uttoxeter on Friday if she beats her ballot number. RICH LORD will head to kelso on November 5th whilst ONLY THE BEST will go to either Hexham (4th) or Kelso (5th).

Tuesday 25th October 2011 - No rain, no runners
ONLY THE BEST & RICH LORD both miss planned engagements at Haydock tomorrow as the rain didn't materialise in the quantities required. It's dried up at Haydock and could be quite quick which is remarkable as it's nearly November. All a bit frustrating but we'll find alternatives races for this pair very soon. ARCTIC ACTRESS & BRAVE ALLIANCE will need luck with the weather and a couple of nasty ballot marks to get a run at Uttoxeter on Friday.

WHOOPS A DAISY is quoted in the ante post market for Saturday's big 2m hurdle at Ascot but I'd hold your bets if you're thinking of backing her. She is also in a Listed Mares race at Wetherby on the same day and could head up there. Ground will play a vital role but with Charlie Hall day being a high profile fixture for the track I'm sure they will water to encourage plenty of good horses to turn up. As reported via Ferdy's quotes in yesterday's Racing Post DIVERS will be going to Carlisle on Sunday for the Colin Parker Memorial Chase. The ground should be fine as that region has seen more rain than the majority of the UK. Historically this race has attracted only a small handful of runners each year but it looks more competitive than usual with 15 entered, many of good quality, this time around.

The debate about the stick rages on with rumours of some kind of action being taken at Towcester on Wednesday week. That track of course were trying to introduce racing without the aid of a stick. There may be more jounalists than punters paying a trip to Northants. Come what may is a crying shame RUBY WALSH looks like reducing his trips over here because of our current stick rules. To have a rider of his quality refusing to ride in the UK is barmy & lessens the product we are selling to the public.

Monday 24th October 2011 - Riguez is fine
RIGUEZ DANCER is fine after yesterday's race at Aintree. It was a disappointing run but nothing went right for him. The leaders went a million miles an hour, Riguez made a mistake at the 2nd, and then he became detached from the others. We shall re-group and come again.

I'm worried about the ground drying up at Haydock for Wednesday as both ONLY THE BEST & RICH LORD both want some cut. Rain is forecast for tonight so let's hope that lands.

Saturday 22nd October 2011 - Busy week ahead
ARCTIC ACTRESS & BRAVE ALLIANCE both hold an entry at UTTOXETER in a 2m mares maiden hurdle on Friday 28th. I'll be speaking with Nicky early next week to firm up plans for those two. We also have WHOOPS A DAISY due to race on Saturday 29th at either Ascot or Wetherby followed by DIVERS at Carlisle on Sunday 30th. RICH LORD & ONLY THE BEST will go to HAYDOCK on Wednesday providing we get ground with some juice in it. Fortunately rain is forecast so I'm hopeful they will be fine to take part & get their season underway. Looks like I'll be spending next week going up & down the motorway.

Excellent days racing today. Master Minded was out of sorts in the Old Roan at Aintree whilst Fingal Bay looked very good when winning the Persian War novice at Chepstow. Also at Chepstow THE GIANT BOLSTER & TULLAMORE DEW both ran eyecatching races over hurdles in preparation for a tilt at the PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Friday 21st October 2011 - Riguez runs on Sunday
RIGUEZ DANCER runs in the 2m handicap chase at Aintree on Sunday with Graham Lee on top. It looks a competitive little event despite having just 8 runners, whilst a good pace looks assured with a few pace setters lining up. Riguez is in good form at home but will need the run as is typical of all Ferdy's early season runners. With his 134 rating we are chanelled into a very small pool of races so whilst 2m around Aintree might be a little sharp we were keen to get his season underway. With so much fast ground still about this race, on good to soft, was an opportunity not to be missed.

The new whip rules, version 2, come into force today. The BHA have backed down to pressure, mainly from jockeys, to lower the penalties incured & how the whip can be used during a race. Let's hope the new version works well and we can get on with the racing.

ONLY THE BEST was dropped 10lbs by the hurdles handicapper (120 > 110) for his race at Haydock on Wednesday. This is welcomed as the initial 14lb rise, following his win at Hexham, did seem rather harsh.

Thursday 20th October 2011 - Big day ahead
Tomorrow we'll hear the BHA's response to the PJA's request to amend the updated whip rules. Maybe I'm being overly pessimistic but I'm fearing the outcome will cause more unrest even more discussion. Let's hope that proves to be well off target, the jockeys go away happy, so we shall find out tomorrow.

Still no rain in the south so we are dragging heels with entries from Nicky's team, so that is all very frustrating. Luckily is wetter up north so Riguez Dancer will get a declaration for Aintree on Sunday. We also have 2 horses due to race at Haydock next Wednesday, see yesterday's post for more details.

Wednesday 19th October 2011 - Ten day bans upheld
No real surprise but also a disappointment that the jockeys from WETHERBY have had their 10 day ban upheld after appeal. The 9 jockeys involved ignored a yellow "Stop Race" flag entering the straight so were called into see the stewards. That means we will lose GRAHAM LEE & AP from October 26th to November 4th inclusive on horses trained by Nicky & Ferdy. With a lot of our horses due to be coming out over that period it's a bit of a pain to say the least but we'll be assured of some good replacements.

Rain is needed at Haydock to ensure RICH LORD & ONLY THE BEST take up planned engagements next week. Both need cut.

Tuesday 18th October 2011 - Riguez's race may cut up
Just 15 entered at the 5 day stage for AINTREE on Saturday in the 2m handicap that RIGUEZ DANCER will be aimed at. Of the 15 possibles 10 hold an alternative engagement so there is a chance the race may cut up but, of course, these things do not always work out. We shall see come Friday morning who will oppose. The ground should be OK as it's just on the softer side of good right now & the north may get some rain.

I had a good chat with CHARLIE MORLOCK who is one of Nicky's assistants at Seven Barrows. All the horses at Seven Barrows are very well but they need rain to really get going. BRAVE ALLIANCE is ready to run but we won't be taking any chances with her on fast ground. FOREVER PRESENT managed to knock herself schooling a fortnight ago but is due back into full work on Monday which is encouraging. She looked in tremendous physical condition when I last saw her. ARCTIC ACTRESS raced on the 9th so she hasn't done much since then whilst WHOOPS A DAISY has been working nicely in preparation for her intended outing (Ascot or Wetherby) on Saturday 29th October. Pray for some rain in the south as it's badly needed !

Monday 17th October 2011 - Riquez Dancer entry at Aintree
RIGUEZ DANCER holds an entry on Sunday at Aintree in a 2m handicap (0-145) chase & the intention is to run all being well on the lead in. Whilst Ferdy's horses haven't really got going (typical for the yard in October) several are running very nice races on seasonal debut. Hennessey & Royal Mile were examples of that at Kelso, both will improve next time, and are certainly worth a look when entered next time. Hennessey is viewed as a long term Grand National by Ferdy but would need to go up at least 10lbs, to around 140, to even have a chance to get into the race.

Rather than read FERDY'S Racing Post training file I was far more interested in Phillip Hobbs yard & Wishfull Thinking. Delighted to read that Mr Hobbs is aiming Wishfull Thinking at the Paddy Power off a mark of 164. Should he turn up it would leave DIVERS on 10st 1lb and, secondly, knock plenty of others out the handicap. We are a month away, plenty can happen in that time, but we live in hope.

Sunday 16th October 2011 - Visit touched with sadness
Yesterday a group of owners paid a visit to ALAN KING'S yard at Barbury Castle. In the circumstances Alan, wife Rachel, and the team were magnificent towards us. On first lot they lost a very good horse in MILLE CHIEF who, in a freak accident, broke a hind leg whilst on a routine exercise canter. When we arrived it was clear the yard were in shock but it's great credit to everyone that we were still made to feel so welcome. How Alan managed to greet us with a smile is beyond me. We still saw 2nd lot work, some good horses worked well, and then we returned to the yard for some breakfast prepared by Rachel. Our own horse TICKITY BLEUE looked in superb condition, she has filled out nicely since joining Alan, and did two canters in good style. She is still learning the ropes but we expect her to be out around Christmas time in a bumper. I think she'll do well as Alan is keen on her, says she jumps very well, is progressing & has scope.

A quiet week awaits as we only have one entry planned at AINTREE next Sunday but then we get busy so that's all good.

Thursday 13th October 2011 - Running Plans
WHOOPS A DAISY will miss Cheltenham this weekend which is a relief as fast ground was worrying me. She will head to Wetherby for a Listed Mares race or Ascot for a valuable handicap on 29th October. DIVERS is working nicely and still on course for Carlisle on 30th October with, all being well, a tilt at the PADDY POWER GOLD CUP on 12th November the next goal. NINE DE SIVOLA (3m1f novice chase) and MANSONIEN LAS (3m1f handicap chase) are penciled in for Hexham 4th November. We would hope to take Nine De Sivola to the Borders National on 4th December after that. It's a 4m chase (0-145) so could suit him perfectly. Before that we have RIGUEZ DANCER, who is in good form, heading to Aintree for a 0-145 handicap chase on 23rd October whilst RICH LORD & ONLY THE BEST are penciled in for races at Haydock on 26th October. There are still plans to be made for quite a few but updates will appear on this page.

I do have some SHARES ON FREE LEASE available in some good types at Alan King, Tim Vaughan & Ferdy Murphy's yard. They are not far off a run so please contact me for more details.

Wednesday 12th October 2011 - Remaining patient
CAPRICORNUS needed the race yesterday at Huntingdon and, therefore, whilst not worried by the end result we would have hoped for him to show a little bit more. Ferdy tells me he didn't eat up this morning so that would explain a lot, he may have had an off day, so we can expect better next time. His jumping was very good so that was encouraging. The eyecatcher from the race was Parc Des Princes who nearly fell on the path going past the stands and therefore did really well to run 2nd. A stiffer track might suit him as he looked flat out early in the race behind a fierce pace.

I keep having to tell myself it's only October 12th, remain very patient, there is no way the horses can be100% fit right now. It's good to get a run into some of them this early as the benefits will be reaped later in the autumn. We may run WHOOPS A DAISY this weekend but I'd be terrified of fast ground for her at Cheltenham with it's downhill stretches.

Monday 10th October 2011 - Capricornus goes to Huntingdon
Nicky Henderson had ARCTIC ACTRESS checked out by the vets but they have found nothing wrong with her. Her legs are great & the scope clean so it's all a bit baffling as we felt she would go nicely. Nicky hasn't had many runners at this stage of the season so, understandably, he is still feeling his way with fitness levels for his team. Logically until a few run well then he'll not know, accurately, that their working companions are just a fit & should also run well. He has had a winner, but that was an odds on shot that should have won, whilst others have got tired. We'll get Arctic out again in 3-4 weeks and hopefully she'll show us what she can really do. Also from Nicky's yard WHOOPS A DAISY holds two handicap hurdle entries at CHELTENHAM this weekend but she is not a certain runner. She will work again before Nicky decides on her.

Tomorrow we have our first runner from FERDY MURPHY'S yard when CAPRICORNUS takes his place in a 0-115 handicap hurdle at Huntingdon with stable jockey GRAHAM LEE taking the ride. Like many other yards Ferdy hasn't really got going yet, he's hardly had a runner & with the majority coming on for that first run. Ferdy expects that to be the case with Capricornus as he is returning from a 220 day holiday whilst the majority of our opponents have had a run. I hope he'll still run with credit & give us a good solid base on which to work with for the rest of the season. His hurdling has been good at home so I'm keen to see him transfer that to the track. There are only 9 runners but a few look to be in form like Farleigh House & Parc Des Princes whilst Space Telegraph is now back on a good mark & Dear Maurice, a decent flat horse, is on an attractive mark if translating that talent to hurdles.

Sunday 9th October 2011 - Arctic is disappointing at Ffos Las
Horses aren't machines and never was that more so than today at Ffos Las. ARCTIC ACTRESS had been working nicely with some good quality horses & had schooled well but she didn't fire. We have no real explanation at the moment but she'll be checked out by the vet at the yard.

Andrew Tinkler was happy during the race & when he made his move going to 3 out, which she pinged, he thought sure to be involved in the finish but she looked (from watching the tape) to be left a bit flat footed. A mistake two out then cost her all chance. The time of the race, and seeing that all the runners were still in a group turning for home, indicates the race turned into a sprint. It was 5 seconds slower than the other 2m event on the card.

Nicky hasn't run that many horses so far this autumn and some of those haven't run that well. Trainers need to gauge their string over the first month so, quite possibly, she may have been short of work. I'll speak with Nicky tomorrow to hear what he thinks. Lets hope AA can bounce back next time.

Saturday 8th October 2011 - Arctic Actress declared to race
Our first runner of the winter season will be on Sunday at FFOS LAS when ARCTIC ACTRESS takes her place in a 2m mares novice hurdle. She has been working nicely and has schooled in good style too so that is encouraging. ANDREW TINKLER, who has done plenty of her schooling, takes the ride. Jonjo's mare Cross The flags is well related so she is one to watch in the market.

CAPRICORNUS (Graham Lee) will take his place at HUNTINGDON on Tuesday in a 2m handicap hurdle. More on him on Monday.

Thursday 6th October 2011 - Top morning at Nicky's
NICKY HENDERSON was on great form this morning showing us around the yard & schooling WHOOPS A DAISY, ARCTIC ACTRESS & BRAVE ALLIANCE for a group of owners. All jumped well so that was a huge bonus. Arctic Actress would need some rain to run at FFOS LAS on Sunday but she is in good form. WHOOPS A DAISY worked well and, to our surprise as we didn't think she quite that forward, might take in a race at CHELTENHAM next weekend before heading to Wetherby on the 29th. Brave Aliance will be ready in about a fortnight for a 2m4f hurdle, she has improved a lot over the summer. A good morning had by all & the hospitality top notch.

Wednesday 5th October 2011 - Capricornus gets an entry
CAPRICORNUS worked well enough this morning to merit an entry at HUNTINGDON on OCTOBER 11th in a 2m handicap hurdle (0-115). The ground is pretty quick at the moment so we'll have to keep an eye on that but it would be nice to get him going. This will be the 2nd day of the new whip rules so the races will be keenly watched. Hopefully no jockey will fall foul of the new rules & surely a trial period would have been better to allow the jocks get accustomed to the change before the harsher penalties come into force.

I love TOWCESTER RACECOURSE as a track, we've had plenty of luck around there, but you have to wonder about their stance on the whip. They want to ban the whip, to have 'hands & heels races', yet they are happy to race 40 horses on Firm ground today. I wonder what has the worse long term effect on a horse .... is it a few smacks with a padded whip, or running 3m over fences on firm ground ?

Monday 3rd October 2011 - Arctic Actress gets an entry at Ffos Las
ARCTIC ACTRESS holds an entry at FFOS LAS on Sunday 9th in a 2m Mares only novice hurdle so she could become our first runner of the winter season. We are 1 from 1 this season, thanks to Arctic Actress winning a Fakenham bumper, but the real hard work starts now. She has schooled nicely at home so I hope she can translate that to the track.

On Saturday (1st) the owners open morning at FERDY MURPHY'S went really well with over 50 people in attendance. The weather was very kind & the horses looked in rude health when taking part in their canters. The yard had a definite feal good feeling about it, the horses seem in better form that at this time last season, so it was all very encouraging.

CAPRICORNUS, who has done well over the summer, should be our first runner from the yard as he's nearly ready for a 2m handicap hurdle. DIVERS will head to Carlisle on 30th October for the 2m4f Colin Parker Intermediate Chase and then, all being well, on to the PADDY POWER on 12th November. He is currently 3rd favourite for the big handicap so exciting times ahead. PISTOL BASC & NINE DE SIVOLA will probably head to Hexham on 4th November for a 2m4f (0-100) handicap & a 3m1f novice chase respectively. NDS may well then head to Kelso on 4th December for the 4m Borders National. RIGUEZ DANCER could start at Aintree on 23rd October in a (0-145) 2m handicap. ONLY THE BEST will have a run in a handicap hurdle before switching to chasing, RICH LORD will go novice chasing as soon as we get some rain whilst MANSONIEN LAS should be ready in early November for a handicap chase.

Our next owners open morning will be at Nicky's on Thursday so that should be enlightening and hopefully good fun for those coming to Seven Barrows.

Thursday 29th September 2011 - Nicky's team look good
It was an early start yesterday for the drive down to see NICKY HENDERSON and our team of four horses. WHOOPS A DAISY worked with ARCTIC ACTRESS on the all weather, both looked in great health, so Nicky was very happy with the pair. Whoops A Daisy, who won 3 last year, is certainly a bigger & stronger girl this season so we hope she has some improvement. She is bang on schedule for the Listed Mares race (2m) at Wetherby on 29th October where she may be joined by another of Nicky's, one time Triumph Hurdle favourite A Media Luz. Arctic Actress is well forward so she'll make a debut over hurdles, ground permitting, by the end of October. BRAVE ALLIANCE worked nicely, I'm told she's improved since last season, and will go straight over hurdles (2m4f) in mid to late October. Nicky was kind enough to pop her over a few flights, she jumps very well, so that is encouraging. FOREVER PRESENT is a little behind the rest but she'll be ready for a bumper in mid November with the rest of the main team at Seven Barrows. She is a big strong type who would need some cut.

Tuesday 27th September 2011 - The rules are now clear
The BHA have published the new whip rules for jockeys and, at last, they are black & white not just guidelines. That can only be good as everyone knows exactly where they stand. From October 10th jump jockeys are allowed 8 hits, with a hit defined as one made with a hand off the rein, in the race. Only 5 hits can be made after the last obstacle regardless of the length of the run in. It doesn't matter if it's Cartmel or Plumpton, it's still 5 hits, which is clear but also an anomaly as the run in at Cartmel is nearly half a mile but only 120 yards at Plumpton.

Minimum entry point for a breach is now 5 days with, in those circumstances, the jockey also losing his riding fee & any prize money percentage. Persistent offenders within a rolling 12 month period stand the chance of losing their license for 6 months. There are sure to be offenders but hopefully these new rules will work well.

Sunday 25th September 2011 - Interesting week ahead at Nicky & Ferdy's
I've two trips planned this week which should both prove informative. On Wednesday I'll be at NICKY HENDERSON'S yard to see ARCTIC ACTRESS, BRAVE ALLIANCE, FOREVER PRESENT & WHOOPS A DAISY. Brave Alliance may not be familiar to you but she is leased to replace MILANELLA whilst she recovers from a knock. I'm hoping that Nicky will be able to give an accurate guide to fitness levels, schooling performance & when we can start thinking of an entry. We already know Whoops A Daisy is well forward as she has a Listed hurdle race planned for October 29th at Wetherby. I'll update the site later this week with news.

On Saturday 1st October we have an owners open morning at FERDY MURPHY'S yard in West Witton to welcome the many owners joining Let's Live Racing from DPRP. Around 50 people are due to be at the yard so it should be a fun & busy time. We'll be watching the 8 horses work and, come the day, may have some tenetaive race plans in the diary. Having spoken with, or swapped mail with, many of the owners it will be good finally meet. Ferdy called me this morning to let me know all's good & schooling is going grand. Encouraging news !

As we move into October the prospect of seeing the horses race gets ever nearer so everything starts to hot up & we can pop some dates in the diary. I'll update the site more regularly now that we are getting close to entry stage.

Wednesday 21st September 2011 - Divers takes a trip to Carlisle
It's been a sad week for racing as, yesterday, Michael Jarvis passed away after a long illness. Back in my tipping & punting days he was, by a long way, the yard I followed the most on the flat as his horses were beautifully placed & very progressive. Tactics were kept simple but generally very effective so we had loads of fun courtesy of the master of Kremlin House. He really was a top notch trainer and, reading the tributes, a smashing guy as well.

DIVERS took a trip to Carlisle yesterday for a racecourse canter. Ferdy had been invited by the course executive to trial the new hurdles track so he took 9 horses for a 1m6f canter. Ferdy tells me he was delighted with all the horses, which included KALAHARI KING, as they were stripping fitter than he originally felt. It will be the trainers sole decision if we have a prep run, a proper racecourse gallop, or go straight to the PADDY POWER H'CAP CHASE on November 12th.

Monday 19th September 2011 - RIP Ginger McCain
A sad way to start a new week with the news of GINGER McCAIN'S short illness & passing aged 80. Most who work in racing have a favourite Ginger story, he was a passionate character never short of a view & a lovely guy too. I first met him down at Ascot in the early 80's when a friend of mine had a runner, trained by Ginger, in a novice chase. At the time Ascot wasn't the friendliest track as they employed gatemen, all wearing a bowler hat, whose sole purpose seemed to be to tell owners "you cant do that or you cant go in there". However they were no match for Ginger in full flow & I'll never forget the startled look (or was that petrified) on one bowler hatted chap's face when Ginger let him have a verbal dressing down when refused entry to the O&T bar. When finally gaining entry Ginger just started laughing as he'd really enjoyed giving the bloke a bollacking. The next two hours were enjoyably spent talking about the National & Red Rum. He will be a sad loss to his family, to horse racing & will be missed by many. I'm sure a race will be named after him at the 2012 Aintree Festival.

