LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION LINE RESULTS

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Tuesday 7th September 2010 - 4 winners for the snippets
PETER GRIMES is almost ready to race so we are now planning some entries for him. Haydock 24th, Kempton 27th, Salisbury 29th & Wolverhampton Oct 2nd are the four dates circled in the diary. The races are over a variety of trips & tracks so we'll have to study the form carefully when the entry lists are published.
Over the past two days I've given four snippets on the Information Line, all have won with 11/2 & 7/4 being the best prices, which is very pleasing. However by the regular 1pm message time prices had gone on a couple of the horses so that's one reason why I'll be moving to text messaging from May 2012. I'll be able to flag up early value bets when the markets open rather than having to wait to record the voice message.

Saturday 4th September 2010 - Lady of the Desert placed 11-1
One bet today LADY OF THE DESERT 11-1 (2nd e/w) who ran a blinder and was, in some ways, unfortunate. To have a 13 runner sprint split into two groups is somewhat unusual. She travelled superbly but was left with nothing to race with on her side such was her superiority over those drawn low. The admirable trail blazer Markab led the high numbers in typical game style & stayed on better to nab the win. The snippet TUSCAN GOLD 7/4 won at 11-8 SP. He led for the whole 2m & did it really well for the Prescott / Sanders combination.

Shares in our latest recruit, a 4yo Presenting filly out of Forest Pride, have been snapped up in double quick time. The new syndicate now have the tricky job of giving her a name. There is every chance another syndicate will be formed in the near future.

Thursday 2nd September 2010 - The snippet wins at 10-1
One bet, one snippet, today. We have backed Sweet Clementine three times now with one win at 14-1 & two very disappointing runs when finishing almost last. The word inconsistant comes to mind but, despite being between at half way tonight, she owes us nothing I suppose. Happily the snippet, Brevity, won at 10-1. She was only 6's at message time which put me off a bit but as she drifted to a decent price I hope callers had a few quid on her.

Monday 30th August 2010 - Alan King Open Day
No bets today. Around 200 people gathered on Sunday to watch Alan parade 100 of his 140 strong team. The mood was upbeat as the horses look so much better than last season. All very fresh & well. Sadly the highly promising BENSALEM will not be around as he's on the sick list. When coming back from his summer break in Ireland he caught pneumonia and then pleurisy. Alan thinks he's on the mend but it's a long process. On the plus side the high class juvenile, now a 5yo, WALKON was back in the yard & looking very well after his tendon injury. MEDERMIT looked on good terms with himself & could be a very exciting novice chaser whilst MILLE CHIEF is now A1 after recovering from a small stress fracture, has grown an inch, may go for a Chepstow handicap hurdle first time up.
Many of the horses caught the eye, many were given positive comments by Alan. Here are just a handful of the more unexposed types that you may wish to follow with interest
BALERINA - a listed winner in France she could be very interesting for juvenile hurdles BATONNIER - a bumper winner in May, is considered high class DEVIL TO PAY - more than useful, could do well in handicap hurdles KINGS TROOP - has done well on the flat this summer, on a good mark for hurdling NIGHT ROSE - very useful filly, needs to settle, but loads of talent

Saturday 28th August 2010 - 3 bets - 3 winners - super day
After a week away from studying form we had three bets today, all to small stakes, as it was a very competitive day. SHOTLEY MAC 12/1 (SP 8/1) got us off to a great start with a cosy win at Beverley in the 7f handicap. He had dropped to a good mark, loves the track, so he was worth a bet. He broke well, got a good position, and sprinted clear from two out. Lovely ! Next up was AVERROES 14/1 e/w 3rd - who ran a solid race at Beverley but once again hit a flat spot at half way thus losing a good position. He was an eyecatcher last time out at Goodwood when running on from a terrible position but did the same here. Maybe the draw didn't help, he was quite wide in a big field, or maybe he just didn't handle the camber / bends at these turning tracks. Come what may I'll give him another chance, with cut, on a flatter track in the future. Our last bet was THEYSKENS THEORY 7/4 who won a Group 3 at Goodwood very cosily under Martin Dwyer landing a gamble > SP 11/10. She had been most impressive when winning last time out in a quicker time than some older seasoned handicappers so had to be followed. A superb day !!