On a brighter note arrangements are now in place for an owners open morning at Ferdy's yard at the end of the month. This has kindly been arranged by David Parry and will form the last part of our handover from DPRP to Let's Live Racing. It will be good to see the horses work and, importantly, good to meet many of the owners within those 8 partnerships for the first time. Ferdy has been most helpful over the last month, nothing has been too much trouble, and his communication about the horses excellent. Let's hope we can get some winners in the short term to further cement that relationship.

Friday 16th September 2011 - Gordy joins the team
We haven't gone down the road of planning race entries yet but it was pleasing to receive an upbeat report from FERDY MURPHY this morning on his team of 8. All are doing well, coming along nicely, so it won't be long before we start penciling in some dates in the program book. A meeting is planned for the first week of October for that purpose. The next time I'll be at the yard will be on Saturday October 1st for an annual owners morning on the gallops. It will be good to see how the horses have tightened up over the last 4 weeks.

This season will no doubt be very busy with a team of 15 horses so, with a possible clash of race days in mind, we have asked GORDY CLARKSON to come on board as deputy racing manager. Gordy has worked for the David Nicholson, Alan KIng and was, until the end of last season, assistant to Richard Phillips. He clearly knows the ropes and will be a super addition to the team. With Gordy being based in the Cotswolds it's likely he'll cover some of the southern meetings when I'm not available. I'm sure the owners will enjoy his company as he's got 101 stories to tell & will also give some good insight into the horses.

Tuesday 13th September 2011 - An epic match
I'm a bit bleary eyed this morning as, though not a massive tennis fan, the Djokovic / Nadal Final at Flushing Meadows was compelling viewing so it kept me awake until 2am last night. It went one way then the other, in boxing match terms, both would have been on the ropes in trouble after some fantastic exchanges. It was a shame someone had to lose but Djokvic, after suffering with a bad back, won the 4th set to win 3-1.

Nothing much has happened with the horses in the last week but, importantly, all are doing what they should be doing at home. Come the first half of October we'll be making some plans , putting pencil marks against some races, so that's when it will all start to hot up.

Sunday 11th September 2011 - Tom's impressive yard
The rain just about held off today at TOM SYMOND'S yard for his open day. There must have been 200 people in attendance to see a parade of 22 horses. The facilities looked to be new, very well built, and generally impressive. I think the season may see a slowish start for Tom as many of the horses were bumper types who need some time but Tom also has DUC DE REGINIERE who could contest some higher profile events to publicise the yard. Good luck Tom !

Saturday 10th September 2011 - Another day, another yard visit
Tomorrow I'll be taking the trip down to TOM SYMONDS yard in near Ross on Wye in Herefordshire. Tom is starting his training career this season after spending the last few years as assistant to Nicky Henderson - so that's the link between Tom & LLR. It will be a good chance to see Tom & wish him all the best. Al Khaleej ran well enough today at Goodwood but didn't bring home the trophy. I got excited when he took the lead a furlong from home but he was swallowed up in the last 100 yards in a bunched finish. Through no fault of his own he, possibly, had to race on the slowest ground down the middle. He's knocking on the door so I'll not give up on him, and if he keeps starting at double figure prices it's worth the calculated punt he'll win one soon.
Next week looks like being spent in the office which is very welcome as there is a huge amount of paperwork to be done.

Friday 9th September 2011 - On the road to Jonjo's
It was nice to get the invite to Jonjo O'Neill's open day today, it was very enjoyable, they certainly have tremendous facilities at JACKDAWS CASTLE. It would be good to get a horse with Jonjo at some stage in the future as he, and wife Jacqui, do know how to look after their owners.
Time to look at the racing form has been minimal recently but a notebook horse is running at Goodwood tomorrow so I'll mention him. Al Khaleej (3,25) was highlighted on 6th July as I backed him at 25's for the Bunbury Cup. That day he found all sorts of trouble and finished fast after switching repeatedly in his run under Steve Drowne. Al Khaljee is best coming off a fast pace so I'd ignore a muddling 6 runner farce last time. He won't be 25's tomorrow, more like 8's, and anyone can find trouble at Goodwood but he is undoubtedly well handicapped so I'll have a small bet. He acts on the track having been a good 2nd on two occasions. Good luck with your own punting.

Thursday 8th September 2011 - Early morning at Ferdy's
There was no easy first trip to FERDY MURPHY'S yard in West Witton, North Yorkshire as he arranged for the 8 new horses to be on first lot. So the sun was just poking through at 7am when I met Ferdy (that's a lay in for him as he starts work at 6am) in his office. We saw the team work up his five & half furlong all weather gallop as a group, encouragingly they all looked good and healthy. Race plans haven't been discussed as it's far too early to do that but, come the middle of October, I'd hope to have some races pencilled in for the majority. Ferdy had more than a few stories to tell and, within two hours, we had put the world to rights & had a few laughs too. I'm hopeful we will forge an excellent working relationship over the next few years.

Tuesday 6th September 2011 - Milanella due for a short lay off
When you receive an unexpected call from a trainer it's always a worry. Nicky Henderson called me a couple of days ago to say MILANELLA has suffered a little hold up which will keep her off the track until Christmas time. This is most frustrating for the syndicate but thanks to Martin Lightbody with Richard & Sally Aston, the syndicate have been offered a 'super sub' in the 4yo filly BRAVE ALLIANCE. She ran in one bumper last season when 2nd at Towcester to Alan King's Hindon Road, so she has some talent & it's felt she's also developed over the summer. Brave Alliance will replace Milanella until the latter named is once again fit enough to race. I'm hopeful she will be ready in the early part of the autumn.

Saturday 3rd September 2011 - Stable Tours
I'll be making my first trip to Ferdy's yard in West Witton, near Leyburn, on Thursday. It will be good to look around, see the facilities, and importantly see the horses. Ferdy tells me they are all looking in good form and he's getting plenty of work into them. The full list of horses at his yard are ...CAPRICORNUS, DIVERS, ONLY THE BEST, MANSONIEN L'AS, NINE DE SIVOLA, PISTOL BASC, RICH LORD & RIGUEZ DANCER. Next week will be busy as a trip is also planned to see JONJO O'NEILL at Jackdaws Castle and TOM SYMONDS in his new yard near Ross on Wye. We don't have a horse at either yard but it's nice to be invited to look around and make new contacts.

Apart from Let's Live Racing I do some work with MULTIPLEX RACING on behalf of Richard Kent & Allan Stennett. Yesterday our first runner, RADIO GAGA, won on debut at Haydock in very impressive style. She had been working nicely at home but Ed McMahon sais she was far from fully would up so she should be one to keep on your side. Yesterday's race was 6f & on ground just on the faster side of good. When she gets 7f and some cut she'll be even better. The runner up Accession, trained by Clive Cox, is highly thought of so it may turn out to be quite a hot little maiden. Hopefully Clive will forgive us for beating his hot-pot as he trains the other syndicate horse GENTLE SANDS. Clive tells me she is also working nicely and will make her debut at Haydock in a 6f maiden (could lightening strike twice) on 23rd September.

Wednesday 31st August 2011 - Ferdy Murphy joins Lets Live Racing to train 8 horses
The summer has been far busier than originally anticipated. An exciting opportunity was presented back in June and, now that the ink is dry on the agreement, I'm at liberty to issue some news.

Let's Live Racing will take over the management of 8 horses currently managed by David Parry Racing Partnerships (DPRP) from October 1st 2011. All of the horses are trained by FERDY MURPHY from his base at West Witton, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Some of the names will be very familiar such as 2011 Cheltenham Festival winner DIVERS, the Scottish & Irish National runner up NINE DE SIVOLA, and 134 rated chaser RIGUEZ DANCER.

I'm looking forward to working with Ferdy, his Grand National winning jockey Graham Lee & the owners to achieve the very best possible results for each partnership. The horses will remain with Ferdy so the transition for the owners will be seamless. Ferdy will do a super job so I'll be backing him 100% to provide Let's Live Racing with plenty of winners. There is potential for each horse to win a race(s) this season.

We have wanted to have some horses trained in the north for some time, thereby broadening our client base, so this business plan has now come to fruition. Also having Tim Vaughan recently join our impressive list of trainers further illustrates the ambition over the next decade.

This season will be a massive one for Let's Live Racing. We have some classy horses to race so it's a season where we very much hope to provide our owners with many winners & many great days at the races.

Exciting times & more on the string as we get further into the season !

Monday 29th August 2011 - Alan King Open Morning
The first sign of the new season really getting under way is the annual trip to ALAN KING'S open day at Barbury Castle. The weather wasn't very kind, it poured down most of the day, but the horses still looked in superb condition. Alan's team work incredibly hard to ensure the day goes smoothly and yesterday was no different. Alan's got about 130 horses to run this season with the novice chase department looking particularly strong & full of talent. One or two stars could pop up from that group. BYGONES IN BRID, owned by Harry Rednapp, looked on good terms with himself and expected to go very well over hurdles. Alan reported that DHAFFER had done particularly well for a summer break. MONTBAZON, a high class bumper horse, looked very well and should be a major force in novice hurdles. A new recruit QUOTICA DE POYANS could become a good handicapper as he brings some very useful hunter chase form to the table. An initial mark of 126 could prove lenient. SOIR D'ESTRUVAL could be a force over fences having been hobdayed in the summer. TURN OVER SIVOLA met with a slight setback last season, his debut was delayed, but he could make up for lost time in the autumn. Alan loves him. I must also mention a beautiful gelding, called DENALI HIGHWAY, who looked outstanding. He won a bumper last season at Uttoxeter and should do very nicely over hurdles. An exciting season lies ahead for the Barbury Castle team.

Friday 26th August 2011 - Nicky Henderson very upbeat
Nicky was kind enough to call me with a report on our 4 horses. Overall he is absolutely delighted with there condition, couldn't be happier. ARCTIC ACTRESS has already done some schooling in the indoor ring, she jumps well, which is encouraging, so Nicky may send her straight over hurdles in late October. FOREVER PRESENT & MILANELLA, our two un-raced bumper horses, look super and are back in work. Nicky wants to kick on with them but they would need some autumn rain to take a race. Milanella is a big, heavy topped, horse so she would certainly need some cut. Nicky was particularly thrilled with WHOOPS A DAISY as she's grown markedly over the summer and is now a fine looking mare. Her first target, subject to ground, will be the 2m Listed hurdle at Wetherby on 29th October. I felt that race will suit her so it was good to hear Nicky tell me that's where he wanted to go. These four are very exciting.

Our two new horses TIKATI BLUE & ROYALE PERFORMANCE continue to impress in their early paces. I still have a couple of shares left in both so please give me a call.

Wednesday 24th August 2011 - Tim Vaughan to train for Let's Live Racing
I'm happy to announce that TIM VAUGHAN will be added to our impressive list of trainers when he takes charge of our new Kings Theatre 4yo filly ROYALE PERFORMANCE.

Tim has been on our radar for some time so it's nice to finally give him the opportunity to train some winners for us. I saw the filly yesterday at Goldford Stud, she looks tremendous, so we are very hopeful for her.

Based just south of Cardiff in Cowbridge Tim, a former Welsh point to point Champion rider, has been training full time since 2008. Over the last 4 seasons his annual winner tally has spiraled continually upwards as has the quality of the horse in his yard. Last year was impressive with 92 winners including Grade 1 wins for Spirit Of Adjisa & Saint Are together with a Scottish National win with Beshabar.

Tim's stable jockey is Richard Johnson but when he's not available Tim uses AP McCoy, Tom Scudamore & Daryl Jacob. Stable amateur is the experienced Tom David whilst Ritchie Killoran, well known to us via his 2 wins on Whoops A Daisy, takes rides with his useful claim. It's an impressive team and one that is very ambitious to do well.

I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Tim well and hope that the partnership is both long & successful.

Monday 22nd August 2011 - Tikati Blue
Our new 3yo filly by Tikkanen is now called TIKATI BLUE subject to Weatherbys approval. It will be interesting to see her next weekend at Alan's, see how she's progressed, since first meeting her about 6 weeks ago. I'm told Alan's seen her canter and is very happy with how she's shaping up.

All 4 Henderson horses (Arctic Actress, Forever Present, Milanella, Whoops A Daisy) have made the trip from Goldford Stud to Seven Barrows. They have done their ground work, now it's the hard graft of getting fit. We have ambitions to race them in late October, ground permitting, so best they are with Nicky now. The time will quickly pass so it won't be long before we really get going.

Wednesday 17th August 2011 - Man Flu
Sorry for the lack of updates but I've been suffering from Man Flu over the last few days & been confined to barracks. As all real men know this illness is nearly fatal, means several days bed rest, and being given hot drinks to recover. Luckily things are getting back to normal but with a backlog of work to catch up on. Working on a racecourse when it can be freezing cold and/or raining normally means at least one proper cold in the winter but August wasn't expected.
I'll be meeting with Richard Aston (Goldford Stud) late next week to discuss who is to train our beautiful Kings Theatre filly over the next two, maybe three, seasons. It's going to be a very hard decision as Richard has come up with a long list of highly talented names.

Friday 12th August 2011 - Howard Johnson banned
The long running HOWARD JOHNSON case finally came to an end this morning when it was announced he had received a 4 year ban. His main owner, Graham Wylie, who has over 60 horses at the yard has been quoted as saying "Howard's been treated like a criminal / disgusting decision / punishment heavy handed".
Mr Wylie is clearly a very loyal man, you can't blame him for that, but there are some startling facts. Howard Johnson faced charges of administering steroids to three horses in his care but was chiefly held accountable for running a horse, Striking Article, eight times after he had undergone a palmar neurectomy. This procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness. It is banned under the Rules of Racing on welfare grounds.
The disiplinary panel said " Johnson has shown a reckless disregard for the rules so as to jeopardise the future welfare of a gelding in training and the safety of those jockeys and stable staff who were engaged to ride it"
Come what may it's a sad day for racing as the sport can do without publicity of this type. The staff at Mr Johnson's yard will presumably have lost their jobs too.
Business matters have dictated that time has been short to look at any racing. However I can't resist a small interest at 12-1 on Addictive Dream in tomorrow's Great St Wilfred at Ripon. This undulating track can favour those with experience so with a C&D win under his belt earlier this season he can go well. His draw is acceptable & so is the price. I've had a win bet with a small place saver.

Thursday 11th August 2011 - New horses doing really well
Our two new horses (SHARES AVAILABLE - Call 07702 895 428) are doing very well in pre training so I'm hugely encouraged. Two owners in the 3yo TIKKANEN syndicate, Ken Amore & Sue Brooks, made the trip to Marcus Folay's yard yesterday to see the filly in her early paces. They tell me they were impressed so that's all good. Hopefully she'll be named by Bill & Di Bromley quite soon, then she'll have a proper identity. Alan King tells me she'll move up to his yard quite soon to continue her prep. She will be a full 3 season project with fences certainly an option as her career progresses. ROYALE PERFORMANCE, our new Kings Theatre 4yo filly, continues to please at Goldford Stud. Whilst we have a name we do not yet have a trainer employed but that detail will be available by the end of August. The main thing is that she does well & gets a good grounding.

Thankfully the riots across the country seem to have calmed down but the effects will run for a long while with plenty of hard working people having businesses burned down or badly damaged. Why would you want to ruin your own community or the area in which you live ? Only those that commited the crimes (can you believe that list includes an 11yo girl) will know the answer, I can't work it out.

Tuesday 9th August 2011 - Good news on the Henderson team
Richard Aston (GOLDFORD STUD) was kind enough to call me today with an update on the 4 Henderson horses. Everything is going nicely with WHOOPS A DAISY & ARCTIC ACTRESS due to go back to Nicky's yard by the end of this month. FOREVER PRESENT & MILLANELLA will take the journey to Seven Barrows in September. Richard tells me the horses have all done very well so we have cause for optimism. It's still very early days so there isn't much to add but I'll give more regular updates as we get further down the road to full fitness.
Yesterday was a very sad day. Seeing so much unlawful violence and robbery, much of it seemingly by young kids, in London & Birmingham was awful viewing. Time to get tough Mr Cameron.

Friday 5th August 2011 - Update
We now know CANFORD CLIFFS was badly injured at Goodwood last week & has been retired to stud. It's a real shame for the horse, the connections, and also for Frankel as his impressive winning performance (harshly perhaps) has a slight question mark over it. The expected rematch was going to be keenly awaited but that's now down the drain too. No doubt CC will do well at stud.
Did you see the 'Half Term Report' in yesterday's Post ? The double page spread highlighted those who had done well, and not so well, at the half way stage of the turf flat season. It was ironic that columnist Peter Thomas pinpointed Seb Sanders as a jockey who 'must do better'. Last night at Sandown he promptly won two races riding everyone else to sleep tactically when grabbing the best ground on the rail. Richard Hannon was 'Top of the Class' which is most interesting as, whilst he remains top of the trainers table, his horses in July performed statistically the worst they have done all year with an 11% strike rate. Those sort of figures can be misleading, loads of factors accompany an overall strike rate, but 27 wins from 245 runs is below par for his huge yard. NO doubt normal service will be resumed very quickly.
Changing subjects to football .... Sorry Arsenal fans but I wish Cesc Fabregas would clear off to Barcelona now as continually hearing about this 'will he, wont he' move is so boring. It's been dragging on for over a year, so just go Cesc, or stay put, then Sky Sports can talk about something else.

Tuesday 2nd August 2011 - Back To Work
The holiday season is over so now it's back to work & full steam ahead for the main season. I'm hugely excited about our prospects with our existing team & we also have new stock. There is plenty to do between now and our first runner. We have the TWO NEW HORSES so they need to be syndicated in the short term. Pleasingly I'm told that both a looking good and doing very well in their early paces in pre training.
I didn't see much racing from Goodwood but FRANKEL was very impressive and does look a machine. I'm convinced Canford Cliffs, who was giving weight away, wasn't 100% (Hannon yard not flying at the moment) but he was brushed aside with ease. No doubt a rematch will happen in due course. The awful accident to RYAN MOORE was a real dampner on the week, we wish him well with his recovery from a badly broken upper arm. On a more upbeat note it was good to see HAYLEY TURNER continue her winning run with yet another big race, major meeting, victory. About 5 years ago we used Hayley, when she was virtually unknown, to ride a rare flat race entry. We all know how good she is now but, at the time, a few of the owners understandably asked who she was. Around that time her mounts were often overpriced so there was value to be had from following her on a day to day basis. My opinion of her riding has always been high, she seems to get little wrong, and will have loads more success.

Tuesday 26th July 2011 - Mystery still not solved
The mystery of the missing data from this website blog is still not solved, and we've lost some more, so that's a worry. We'll keep entries brief therefore.

Tomorrow gives us a potentially tremendous clash between Canford Cliffs & Frankel. Listening to Richard Hughes on RUK this afternoon would have filled you with confidence for Canford. His reasoning is that Frankel is very good but he has been beaten by Frankel, not by far, on much inferior horses to Canford Cliffs so he felt the Frankel form had holes in it. With just 4 runners it could get very tactical & Mr Hughes would be a master in that department. Let's hope the race is as good as it promises to be.

I'll be at Sandown tomorrow night helping out a friend who wanted a pre race preview in his private box. They can be good fun providing you tip a winner or two. It could be hard work as it looks like Sandown have spent all their money getting TOM JONES to appear after racing rather than put it to prize money. It can't be often you see a card, at this Grade 1 track, start with an apprentice race & a claimer both worth less than £2,500 to the winner. I'm looking forward to hearing Tom Jones sing, he's always good value.

Over the weekend I'll be taking a short break in Slovenia & Austria, two counties I've not yet visited. It's the last chance to take a holiday until next May as it will soon be very busy with the horses & full steam ahead each day. Hopefully it will be a relaxing summer holiday to recharge the batteries. Consequently there will be no updates on here for the next few days - which should give our IT expert chance to solve the missing data riddle. Back early next week ! Have a good weekend.

Thursday 21st July 2011 - Missing data
Apologies to all readers ..... it's a mystery but quite a few days data has disappeared. Maybe the internet gods are trying to tell me something but our PC guru (Ian Piper) is looking into the problem & trying to resolve.

Yesterday at Catterick NEIL'S PRIDE continued to be a big eye catcher in the nursery. Having missed the break by fly jumping out the stalls, losing quite a distance on the remainder, he still managed to finish 3rd under just hands & heels riding. Considering he was stopped in his run at the two pole it was a remarkable show, one that makes me think he can win very soon over 7f or even a mile.