Tomorrow I'll be attending the Alan King press & owners day at Barbury Castle. It's sure to be informative as Alan will parade the vast majority of his string. Last season was a downer due to the various health problems the yard suffered but results have been good (small flat string) this summer so I'm very optimistic we'll see him get back to top form. If there is one potential silver lining in last season's black cloud it's that he may have some nicely handicapped horses to go to war with.

Friday 27th August 2010 - A new horse for the string - interested in a share ?
Whilst I've taken 5 days off from the Info Line (back Sat 29th) there has been plenty going on. There has been the quarterly accounts to compile & a new horse to syndicate.

Through John & Sarah Hayden at EASTBURROW STUD we have been able to lease an un-named 4yo filly who is a full sister to the high class OUR BEN. Her breeding, PRESENTING / FOREST PRIDE, gives her every chance of success but we already know that trainer Alan King is enthusiatic about her ability level. She spent two months with Alan in the summer & showed him plenty on the gallops. Forest Pride has bred 6 individual winners who have won a total of 20 races so her record is tremendous. If you're intetrested in hearing more please contact me.

Monday 23rd August 2010 - Not too long before we have a runner
PETER GRIMES is now just a month away from a run. he's going nicely at Alan's so we are starting to get excited about the new season. The likelyhood is a run on the flat before hurdling but we'll leave the trainer to give us his thoughts nearer the time, we can see what opportunity presents itself in the program book. ASTURIENNE is back at Alan's after having a month's preparation at Bill Bromley's Woodland Farm Stud. She looks to have filled out and, I'm told, looks tremendous. Both NOUN DE LA THINTE & DANSIMAR are also back in work and looking super.

Saturday 21st August 2010 - A welcome winner 11/4
Two horses mentioned on the line today with a 11/4 (SP - drifted from 7/4) winner & an 8/1 shot unplaced.

The Info Line will take a back seat next week as there is much to be done behind the scenes at Let's Live towers. We have a new 4yo filly to syndicate and she is one I'm very excited about. As a full sister to OUR BEN , who won over £121,000 in prize money, how could you not be excited.

Friday 20th August 2010 - Have you ever had a day when .....
...... you wished you had stayed in bed. Two of out 3 bets today traded odds on in running (1-10 & 1-2) yet both came 2nd. Not a good end to the York Ebor meeting. On a personal front I also backed two other horses at the evening meetings who uncannily came 2nd, both beaten in photographs, to rub salt into my wounds. I felt like slitting my wrists for about ten minutes but you have to put it behind you & try to remember the 14-1 winner on Monday. It's been a really topsy turvy last few weeks with winners & losers but little consistency. Next week I'll be working in the office but the line will take a back seat for a while, we all need time to recharge batteries.

Thursday 19th August 2010 - York update
A poor day yesterday with 3 bets to small stakes (25/1, 11/2, 8/1) getting turned over. The two lesser priced horses finished 4th & 5th so ran well enough but no prizes. Today we had one losing bet (Al Muheer 10-1) to small stakes. He had a good draw, as at Goodwood last time, but was once again ridden from way off the pace. That was disappointing as the track, wind behind, didn't suit that style of ride. Overall York is so competitive it's hard work !

Tuesday 17th August 2010 - Waiters Dream hoses up 4/1
Three bets today, all to small stakes, with one winner in 4/1 shot WAITERS DREAM who hacked up at York. Good !