Full details of our TWO NEW HORSES are loaded on to the "Shares for Lease" page. So please take a look, early indiocations give us a warm feeling that both will do very well on the track.

Monday 11th July 2011 - Ireland & Goldford Stud
Everyone survived the 3 nights in Dungarvon which was remarkable such was the hospitality shown by our Irish friends. If you've not been there, then try to make a trip, Dungarvon is a super place for a short holiday. Mind you I don't feel too refreshed myself, more like in need to a week in the Betty Ford. The hospitality was also tremendous at GOLDFORD STUD yesterday courtesy of Richard & Sally Aston together with their staff.

It was really good to see our four "Henderson" horses looking so well after a summer break. Some tentative plans have been made but, as always, Nicky will have the final call on what we do. I'll update you once the owners & Nicky have been consulted.

Richard & Sally have offered me two new horses for this season which is very exciting. There is some work to be done but as soon as the ink on the lease is dry I'll give you full details. Both are well bred which is typical of the impressive operation at Goldford. I've also taken a new lease with Bill Bromley, a lovely 3yo by Tikkanen, half sister to last seasons Swinton Hurdle 2nd KNIGHT IN PURPLE. I'm in for a busy few weeks syndicating those 3 horses.

I think a lesson was learned (I'm not doing that again) as my long range pre holiday tipping for last weekends racing was poor albeit Al Khaleej remains one to keep on side after an unlucky / fast finishing run in the Bunbury Cup. I was trying to be helpful but hindsight says you should know the draw, particularly in big field handicaps at York, before suggesting horses 3 days before a race. I didn't back Rock A Doodle Do as he was in the car park from 18 but, come what may, he didn't look to stay so it could be back to 1m4f for him.

Thursday 7th July 2011 - Early weekend thoughts
With a short trip abroad planned for the weekend I'll suggest some horses for Friday & Saturday now. Obviously I've no prices to work with, the going may change, but hopefully these pointers will assist you albeit they are not definite bets.

Ashva (4.20 York, Friday) could go well after a super run at Ascot in the Britannia over a mile. He only finished 12th but from stall 1 faired miles better than the others drawn on the far side. He travelled really well, moved across to join the main pack, was still 5th with half a furlong to race but then faded as the effort took it's toll. This drop back to 7 furlongs in lower grade might suit. His form figures don't look too smart but in his previous race he was 5th of 6 in the Dante over 10f so this represents an obvious easier task. Dhaular Dhar (5.20 Newm, Friday) ran really well last time over 7 (see 27th June), this mile will suit with Fallon booked, he likes the track & the Goldie yard are flying so could go well at an e/w price. Divine Call is probably quite well handicapped in the same race, he wasn't fully extended to win at Kempton under Ryan Moore.

Rock A Doodle Do was most unfortunate at Ascot (see 20th & 24th June) when suffering trouble in running but could make amends (York 2.40, Saturday) with the excellent Phillip Makin in the plate. With a likely max field he should be a fair price albeit everyone will have seen his last race. Hopefully a good run will put him spot on for a run in the Ebor on August 20th. I'm a fan of Addictive Dream (5.30 Ascot, Sat) so whilst dropping back in trip to 5f is a concern he could still go well granted early pace to follow. He's a very strong traveller, would want some cut at this trip & I hope they make plenty of use of him should he be declared. I'll only back him if all the bits of the jigsaw are in place.

Right then, it's a 4.30am alarm call for an 8.30am flight to Cork, so have a great weekend yourself & happy punting.

Wednesday 6th July 2011 - Goldford Stud visit
Sunday 10th will be spent at the prolific GOLDFORD STUD at an open morning with a group of LLR owners. I'm very grateful to Goldford Stud owners Richard & Sally Aston for giving us so much of their time & for arranging a parade of horses. We'll see the 4 horses we currently have with Nicky Henderson (Arctic Actress, Forever Present, Milanella, Whoops A Daisy) with some of our old friends such as Theatre Girl & Valleyofthedolls. There is also chance to get our first look at a couple of potential new horses, both by Kings Theatre, which Richard & Sally may be leasing via Let's Live Racing this autumn. Very exciting but more on them when we have formal agreement.

I'm having yet another short trip abroad this weekend courtesy of my good friend GORDIE CLARKSON'S stag party in Ireland. If a bookie had offered me 500-1 about Elvis Presley being spotted at the cheese counter in Sainsbury's or Gordie setting a date I'd have backed Elvis such was Gordie's confirmed bachelor status but things change as we get older. Life may seem like one long holiday at the moment but come October 1st it will be 7 days a week working with our horses so let's enjoy it while we can. I'm told there are 26 very thirsty people from the racing industry making the trip but everyone will behave themselves properly. What happens on tour, stays on tour, so you'll hear nothing in this column.

It's ridiculous race planning to have the July Cup, Bunbury Cup and the John Smith’s Cup on the same day. There is too much emphasis placed on the weekend cards, surely sponsors cant be happy sharing the limelight, and midweek fixtures can become pretty boring.

I've had one small e/w ante post bet for Saturday's 7f BUNBURY CUP in Al Khaleej (25's Boylesports, Hills). He's a similar profile to last weekend's big price winner Halicarnanus in that he could run badly, not that obvious, but that's factored into his price. Last season, from a mark of 95, he easily won over C&D (2L & 2L) from Manassas and Imperial Guest. That's good form as Manassas was subsequently 2nd in the Victoria Cup and won the 2011 Buckingham Palace Stakes. In the latter race Striking Spirit, who will oppose in the Bunbury, ran an eyecatching 3rd. He seems to keep his best form for Ascot so is reluctantly overlooked here but won't be when he returns to Berkshire. Imperial Guest subsequently beat 2011 Stewards Cup winner Deacon Blues at Ascot to further frank the Al Khaleej form from Newmarket.

Al Khaleej meets Manassus (12's best) on better terms this weekend but has only had one, on paper, disappointing race this season. He had been held up with a splint & clearly needed that run. The race was over a mile, he missed the break badly, but was upsides with two to run & eased heavily once beaten. He's a big price for the Bunbury so lets give him a chance to run a nice race.

Back in the Info Line days we had a lovely 13/2 touch on Pekan Star at York (see 11th May) on seasonal debut. He reappears over C&D in the John Smith's Cup with another 10lb on his back but I'm hopeful he remains unexposed after just 3 career runs. Roger Varian (who may also strike with Elzaam in the July Cup) could not have started his training career better as his horses are flying & appear to improve steadily over time. I took a chance backing Pekan Star a short while ago, he does give the impression 1m4f would suit better, but given the updated ground description (likely to be good or softer) he could stay on late over 10 furlongs. His previous win came from a bad stall and, possibly, when racing on the slowest strip of ground up the home straight. The current 5's is marginal value so, if you're backing him now, keep stakes small. If you really fancy one then stake bigger on the bigger priced opportunity & back your opinion.

I'll update the site very early tomorrow morning with some thoughts for the next couple of days racing. Sorry but can't promise a weekend preview, an internet connection might be a problem whilst in Dungarvon, but will do my best.

Monday 4th July 2011 - 4 winners & 1996 remembered
What a terrific weekend in Hamburg even if the KLITSCHKO Vs HAYE fight was a let down. The horses put in Friday's blog went really well, so hopefully you made a few quid, but the fireworks promised by The Hayemaker never materialised in a very soggy Imtech Arena. The German's were friendly & good hosts but the decision to hold the fight in an open air arena backfired as it rained very hard non stop for 12 hours. The estimated 50,000 crowd were all soaking wet, and very cold, despite being given a free pink polythene hoodie upon entry. As our 4 strong party sat in the shivering stands it looked quite comical seeing so much pink latex walking about, it looked we had witnessed the aftermath of an explosion in condom factory.

On Friday night we toured the town, met some friendly locals & had a few relaxing beers. We got chatting to a couple of German middle aged blokes who clearly knew their sport especially football. After a couple of hours it was time to move on but then one bloke, Heinze, said " Before you go there is one thing I must clear up. Remember Wembley 1966, your centre forward Geoff Hurst, that goal was never over zee line, you cannot trust a Russian linesman " Blimey mate, it might hurt but you've got to let it rest, it was 45 years ago !

Back to the horses on Saturday ..... Halicarnassus (25/1 > 14/1) was the financial star of the day when winning the Old Newton Cup on Saturday whilst Nahrain (10/11 early) was the headline act as she looked Group class when smoothly winning a Listed event. Soorah (10/1 ew) grabbed 3rd whilst our 4th winner, to cap a superb day, was the heavily backed Springinmystep (5/2 > 15/8) at Beverley. Despite showing her hand with the win a nursury over 6 or even 7, could really suit. Doricemay was unplaced but don't give up on her as she ran well from an outside draw so a combination of 1m & some cut could see her go nicely at a price. Local Singer went off too fast over 7f but is also one to keep on side as he did well to finish 4th given these lung bursting tactics & ill judged ride. Both Bourne & (in particular) Mount Athos ran very well behind Halicarnassus at Haydock, they should be rated with a 'plus' as they came from statistically poor draws yet still got involved in the finish.

Friday 1st July 2011 - Something for the weekend
Mujrayaat (5/2 > 11/8) won is good style yesterday & is surely one for later in the season as it's doubtful we've seen the best of him. Four Nations race at Newbury was a disappointment as there was no pace over the first 6 furlongs (race run 5 secs slower than the maiden, 10 seconds slower when split timed at halfway) heavily favouring those ridden to the fore. The eventual 1st, 2nd & 3rd sat in the same positions throughout the race, then quickened off the crawl at the 3 pole, so it was a complete farce tactically for those held up & consequently it's form not to trust. Four Nations does nothing quickly so he stayed on into 5th after being badly tapped for toe. Viking Storm came from even further back but ran on into 7th, did better than his form figure shows as he had no chance ridden in this way.

Many of the horses listed below are purely 'notebook horses' for Saturday, so not certain bets, but I hope they give you some helpful pointers. The racing looks highly competitive so I'll be pruning the list on race day based on ground & price. In some ways it's frustrating to be away this weekend as there will be some opportunities at nice prices & some great racing too. I'll have to get an internet connection early on Saturday morning, there is work to be done.

Nahrain (3.40 Sand) steps up to Listed class but looked all of that when cantering home in a handicap, she could have won by much further than 5 lengths, the 3rd has already won to boost the form. She looks to have good claims but doubtful she'll be much of a price. Staying at Sandown ..... Soorah 2.35 ran a good race at Ascot (see 16th June) so at 10-1 could be e/w value albeit in a tough heat & to small stakes. A hold up type she'll need gaps to appear from stall 1 but does have Ryan Moore to do the steering & guaranteed pace to follow. In the 4.50 (7f h'cap) Johnny Castle is the obvious form horse after an impressive win, up 8lbs, at Newmarket but at a bigger price Local Singer might go OK in a tough looking event. He was keen from a wide draw last time, found trouble up the straight, but stayed on nicely into 4th. Trained by Malcolm Saunders he could go unnoticed in the market, up against many big yards, so if the price is right I'll play. In the 5.20 (1m2f h'cap) our old friend Grumeti reappears. He's done us two big favours this term, could win again, but is up 8lbs for winning a head which makes it harder. He probably wants some cut to be at his best so the temptation is to look towards Clive Cox's Doricemay at a much bigger price. She won her maiden at Goodwood, form that worked out well, but then struggled on handicap debut at Nottingham on ground that looked too quick. The step up to 1m2f should be within her range, with stamina in the pedigree, but she will need a good run through from a wide draw. Her price will be vital on saturday but she can win races off her mark.
Springinmystep (Bev 2.25) had a awful lot to do at the 2 pole in the Windsor Castle behind Frederick Engels but finished with a wet sail in eye catching style. Maybe nurseries await over a longer trip (breeding says 6f upwards to suit) but this drop in class & stiff track could see him run nicely. One to watch.
Connections of Mount Athos (Old Newton Cup, Haydock 3.25) must feel hard done by drawn 16 of 16 having also been widest of all in the Chester Cup. The draw stats give him little chance but he remains 5/1 favourite. Bourne is likeable but also has a hard task from 14 as he did at Epsom (see entry 3rd June) and he's 8/1 second fav. Therefore looking elsewhere, at 25/1 with Boylesports, I've had a small e/w bet on Mick Channon's consistent old warrior Halicarnassus as he's run 3 super races recently. He may not win that often, is always highly tried, but he'll give his all & run well as he did last time when not beaten far at Royal Ascot in the Duke Of Edinburgh.

Right, it's a 6.30am flight to Germany this morning, then the David Haye fight on Saturday, followed by the German Derby (Brown Panther is Fav for the Owen / Dascombe team) on Sunday as that also takes place in Hamburg. Brilliant sport, can't wait. Have a great weekend & happy punting.

Thursday 30th June 2011 - Thursday thoughts
Vainglory (Haydock 4.00) is very interesting as he's clearly an in form performer after a good 2nd last week (see 22nd June) on unsuitable rain softened ground at Salisbury. He tries very hard but isn't the biggest in stature, maybe that why his last 4 wins have come in fields of 9 runners or less, with 2 of those wins on Good to Firm. Considering he's recently been placed in 3 very competitive handicaps this looks a slight drop in class albeit still tough enough. With Balacre Nov, San Cassiano & others to take them along at a gallop the race could suit Vainglory as he is best coming late from off the pace. Hopefully Laura Pike can time her run just right. The 9/2 on the exchanges looks OK for a small win interest.

Maidens aren't normally my cup of tea but Mujrayaat 4.30 Haydock looks to have good claims on last years form. Last season the Michael Jarvis team felt this one was a Royal Ascot type but it didn't work out, however gelded over the winter he seems to have improved again according to his his young trainer Roger Varian. In this field 5/2 seems fair enough for a small interest.

Today's racing throws up a tricky decision in that Anton Dolin & Four Nations reappear in the same race at Newbury 9.10. Last time out they also met at Newbury when I backed the latter but Anton Dolin got first run (Four Nations given a bit to do) so won the race under a fine Eddie Ahern ride. They pulled well clear of a decent field & look to be ahead of the handicapper so it would have been ideal to be with both next time.

In some ways the sensible decision would be to leave the race alone but at the prices (11/4 & 9/2) I'll back them both. As Four Nations is the bigger price I'll stake higher on him with a stake saver on Anton. That could be a good strategy or not, we will find out at half nine tonight.

I'll be updating the site very early on Friday morning with a preview of the weekend's racing. The David Haye Vs Vladimir Klitschko fight is still a real hard one to pick the winner. It could come down to the first one to land the big punch as both have suspect chins when under pressure - who knows ?. It wouldn't be right to attend such a great sporting event without a small bet so I'll back rounds 4, 5, 6 individually for the stoppage win. Haye is 20's for each of those rounds with Tote whilst Vladimir is 25/1 with Skybet. As long as it's not a boring fight, Klitschko is known for grabbing & holding, I'll be happy just to be there. Cant wait.

Tuesday 28th June 2011 - Pontefract
Like all good 25/1 each way shots Lady Excel ran an annoying 4th ! Turning for home she looked in good shape, trading at 3/1 whilst leading, but she just faded a little in the last furlong. Entitled was a disappointment as she became aggitated before the start when the stalls handlers placed a Monty Roberts rug on her back. She reared up, then went down hard on her hind legs which isn't a good sign for a filly & therefore no surprise to see her drift in price. Slowly away she left herself with a hard task from a wide draw but, to her credit, still ran Ok into 4th. On reflection this wasn't the best 5/2 shot on which to invest some money. Hopefully better to come later in the week.

Monday 27th June 2011 - Monday news
What a great weekend ! The speedway in Cardiff was superb and, thanks to 7/1 winner Greg Hancock, we had a few pounds in the beer kitty for Saturday night. The effects lingered a bit on Sunday morning but a good time was had by all. The horses went well enough too with Dominant (8/1 early) most impressive at Newmarket under Neil Callan. He relished the cut in the ground to win by 5 lengths so group company awaits now. Addictive Dream travelled beautifully at Windsor but didn't get the breaks at the two furlong marker when needed. I'll not be giving up on him especially if he gets some cut. Equuleus Pictor was a NR whilst Dhualar Dhar ran very well (4th 16-1) despite being hampered repeatedly at the two pole when making a run. He looks primed to win soon, maybe at Chester a track he loves, albeit the draw at the Roodeye is vital. The one blemish on the day was Activate who was most disappointing in the Northumberland Plate, was never travelling & looked beaten after a mile. Maybe something will come to light but it certainly wasn't the 18 draw that beat him as the first four home all started from stall 11 or higher.

At Pontefract today Entitled (3.45) looks to have good claims dropping into a fillies handicap after an impressive win at Doncaster. Whilst up 7lbs for that win she missed the break at Doncaster, beat an in form horse in Collect Art & looked to have a fair bit in hand. Hopefully the going wont be rattling quick. I've mentioned Lady Excel (2.45) before but she is interesting at a huge e/w price now back to a suitable trip & dropped into fillies handicap company. There looks to be a bit of deadwood in this race so I'll have a small wager.

It all depends on declarations but there are plenty of notebook horses later in the week. Next weekend will be spent in Germany as I'm travelling over for the HAYE Vs KLITSCHKO fight in Hamburg. I'm having trouble picking a winner of this one which is a shabby effort as it's a two horse race.

Friday 24th June 2011 - Something for the weekend .....
ATR's highly respected tipster Hugh Taylor gave a very positive mention to Rock A Doodle Do's (see 18th & 20th June) unlucky Ascot run. Ironically it was due to be his biggest bet of the week but he ducked out late because of a concern about the ground. Hindsight proves the horse handled cut well, so that's a handy pointer for the future, but Hugh felt RADD is the type for a big 1m4f handicap or even the Ebor. I agree with that so with horses from perceived smaller yards, like William Jarvis, often over looked / over priced he could be something to get your teeth into when that opportunity arises.

This diary entry is written late on Thursday night so whilst the horses below, who all race on Saturday, are of interest they aren't certain bets. Conditions may change, price is key, but I hope they give some helpful pointers. Addictive Dream (3.30 Windsor) impressed last time at Ripon & looks a potential pattern class sprinter. Off a 7lb higher mark this race looks ideal from a decent draw in 9. Lui Rei may also be in front of the handicapper in the same event. Dominant (3.55 Newm) has it all to do on official ratings, and has to bounce back from a poor run, but granted some juice in the ground that's a possibility. His seasonal debut at Sandown showed him to be progressive but he didn't handle the fast ground at Newbury. Roger Varian's colt could be a decent price but could go well. Dhaular Dhar (3.40 Newc) ran well at Chester as from a terrible draw he travelled really well, didn't get a clear run, but closed with purpose into 5th over 10f. Dropping back to 7f, off a mark 3lb lower than when 4th in the Thirsk Hunt Cup, just 1lb higher than when beating Smarty Socks, he could go well at a decent price. Testing ground would be a worry for him but not for Equuleus Pictor (6.20 Ling) as he needs cut but just hasn't had it. There was a flood of money for him at Newbury but the forecast rain didn't land and, sods law, it dried out to almost Good to Firm. Some rain is forecast in Surrey so this well handicapped horse, with a handy 3lb claimer on board, may at last get conditions to suit.

The Speedway GP & a weekend in Cardiff now beckons, so good luck with your own punting over the next couple of days.

Thursday 23rd June 2011 - Activate gets the car park draw
Activate has been drawn in stall 18 for Saturday's Northumberland Plate which isn't ideal but horses from stall 21, 13, 16 & 17 have won this race over the last 10 years. Plenty of high numbers have been placed too.

Stats can be massaged to suit but the last 11 x 2m h'caps at Newcastle (+15 runners) have seen 8 won by horses berthed in a double digit numbered stall whilst just 3 wins came from those in single figures. Activate has drifted from 9/2 to 7/1 this morning purely on the draw but, if you fancy him, don't be put off.

Overturn will probably take them along at a good gallop (stall 2) so we should avoid a stacking field over the first half mile. That early pace should assist Hayley Turner in trying to get a good position. The ground is expected to be on the softer side so that is ideal as plenty won't relish that surface.

Looking back to yesterday it was nearly a case of 'hide all sharp objects' as Vainglory led with 50 yards to run but, thankfully for my wallet, soft ground lover Leviathan (7/2 > 5/2) got up on the line to win. In some ways it was a shame Vainglory ran on this rain softened ground, he'll go up a couple of pounds, but hopefully that won't stop him winning when reverting to quicker ground.

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 - Activate shortens up
It was good to see money for Activate in the Northumberland Plate (now 5's in places from 8's) showing some confidence in the horse. The comments made by trainer Michael Bell on ATR .... "this is a very progressive horse who likes cut in the ground, the bookies are right to make him favourite" ... gives me hope given a clean run through the race. The next hurdle is the draw which takes place on Thursday morning, a low number would be nice, but to give some comfort 4 horses have won from double digits in the last 10 years. One of those was Michael Bell's good mare Juniper Girl in 2007. Beware backing Mr Bell's other horse, the nicely treated Tactician, as he likes fast ground so may not be declared if it rains.

Early on Friday morning I'll update the site with a list of horses for the weekend's racing. These won't be certain betting opportunities but will hopefully give some pointers. The early update is needed as I'm due to be in Cardiff over the weekend at the BRITISH SPEEDWAY GP (click on the link to see Chris Harris win the 2007 final) with 45,000 other people in the Millennium Stadium. With the noise of the bikes, the roof closed, the atmosphere is terrific. It wouldn't be a sporting event without a small bet so via Paddy Power I'm on Greg Hancock 7/1, who is superb around here & looks over priced, and the Polish Janus Kolodziej e/w 50's. The latter had a horror crash (SEE HERE) in May, has taken time to shake off the effects, but is just starting to hit a bit of form. He's a 20/1 shot in my book so is worth a cheeky fiver.

Today & tomorrow are tricky. I backed Vainglory last time out, considerable pain was inflicted (see 11th June), as he got an uninspiring ride at York. Today he runs at Salisbury but the ground may be an issue as he likes it fast which is a shame as some rain may hit the track. The favourite Leviathan is a worthy opponent having not quite seen out the 9f last time, he likes cut & has good form with the well h'cap Julienas from Sandown. At Newcastle on Thursday Tom Dascombe runs Electric Qatar (2,45) in the 2yo maiden. When interviewed on RUK last week Mr Dascombe said this one was far better than an impressive winner he'd recently trained, so it will be interesting to see how he runs. The 8.10 Leicester looks a hot Fillies Handicap with the Henry Candy trained Pandorea making her reappeance however Ed Dunlop's Wiqaaya caught the eye last time, on unfavourable soft ground, when 5th at Sandown. She came from miles off the pace in a tough heat & looked a likely type for next time granted good ground. It will all be down to ground & price but those are some early thoughts.

Tuesday 21st June 2011 - Northumberland Plate
It was sad to hear of the passing of leading jumps sire KINGS THEATRE at the weekend. Unfortunately a bad case of colic brought about an untimely end to his stud career at Ballylinch Stud, he will be sorely missed in the breeding world. He was always a sire to follow with many of his offspring going on to great things on the track. Our own THEATRE GIRL & THEATRE DIVA were by Kings Theatre, they were typical of the breeding line in that they were very game & talented.

The Northumberland Plate, Saturday 25th, may be run over 2m but the draw can play it's part, so it's not a huge staking ante post race, albeit Overturn won from the highest stall in 2010 under an inspired Eddie Ahern. Overturn runs off a 13lb higher mark this year but will have Henry Brooke in the plate taking off 5lb. Having been strong with Activate last time, a very smooth win at Haydock, I can't resist having a few quid on him at 8's with Corals / Boylesports. He's a hold up horse so a high number, whilst not helpful, won't be a total disaster providing a decent position can be taken within the first couple of furlongs. Activate came from miles off the pace at Haydock, travelled really well into the lead on the bridle, in the style of a horse well ahead of his mark so 5lbs for that win is far from unfair. He was backed from 6's to 9/4 so stable confidence was clearly high. A drop of rain will help & that is forecasted. Dangers will be all around with Mount Athos & Harlestone Rock likely to run very well but you can't back them all so I'll stick with Activate (Hayley Turner) and hope that he gets a clear run on Saturday.

Monday 20th June 2011 - Back to reality
Today's racing doesn't set the pulse soaring but that's to be expected after 5 days of top class action. It will be a day to watch and learn but there are opportunities later in the week. I'll be updating the site tomorrow morning with some notebook horses.
Ascot was Ok punting wise thanks mainly to Julienas winning the Hunt Cup but some poor decisions were costly as were 1 or 2 average rides especially from Olivier Peslier on Rock A Doodle Do. He finished with a ton up his sleeve after finding more traffic than you get in Oxford Street on a Saturday. That's racing I suppose but keep that horse on side next time it runs. It's a shame that many hard working UK jockeys are overlooked in favour of imported jockeys as they would do as good a job.

Saturday 18th June 2011 - Royal Ascot Day 5 news & views
Just after posting yesterdays blog Addictive Dream was denied a run in today's Wokingham as the reserves were balloted out. That's a shame in one way but with the draw being so messy at Ascot it could be a blessing. I'm convinced he's well handicapped & can win a good sprint. It can't be right that 3 NR's have popped up this morning due to soft ground, it was almost the same yesterday with rain falling, so Addictive Dream could, and perhaps should, have been given the chance to race. Maybe Racing For Change can look into that important scenario, for owners & punters, rather than spending their money on less important schemes such as new racing silk designs. Who cares about having colours with fruit machine style lemons on them ?

As detailed on Twitter last morning the replacement selection was Cheverton (40's e/w Bet365) as he's a fine record on soft ground. From 5 runs on soft he's won twice, placed twice & been 5th in a Portland. He also has the superb Silvester De Souza riding for the 1st time & is lurking on a fair mark. I've no idea where the jockeys will go, but pace is across the track, so at 40's it was Ok to take a chance. It's probably best we have horses that will handle conditions more than any other factor. He is added to other big price e/w fancies Fathsta 33's & Lui Rei 25's for small stakes bets.

The 5pm race is interesting as Rock A Doodle Doo takes his chance. His win last time out (C&D) was impressive coming from way off the pace, the 3rd has won since, so he is of interest today. His draw of 13 from 17 (4 NR'S) isn't great on paper but the stats show it's not insurmountable given a decent passage. Does he go on the ground - can't be sure as he's not tried it - but his sire Oratorio has a 19% strike rate on heavy so 11's with Bet365 is fine for a few quid e/w.

Yesterday wasn't a great day as Solar Sky (Tom Queally) gave first run to Namibian when switching around horses turning into the straight. He was also carried across the track by the winner in the last furlong so, beaten a neck, the combination may have made a vital difference. That was a big blow as he travelled wonderfully well, traded at 1.03, probably should have won but that's racing. The winning jockey got 3 days for careless riding. Mijhaar (4th) ran well but pulled too hard early in the race. He cruised up with two furlongs to run but had used up too much petrol, it will be interesting to see if connections drop him back in trip. The impressive winner, Nathaniel, looks to be heading for the St Leger along with Census who ran so well on Thursday.

Friday 17th June 2011 - Royal Ascot Day 4 news & views
Fame And Glory was the star yesterday with a smooth win in the Ascot Gold Cup under Jamie Spencer. Connections see him coming back next year to attempt the double. One bet of the day, at Ripon, didn't run badly but didn't win either. The only excuse for a shoddy selection is that the ground had dried out (must be the only place in the UK where that happened) by the time his race was run.
Punditry must be a really hard job, having to put educated words beside live broadcast is specialised, so why do the BBC use Willie Carson. His views on the whip, jockey bans, blinkers being worn in Group races & on various breeding lines have been quite comical at times. I'm not sure if it's awful or just amusing to think "what's coming next" from little Willie.

The 1m4f handicap was won very impressively by Brown Panther to give an emotional Michael Owen a winner. He bred the horse & has invested heavily in Manor House stables so it was great to see him get reward. The winner got a trouble free passage thanks to jockey Richard Kingscote but behind him there was any amount of trouble. Census was stopped in his run 2 or 3 times but still grabbed 2nd, he looks a machine, whilst Danadana was nearly knocked over on the home turn. He too can be rated better than his finishing position.

Today's ground is going to be soft, or very soft, as rain is due to hit Ascot is huge proportions throughout racing.

I've decided on my Wokingham bets for Saturday (all e/w) with a strong preference for Addictive Dream 20's. He won up the far rail at Ripon in a fast time yet the 2nd to 6th that day were all drawn stands side. The team of Swinburn / Ahern, successful with Julienas, will hopefully strike again with this progressive looking 4yo sprinter. His breeding would suggest soft ground will suit him well. There looks to be good pace on the far rail but we'll need luck to get a run as he is 1st reserve. Money back if NR. Fathsta (33/1) improves significantly for soft ground & won a competitive handicap off 94 by 3 lengths the last time he got it. Of just 4lb higher he could go well at a big price.

UPDATE 11.30am. All 3 reserves balloted out. What price we get withdrawals due to bad ground tomorrow !!!

Both have low draws but I hope that would be an advantage as the middle & stands rail has taken a hammering so far. The rain must have got in more on worn ground, the far side has hardly been used this week. The far rail from the 6f to 3f pole is virgin ground because jockeys keep veering off a straight line towards the stands. I'm praying a group has the balls to stay far side. I'm also on Lui Rei 25's as his last run was so impressive from a bad draw at Epsom. He's up the stands rail so we'll see how he does, he does have form on bad ground.

It's not a day for big stakes but today I've backed Axiom in the Buckingham Palace as he loves soft ground & improves for it. He won off 99 the last time he had his favoured surface, runs off 98 here, and has gone well at Ascot before. This season he was 4th in the Lincoln and then 8th at Sandown when nor far behind subsequent winners Julienas & Dunno so the 18's offered by Hills looks fine. Other bets are Solar Sky (5's) in the Queens Vase as he looks a real staying type & should be Ok with the ground. Mijhaar 11/2 was very impressive at Haydock, winning a maiden by 7 lengths, so I've given him a chance to shine up in grade in the King Edward. Good luck with your own bets.

Thursday 16th June 2011 - Royal Ascot Day 3 news & views
It was a good start to Wednesday when ALAN KING called to mention a filly that could come our way via BILL BROMLEY'S Woodfarm Stud. I'm told she is a half sister to the SWINTON HURDLE 2nd KNIGHT IN PURPLE. The plan is to pop down to see Bill, with Alan, in a couple of weeks to view the horse. I'll keep you informed but she could be a very interesting acquisition to the team. Bill leased us Asturienne, she was terrific for her syndicate, so we hope this filly goes the same way.

A decent days punting yesterday but almost a superb day. The high point was 25/1 shot JULIENAS (SP 12's) landing the Royal Hunt Cup under Eddie Ahern. The sound of the 'stewards enquiry' claxon filled me with fear as he did chop off eventual 2nd Dance and Dance inside the final furlong. Thankfully the result stayed unaltered but Ahern did get two days. My other bet in the race, Mont Agel, had no chance due to his low draw as he was left in a group of just 4 on the far side. That group were miles behind the stands side after a furlong so had a mountain to climb. Sooraah won that small group by a long way, so watch out for him next time, he ran a super race in the circumstances.

I'll not give up on I'm A Dreamer as things didn't go right. The quickest route between two points is a straight line, so why she ended up widest of all in the middle of the track from a stands rail draw is baffling. Ironically the winner & 2nd came up the stand rail !! Shumoos ran well but was beaten fair & square by a short head in a tight 3 way photo. Dubai Queen travelled beautifully, probably too well, as Keiron Fallon was forced to take up the running two furlongs from home. Despite trading a 1.51 she was run down close home by Tom Dascombe's Rhythm Light. A drop back in trip for Dubai Queen might suit as she looks to have good pace.

Ascot Ground - Good to Soft, soft places at 12.15pm. Suspect soft bits are on the round course as clerk said " straight track has taken the rain well, we have had 11mm so far ".

Today is nowhere near as busy for a variety of reasons. The Ascot card is very tough, rain is due & I'm in the dark as to what the jockeys will do on the straight track if the ground does change. The last race of the day is a nightmare scenario as there are any amount of unexposed 3yo's who I wanted to back next time out in this 1m4f handicap. It could be a rough & messy race, getting stuck out wide or too far back will be a major disadvantage, so expect some fun & games in the first furlong. I'll leave the race alone but it hurts to do so. If any bets come to light at Ascot I'll load them on our TWITTER page.

At Ripon (5.10) I'm having a few quid on Captain Scooby @ 13/2 as he's been running well but finally has the G/Soft ground that seems vital to him. He'll need a bit of luck up the stands rail but is worth a go with a good 3lbs taken off. Lady Excel (see blog entry 7th June) runs at Beverley 8.40pm but seems to have been found another tough handicap with 4 progressive horses trying to follow up a recent win. That's remarkable for a lowly 0-60 so whilst she's certainly handicapped to win I'll leave her alone unless she drifts to a big price, a few quid win & place won't hurt in those circumstances.

Friday & Saturday could be quite busy so please log back on tomorrow morning, the blog should be loaded by 11am. I've already backed Lui Rei (25's ew Hills) in the Wokingham as he is over priced & seems to go on all ground. His last run from a terrible draw at Epsom was impressive & his trainer/jockey combo won the Kings Stand so are on a high. I've some thoughts on the perceived draw bias but will leave those until tomorrow.

Wednesday 15th June 2011 - Royal Ascot Day 2 news & views
Going Stick - Stands side 9.4, Centre 10, Far side 9.5

A superb first day at Ascot, a day that asked as many questions as gave answers. FRANKEL managed to win but by a rapidly diminishing 3/4 length from Zoffany. His pacemaker Rerouted (was he ridden to obtain best possible placing ?) went off like a scalded cat so the rest of the field left him alone. Frankel's rider Tom Queally decided to kick on half a mile out, a bold tactic, and one that nearly backfired. Queally said that Frankel wasn't tired but idling after thinking he had done enough. My first thought was 6f in the July Cup but Sir Henry Cecil told reporters Frankel is a miler and added " If we rode the race again we would do it differently, it didn't work out the way we planned". This would suggest that he wasn't too impressed with the tactics of Tom Queally, but the horse won nonetheless. CANFORD CLIFFS beat GOLDIKOVA by one length but the news after the race was that OLIVIER PESLIER (rider of Goldikova) carried 2lbs overweight. The overweight was only announced just before the race & was originally 1lb over - however Peslier changed his kit subsequent to weighing out hence the extra weight. He was fined £650 which is peanuts considering punters have no recourse, lets remember this was a Group 1 at Royal Ascot where Goldikova was a heavily backed favourite. There is no excuse at all for this set of circumstances. John McCririck suggested 2lbs didn't make a difference for one length (handicappers would disagree) but he's on a different planet most of the time. Unlike him not to moan about punters being robbed.

Via our TWITTER page I suggested a very small e/w bet on LETHAL WEAPON 66/1 in the Coventry & he ran a blinder into 4th. All bookies bar Corals were paying 4 places so we got away with that one by the skin of out teeth. The draw didn't help (stall 8) as there was no pace his side with the first 3 home drawn high in 19, 23 & 22. The winner was subject to a stewards enquiry which was seen live on BBC. It was interesting to hear winning jockey RYAN MOORE say his horse was lame all week & still lame at the start when speaking with the stewards. If you get to see a replay check out the course Jamie Spencer took on Gatepost from stall 4. Mick Channon, trainer of Gatepost, wrote on Twitter that he now wants a Sat Nav put on all his horses.

Given my recent run with indifferent rides / horses suffering interference nothing should surprise anymore. My one serious bet of the day ZIGATO (William Buick) in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes was last with 5f to run, on the bridle, only to finish like a train to get 4th not beaten far. I've no idea why the normally excellent Mr Buick allowed his mount to be so far adrift but he gave the horse a mountain to climb. Very disappointing, in fact totally gutted, as he beat today's 2nd (Ermyn Lodge) doing handstands last time out. One high note was the massive pointer to Shumoos (see yesterday's blog) as Frederick Engels won the last impressively. Shumoos beat Fred very easily on debut at Haydock, this result ensured the 7/4 quickly contracted into 5/4 best.

As mentioned yesterday I'm on Shumoos (Queen Mary 7/4) Julienas (Hunt Cup 25's e/w) and I'm A Dreamer (Windsor Forest 11/2). Courtesy of the pace charts on ATR there seems to be a fair spread of pace in the Hunt Cup but with nothing really explosive either side. If they go sensible early then it may suit those fairly close to the pace which, I hope, will suit Julienas (draw 24) as he's ridden that way. I will also back Mont Agel win & place saver (draw 3) to give one chance on each side at 12/1. His form from York is working our very well. It could be Start Right's day, he is well handicapped, but at 6/1 I'll leave him alone as he seems to find ways to get beat. In the finale I'm on Dubai Queen 9/2 as she ran very well against the geldings at Newmarket, that could be quite strong form in the context of the Sandringham. Her maiden form from Goodwood has worked out very well too.

Tuesday 14th June 2011 - Royal Ascot Day 1
GoingStick: Standside 9.2, Centre 9.6, Farside 9.0, Round 8.1
on Tuesday at 08:15.

The first day of Royal Ascot isn't going to be the strongest betting day for me with just Zigato 5/1 in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes backed so far. He was very impressive, coming from last to first over 2m at Ascot, shaping as if the extra half mile would be no problem. William Buick napped this one at a Preview night a few days ago & is very sweet on his chances. It should be a great day with Frankel and the clash between Goldikova & Canford Cliffs to view.

On Wednesday I'll probably back 2 or 3 e/w in the Hunt Cup with Julienas 25/1 already in the book. He's run two super races this year so I hope his 24 draw isn't a disdadvantage, we should get some clues today. I'll update again tomorrow morning but Mont Agel is definitely in the frame as one other to back. He ran a super race at York last time but some cut would suit him. Shumoos in the Queen Mary is unoriginal but even at 7/4 could be value such was the impression she left when winning at Haydock. The 2nd has hosed up since & Brian Meehan's horses always improve for a run. I've followed I'm A Dreamer (Windsor Forest 11/2) throughout her career so will not desert her albeit in a very tough race. Saajjha petrifies me, she is very good, but maybe the mile will suit I'm A Dreamer better as she has a good turn of foot. Come what may I expect her to be a good trade as she travels so well, let's hope the gaps come & she is good enough on the day for Dave Simcock and his team.

Monday 13th June 2011 - Monday thoughts & Royal Ascot
An interesting runner today is Mullglen 3.34 Carlisle. His first run this season was quite taking, he looked handicapped to win soon after, but until today he's not been fitted with the cheekpieces that seem important to his chances. Tim Easterby's yard are flying so he looks a decent price at 10's for a small wager win & place. Tomorrow I'll be keeping an eye on Neil's Pride in the 5f maiden at Thirsk. This will be his 3rd run and thus he'll qualify for a mark in nurseries. The main point of interest is that his breeding shouts 7f or further. I would expect significant improvement when stepping up in trip.

UPDATE ** Mullglen ran a blinder to run 2nd, trading at 1.13 with a furlong to go, but as on Saturday we suffered some misfortune. His rider, David Allen, dropped his whip at that point so with Mullglen wearing cheekpieces for a reason it certainly made a difference to his finishing effort. Count to 10, keep calm !! To set a balance view the winner, Doc Hay, has blossomed with his stable change to Keith Dalgleish & can win again. He travelled well behind the leaders and showed a good turn of foot when a gap came.

Royal Ascot starts tomorrow but the ground is an unknown. I'll update the site tomorrow morning, by noon, with some 1st day thoughts.

Saturday 11th June 2011 - Saturday - Feel The Pain
Unlike last Saturday, when things went very nicely, today was a nightmare with trouble in running. I've not touched alcohol for quite a while but I'm going down the pub tonight. Keep pouring barman !! It didn't start well with Mashaaref getting into all sorts of trouble under Richard Hills at the 3 pole when travelling well. Maybe he thought the field would come stands side as is usual when it's soft (baffled why they then came across in race 2 - did jockeys walk the track ?) but they stayed far side & he got stopped in his run about 3 times. Next up Vainglory from a good draw in 4 was held up & tried to come from last place off a slow gallop in the 1m handicap. To be fair to Laura Pike she's inexperienced & they didn't go much of a gallop but it was a disappointing ride none the less. She gave the winner about 10 lengths from the 3 pole, then flew, only beaten 2 lengths in 4th. To rub salt into a gaping wound my 14-1 e/w wager was scuppered by two withdrawals thus reducing the field to 15. Could it get any worse, yes it could, as Forjatt was bang there when stopped in his run at the furlong pole in the sprint. He was snatched up, game over, with the jockey who caused the trouble getting 2 days. I can take no more !! Pint please barman.

Friday 10th June 2011 - Friday review & Saturday thoughts
The rain didn't come for Ocean Transit today, her chance was minimal on G/F ground, but it did rain for GRUMETI albeit his price was much shorter than anticipated. BETFAIR is a fantastic betting medium, couldn't work without it, but sometimes just a few quid spoils the market. The bookmakers 'tissue' prices are formulated mainly from the exchanges so any market moves do not go unnoticed. Frustratingly just £75 was placed at 3/1 & 5/2 late last night leaving the horse on 6/4. Stupidly I did back him but if he'd got beat I'd have been kicking myself for being a muppet. Panic over, he won, and can win again as he had the worst of the draw & lost several lengths trapped out wide.