Monday 16th August 2010 - Sweet Clementine wins 14-1 at Kempton
One bet today SWEET CLEMENTINE 14/1 in the mile handicap at Kempton. We were with her 16 days ago when the rain that fell unexpectedly ruined her chance at Newmarket but she was back on the AW here albeit with a potentially poor draw on a turning track in stall 1. Thankfully the "draw analyser" on Raceform Interactive proved a useful tool as it showed stall 1 to be far from a disadvantage. The last 6 C&D handicaps, 12-15 runners only, had produced 5 single figure birthed winners with 2 of that 5 from stall 1 who won at odds of 20/1 & 8/1. Back to the race ....... Sweet Clementine settled really well off a strong pace, was hard on the bridle with 2 to run, swicthed wide & pounced late to win by a nostril. Exciting stuff ! She can win again against her own sex on turf but must have fast ground. TIDDLIWINKS was once again an eyecatcher on Saturday in the Ripon GSW as he travelled really well until swamped with a furlong to run. He might be just the type for the five & half furlong PORTLAND H'CAP on decent ground. This intermediate trip should suit him.

Saturday 14th August 2010 - So near yet so far
Our two bets in the GSW failed to deliver but I'm not disappointed as both were backed heavily (Tajneed 3/1 & Advanced 17/2 SP) and both ran well. Tajneed was only beaten a neck, no excuses for him, whilst Advanced got a nasty bump after a furlong when a horse came across, that was a shame. UPDATE 28/8 - Advanced ran 2nd in a Listed race today. The first four home were all drawn 13 or higher so the race analysis was right, if you keep doing that you won't go far wrong. Our other bet was an unusual each way wager on DEACON BLUE 11/2 SP 7/1. I fancied taking on the classy favourite Bated Breath as the soft ground was an unknown. Gramercy wasn't proven on the ground either so I went for a 'bet to nothing' on Deacon Blues. He ran a blinder considering he didn't get a clear passage to be beaten a neck. He can win soon - once again the right race analysis but not the right rub of the green.

Friday 13th August 2010 - Rain hits Ripon
No bets today but I did back two for tomorrow. It's poured down at Ripon, 12mm up to midday with more expected, ground now edging towards Good to Soft. The two backed were Advanced 20/1 & Tajneed 7/1 (5's at message time) for reasons detailed yesterday. Reluctantly Tiddliwinks had to be overlooked as he's no form with cut in the ground. I'd be hopeful of trading both bets during the race (particurlarly Tajneed as he's already shortened up due to the rain) as they race prominently on a decent front runners track.

Thursday 12th August 2010 - Great St Wilfred draw poser on Saturday
There is something about big field sprints that get the blood rushing for a bet. Last year we were lucky enough to back the winner of the GSW at Ripon when Markab prevailed from stall 10. The race doesn't look as strong as normal this year so I'll probably sniff out a bet or two against the field.
The stats are quite interesting. Since 2005 there have been 19 C&D handicaps with a field size of 16 & 23 runners. Stalls 1 to 9 inclusive have won nothing. Stalls 9 to 16 have won 17 races whilst the really high numbers have two wins from 22 & 23 respectively. History is only a pointer but it's a huge bias against those drawn low & makes looking at the race potentially easier. The ground is currently Good with G/Firm patches but some forecasts say rain will hit the track. Who knows !!
If not plumped for a bet(s) yet as the ground will have a big say but a big eyecatcher last time out was Goodwood Stewards Sprint 4th TIDDLIWINKS under Neil Callan. The first 7 home came from stalls 14-18-20-1-22-17-16. Clearly a large bias towards mid to high yet Tiddliwinks was drawn stall 1 & ran a blinder. Watching the tape he ran up the stand rail with just one other horse to follow, was miles behind after two furlongs, switched towards the middle with 2 to run he finished really well. That was a super run so with his trainer Kevin Ryan in great form, a pound higher than Goodwood, the 9-1 on offer is Ok providing the ground is good or quicker. It's an open race as expected. Horses towards the top of the market who have good form chances like Wildcat Wizard (draw 5, price 12's) & Favourite Girl (D3 @ 14's) shouldn't win on the draw stats whilst Noverre To Go (D11 @ 10's) must have fast ground to show his best. Rileyskeepingsafe (D18 @ 8's) has been beaten off lower marks than 102 but should run well. Signor Peltro (D13 @ 14's) is respected but is hard to win with his come from behind style. Kevin Ryan's Advanced (D17 @ 20's) is very interesting off 97, same mark as when just touched off last year & best of the small group (only 17 ran) who went far side. He ran well at Goodwood last time, wont mind cut, proven big field winner with an Ayr Gold Cup to his name. Tajneed (D20 @ 7's) is a worthy favourite as he's 3 from 3 over C&D, won this race off 92 in 2008, off 94 here & decent draw here but needs cut. Novellen Lad (D12 @ 22's) is 8lb higher than when last winning. Midnight Martini (D16 @ 20's) wants fast ground according to his trainer. A lot will depend on the ground but if it stays the same I'll probably back both Kevin Ryan horses E/W to grab some value. If it rains, Good to Soft or worse, then it will be Advanced plus maybe Tajneed. The 'sods law' thing to happen will be for stalls 1 to 4 to fill the first four places to show you should never trust the stats totally !!