Tomorrow's racing looks interesting but with heavy showers possible it's hard, unlike last Friday, to be precise. Some races may be left well alone if the rain comes but there are several possibilities & some are not that obvious. Let's start with a horse carrying the dreaded Timeform squiggle in The Wee Chief (4.05 Sandown). I've been waiting for him at 5f with pace to follow & with 1st time headgear applied. He travels really well but finds little off the bridle, maybe something is hurting, but he's got plenty of talent. So with his draw being good, cheekies applied, I'll give him a chance at double figures (with a place saver) providing it's not too soft. A trainer going places is Ollie Pears, he improves cast off's from other yards, but his horses invariably need a pipe opener. Last Sovereign (8.30 Leic) has had just the one run for him & it was an eye catcher. He travelled really well until lack of fitness told in the last furlong so with that under his belt & a mark (won off 78 & 79) of 76 he's tempting. The bookies dont miss much but 7/2 would be nice. He should be Ok even with cut. Dream Ahead's work companion Vainglory (2.40 York) can give a pointer to Start Right's chances in the Royal Hunt Cup with a good show. He ran a blinder on Derby day considering his bad draw & having suffered interference, so to come from last place at half way into 4th was meritorious. Whilst not having won off this mark he's got good placed form off higher & his rider takes off a handy 5lbs. A small bet at 14's (Bet365 & Boylesports) each way will do for me if it stays dry. Leviathan would be a big danger to all with some juice in the ground. In a race full of potential improvers I'm hoping Mashaaref (1.50 Sand) can show his mark is generous. He won a decent maiden in taking style (2nd has run well since) and can improve as he looked a big baby at Nottingham. The 4's offered by Bet365 looked Ok. It's a fiercely competitive race but I've backed Forjatt e/w at 12's in the 3yo sprint at York. He has an 11lb turn around with Seal Rock from Newmarket, will be fitter tomorrow, but dangers are everywhere. With so much racing there are others of interest, it could be a Saturday full of frantic punting & stress, but I've bored you long enough.

Thursday 9th June 2011 - Thursday thoughts
I'm pleased my bet on Four Nations, due to his price (see yesterday's diary), was kept to a small scale as he was beaten at Newbury. However he remains one to follow as is the winner Anton Dolin as they pulled clear of a good field in impressive style. I felt Eddie Ahern, on the winner, got first run on Jim Crowley (Four Nations) from the 3 pole so that was disappointing but these things happen from time to time. Crowley seemed happy to sit still on his mount which gave him traffic problems when trying to make his run. Both should win good handicaps later in the season. It's a difficult day tomorrow in that Grumeti, who is a horse I want to follow, is drawn wide at Sandown. If they get a few showers I'll back him at 11/4 or bigger as the draw isn't unsurmountable. In the same race Prime Mover could improve for the move into handicap company. The game mare Ocean Transit 3.15 York could go well at an e/w price providing there is some juice in the ground. She bids to frank the form of Activate from Haydock.
As with last weekend's racing there are several 'notebook' horses I'll back granted a suitable price & ground conditions. The list will be on the site by 8am on Saturday morning, or more more likely late Friday night.

Wednesday 8th June 2011 - Lady Excel runs well at Beverley
Lady Excel (SP 18-1) ran well at Beverley today to land the e/w money for those reading yesterday's blog. There was a huge gamble on the winner Judicious (7/2 > 11/8) allowing the remainder of the market to drift. Geoff Harker has clearly done a good job getting this one handicapped off just 65 as he hosed up to land the punt. Lady Excel was beaten fair and square today but wont always find two opponents in this lowly grade as well handicapped and/or in form. Assuming the handicapper doesn't adjust her new mark she can run off just 51 next time out to make her even more attractive. RUK (Lydia Hislop & Chris Dixon) felt Lady Excel was flattered as she had a fairly easy lead but whilst understanding that view I tend to disagree. My view is that she's nicely handicapped, met two in form rivals, and can win a little race very soon.
Tomorrow at Newbury Four Nations bids to follow up his impressive Goodwood win. That form has worked out nicely (3rd home Grumeti won next time in good style, he runs on Friday at Sandown) and he should enjoy the step up in trip. Four Nations was given 3 runs over trips shorter than ideal last season to get his mark, has been gelded, and looks an improver at middle distances. There has been rain today so I'll have to check the ground, and prices, but will update the site tomorrow morning. UPDATE 9/6/11 ground fine but price a bit shorter than originally hoped at 11/4 for such a tough race, small bet only for me. Grumeti may also be of interest on Friday as he hosed up last time, coming from a long way back to win snugly, but does have an outside draw. He needs cut so, once again, we'll keep an eye on the ground & prices.
Talking of Sandown did you see Dunno's win at the last meeting ? When it rains jockeys tend to automatically come stands side by the bushes but Dunno's stayed alone, far side, in the last race to take the prize. Clive Cox told me he walked the track and felt there was one strip of really decent ground on that far rail so told Phillip Robinson to go there. With Dunno being a confirmed front runner he was sure to get that strip. It was a master plan that worked, Clive was delighted, and rightly so.

Tuesday 7th June 2011 - Plans for the summer
Lady Excel (see 31st May) takes her place in a 1m2f handicap at Beverley tomorrow. I will have a few quid e/w at 12's (VC & Bet365) but the entry has confused me a little bit as, had they waited a few days, she could have run off a 3lbs lower mark. She also steps up in trip but her breeding suggests she should stay Ok. Last time at Redcar Lady Excel ran well despite being denied a clear run whilst the form from her previous race at Mussleburgh has worked out very well with the 2nd & 3rd both winning since.
With our horses on summer break it means I can take some leave of my own. One trip planned is to Germany to see the DAVID HAYE / VLADIMAR KLITSCHKO fight on July 2nd. The flights are booked, tickets in hand, so it's all systems go to watch the Heavyweight Championship. I can't pick a winner as the first one to land a big punch will probably win, neither boxer has a great jaw, so it could be a short but exciting bout.

Monday 6th June 2011 - When conditions are right
.... two horses that ran tonight might be worth following. CAPTAIN SCOOBY has only won when there is genuine cut in the ground but he's running well enough on quicker ground to encourage me to wait for the right day. He did well enough at Pontefract & ran a stormer at Beverley 3 runs ago when getting no sort of run from 2 out. All his 4 wins have come on stiff tracks. EXPOSE was eye catching on seasonal debut at Windsor as he pulled like a train having not managed to get any cover in this 5 runner race. Given a fast pace, some cover & a sharp track (maybe Chester as he's won around a bend already) might see him to good effect. To finish so close to tonights winner, given that one had an easy lead & pinched lengths from the start, was a pretty good effort.

Saturday 4th June 2011 - The best horse won the Derby
POUR MOI won a thrilling DERBY today under an ultra confident Mickael Barzalona. Coming from last place Pour Moi went around the field to grab a famous win with his jockey bolt upright in the stirrups before the winning line. He was clearly the best horse as he gave everything a start & still beat them. CARLTON HOUSE ran really well into 3rd having been pushed wide by a back peddling no hoper & also losing a shoe. There will be other days but it was all a bit unfortunate on the biggest day of his career.
Of the horses mentioned in yesterday's diary message SMARTY SOCKS 14-1 won and CONFESSIONAL 20-1 came 2nd. The latter was very unlucky as his run was stopped at the furlong pole, so having been beaten by just a neck it was a bit gauling. The vocals chords are still recovering !! I'm not complaining too much as sprinters in big fields need the rub of the green, that's racing, but it did cost me a packet for the win portion of my bet. BOURNE went off 3/1 but kept up the sorry story of horses drawn very low over 1m4f in big fields as he was unplaced.

Friday 3rd June 2011 - Epsom today & tomorrow
The OAKS was a farcical race but provided us with a superb piece of jockeyship from JOHNNY MURTAGH on winner Dancing Rain. Murtagh stole 3 lengths on the field around Tattenham Corner, off a very slow pace, and turned a 1m4f classic into a 6f sprint. Nothing midfield or from the back stood a chance. FRANKIE DETTORI , who cost punters a packet by dropping his hands on favorite Blue Bunting, got 10 days for the offence. Why do jockeys drop their hands, I'd go bonkers if a jockey did that on one of ours, there is no excuse not to ride to the line. Will the form Oaks hold up - who knows ?

Courtesy of Raceform Interactive ... since 2001 there have been 47 races over 1m4f at Epsom (10-18 runners incl) in which the record of horses drawn 1 & 2 is just 1 win from 87 runners. Stripping those figures down further - there have been 31 handicaps with horses drawn 1 & 2 winless from 58 attempts. This doesn't bode well for the well handicapped BOURNE in the 4.50 tomorrow. You can massage stats to suit but those figures, hugely relevant to this 3/1 favorite drawn 1, make me look elsewhere. That's a shame as he sticks out like a sore thumb. However The Galloping Shoe (drawn 4) showed enough last time at York to be of interest in the same race. Restrained from a good draw (maybe due to it being his first time at this longer trip) he found trouble early, didn't get a clear run from 3 out, then finished like a train to just be denied for 2nd. Having won at Brighton he should handle the camber of Epsom well so 22's with Stan James is a fair price e/w. One slight concern is the change of yard from A.Whilliams to Ian Semple after his latest run but hopefully he remains in the same form. That's no disrespect to Mr Semple but adjusting to new surroundings can take time.
Backing horses at juicy prices is fraught with danger, strike rates do not look impressive, you will get losing runs, but it's success over a long period that counts. Other horses of interest at nice prices tomorrow are Racy 3.40 Mussleburgh - he looked a bit tubby prior to his first run at Donnie, got worked up in the prelims, yet still ran a blinder to come 3rd despite finding trouble. He's all speed so this sharp 5f will suit & the yard are flying. 7's with Boylesports looks tempting. Smarty Socks 2.50 Doncaster - has been running far better than his form figures indicate. Last time he was drawn very wide, ran on well & looked like he would get placed, but exertions took there effect in the last 100yds of the Thirsk mile. The Tudhope / O'Meara combination could not be going better so now back to 7f on a track he likes (2 C&D wins) the 14's with Hills is drawing me in e/w. Despite Confessional 3.15 Epsom running a shocker last time I'm tempted, at 20's e/w with VC Bet to minimum stakes, to give him another chance from a decent draw near the rail. Two runs ago he did well, from an awful draw, to run 4th at Chester and that form has worked out well so he's a little overpriced.

Thursday 2nd June 2011 - Epsom Update
The ground is reported as Good but could dry in the hot sun, watering is not out the question on Friday night. Carlton House has been declared but his injury has been described as " like a footballer twisting an ankle" which doesn't sound too promising. No eye catchers today but one interesting snippet for tomorrow is that the 'in foal' Babycakes (8.15 Donc) should improve for her first run as she had an interupted prep due to being covered. Mares do improve when in foal & now she is fit !!

Wednesday 1st June 2011 - Epsom just around the corner
The opportunity to punt today went belly up before 8.30am as both Manoori 5/2 > 6/4 & Confessional 11/4 > 6/4 were hammered at "stupid o'clock" hours with bookies who priced up the night before. Punting really is a 24hr a day business so you have to be on the ball all the time. Last Friday night, about 7pm, I backed Activate at 6/1 (SP 9/4) so can't complain about today but on this occasion a boat was missed. Both horses won despite having their races not run to suit, they can both be followed in the right company.
Disappointing to see just 5 runners in Friday's CORONATION CUP as it looks a fairly uncompetitive race. I did have plans to lay ST NICHOLAS ABBEY as I'm not entirely convinced about his visually impressive win at Chester 28 days ago. Ryan Moore's comments, on Ch4, straight after the race keep ringing in my ears. He indicated it was an awful race for a Group 3 and, when later asked about further success for SNA, he was very guarded in tone. Midday is a worthy opponent but the James Given trained pair Dandino & Indian Days wont want heavily watered good ground. Mr Given has gently reminded the Epsom executive, via the press, that watering is aimed only " to provide G/Firm going and not Good". It will be interesting to see what ground is provided but you need more than one live opponent to go for a lay.
A bigger worry must be for CARLTON HOUSE ante post backers as he's drifting like a barge on the exchanges. Well done to connections for being so open about the knock he got to his near fore but it's not good news for the horse. When one of ours has suffered a knock this close to a race it's invariably run below expectation. With the injury (filling / swelling) being on his near fore I'd be concerned about that leg taking his full weight coming down the hill into Tattenham Corner. I doubt risks will be taken but it would be a shame to see the ante post favourite miss the race. Let's hope he recovers & runs well.

Tuesday 31st May 2011 - Eye Catchers
With the closure of the INFORMATION LINE there will be no review of the daily selections .... however I'll be updating the site with eyecatchers, potential ante post bets, and day to day racing news.

Today EQUULEUS PICTOR (mentioned yesterday) didn't get the soft ground he ideally wants but may still have won the 5f sprint at Leicester had he not been chopped off mid run just before the furlong pole. He wasn't beaten far and is running consistantly well, so his turn will come as soon at it rains. Not that I can predict when it will rain !!
At Redcar LADY EXCEL was sent off at 50-1 due to a run of below par efforts but this was much better. She found herself in a pocket 3 out, didn't get a run, but when a gap came at the furlong pole she made up nice ground to finish 5th. She has won off an Irish mark of 70 but now lurks dangerously on just 54. She wasn't beaten far today so may be one for a handicap sometime soon.

Monday 30th May 2011 - Activate up for the Plate
The most impressive victory on Saturday was ACTIVATE in the 2m handicap at Haydock. There was huge confidence behind the horse with an opening show of 6/1 quickly being trimmed & on the track he didn't disappoint. Held up off a medium gallop he made smooth headway entering the last two furlongs to stay on well for a snug victory. Coming from that far back to win in good style left me the impression he had loads left in the tank. The target now is the NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE so I'll be watching the market closely for that race. Even though the Plate is over 2m the draw does play a significant part, so that has to be factored into any ante post bet, but he could be worth a wager. The other interesting horse for that race is MOUNT ATHOS who ran a superb race from a terrible draw in the Chester Cup. Both these two were ridden by Jamie Spencer so I'll be looking to see who he rides as a potential pointer.
A "notebook" horse for tomorrow is Equuleus Pictor in the 5f sprint at Leicester. He's very well handicapped & has been running well on ground far too quick. With rain hitting the UK today he may get the required soft ground to see an even better performance.

Thursday 26th May 2011 - Workforce very impressive at Sandown
No bets since Saturday. There were two planned for this evening but it poured down & the ground went against us. WORKFORCE was most impressive tonight when giving 7lbs and a beating to some decent opposition at Sandown. As always with a Sir Michael Stoute winner the most interesting part of the victory is the interview (if RUK can get one) after the race. Quite why SMS has to be so cagey with his comments is a mystery but that's his way. We never see a "trainer file" from his yard & rarely get a real insight into his horses. It's such a shame as we would probably learn loads from a master trainer.

Saturday 21st May 2011 - Rush of blood
My tactic at the start of the day was to invest about 80% of yesterday's hard earned on a number of horses across 4 tracks. If they got stuffed then what you've never had (or just overnight in this case) you've never missed. I had 4 small bets but loaded up far more heavily on 3 other horses that were stronger fancies. As it turned out just one of those won HARLESTONE TIMES SP 3/1 so it wasn't my finest day's work. On the plus side a profit has still been shown but perhaps a slight rush of blood hit my head this morning.

Friday 20th May 2011 - Grumeti 5/1 and Mijhar 11/10 doe the double
Three bets today with MIJHAAR 11/10 opening show being by far the strongest. His form from last year looked far above anything else in this maiden and that's how it thankfully proved with a very smooth win. His SP was 4/5. The day started off well with GRUMETI 5/1 R4 10p winning the opening handicap in good style under Jamie Spencer. Grumeti travelled very smoothly before taking it up with a furlong to run, he could win again providing he gets just a little juice in the ground. He landed somewhat of a gamble with his SP jusy 9/4. The only loser was Serena's Pride 16/1 SP 8's who pulled too hard & spoilt her chances early in the race.

Thursday 19th May 2011 - Season end for our horses
No bets over the last two days. With Noun De La Thinte missing both Wetherby & Towcester all of our horses are now on summer holiday, so that means no more runners until late October or even November. The next few weeks will be spent finding new horses, finding new owners, setting up new syndicates. It will be a busy time ! I'll also be trying to fit in two weeks R&R to recharge my batteries but nothing planned just yet. In many ways this time of the year is enjoyable as it's time to put all the components in place to have a successful season for our owners. Let's hope we can get that right & have a very good 2011-2012 season. Thankfully we are already off the mark courtesy of Arctic Actress winning at Fakenham.

Tuesday 17th May 2011 - Mashaaref 3/1 keeps the good run going
MASHAAREF 3/1 won the 1m Maiden at Nottingham to keep our decent run going. Last time out, on debut, he had been very colty but loads of money came from him. Today with that experience in the locker he was far more professional in taking up the running with two furlongs left. In truth he may have been slightly fortunate as the eventual 2nd, Maali, suffered interference when making his initial run. We'll take that good fortune as it tends to even up over a long period. Our other bet, to smaller stakes, was Baqaat 5/2 who came 2nd in the 1m2f handicap. He ran well & was touched off in the last stride. The chances of NOUN DE LA THINTE running are evaporating by the hour - no rain in Yorkshire !

Monday 16th May 2011 - Rain needed
We need plenty of rain to allow NOUN DE LA THINTE to race at WETHERBY or TOWCESTER later this week. The first named may get some heavy showers so we live in hope as the ground is a mainly 'good' already. If we miss these races then we'll have to call it a day with her as she'll need to take a holiday. With all our other horses already at grass that will be it until late October ! No bets Sunday or Monday.

Saturday 14th May 2011 - One winner from 4 at 3/1
Four bets today and, by the time the last one run, I was worried having already suffered two 2nd places. TACTICIAN 7/1 ran really well but lacked a final kick, he simply stayed on, but could also come on for the run so I'm still very interested in him. Luckily our last bet got us out of jail.

Friday 13th May 2011 - A top day's punting
Quite a few horses were mentioned on today's message but the horses came up trumps. By far the strongest word came for THEYSKENS THEORY 2/1 who won very easily at York. Other winners were CENSUS 11/4 and VITA NOVA 11/4. The latter won a handicap by 6 lengths, very impressive, could be anything !. The one to really get away was Ittirad 6/1 > 9/4 who came 2nd, so that was a shame, but he can win soon on ground with more cut.

Thursday 12th May 2011 - Mont Agel 16's e/w just denied at York
Three bets today which started off with Johannes. I mentioned him on yesterday's message as a potential bet but didn't anticipate (a) Pricewise ruining the price, hence our stake was kept very low (b) all jockeys wanting to come stands side. Why did they do that on such limited evidence from yesterday? Pekan Star won down the middle so I'm left baffled but a herd of sheep come to mind. Anyway, back to Johannes 5/1 (from 7's), who ran a fine race but due to the near side bunching found it very difficult to get a run. He likes to come through horses but it was tough to find room so he finished with loads left in the tank & will remain in the notebook. Next up was MONT AGEL 2nd 16/1 ew who thanks (he does my nut in !!) to Pricewise was backed from 25/1 to 12/1. We got 16's which was fair enough for a genuine e/w shot. He ran a super race. led with 50 yards to run, but was just touched off by a head. Annoying but he can probably win in the near future particually on ground with more juice. Our last bet, a 10/1 shot, didn't show up in the last race 2m2f marathon. Thanks to Mont Agel it wasn't a bad day but, bar a head, could have been so much better.

Wednesday 11th May 2011 - Pekan Star 13/2 wins under superb Neil Callan
PEKAN STAR 13/2 won the 20 runner 1m2f handicap at York to land some hefty bets giving us a super start to the York 3 day Dante meeting. His draw of 17 was, on paper, not that encouraging but a data sort on Raceform Interactive gave me comfort. NEIL CALLAN was brilliant on him as he got the rail within two furlongs which was a remarkable piece of jockeyship from 17. This horse can go on to better things especially when stepped up to 12 furlongs as he looks to be hugely talented & unexposed. NOUN DE LA THINTE will miss LUDLOW tomorrow as the ground will ride too quick around that sharp track. We re-route to Wetherby or Towcester next week but should she miss those races then she'll go on her summer holiday.

Saturday 7th May 2011 - Rock A Doodle Do 11/2 & Bourne 10/11 do the double
A busy day today with by far our strongest bet ROCK A DOODLE DO 11/2 winning under a very good Martin Dwyer ride. Considering he came from last place with two furlongs to run, and suffered some trouble in running, he did really well to win. He showed a great attitude & can win again in similar company. BOURNE won impressively at Haydock over 1m2f but will surely be far better when stepped up in trip as all he does is stay. I think he's got loads in hand and looks a typical Luca Cumani improver. Horseradish 8/1 ran well in the Victoria Cup but may be seen to beter effect when dropped back to 6 furlongs, maybe he didn't stay the 7 today, whilst Beautiful Sound 4/1 was touched off on the line at Punchestown.