Wednesday 11th August 2010 - Sandwith runs well into 3rd @ 16-1
We had 3 bets today with just SANDWITH (11-1 Paddy Power > but opened 16-1 on track) landing some each way money. The big disappointment was Old Hundred as he got boxed in despite there being just 6 runners over 1m6f at Sandown. Seeing how long it took him to get going & how well he finished last time out at Doncaster this interference would have been vital. Adam Kirby started to drive him along 3 furlongs out but he ended up running up the back of two other horses & came to a halt. Then when a gap finally appeared he looked to have a clear run only for a horse to roll across him, into the far rail, under a left hand drive from his jockey. We were right oppose the odds on favourite but didn't get the rub of the green, he can win off his mark so I'll wait for his next run. My overall form isn't great at the moment so that long promised week off will come soon. We'll get York out the way & then book something.

Saturday 7th August 2010 - Not a super Saturday
Stakes were kept low today due to highly competitive racing & meaty prices (6/1, 12/1, 9/1, 12/1, 9/2) but we had no success bar HARRY PATCH 9's landing each way money at Haydock when 2nd. He had been off the track for a long while, clearly blew up, but remains one to follow granted soft ground in the future. A couple of the horses were heavily punted just before the off but ran as if lead boots had been applied. It was just one of those days consigned to the rubbish bin. On the plus side my local team SHREWSBURY TOWN got off to a flyer with a 3-1 home win on the opening day of the season. I've had one football bet so far on OLDHAM for Division One in the handicap betting +33pts @ 18-1. They also got off to a winning start at Tranmere with a comfortable 2-1 victory. I've also had £30 at 120's on Betfair for them to win the championship title in the hope I'll be able to trade later in the season.

Thursday 5th August 2010 - Jet Away very impressive 7/4
Two horses mentioned on today's message, both won 7/4 & 5/4, but they weren't mentioned as definite bets frustratingly. Henry Cecil's JET AWAY won the 1m2f handicap very impressively & can win again. My worry with him was the ground as Sandown had seen rain, at message time I couldn't be sure he'd act with cut, but the track later changed the going report back to G/Firm. This horse is probably Group class so he could win a valuable handicap in the short term.
ASTURIENNE is subject of encouraging reports from breeder Bill Bromley. I'm told she has been walking for 3 weeks, looks tremendous, hasn't got too fat, goes back to Alan's in a week to continue her schedule. PETER GRIMES is also doing rather well & is only 6 weeks from a run. Alan is very happy with him, he's looking super now, so big hopes for him too.