Friday 6th May 2011 - Entry news
NOUN DE LA THINTE cannot go to WINCANTON as they have abandoned all their chases due to drought conditions - the course reservoir is almost empty. That leaves us with LUDLOW to choose from .... or we wait a week for Wetherby or Towcester. Moretta Blanche 15/2 was my only bet today but she was stuffed after 5 yards as she sat down in the stalls, missed the break, game over. Our other bet, the well backed Thegreatbrowne, was taken out due to fast ground on the chase track but, somewhat remarkably, it then tipped down all afternoon. I've not had any luck this week so it's all a bit frustrating as plenty of work is being put in to the job. The only way is up tomorrow.

Wednesday 4th May 2011 - Mount Athos draw woe at Chester
NOUN DE LA THINTE does not run tomorrow at Wincanton due to the prevailing fast ground. Thankfully, for everyone, heavy rain is forecast at the weekend to give the ground a much needed soaking. Noun will be entered next week at Wincanton 11th & Ludlow 12th, both are 3m1f chases. On the punting front we lost money today but the horses ran well (all minimum stakes) but also without any fortune. MOUNT ATHOS 9/1 was an e/w bet due to his outside of 17 draw in the Chester Cup. Without that draw I'm 100% sure he would have won, to justify my view of his good mark, such was the ground he made up from the five furlong marker. He was still last at that stage & had to be taken 6 wide so it was a remarkable effort - mark him down as one for the Northumberland Plate perhaps ? Raptor 7/1 was backed early but didn't fire at Punchestown. I wondered if a leg had fallen off just before the start as he drifted to 20's on the exchanges & people were queing up to lay him in running despite he going well enough for 2 miles. He then found plenty of trouble & was beaten going to the last so he was disappointing. Askthemaster 11/1 was absolutely cruising in 6th place when unseating 4 out at Punchestown in the 2m4f chase, Fadhaa (backed from 5/2 to 11/8) was headed on the line whilst Cool Baranca 4/1 was beaten less than a length. If I had a cat I'd kick it but we all have to suffer days like this occasionally. It pretty frustrating but today is another day.

Sunday 1st May 2011 - I'm A Dreamer very impressive winner 10/1
A frustrating day in truth as I mentioned two horses on today's message but had doubts about backing them because of the forecast fast ground & very strong head wind at Newmarket. Therefore no big success claimed but for the record ...... A filly we followed all through last year called I'M A DREAMER 14's > 10's duly hacked up in the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes under William Buick in very impressive style. He didn't move a muscle as she won on the bridle when coming from last position to first. It surprised me that William Buick said she loved the fast ground as, last season, it was thought she wouldn't want it. That was backed up by the comments in the Post today as, the highly talented,Dave Simcock, was worried about the going. Sometimes as a punter you can think too much !!! Royal Ascot beckons for her next time. The other mention was for Havant 7/1 in the 1000 Guineas. Reports on her had been most favourable but her form as a 2yo was with cut. That type of ground looked to be needed on today's evidence so don't forget about her for later in the season, she will stay well.

Saturday 30th April 2011 - Green Destiny wins at 6's (SP 13-2)
Two bets today with one winner in GREEN DESTINY 6's (SP 13/2) in the opener at Newmarket. He had been mighty impressive last season but was expected to improve even more this term when stepping up in trip. He started off this season on a handy mark of 87 but today's easy win will see that rise by a fair amount. He looks very progressive, may want more cut, so is one to follow. FRANKEL was superb when winning the 2000 Guineas by 6 lengths, he totaly ourclassed some very good horses. Maybe I'll be able to buy him to go juvenile hurdling - has anyone got a spare 20 million please ? One eyecatcher was POLLY'S MARK at Goodwood as she was reported by Clive Cox to have come in late this year, yet still ran a super race to be 2nd over 1m4f. The effects of a positive breathing operation may bear fruit next time out for this game mare.

Friday 29th April 2011 - Hopefully Rackham is Ok
Our bet Rackham Larouge went from travelling beautifully to stopping quickly in 100 yards at Bangor tonight. He was pulled up with a mile to run, nothing to do with the trip, so very disappointing It was sad to see this chain of events happen as the horse clearly has a problem that needs to be sorted out over the summer. As a half brother to Punchestowns he should have a good level of ability. NOUN DE LA THINTE will need some serious rain to race at Wincanton on Thursday as the going description is "Firm".

Monday 25th April 2011 - Arctic impresses at Fakenham
ARCTIC ACTRESS impressed today under RITCHIE KILLORAN at FAKENHAM when winning the bumper by 3 lengths. The result was never in danger once Ritchie asked her to quicken at the two furlong marker, she readily came away from a game Dazzling Rita. We were pretty confident beforehand so her price (11/10 SP, touched 11/8 on track) was a lovely suprise for some of the owners who lumped on in style. Nicky will decide if she now goes for a rest or have one more run. I'm delighted for the owners as they have been most patient with her & allowed proper time to recover from the sore shins that gave her problems prior to New Year. Hopefully this kindness will be repaid next season.

Sunday 24th April 2011 - Arctic goes to Fakenham
ARCTIC ACTRESS will take her chance at FAKENHAM tomorrow with Ritchie Killoran in the saddle. The race has cut up to just 5 runners so we hope it will allow her to run well for her syndicate. She is better than when last seen at Bangor as she scoped badly afterwards. The big eyecatcher today was DOMINANT at Sandown who was impeded about 3 times, nearly put through the rail at one stage, yet still ran on into 2nd. He will win next time granted suitable conditions.

Saturday 23rd April 2011 - Asturienne 4th at Haydock
ASTURIENNE ran well enough at haydock but it was unfortunately one run to many for the season according to Choc. She ran a bit flat (did look light in the paddock) which may have explained her drift out to 4/1 from an early 5/2. That is her racing career at an end, she will now stand at Bill Bromley's stud as a brood mare. ASTURIENNE was a terrific servant with 5 wins, 8 place runs, from 17 career starts. Well done & thanks !! On the punting front I had a frustrating day with Watch My Back running superby but 2nd, albeit miles clear of the 3rd, so that was annoying. Worse still was a rare 'shorty' in Fortuni at Kelso but it rained unexpectidly to soften up the ground which wouldn't have suited. He came 3rd after travelling well but I'll not give up on him as he can win a handicap over a sharp 2m this summer. Another early Sunday morning start is due with possible declarations for Arctic Actress & Noun De la Thinte on BH Monday.

Friday 22nd April 2011 - Asturienne at Haydock tomorrow
A rare day off at this time of year was spent in the sun watching Worcester CCC Vs Warwickshire CCC at New Road. A very warm day, sun tan obtained, all very relaxing ! Tomorrow it's back to business with ASTURIENNE taking part at HAYDOCK with Choc as usual on board. Race conditions favour thanks to her mares allowance & the 125 race banding so that's all good. She does have to try 3m for the first time but as long as she doesn't get worked up (Newbury was a nightmare) she has every chance of getting the distance on, what is, essentially a speed track. Alan reports her to be fresh at home but it is her 8th run so I hope she's still got some petrol in the tabk after a very long season. My thanks go to BILL BROMLEY for allowing us to keep her going, she realyy has been a star. We lease Asturienne from him but after this race she'll go back to stud to commence brood mare duties. ARCTIC ACTRESS now holds an entry at Hereford on Thursday to add to Fakenham on Monday. Let's hope she can run very soon to give her patient owners some fun.

Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Entry news
ASTUREINNE looks likely to race on Saturday at Haydock but unsure who rides her. Choc may be at Sandown whilst Wayne Hutchinson is still very sore after a heavy fall last week. At this stage of the season, it's her 8th race, you can never be sure what is left in the petriol tank but she seems fresh at home. The race is 3m, so that is a concern, but against geldings a handicap it could be hard work off 125 whilst in a normal novice she would have two winners penalties to carry. This race allows her to get weight from lower rated rivals so it fits well bar the trip. Having said that we wouldn't be going if we felt she wouldn't get the trip and, since the redesign, Haydock is a pretty sharp chase track. ARCTIC ACTRESS holds an entry on Monday at FAKENHAM in a bumper whilst NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry at MARKET RASEN in a 3m1f chase. I'll have to chat with our trainers nearer the time to see if they run. Noun would be 50/50 as the ground is very fast in at the moment, she would need a fair bit of rain, but none is forecast. At least Fakenham are telling us they will provide good ground, loads of grass cover, so that's more promising for Arctic Actress. More later in the week. No bets over the last two days.

Sunday 17th April 2011 - Sunday of drama over the jumps
A sleepy Sunday it wasn't. WILLIE TWISTON DAVIES took a fall on the flat at Stratford which resulted in a broken femur whilst two jockeys (Harry Haynes & Paul Gallagher) took hard falls ruling them out of later rides at Wetherby. Good luck to all 3 lads for the future. We had two bets with WOLF MOON 9/2 (SP 3/1) first up but we'll never know how he would have fared. Due to a stricken jockey the first ditch down the back at Wetherby was cordoned off. All the horses went round the fence OK but two didn't manage to swing back on to the chase track in time thereby ending up on the hurdles track. One of those was Wolf Moon so that ended our race. At the time he looked fine, was leading & racing keenly, so that was most unfortunate. The two jockeys who went the wrong way, Jason Maquire & Paul Gallagher, will no doubt get bans but I've have sympathy with them. Our 2nd bet, Pin Destruval 8/1, fell at Stratford so he didn't get round either but is fine. Thankfully both bets were to small stakes so not much damage done. Next week we may have a couple of runners with ASTURIENNE (Haydock) and NOUN DE LA THINTE (Market Rasen)taking part but we'll need some rain.

Saturday 16th April 2011 - Beshabar 8/1 wins the Scottish National
Three bets today which started off with BESHABAR 8/1 who won the SCOTTISH NATIONAL under an inspired Richard Johnson (nobody is riding better right now) for Tim Vaughan. Beshabar jumped superbly under an attacking ride and is certainly a horse to follow. Next up was I'm Delilah 11/2 who ran well enough but looked, not for the first time, to find a fast run two miles on the sharp side. She was nicely placed early,lost her place at half way, then ran on again into 5th. I was fooled by her last run at Aintree, hence the bet. Maybe another half mile, on a flat left handed track with good ground, will give her the opportunity to score. The last bet, a 9/1 shot at Ayr, never showed.
A profitable day's punting but that's no consolation for WEST HAM UNITED losing at home again, what a shambles ! I do hope the board are still happy with the decision to appoint the inspirational Avrham Grant. This guy took Portsmouth down last season & it's looking highly likely he'll do the double this year. The board are also selling the history & heritage of the club (UPTON PARK) to move to the OLYMPIC STADIUM. That huge new stadium will look strange with Championship football & only 25,000 spectators to watch it. Let's hope Barnsley can bring 40,000 to fill the place up !! Maybe a miracle will happen, the Hammers will stay up, but I'm losing faith in that faint hope. Two easy games next with Chelski & Manchester City both away. Gutted.

Friday 15th April 2011 - Watch My Back wins 11/1
A busy couple of days with a trip fitted in to see Robert Chugg's impressive stud in Worcestershire. It was a morning well spent & hopefully we can work together in the future. We've had 4 bets over the last two days with one winner, WATCH MY BACK 11/1, who hosed up at Ayr today. He ran very promisingly behind Skippers Brig and Grand National winner BALLABRIGGS at Kelso when looking to just need the run. Good ground was the key for him under a confident Graham Lee ride. I do hope it rains soon, we badly want to see our bumper horses with Nicky race.

Tuesday 12th April 2011 - Asturienne entry plans
ASTURIENNE will get an entry in a 0-125 novice chase at haydock on April 23rd. It's level weights but she'll get 7lbs for being a mare, tha is very handy. The one niggle is it's a 3m event but Alan thinks she should stay on, what is now, a fairly sharp track. She is hard to place as 125 is a tough mark whilst two winners penalties for a novice also makes live tough.
The GRAND NATIONAL has been given maximum coverage in the newspapers this week due to a couple of fatalities in the race. HUGH TAYLOR (ATR) writes the following ......The two most famous “fast-time” Grand Nationals were the Red Rum/Crisp epic and Mr Frisk’s firm-ground course record yet Ballabriggs would have been 10-20 lengths clear of Crisp all way up to the Chair based on sectionals, and + 10l clear of Mr Frisk. The good-class modern chasers can sustain high levels of speed on decent ground & therefore no need to “hunt round” any more and it’s clear that the early pace is what has changed in GN so jockeys need some incentive to go slower during the early stages. Not often I’m an advocate of watering but if we aim, like Chelt, for Good to Soft, the race would surely be run at safer pace early on.
That is fair comment, perhaps we need to slow the runners down a little. The TOPHAM CHASE broke the course record by 6 seconds, no wonder we had some early carnage.

Sunday 10th April 2011 - Get well Peter Toole
Sad news from Aintree with PETER TOOLE hospitalised with a serious head injury after a fall in the novice chase won by Finians Rainbow. I hear things aren't looking too good right now so let's hope he can pull through after some expert treatment from the doctors. On a better note Venetia says NOUN DE LA THINTE is fine after her run yesterday at Bangor. The race was run in a fast time so the form should hold up. No bets today but there was one eyecatcher in Somewhatenivatble in the 2m5f handicap at Ludlow. He's caught the eye before at 2m so the step up in trip on handicap debut interested me. He drifted in the market before blitzing off, probably too fast, but jumping well before tiring turning into the straight. Maybe a 2m handicap will suit him in the next few weeks ?. We have no runners on the horizon this week but Nicky is threatening to race a couple of the bumper horses if we get rain.

Saturday 9th April 2011 - Like father like son
DONALD McCAIN can no longer be labelled the son of a Grand National winner as he's won one himself now with BALLABRIGGS in a typically thrilling race. Given a bold ride by Jason Maguire the horse battled very hard in the heat to hold on from Oscar Time. Well done to all the team at the McCain yard. Mt own bet on West End Rocker went down at Bechers when he was brought down. That was a shame as he looked to be enjoying himself. I did back Bensalem (he owes us nothing after Cheltenham) but his jumping let him down over the seemingly huge Mildmay course fences. Hopefully he'll bounce back in the Henessey in November. It wasn't a good day for the King team at Aintree with Montbazon beaten in the last by a fast finisher ridden by Paul Carberry. Jockeys don't wear wing mirrors but they would have been helpful in this instance.
Our own NOUN DE LA THINTE ran well at Bangor but got tired in the last furlong & faded. This was understandable after a 50 day break where she had missed work due to a corn. We'll look for something else in due course. I was very surprised to see she had been backed from 16's into 6's. Not a penny of it belonged to the owners, so I've no idea where that came from.

Friday 8th April 2011 - Devil To Pay wins 100/30
Another day of drama at Aintree with some super racing & two bets. DEVIL TO PAY 100/30 won very cosily at Fontwell under a confident Wayne Hurchinson ride. he is always produced late so I wasn't worried to see him held up until after the last, he won with a bit left in the tank and can win again. Our other bet Chasing Cars 25/1 in the Topham jumped well but could finish only 8th. It's strange how this race really does favour prominently ridden horses but Chasing Cars (normally a front runner) was given a hold up ride today & was never in the frame. NOUN DE LA THINTE will run tomorrow with ROBBIE DUNNE taking 5lbs of her back. It looks a competitive event but Venetia says she is very well after a short break due to a corn on her foot. Her mark is finally dropping down to a reasonable mark so we hope she can run well. ARCTIC ACTRESS does not take part at Bangor as Nicky says she is not 100%. It's nothing too bad but I'm told she's a bit quiet, w e'll have to be even more patient with her.

Thursday 7th April 2011 - Big Bucks magnificent once again
Can anything beat Big Bucks, probably not ! He produced yet another class performance, maybe better than at Cheltenham, to beat the gallant Grand Crus at Aintree this afternoon. Superb ! We had one bet in the 2m handicap chase, Sports Line 18/1, who attracted loads of cash (SP 10's) but fell 4 out when upsides the winner. Who knows what would have happened but he wasn't beaten at the time. Venetia Williams is quite confident NOUN DE LA THINTE will get a run at Bangor on Saturday, which is good news, but as yet we are not sure who rides. There will be about 50 jockeys in Liverpool so we'll have to see who is available.

Tuesday 5th April 2011 - Our plans could be scuppered
We could be in for some frustration as ARCTIC ACTRESS has terrible ballot numbers at both Hereford (Thur) & Bangor (Sat) so she is far from certain to get a run in either bumper. NOUN DE LA THINTE needs quite a few to come out from higher up the weights at Bangor, so she is far from certain to race as well. I'll be asking our trainers for Plan B in the morning. One small bet today, 9/1 each way, on Priors Glen at Exeter which is a cowardly bet but his form suggested he's very hard to win with as he's got no "business end" pace. This step up to 3m6f was hopefully going to suit but the place portion on the exchanges was purely a saver on the win stake. He led from flag fall and was, in hindsight, kicked on too early with half a mile to race (traded at 5/4) before tiring into 4th place on the run in. No damage done. AINTREE is just around the corner so another chance to see some big guns. Paul Nicholls runs BIG BUCKS & DENMAN on Thursday whilst BINOCULAR will go on Saturday. A superb 3 days lie ahead.

Monday 4th April 2011 - Entry plans
ARCTIC ACTRESS now holds an entry at Bangor to suppliment her entry at Hereford. I'd be very hopeful she'll race as rain is on the way & both courses are promising genuine good ground. NOUN DE LA THINTE also holds an entry at Bangor and is a very likely runner.

Saturday 2nd April 2011 - A day of change
ARCTIC ACTRESS now holds an entry at HEREFORD on Thursday. Nicky told me he'd be heading to Bangor with her but I'm quickly learning to always expect the unexpected. One small stake bet today, which was ante post, on Fremont 25/1 in the Lincoln. He started at 9/1 but never figured. He ran as if he needed further having been outpaced early. The ground looked awful at DONCASTER with hardly a blade of grass. This no doubt caused the defection of our other bet, Ocean Transit, but no damage done.
My day got off to a super start, WEST HAM were 2-0 up at half time, but then proceeded to lose 2-4 to give me a migraine. I'm a supporter of referee's as they have an almost impossible job but (a) Vidic should have been sent off in the first half (b) the penalty awarded against Upson was quite ridiculous (c) the better team won but both incidents changed the game.

Friday 1st April 2011 - Arctic not at Uttoxeter but Alan rides again
ARCTIC ACTRESS will miss her intended race at UTTOXETER tomorow because of fast ground. The next plan is BANGOR on Saturday 9th April.

ALAN KING gave me some interesting news yesterday. A few years ago Alan was a successful amateur rider in points & hunter chases in the north. Alan tells me he's been getting really fit & doing some schooling over fences at Barbury Castle in order to make a comeback.
You may have spotted My Way De Solzen, who Alan trained to win many championship races, hack up at Hereford in a hunter chase. The plan for the horse is to run next week in the prestigious Aintree Foxhunters, over the big fences, with Alan taking the ride. Alan loves the horse and thinks he can do a good job on the day. He may also take other mounts later this season when Choc isn't available.
Talking of CHOC THORNTON - I'd like to pass on my congratulations to Choc on joining a very special club. That club being of jockeys to have ridden 1000 winners over jumps. Not many jockeys have managed to ride that number of winners, it's a huge achievement. Choc rode his 1000'th winner at Towcester last Monday but has the ambition to ride at least 1700 before hanging up his boots. That would take him to 3rd on the all time list behind AP & Dicky Johnson. Over the past 6 seasons Choc has ridden 26 winners for Let's Live Racing (could that be the most he's ridden for any one owner ?) but I'm hoping there are at least another 26 more in the locker. Thank you & well done Choc !

Wednesday 30th March 2011 - Noun entry at Exeter & Bangor
NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry next Tuesday at Exeter in a 3m6f chase but is, according to Venetia, more likely to wait for BANGOR on Saturday 9th April for a 3m chase. I'm told she is in good form. This week's racing has been very much low key but with Aintree next week we have loads to look forward to. There uis some rain about so hopefully we'll get a decent surface for the horses.
ASTURIENNE was left alone on 125 by the handicapper after being beaten over 40 lengths on Saturday whilst WHOOPS A DAISY was dropped the massive amount of one pound after coming home last of 16. It's appreciated that every pound counts but it's hard to fathom why handicappers drop a horse one pound for being soundly beaten.