Saturday 31st July 2010 - We get out the murky stuff with 3/1 winner
The day was looking desperate with 3 horses (2 minimum stake, one small to medium) all running well below par at odds of 11/2, 8/1 & 9/1. Maybe it was the watered ground which had seen quite a bit of rain or maybe they were just rubbish selections. Fortunately the Hannon 2yo PAUSANIAS 3/1 got us out of jail at Goodwood. He was only 5/4 at 1pm but a drift was anticipated given the shape of the market at message time. RUK's experts said he looked to be carrying condition which immediately triggered a massive reaction on the exchanges as he hit 9/2 before shortening up. Sadly I'd already placed my bet at shorter but some layers will have had their fingers badly burned.

Friday 30th July 2010 - Three winners but cheesed off
A very busy day with 6 horses to log in chronological order. We had minimum stake bets on Oldjoesaid (33's) and Al Muheer (20's) in a couple of very competitive Goodwood handicaps. I think I'll stop banging on about the former being well handicapped, which he undoubtedly is on the pure figures, but he also seems out of form. Schoolboy error bet ! However the latter named is definitely to be kept in the notebook. Al Muheer had a plum draw in 20 but his jockey showed no inclination to take advantage when the stalls opened, in fact he was held up in last place on the rail which isn't really the place to be at Goodwood on the round course. When making a run two out he found more traffic than you see in Piccadilly Circus yet still finished like a train to come 6th. Consequently I'd be sure that this horse will win soon & is one to follow. Another from this race to remember is 4th placed Proponent as he came from stall 9 & had to go very wide. Previously 5th in the Hunt Cup he looks handicapped to win a decent race given the rub of the green. LIBRANNO 5/4 was only a short price for the Richmond Stakes but duly landed the spoils under the bang in form Richard Hughes. As pointed out by Steve Mellish (RUK) he did look worked up before the race but thankfully he relaxed once in the stalls & won cosily. JANOOD 7/4 (SP 5/4) had the dogs barking before his debut run at Newmarket & rewarded support under a typically strong Frankie Dettori ride. MADANY 7/4 (SP 9/4) then landed the Haydock 6f nursery in good style by half a length yet nearly 4L back to the 3rd. He was given a confident ride from the back so considering the conditions, Good to Soft ground on straight track, he might be able to land another handicap. Straversjoy was backed from 12-1 into 6-1 but was given an uninspiring ride. It's virtually impossible to make up loads of ground at Haydock on this ground (Heavy on round track) as it's so tacky but he was held up miles off the pace in last place. Still last turning for home he stayed on into 6th. Of all today's bets I fancied him the most so despite it being a good day, three winners, it's ended with me having the right hump. Plan A is a shower & off to the pub !

Thursday 29th July 2010 - Illustrious Blue storms home 10/1
Three bets today & a strong snippet. The days started off well when WARM BREEZE 5/4 won a maiden at Nottingham, gallop reports had been most positive, heavy support in to 5/6 was rewarded in style by 4 lengths. Then ILLUSTRIOUS BLUE 10/1 (SP 8's) won the Goodwood Cup in cosy style under the ever impressive Jim Crowley. He took up the running entering the last furlong to win going away for his 7th course win. Sadly the race was marred by Age Of Aquarius breaking down with half a mile to run, we wish him well in recovery. In the concluding 5f sprint we backed two e/w against the field > PISCEAN 10/1 & Matsunosuke 10/1. The latter, in hindsight, had an impossible task due to his low draw as the ground was far quicker down the middle / far side. (See below re going stick > today's readings were published after message time) He remains one to keep on side as he ran really well beaten a couple of lengths. PISCEAN ran a blinder to get 4th with his customary late rattle, sadly a minor bit of interference made him check & switch wide otherwise he may have been the winner. A good day but we shall see what watering takes place overnight as the straight track bias could move around. The clerk has been most helpful by publishing going stick readings across the track, consequently selections may be delayed until publication tomorrow.