Monday 28th March 2011 - Arctic Actress entry
ARCTIC ACTRESS holds an entry at UTTOXETER on Saturday but unless we see plenty of rain wouldn't be certain to race. I'm told she is in good form at home so we hope to race. One bet, to minimum stakes thankfully, on 5/1 shot but she ran unplaced at Towcester. Alan King is hopeful ASTURIENNE will race again this season whilst Nicky says WHOOPS A DAISY is more likely to rest than run.

Sunday 27th March 2011 - Disappointment at Newbury
Optimism at Newbury soon turned to disappointment at both ASTURIENNE & WHOOPS A DAISY were beaten in both divisions of the EBF Final's. Asturienne ran well but made a crucial mistake 5 out which dropped her off the leading pack & it was a tough ask from there on in. Choc said it rode a very good race & she did well. Whoops A Daisy simply ran very flat & was beaten with a mile to run, so that was a shame, she is far better than that. It was a long trudge home but both live to fight another day which is vital.

Friday 25th March 2011 - Asturienne at Newbury & an 11/2 winner
ASTURIENNE will face 9 rivals tomorrow at Newbury in the EBF CHASE HANDICAP FINAL. She is in very good form, has been working nicely, very fresh, so we hope she can run well in a competitive looking race. Alan & Choc couldn't be in better form than at present & nor could Nicky (WHOOPS A DAISY) who had winners this afternoon. Today we had two bets with one winner ELZAHAAN 11/2 (Tote) in the handicap chase at Sedgefield. She had pulled up last twice but that was on soft ground. Today she had the ground she likes & was also well handicapped on past form. A mistake half way didn't help but, given time by Graham Lee to recover, she crept back into it and surged clear before the last. She can win again as she travelled beautifully over this 3m3f trip & loves quick ground.

Thursday 24th March 2011 - Two bets landed - 12/1 winner
PERSIAN FOREST was bitterly disappointing at Hereford showing very little aptitude for the game. She is well bred, looks so well made (won best turned out) but is very slow. Sometimes harsh decisions have to be made so, with immediate effect, she will be taken out of training. I'm very sad for the owners who had been most patient with her. We have had two bets, both winners, in the last 24hrs. The first was just 11/8 but the other was OSCAR PRAIRIE 12/1 who won a Chepstow handicap chase under a very strong WAYNE HUTCHINSON drive. The horse had cheekpieces applied for the first time and whilst looking a hard ride they had the desired effect.
On Saturday WHOOPS A DAISY will face 19 rivals with RITCHIE KILLORAN in the plate at Newbury. It looks a fiercely competitive race but she's in great form, should love the ground & will run well.

Tuesday 22nd March 2011 - Persian at Hereford
PERSIAN FOREST has her second race over hurdles at HEREFORD tomorrow with Charlie Huxley (3) taking the ride. She'll be ridden far more agressively than at Doncaster as I felt we found out very little that day by giving away ground at the start. The race has cut up so I hope she'll go well. Alan wasn't going to run Mister Chancer (shame he does, he'll be favourite) but had to because the race cut up so much. That's fair enough as all owners must get equal opportunity.
Our plans for Saturday are now set providing the ground is OK but we are assured it will be genuinely good. ASTURIENNE will run in the EBF Chase Final with 10st 10lbs on her back, that's assuming top weight Kerada runs, so we are happy with that as she is a stone better with Kerada for 6 lengths earlier in the season. Asturienne will wear cheekpieces on Saturday, they helped Choc last time. WHOOPS A DAISY has top weight in the EBF Hurdles Final but with that being a limited handicap (11st 10lbs to 10st 4lbs) it's not as bad a weight spread as it could have been. Both horses are in terrific form, working well, so I'm touching wood they get there in the same shape.
Very worrying news about jockey RODI GREENE who had a fall yesterday at Lingfield. He has a displaced bone in his neck & no use of his right arm. Hopefully that is a temporary loss of power & he'll be back to full health very soon.

Sunday 20th March 2011 - CHELTENHAM REFLECTIONS & the week ahead
This years CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL was one of the very best with some superb racing & close finishes. The Gold Cup was one of the best adverts for the sport possible with a new star emerging in LONG RUN. His rider Sam Waley-Cohen did a tremendous job considering the pressure upon his shoulders. Next year can't come around soon enough but, as always, we have a busy week coming up.
PERSIAN FOREST will take her chance in a novice hurdle at Kempton or Warwick whilst we'll have high profile runners at NEWBURY on Saturday with WHOOPS A DAISY & ASTURIENNE running in EBF Final's. We hope they go well, both races have been long term targets since Day 1 of the season.

Friday 18th March 2011 - CHELTENHAM REVIEW DAY 4
By far our weakest day for betting opportunities, it was just too hard, so I'd rather save my cash for another day. Triumph Hurdle - ZARKANDER denied the stats by winning on just his second start under Daryl Jacob so well done to him. We had a small e/w bet on Sam Winner (4th 10's) but I'm left baffled by his run. The start was a farce as all 24 horses charged at the tape but the starter let them go at a helter skelter pace. Sam Winner was never going early, was 23rd jumping two out, but then ran on up the straight past 20 rivals. He clearly has a terrific engine so we'll have other days with him. County Hurdle - our ante post bet Snap Tie was taken out (lame)but no damage done as it was NRNB. The race was a thriller with Ruby Walsh on FINAL APPROACH beating Get Me Out Of Here & AP McCoy by a nose. This type of race shows why jockeys are so brave, 24 runners over 2 miles, going a million, with them covered by a blanket. Albert Bartlett - there was a big positive shout for winner BOBS WORTH 7/2 as his form was working out well. He won in good style under Barry Geraghty to give Nicky his first winner of the Festival. Nicky also had the 2nd with Mossley under AP McCoy. Cheltenham Gold Cup - no bet again as, despite it being the blue riband of chasing, every horse had a question mark against it's name. In a thrilling race, and despite making mistakes, LONG RUN beat Denman & Kauto Star. This was another kick in the cobblers for the guys who bet on the stats - they said 6yo's don't win the race - but they clearly do. Another superb result for Nicky Henderson. Denman ran his heart out yet again to come 2nd whilst Kauto Star was also gallant in defeat in 3rd. A terrific spectacle & one that showed National Hunt racing at it's very best. PS - how did Long Run get beaten in the Paddy Power off 158 ? Foxunters - no bet again, hunter chases are not for me, sorry but no interest. Baby Run should have won but his yound rider maybe had a rush of blood then asking his mount for a huge jump when clear 2 out. Martin Pipe CJ's Hurdle - a big shout was given to SIR DES CHAMPS 9/2 as I'd heard he was considered well handicapped. The race was very rough with Sir Des Champs coming from an impossible position to get up on the line. The handicapper can't do much to him so he could still be well treated next time. Grand Annual - this was won a 40-1 shot OISEAU DE NUIT (great opportunity for the commentator to use his fake French accent) with authority. I did have a small ante post bet on Shorecacres but he looked all at sea on the quick ground. The Festival is now over for another year, it's been awesome, roll on 2012.

Thursday 17th March 2011 - CHELTENHAM REVIEW DAY 3
Jewson - two selections against the field were NOBLE PRINCE 5's (won) and Loosen My Load (3rd). A great result for preview guest PAUL NOLAN who trained the winner, well done to him. Pertempts - I did have a small interest e/w on Duke Of Lucca 25's but he was put out the race with some bad scrimmaging at the top of the hill. The race was won by BUENA VISTA who capped his terrific festival record with another win here. Ryanair - our e/w punt on Kalahari King (14's) should have landed but he was given far too much to do by Graham Lee. The winner, ALBERTA'S RUN, was 10 lengths ahead of him at the first yet only beat him a length. You simply can't give away ground like that (still in 5th jumping two out) in championship races, so I was left totally gutted after the race. World Hurdle - BIG BUCKS was given as a certainty to win his 3rd championship on the bounce with Mourad (3rd @ 10's) as the e/w steal. Festival Plate - no bet for us, far too hard to solve, but the two horses suggested against the field did no good. This race threw up it's 11th consequetive winner at bigger than 10-1 in HOMEWOOD LEGEND 25/1. It's a minefield, beware in 2012. Kim Muir - an excellent result with JUNIOR landing a punt from 6/1 to 3/1 under the excellent Jamie Codd. This was TOM SCUDAMORE'S nap at the Prestbury preview on Monday night so well done Scu. NOTE TO COMMENTATORS - why do you slip into an awful fake French accent when calling a French bred horse in your commentary ? I thought the Ryanair, with Poquelin, J'Vole & Voy Per Ustedes, was taking place in Paris courtesy of Mark Johnston.

Wednesday 16th March 2011 - CHELTENHAM REVIEW DAY 2
On to the 2nd day at the Festival. 4m Chase - we backed Beshabar 14's e/w ante post and he ran a blinder to be a very game 2nd. His jumping ws superb but he found the well ridden CHICAGO GREY just too good on the day but we started with a profit. Beshabar might just be a Scottish National horse later this season. Neptune - our two against the field were winner FIRST LIEUTENANT 7/1 and So Young 3rd. The stronger selection was So Young but it probably wasn't Ruby Walsh's finest hour on him as he gave the horse loads to do & went very wide into the straight as he was behind a wall of horses. A mistake at the last really sealed his fate but First Lieutenant got up in the frinal stride to win. RSA Chase - we didn't have a bet in this race but, from the panel, Time For Rupert was generally considered to be the one but he ran very flat & was beaten after a circuit. That was a major disappointment for his connections, maybe the time off with a virus left it's mark. Negatives were given for Master of the Hall, Aiteen Thirtythree & Quel Espirit. The winner was the ultra tough BOSTONS ANGEL. Champion Chase - another race with no bet for us but plenty of strong negatives starting with Master Minded (ground), Woolcombe Folly (step in class too much) and Somersby (trip). A token e/w selection was given for Captain Cee Bee e/w at 14's - he came 3rd. The race was won in good style by SIZING EUROPE under a confident Andrew Lynch. Coral Cup our ante post bet, For Non Stop 14's, ran a terrific race but fell at the last when upsides impressive winner CARLITO BRIGANTE. I doubt he would have won but would have been a clear 2nd, so that was a kick in the proverbial's. Nicky's horse Aegean Dawn seemed to find the ground too quick & was also set a hard task from off the pace. The admirable Bothy, once again, came 2nd in a hot handicap for Brian Ellison. Fred Winter - this was won by the plotted up WHAT A CHARM who was the best of these on the flat but got in 4th from the bottom of the weights. Our ante post bet, Titan De Sarti 14's, started out the back & stayed there. I'm never happy seeing a horse I've backed at Cheltenham giving away ground at the start but it made no difference because he waqsn't good enough. Alan King's Kumbeshwar & Dhaffer filled the places. That's 6 on the bounce for the Irish contingent. Bumper - a clean sweep for the Irish was beaten off by the Phillip Hobbs trained CHELTENIAN under Dicky Johnson. We didn't have a bet in the race. Another great days racing with Big Bucks to look forward to tomorrow.

Tuesday 15th March 2011 - CHELTENHAM DAY 1 REVIEW
Over the festival the Info Line previewed each race thanks to comments compiled from trainers & jockeys in the run up to the biggest 4 days of the season. Supreme Hurdle - this was a hard race to evaluate but a negative was given for Cue Card despite him being a 159 rated hurdler, a negative for Zaidpour, with token e/w fancies for on Sprinter Sacre 11/1 & Dunraven Storm 25/1. AL FEROF won under a superb ride from Ruby Walsh with the Henderson pair of Spirit Son & Sprinter Sacre taking the places. The latter looked all speed so he could be one for Aintree. Cue Card ran well enough in 4th but this heavily backed favourite left money in the bookies satchels. Arkle - Medermit was our e/w 10's ante post bet but he missed the break a little & made a mistake at the first. After that he was chasing a lost cause and I never thought he was going well enough to figure. He is probably a Ryanair type for next year over a longer trip having stayed on into 4th. Richard Johnson's concerns about jumping right handed on CAPTAIN CHRIS were unfounded as he won to turn form around with Medermit & Ghazio (big negative due to ground). What price him at Punchestown ? Finians Rainbow was a big player for the Henderson team (2nd again !) having looked the winner from a long way out but Captain Chris grabbed up after the last. Stewart Family Spinal Research Chase - last year we backed Bensalem, he fell with the race at his mercy, but that's all forgotten with BENSALEM 20-1 landing a lovely ante post punt. This is said without bias but wasn't Choc brilliant on him & how well has Alan (and team) done to get this horse back after such a terrible illness. A tremendous result for everyone at the yard & my bank balance ! Champion Hurdle - a big shout must go to Paul Nolan who said, at the Prestbury preview, HURRICANE FLY is "very very very good, he won't get beaten,a machine" and that's what happened. Oscar Whisky was given a e/w chance by Tom Symonds (Nicky's assistant) 14's, so a decent race for the info line callers. Negatives were given for Dunguib & Mille Chief. This result puts to bed the theory that offspring of Montjeu cannot win at Cheltenham. X County - not a race that got pulses racing with the only "snippet" coming for Maljimar who ran well (4th) behind SIZING AUSTRALIA. Mares - Quevega was given a huge mark with Sparky May the e/w shout albeit the value had gone in her price. At longer prices Le Vecchia Scuola was given squeak e/w. QUEVGA won without breaking sweat with Sparky in 2nd. Centenary Chase - a minefield handicap- with e/w chances given for Tullamore Dew (3rd 12-1), Nagiya De La Vega (drop back to 2m would suit) and a negative for Definity (unplaced 3/1) mentioned. The winner was, yet another, handicap coup for Ferdy Murphy with DIVERS. A good day all round with some superb racing, so roll on Day 2.

Sunday 13th March 2011 - Binocular out of Champion Hurdle
Sad news emerged this morning from Seven Barrows that BINOCULAR will miss the CHAMPION HURDLE due to a drug test proving positive. Binocular had legally been given a drug to clear up an allergy two weeks ago but, totally unexpectedly, the drug still remains in his system. Nicky Henderson took the sensible precaution of having him tested this week but, the deversating news, is that he would still test positive on race day. This is a terrible shame for Nicky, his owners, AP, the yard & for racing in general. To have the favourite, and reigning holder of the Champion Hurdle crown, missing in the race is a terrible shame all round.

Friday 11th March 2011 - Cheltenham thoughts
Last night I sat on a Festival Panel with Alan King, Noel Chance, ATR's Dave Duggan & Daryl Jacob in a Irish Bar in north London. It was a great night, very loud, Mr Duggan can take the mick with the best of them & is a very funny guy. Plenty came out of the event. The audience heard that CHOC will ride Somersby in the Champion Chase, that Ruby Walsh thinks SO YOUNG (Neptune) is a machine, TITAN DE SARTI is working exceptionally well before his tilt at the Fred Winter whilst Choc will ride Dhaffer (1st time blinkers) in the same race, BENSALEM was electric over 2m around the Barbury Castle point track last week in beating Oh Crick on the bridle, FOR NON STOP (Daryl in Coral Cup) is strongly fancied as he was only half fit when 4th in the Challow, nobody fancied MASTER MINDED on the drying ground, MALJIMAR has schooled very well for the X Country, VOY PER USTEDES would be supplimented for the Ryaniar (Alan really would be happy to see the horse win, but only for the horse). It was great fun but I doubt too many remember much of it this morning as the bar looked to be doing huge trade.
NOUN DE LA THINTE will miss Warwick on Sunday, she is fine, but just not fit enough to race.

Wednesday 9th March 2011 - Aegean Dawn out
The news of Riverside Theatre being scratched from Cheltenham due to injury, quickly followed by AEGEAN DAWN, illustrates just how fine a line we tread with our big races hopes actuallly getting to the track in one piece. Both bits of news are deverstating for Nicky's yard & the owners but, fortunately, it seems as if both injuries are not too serious so we'll see them both again soon. A decision on NOUN DE LA THINTE's participation at WARWICK will be made on Friday morning but we hope to run.

Monday 7th March 2011 - Noun De La Thinte entry
We have one entry this week, NOUN DE LA THINTE, at Warwick on Sunday. It's a 3m5f handicap chase in the 0-125 banding. She is finally coming down the weights after 6 wins last season so, off 117, she may be able to give us a competitive run. The rest of the team are fine but are waiting until after Cheltenham to race again.

Friday 4th March 2011 - Persian Forest unplaced
PERSIAN FOREST was as green as grass today, she hung badly around the bend from Rose Hill, which gave Jimmy McCarthy some steering problems. We need to think hard about this mare, see what we do in the future. She looks a tremendous specimen, has superb breeding, but she's not doing great things on the track.

Thursday 3rd March 2011 - Persian Forest at Doncaster
PERSIAN FOREST takes the trip to Doncaster tomorrow for her hurdling debut with JIMMY McCARTHY in the plate. She was disappointing in a bumper at Huntingdon so we hope hurdles will help her more. Jimmy has done all the schooling so deserves to keep the mount. Alan says she jumps very well & should enjoy the better ground. We'll find out a lot more about her tomorrow.
Last night we held a Cheltenham Preview in Shropshire with RICHARD JOHNSON & NOEL FEHILY in attendance. Both proved entertaining and informative guests. Richard really did fancy SNAP TIE to run well in the County as he'd worked in good style with Menorah on Monday in a racecourse gallop, went well fresh & was on a good mark. BESHABAR was given a very favourable word, whilst his nap was Time For Rupert. Noel was particuarly keen on SAM WINNER for the Triumph, giving him as a nap for the meeting, but wasn't too keen on the chances of Woolcombe Folly or Ghazio. It was a super night which raised valuable funds for the IJF.

Monday 28th February 2011 - Asturienne wins at Plumpton 2/1
ASTURIENNE took full advantage of the mistakes made by her main market rival EVELLA today at Plumpton. Whilst Evella made several mistakes, including a howler at the 4th last, Asturienne under Choc popped away very nicely in behind. Evella's crucial mistake really took the stuffing out of her and thus allowed Asturienne come home in her own time. I'm very afraid of what the handicapper might do but I hope he reads the race as above. The higher rated Evella gifted us the race but I'll have sleepness nights until we see her mark on 8th March. We'll also find out the new mark of WHOOPS A DAISY at the same time.

Sunday 27th February 2011 - Whoops wins 7/4
After a sleepless night WHOOPS A DAISY put all worries to bed with a smooth win at TOWCESTER under Ritchie Killoran, her SP was a (hindsight) very generous 7/4. Ritchie said he never had a moments worry but did say she wasn't enjoying the ground, it was very hard to jump out of, but the rain had made it sloppy so that did help. The 2nd, with respect to his owners, has had plenty of chances and remains a maiden after 15 runs. Quite what we beat we do not know but the handicapper will no doubt hike her up a few pounds. As long as all goes well we'll head to Newbury on 26th March. ASTURIENNE (CHOC) runs tomorrow at Plumpton is 1st time cheekpieces, we hope they allow her to travel better. On ratings Evella, giving 6lbs, should have the beating of us particularly on this soft ground (Why do we always get soft ground !!) but we are there to do our best. All being well this will be her last run before the EBF Chase Final at Newbury on 26th March.

Saturday 26th February 2011 - Cheltenham Pointers
With the CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL just over two weeks away I've been spending loads of time studying form for that meeting. I've tended to ignore the day to day racing, so hopefully not a mistake, but only time will tell. Our ante post portfolio is (touch wood) so far going fairly well, all the horses are on target, but there is still time for that to go wrong so the panic isn't over. We have MEDERMIT 12's (now 9/2 best for the Arkle), KALAHARI KING 12's E/W (now 9/1 Ryanair), BENSALEM 20's E/W (6/1 Stewart Family Spinal Reasearch 3m Chase), FOR NON STOP 14's each way (6/1 Coral Cup), BESHABAR 14's E/W for the 4m NH Chase. In all cases bar Kalarahi King, who I can see running on into a place, the each way bets are heavily staked towards the win portion with the place being a saver to return stakes plus a couple of pints in the pub.

Tomorrow we have WHOOPS A DAISY (R.KILLORAN) running at TOWCESTER. On paper she looks to have good claims but this is going to be run on a Towcester mudbath. I'm full of trepidation about the ground but Nicky felt this was the best option, certainlty better than Kempton where she could have taken a nasty hike in the weights for coming 3rd or 4th. At Towcester her two penalties are condensed into 8lbs, we have Ritchie claiming 3lbs, and she gets a mares allowance. On ratings MAGGIO, a 14 run maiden, should give us most to do as he has good placed form both here & in Ireland. We still have the EBF Final at Newbury in mind, on 26th March, so we have to have a 3rd run with Whoops for her to qualify. She is there to do her very best, could well win, but I'm worried about the ground & would hate to see her subjected to a real slog.

Friday 25th February 2011 - Whoops at Towcester
WHOOPS A DAISY will race at Towcester on Sunday with Ritchie Killoran in the saddle. She needs a 3rd run to qualify for the EBF Final but will be doing her best in what looks a suitable race. The ground will be pretty heavy but it's first on the card so it will be at it's best state, hopefully she'll cope OK and run very well.