Wednesday 28th July 2010 - Glorious Goodwood Day's 1 & 2
GOODWOOD is one of my favourite tracks to visit but for punting I'm alwats wary due to trouble in running & plenty simply don't act around there. Hence stakes are kept low as are the number of bets. On Day 1 I placed one bet on Baltarzaars Gift (12/1) in the 7f Group 2 as I'd hoped the extra furlong would suit him & he had good course form. Unfortunately he got hemmed in on the rail when trying to make his run, got going too late, finished 5th so a typical hard luck story at the track maybe. On Day 2 we had two bets starting with Crown Prosecuter 2/1 but he was soundly beaten. I'm not sure what to make of the run as he pulled hard behind a muddling pace, nearly tripped over twice turning around the home bend, and despite looking quite dangerous when pulled wide with two to run he was a spent force. Hugely disappointing but, after watching the tape, it was probably the cambers that did for him. Mount Athos 12/1 was our last bet in the 1m4f handicap. He was chased along early to get a prominent position, looked a likely winner two out, but faded into 5th after hanging down the straight. We backed him when he won at Haydock & I'd be optimistic he can win again off this higher mark but on a more conventional track. At least I'd give him the chance to prove that the hanging was because of the track and not that he is showing signs of being a tricky Montjeu offspring. ALAN KING telephoned this morning to give an upbeat report on PETER GRIMES and also to say that SAM THOMAS would be used in conjunction with Wayne Hutchinson whilst Choc is injured. Sam has ridden plenty of winners for us on horses trained by Venetia so it will be good to tie up with him again, he'll do a terrific job for sure.

Saturday 24th July 2010 - Two snippet winners
No bets today as prices weren't real value so we were left with just 3 snippets. An early 5/2 shot MISS ZOOTER was a fancy for a 7f handicap having been very unfortunate last time. However, fortunately, she did drift with 3/1 available on the track, 7/2 exchanges, so I did punt to a small degree. She won cosily & could go in again. HAMMER HOME 5/4 (13/8 morning) looked to have good chances in a Newmarket maiden but I didn't back him purely due to lack of value but at least he won. Do jockeys believe the going stick ? The last snippet was Margot Did who I thought had outstanding claims in the 2yo Gp3 6 furlong sprint at Ascot but I decided not to have a bet at 2/1. She was drawn 12 of 12 with the stalls positioned in the middle of the track. The going stick was 8.3 far side, 8.8 middle, 8.1 stands side so, in theory, the slowest ground was on the stands rail. However Mr Dettori won the opener yesterday by coming up the rail hence, sheep like, that's where jockeys wanted to be from that moment on. Accordingly the worry was that should the field turned sharp left from the stalls then Margot Did could have been forced to run further than the rest. As things turned out they split into two groups from the stalls before merging two furlongs from home. By this time Margot Did was almost stands side & got beat a half length. On the going stick readings Margot Did could have kept a straight line, gone the shortest route, rather than taking a detour. We'll never know if that cost her dear.

Friday 23rd July 2010 - Still dreaming
One bet today on 7/1 shot I'm A Dreamer at Ascot. This snippet from the Racing Post sums it up. "The hard-luck story of the race was the previously unbeaten I´m A Dreamer, who was making her debut at this level. She too was undone by a lack of early pace, but after going for a daring run on the inside 2f out she found the door shut firmly in her place and lost any chance she may have held. She wouldn´t have beaten the winner with a clear passage, but the way she motored home inside the final furlong dictates she must be given another chance to prove herself in such company ". I thought she was held up in last place, off a slow pace, so was in the wrong position (last of 7) turning for home. She was asked an impossible question despite all the positives mentioned by the Racing Post. If she runs in a handicap, with cut, she could be a shoe in.

Thursday 22nd July 2010 - What a silly punt
No bets today but one yesterday on Wisecraic 25/1 to minimum stakes. I took a punt on him (a) recovering his good 2yo form (b) looking less reluctant due to a gelding operation. The race wasn't run to suit (held up off a slow pace) tactically but he still looked to put his head in the air despite running on into 5th. If you have a game horse who tries every time your half way to having success. One such horse we had was SILENCIO who despite numerous injuries could not have put more into his races. He won 4 juvenile hurdles on the spin before breaking a seasimoid on the gallops. That injury, requiring 3 screws & 473 days off the track, would have finished most careers but he battled back to give his owners some great days particularly when winning at Chepstow in March 2007. When he was retired his owners, especially Zac & Sarah Fortune, did a tremendous job to re-home him & ensure a happy retirement.