Thursday 24th February 2011 - The crime does not fit the punishment
JASON MAGUIRE will miss the CHAMPION HURDLE due to a 7 day ban handed out at Doncaster yesterday. I thought the race between him & Richard Johnson (Beshabar) was as good as it gets in National Hunt racing. Two jockeys going full pelt, trusting their mount to come up long, no quarter asked or given, fearless jockeyship & racing at it's most exciting. However there was a sting in the tail.
There can be little dispute about the ban, Maguire's horse was marked, but had he commited the same offence in August he would have missed nothing & gone on a lovely holiday with the family. As he received his ban in late February he misses Imperial Cup day & the ride on PEDDLARS CROSS in the Champion Hurdle. Can that be right - the punishment for the same offence has a totally different on the jockey and also the trainer DONALD McCAIN. I hope he wins the appeal and that we get a sensible rule put in place for next season.

On the entry front WHOOPS A DAISY is in a 2m4f hurdle on Wednesday at Folkestone. Hopefully I get to chat with Nicky Henderson later today to see what plans he has up his sleeve. She could go this weekend to either Kempton or Towcester, we'll see.

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 - Michael Jarvis retires
It was sad to read about MICHAEL JARVIS taking retirement in today's Racing Post. He has been the most wonderful trainer, defintely my favourite on the flat over a number of years, but ill health has finally got the better of him. I hope he has a long & enjoyable retirement. The yard, at Kremlin House, will be taken over by ROGER VARIAN who has been Mr Jarvis's assistant for a long time. I'm sure the yard will still thrive under his command. One of the races we had mapped out for ASTURIENNE next week, at Plumpton, looks a tough heat. She is perched on a mark of 120 so it might be unwise to take on the much higher rated Easter Legend & Evella in receipt of just 6lbs. We could end up harshly treated by the handicapper for coming 2nd or 3rd so we may have to re-route to either Doncaster or Newbury later in the week. Whilst far from ungenuine she may wear first time cheekpieces to help her concentration. PERSIAN FOREST will made a hurdling debut at Doncaster on Thursday. There is no denying her bumper debut was very average but she jumps well at home so we'll try this new discipline with her.

Monday 21st February 2011 - Entry news
WHOOPS A DAISY hold two entries this weekend which are proper chalk & cheese. She has a Grade 2 entry in the 2m5f Dovecote Hurdle at Kempton, which looks it's usual classy race, but she also holds an entry at Towcester on Sunday in a 2m novice. She needs a 3rd run to qualify for the EBF Final at Newbury on 26th March but needs a good rest period prior so Nicky is covering all bases. He'll no doubt assess both races before making a decision on Friday where she runs, he'll know what is best for her at this early stage of her career. ASTURIENNE will get an entry at Plumpton for a novice chase next Monday but we also have other options to cionsider with her later in the week at Doncaster & Newbury.

Saturday 19th February 2011 - Noun disappoints at Sandown
NOUN DE LA THINTE ran a rare poor race yesterday. Aidan Coleman said she was always going a stride too quick, he was niggling, she didn't enjoy it. Very disappointing but she is fine this morning which is all important. Venetia, with the benefit of hindsight, said this race wasn't ideal but as she didn't do much there is a chance we'll go again very soon.

Thursday 17th February 2011 - Noun runs at Sandown on Friday
NOUN DE LA THINTE wil take part in a competitive 10 runner race at Sandown tomorrow with Aidan taking the mount. Hopefully our return to the Esher track will be far happier than our last visit. Nounie is in good form and we hope she can go well. I did have one bet today, to small stakes, but it came 3rd. No surprises there as I'm having the worst trot on my punting life right now, nothing is going right, the horse just got bogged down. ASTURIENNE has come out of her race win well, Alan is happy with her. She has 4 races to aim at w/c 28th February at Plumpton, Bangor, Doncaster & Newbury. We'll pick the best option upon seeing the 5 day decs. After that, all being well, she'll go to Newbury for the EBF Mares final.

Wednesday 16th February 2011 - Asturienne wins but only just at Folkestone
ASTURIENNE gave everyone a fright yesterday when scraping home by a head from the enterprisingly ridden Canni Thinker at Folkestone. She's a valid reason for running sluggishly as the ground was very testing & she hated it. Choc was also aware about finding trouble so he kept wide which probably didn't suit as she got no cover. Nonetheless she won & we all love a winner. The form isn't too shabby as Canni Thinker was only just denied by Ravethebrave (rated 129) two runs ago. Asturienne will have one more race, by the end of February, before then going to Newbury for the EBF Final.

The BETFAIR FORUM is really starting to bug me. Amongst the well informed comment which can help the punter & stimulate discussion we have to put up with others who write absolute drivel. It's normally best to ignore what these people say, it's often £2 punters spitting the dummy, but one chap wrote "Choc's gone at the game, he didn't fancy that" relating to the ride he gave Asturienne. What total utter cobblers ! Choc gave her a super ride because she was hating the ground & couldn't jump out of it. It makes my blood boil to read this type of garbage.

Hats off to the ICE CREAM SALESMAN at Folkestone yesterday as that was optimism of the highest rank. Armed with one jumper & a body warmer on top I was still freezing cold & quite damp from the constant drizzle. One can only assume ice cream trade was slow at the Kent track.

Monday 14th February 2011 - Asturienne takes on 3 at Folkestone
ASTURIENNE looks to haver an ideal opportunity to get off the mark over fences at Folkestone tomorrow. She faces just 3 rivals who are all, on paper, her inferior. The next highest rated is Canni Thinker on 110 whilst Asturienne, who receives 7lbs, is rated 119 over hurdles. We hope she can win tomorrow & gain valuable experience over fences at the same time. Choc, fresh from a double at Plumpton today, takes the ride as usual for his boss Alan King. It's good to see the TOTE GOLD TROPHY MEETING at NEWBURY is to be rescheduled for Friday. Several horses need a run before Cheltenham, there is huge prize money to be won, so well done to everyone for putting the meeting on. It's a good chance for the track to put behind them the terrible events of Saturday.

Saturday 12th February 2011 - Newbury called off due to H&S
Terrible news at NEWBURY today where two horses lost their lives to, what seems to be, an electrical p[roblem in the parade ring area. No doubt we'll read plenty on that subject later in the week when some reasons are found for the tradgedy. We had one bet today, What A Steel, who was backed from 7/2 to 9/4. He traded at 1.73 to good money when turning in but went from cruising to nothing in 100 yards. This typifies my form at the moment, nothing is going right, a poor patch for sure. NOUN DE LA THINTE will have an entry at Sandown next Friday in a 3m chase but will get subsequent entries at Doncaster & Warwick the following week.

Thursday 10th February 2011 - Persian Forest disappoints
PERSIAN FOREST showed little on her debut at Huntingdon today. We expected her to improve for the run but even with that in mind it was a little disappointing. A long chat with Alan will take place tomorrow. Our one selection managed to win albeit at short odds of 5/4.

Wednesday 9th February 2011 - Persian Forest to debut at Huntingdon
Together with a group of owners I made my way to SEVEN BARROWS to see NICKY HENDERSON this morning. The visit was planned to see our two new horses which are a 4yo Presenting filly & a 5yo Milan filly. Both worked in good style so we went away, albeit frozen, with a happy mind set. Tomorrow PERSIAN FOREST , a full sister to Our Ben, makes her debut at HUNTINGDON in a bumper with Gerard Tumelty on top. Alan says she is a little backward and will come on for the run but we all hope she can perform well to show plenty of promise for next time. No bets today.

Tuesday 8th February 2011 - Why would anybody run in a conditions event ?
WHOOPS A DAISY was given a mark of 130 this morning. I'm a bit disappointed but then we all want 10lbs less. We'll see what she can do next time. NOUN DE LA THINTE was dropped 2lbs to 120 which now opens up a new tier of races for her.
RUTHENOISE did get some black type when running 2nd to BINOCULAR on Saturday but her handicap mark suffered very badly. She had been beaten 4 times off marks ranging from a high of 120 to a low of 115. The nearest she got to winning a handicap was a 3 length 5th off 115. Due to her run on Saturday (easy lead, 4 runners only) she was raised to 129. Her handicap career looks to be is over & it shows why these conditions events normally have 1/10 favourites like Binocular. Last year he won at 1/7. It's ridiculous as condition race form is usually very unreliable.
Maybe I got something right at last with my punting. It was suggested last week that a calculated punt, at 20-1 with Hills, could be taken on BENSALEM running in the William Hill Chase at the Festival rather than the World Hurdle. He is now down to 10's after positive noises have been made by the Alan King camp regarding his target.

Sunday 6th February 2011 - Dansimar disaster at Sandown
DANSIMAR ran on Saturday at Sandown in a valuable 2m6f handicap hurdle but it proved to be a disaster. Her jockey, Robbie Dunne, said she was absolutely cantering & jumping very well when stumbling just after the 5th flight. She didn't make a mistake, it was a complete freak accident, but the vet could do nothing to save her. It was desperately sad for everyone concerned with Dansimar & she definitely didn't deserve that ending. Thankfully the vets were in attendance very quickly.

We've had 6 seasons without an injury of this type but have now suffered 2 within the last 3 months. Neither horse fell, neither horse made a jumping error, so it's very hard to explain or take in. A massive blow ! Thanks to everyone who sent messages, these have been forwarded on to the owners.

We shall miss Dansimar as she was not only a very kind horse but also a wonderful servant who won 4 races & had been placed in plenty of other races during her career. Also spare a thought for Venetia who lost another good horse at Towcester on Thursday, she is having a tough season, so needs a change of fortune very quickly.

PUNTING - for a variety of reasons my punting over the last 3 weeks has been abysmal and/or without luck. Saturday was the last straw with Iron Chancellor getting caught in the last stride at Ffos Las. It capped a shocker of a day, even my car broke down on route to Sandown, so the air was rather blue. Due to other pressing LLR work (new horses to syndicate, racing days, quarterly accounts to prepare) I've not given form study the time it warrants but there are only so many hours in a day. A change of luck would be nice, in fact a winner would be nice. I may back all 3 in the next 3 runner event to get me off the cold list.

Friday 4th February 2011 - Bangor success for Whoops A Daisy
WHOOPS A DAISY won well at Bangor today but ARCTIC ACTRESS ran disappointingly. Unfortunately a post race scope showed her to be suffering from mucus on the lungs indicating a low grade viral infection.

Thursday 3rd February 2011 - A busy few days
WHOOPS A DAISY (AP McCOY) takes her place in another novice hurdle tomorrow at Bangor, she would look to hold strong claims & will probably be an odds on chance as the race has cut up quite badly. Nicky says she remains in good form. Later on the card ARCTIC ACTRESS (Andrew Tinkler) will make her racecourse debut in a bumper. She is alovely Kings Theatre filly out of a mare, Blast Freeze, that won loads of races for the yard. Nicky says she goes nicely but will, as all horses do, improve for the experience. He was worried about the sharp track too but both her well known brothers won a bumper on debut so I'm praying the hat-trick can be landed. Koultas King sets the standard after his good 2nd at Ayr on debut. On Saturday we race DANSIMAR (Robbie Dunne 5lbs) in the ultra competitive Hero's Handicap at Sandown. There will be 21 runners thundering around 2m6f so luck will play it's part. She's in good form, has featured in tough races off higher marks, her last run was good, so let's hope she can go well for her owners. No decision has been made on NOUN DE LA THINTE yet but she would be odds against to race from out the handicap.

Monday 31st January 2011 - Noun runs a gallant 4th
NOUN DE LA THINTE ran well yesterday to come 4th, beaten a whisker for 3rd, at Fakenham. At first I was a little disappointed as I had felt she would be pretty competitive but having watched the tape, reviewed the form, she's done us proud yet again. The winner THREE CHORDS is definitely one for the note pad as he won with any amount in hand whilst Bench Warrant (2nd) has been mixing it in good company. Noun should probably have been 3rd as Jack showed a little bit of inexperience (his first ride at Fakenham) in getting caught wide of Ray Mond, who was jumping badly right handed, on the 2nd circuit. We lost ground at a vital time but Jack's a very good young rider who I'm keen to support & I'm sure he'll be a big name in the future. FAKENHAM probably wasn't her ideal track but our other option within the next fortnight, at Sandown 5th February, may have seen her out the handicap in quite a tough race. That would be far from ideal as she's not thrown in off 122 so, sometimes, a compromise has to be made to get a run. There will be other days for Noun as she always gives 100%.

Saturday 29th January 2011 - A very busy day but loads of progress
The last week has been hectic but the news is excellent. We have secured TWO NEW HORSES WITH NICKY HENDERSON, both on free lease, to race over the next two & half seasons. The come courtesy of Goldford Stud & Martin Lightbody, so I thank them very much. The breeding of the pair is superb, they are working really well at Seven Barrows & will race in the spring. New syndicates have to be formed and, I'm hopeful, we are almost up and running in good time.

DANSIMAR (ground too quick) & WHOOPS A DAISY (ground to soft) do not run this weekend but NOUN DE LA THINTE (she'll race on anything, love her) will run at Fakenham on Sunday. She'll contest a trappy looking 8 runner 3m handicap chase. Hopefully with Ray Mond in the line up there will be a good gallop for her to tuck in behind. This track does suit sound jumping prominent runners so should, with the better ground, play to her strengths. Young 7lb claimer JACK SHERWOOD takes the ride & let's hope they can go well. My one worry is an inspection is due. I'm praying they are decisive first thing in the morning and don't, bearing in mind how far the track is from civilisation (sorry Norfolk fans), mess everyone about with 2nd & 3rd inspections. Calling off a meeting at midday is no good for anyone, probably bar the racecourse, who are serving lunches to corporate clients. A cynical view maybe but late abandonments are awful for those who have travelled to the track for nothing. Racing costs enough as it is.

Thursday 27th January 2011 - Weekend plans up in the air
Dansimar will not race this Saturday because, and I can't believe I'm typing this, the ground is too fast !! Doncaster has dried up alarmingly & is now quick ground. It's amazing that Huntingson, just a few miles down the road, was a ploughed field yesterday. The situation is opposite for our promising novice Whoops A Daisy as shemay not race because it's heavy at Uttoxeter. If I had some hair left I'd rip it out.

Tuesday 25th January 2011 - Whoops form franked by Charminster
It was good to see Charminster win at Sedgefield today as it paid a fine compliment to WHOOPS A DAISY'S form from Hereford. It was a poor race at Sedgie but he won without breaking sweat. Since coming back from holiday I've had about 4 bets which have all run out the frame which is disappointing to say the least. Today I thought Darbys Turn would run well at Leicester but he was given a pretty quiet ride , pulled hard early, to finish last of four. He was coming back from breaking a blood vessel so it's understandable connections wanted to see him finish his race but it was a misjudgement from me. At least a couple of snippets did win to give a half smile.

News hit the press that VOY PER USTEDES had been placed into training with Nicky Henderson rather than going back to Alan's yard. Owners can do what they like, they pay the bills, but VPU had won almost £1,000,000 under Alan's care. An Arkle, Champion Chase & two Melling Chase's are in the trophy cabinet so some people may find the decision made by Sir Robert Ogden a hard one to fathom.

Monday 24th January 2011 - Entry news
Quite a few entries on Saturday & Sunday this weekend coming. DANSIMAR is due to run at Doncaster 2m3f in a handivap hurdle. WHOOPS A DAISY is entered into a 2m mares race at Uttoxeter whilst NOUN DE LA THINTE may go to Fakenham on Sunday to contest a 3m1f handicap chase.

Saturday 22nd January 2011 - A day full of pointers
I had one bet to minimum stakes today on Shalone 16/1 at Ascot but two mistakes at halfway put paid to his chances, he still ran well but finished 5th. The big eyecatcher in the race was WALKON who ran an absolute blinder to come 2nd despite Alan saying he would need the run after a long absence. The winner of the race, Tiger O'Toole, paid a huge compliment to MILLE CHIEF as he thrashed him by an easy 15 lengths at Sandown giving loads of weight. At Wincanton Cornish Set won the 3m chase to pay yet another compliment to WEST END ROCKER'S form from Newbury. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd have all won next time out so that's strong form. West End Rocker laterly won at Warwick over 3m5f, when beating our own Noun De La Thinte, so he looks to have very strong claims for the Grand National off a mark of 141. The 33-1 with Hills looks a decent price. Also at Wincanton Sparrow Hills followed up his win at the previous meeting to frank DANSIMAR'S form, so that is encouraging too.

Thursday 20th January 2011 - Delighted with Asturienne's 2nd at Newbury
Everyone was thrilled with Asturienne's 2nd at Newbury yesterday. She jumped well which was pleasing as she hadn't had as much schooling as Choc would have liked, that's all due to the weather of course. She is fine today & will be prepared for the EBF Mares Final on March 26th at Newbury. She will have to race twice more but the plan is to get those runs out the way in February. Yesterday continued our 'win less' run at NEWBURY over the last 6 seasons. Just about everything we race there runs really well, gets placed, but we can't seem to get a winner. It's a frustratioin but, you never know, we might break the run in the final. WHOOPS A DAISY holds an entry at Leicester on Tuesday but until speaking with Nicky I'm not certain she runs. No bets again today.

Tuesday 18th January 2011 - Asturienne runs tomorrow
No bet again today, the ground is still desperate. ASTURIENNE will take her chance at Newbury tomorrow in the mares novice chase with Choc on top. There are only 4 runners but Sway, who will be odds on, is a hard nut to crack rated 137. Kerada is also a very handy mare so it will be tough for Asturienne on ground that wouldn't be ideal. Alan feels it's best to get her going over fences (she has schooled really well) & to get some experience that can be used once the ground eventuallu dries up. NOUN DE LA THINTE has been entered on saturday at Wincanton as venetia says she is fine after Warwick. My worry would be it coming too soon so Venetia would have to be 100% certain Warwick hasn't left it's mark. Hopefully we'll see Whoops A Daisy & Arctic Actress as soon as it dries up a bit. DANSIMAR will head to Doncaster on 29th for a 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Saturday 15th January 2011 - Noun beaten into 5th but so brave
NOUN DE LA THINTE gave her all today in the 3m5f handicap chase at Warwick. Heavy rain had left the ground very soft which, whilst she coped, she didn't enjoy. Jack Sherwood gave her a good ride & will no doubt ride her again. The right horses beat us. WEST END ROCKER went up just 4lb for winning last time out at Newbury (3rd won since) and Alan's made no secret of how highly he thinks of him & that he was well h'cap after the wheels came off last season. This lad is Grand National bound providing he goes up enough in the weights. MINELLA BOYS won last time out at Plumpton beating a David Pipe horse going for a 4 timer, the 3rd that day was miles behind. Minella Boys loves mud & was 2nd off a much higher mark over hurdles. INCENTIVISE has won his last two races, both on testing ground, and hails from the Richard Lee yard who are in peak form. LE BEAU BAI, also Richard Lee trained, was 3rd home in the Welsh National last year off a 4lb higher mark & he loves mud too. In 6th you had COMPLY OR DIE who won the Aintree National & was 2nd the following year off a 6lb higher mark than today.
LONG RUN won the King George today which make it's a bit mystifying how he failed to win the Paddy Power off 148. Nicky's horses are absolutely flying but they did suffer one awful reverse when Peveril fell at the last at Warwick. He was a lovely type and could have been a Sun Aliance horse. A very sad loss.

Friday 14th January 2011 - Back from holiday
The trip to Australia was superb as our group saw England win convincingly. However it's now back to work and there is plenty to look forward too. NOUN DE LA THINTE will run on Saturday in the valuable Totesport Chase (3m5f) at Warwick with young Jack Sherwood taking off 7lbs. Her feather weight may be quite useful on, what will be, testing ground over a marathon trip. Next Wednesday we race ASTURIENNE at Newbury when she'll make her debut over fences. Alan tells me she has schooled very well and she enjoys fences. The decs look quite strong at the 5 day stage and I'm hoping it's not too soft for her.

Saturday 8th January 2011 - Dansimar 4th at Wincanton
DANSIMAR ran a terrific race today at Wincanton under Venetia's new 5lb claimer Robbie Dunne. I was impressed with Robbie, he gave her a good ride, always in the right position. Dansimar jumped well and looked very threatening two out but the big weight told. That was a good class race so we have plenty to look forward to in the short term with her.

Monday 3rd January 2011 - Whoops A Daisy wins at Hereford
Our first runner for a while & we get a winner thanks to WHOOPS A DAISY (AP McCOY) 100/30 showing a touch of class at Hereford. The ground wasn't ideal but she did everything right on her hurdling debut. AP was impressed with her and hoped she'll prove decent in time. DANSIMAR holds an entry on Saturday 8th at Wincanton.