Tuesday 20th July 2010 - Innocuous wins easily 5/2
One bet to medium stakes today INNOCUOUS 5/2 at Ffos Las under the impressive claimer Martin Lane, he's 3lb for nothing at the moment. I did think we were in trouble turning for home as Innocuous was under a bit of pressure but he started to power away up the straight to win with plenty left in the tank. He can certainly win again granted the soft ground (and over further maybe) which looks important to him. His trainer DAVE SIMCOCK is top class. Last year we had plenty of fun following the yard particularly with DARLEY SUN who landed a couple of lumpy bets including a lovely 16-1 ante post Cesarewitch tickle. I'm waiting for a filly of his called I'm A Dreamer to come out again as she looks well handicapped.

Saturday 17th July 2010 - Trouble in the stalls
Days like to today make me pull out what little hair I've got left as we had two horses badly upset in the stalls by adjacent runners. Oldjoesaid 16/1 was clearly kicked by Hawkeyethenoo at Hamilton (both ran shockers) whilst Piscean 14/1 was unsettled by something rearing up nearby. He was slowly away but ran Ok into 6th. It's not often you're beaten before the stalls open but that happened today. I'm off to the pub !

Wednesday 14th July 2010 - Mad Jack prevails at 5/2
One medium stake bet today when MAD JACK DUNCAN 5/2 won the 2m6f handicap chase at Uttoxeter under a typicaly good ride from Aidan Coleman. This one had been winning points & looked to have a good mark here. Anything trained by the hugely talented Lawney Hill is worth noting. ALAN KING was kind enough to call to give an encouraging bulletin on PETER GRIMES. I'm told he's big & well but is now back cantering. Expect to see him towards the end of September.

Tuesday 13th July 2010 - Update
Plenty has happened in the last few days. The dog I part own BALLYLACEY BOY won at Nottingham last night to qualify for a valuable final at the same track next week. Our dog Racing Manager TOM MESSENGER told me it would win & it duly did at 4/5. Messy, who is feeling much better after his recent operation to repair facial injuries, is now the UK's answer to Paul The Octopus. We haven't had any bets since last Friday but did have a poor day on that occasion with 4 (albeit big priced, to small stakes) losers on the day. One e/w bet we had was on BALTHAZAARS GIFT 66/1 in the July Cup & he ran far better than his 8th position would indicate. After roughly a furlong eventual winner Starspangledbanner moved across from stall 11 to the far rail causing untold mayhem with plenty (including our bet) suffering crowding & interference. Rider Johnny Murtagh rightly got 6 days but until the stewards have the balls to throw out a winner for such a move them it will keep on occuring. If Murtagh had done the move in the last furlong he would have been disqualified, so what is the difference if he does it in the early stages of the race as the chances of many were compromised. Balthazaars Gift can win soon but may need 7 furlongs and/or some cut to do so. One other horse to catch the eye was DEACON BLUES under Jamie Spencer. He broke well but was then (why ??) restrained to the back of the pack. Finding all sorts of trouble he finished well on to the tails of the leaders. Given a better passage, and some cut, he can soon win a big sprint. From June 1st to July 12th inclusive Jamie Spencer has ridden 10 winners from 128 mounts so is probably not on the top of his game right now. At a lower level DIVINE SPIRIT looks ready to win given some cut. His run at Beverley today was most eye catching as he fell out the stalls due to his blind being taken off too slowly by his claiming rider. Having lost loads of ground he finished in grand style to be beaten about 2 lengths into 5th. His mark is most attractive & he looks to be running into some form.

Thursday 8th July 2010 - Bad news for Choc Thornton
It was bad news for CHOC THORNTON as his knee is in a bad way with 3 of the 4 major ligaments snapped. Choc had an operation to repair the damage today but he could be out for a long while. The doctors say it could be a year but, typically, a jockey will try to take 50% off that figure. Alan's jockey's have been in the wars with WAYNE HUTCHINSON also suffering a major injury at Ludlow. He broke his shin when brought down on the home bend but thankfully he's on the road to recovery & should be riding in early September. Another jockey in the wars was TOM MESSENGER as he had a nasty spill on Tuesday at Uttoxeter. Poor Tom got a terrible bash in the face which badly broke his nose & also suffering some big cuts. Add that to a couple of cracked ribs & a broken vertibrae it was a real bashing to take. Jockeys have a strange sence of humour and, therefore, Tom put a photograph on facebook showing everyone the gory details. Tom doubles up as 'Racing Manager' for the small syndicate owning a dog called Ballylacey Boy. Tom is definitely one of life's great optimists as he tells me, without fail, that our hound will win each time it goes to the traps. Ballylacey Boy now runs in top A1 or open grade at Peterborough & Nottingham, so he's pretty quick, and has done up proud to win 4 of his last 13 races.

Wednesday 7th July 2010 - Hard to explain
The first two races of the July meeting at Newmarket totally confused me but that's not the first time the early races of a 3 day meeting have given me the shakes. Assuming jockeys had walked the track before racing there is appears to be absolutely no consistancy to what they plan. Race 1 was 13 runners over 7f with all the field going hard against the far side rail. Horses birthed in stalls 1,2 & 3 finished in the first 3 home. Race 2 was 6 furlongs, 20 runners, yet this time they came down the middle of the track. Not one horse hugged the far rail - why did that happen & what changed with the track in half an hour ? I've no idea. We had two minimum stake bets in that race but we were stuffed after one stride as Pastoral Player 12/1 decided to sit down in the stalls whilst Kingsgate Choice 8/1 didn't stay. The former named finished not far behind the winner so we can only theorise about what would have happened had he broke on terms. Sometimes I wish flat racing had never been invented !
It's bad news about CHOC THORNTON as he seems to have quite a nasty knee injury having been put through a wing at Newton Abbot on Monday. The result of an MRI scan taken today will give a more precise diagnosis but we wish him well for a very speedy recovery.

Saturday 3rd July 2010 - Nearly a faller
Two bets today without any luck. Certainly that was the case with Hanovarian Baron who nearly fell after clipping heels after a furlong in the Old Newton Cup. He lost his position & his rythmn so faced an uphill battle from there. It was a disappointing day to end a good week but at least we have made a decent profit on our work. (UPDATE - Hanovarian Baron won next time out but being brainless on the day meant I didn't suggest a bet )

Friday 2nd July 2010 - Piscean 16-1 wins at Sandown
One bet today PISCEAN 16-1 who won a competitive 5 furlong handicap at Sandown. He had no chance at York last time because that track mainly suits front runners but was most unlucky the time before over C&D when denied a clear run on several occasions. Whilst it was sure to be a white knuckle ride today as he's generally slowly away (he got stopped once) there was plenty of value at the price with just 10 runners. He can win again in similar company, Goodwood is his favourite track, as he only just does enough to win with his 'come from behind' style of racing. Adam Kirby gave this horse a good ride as he got him to break quite smartly & in the last furlong brought him around horses to win on the nod by a short head. Exciting stuff ! The one snippet given for a maiden also won at 4/1 to cap a really good day at the office.

Thursday 1st July 2010 - Mount Athos impressive at Haydock 100/30
3 bets today with one winner. MOUNT ATHOS 100/30 (7/2 exchanges) got the day off to a really good start with a very impressive win at 1m4f. His fate will be in the hands of the handicapper but he looks progressive, will get further, and did no more than canter home here. Grissom e/w 12's came 4th which was a bit frustrating but keep him in the notebook as he would ideally like softer ground so his turn isn't far way. The ENGLAND saga rolls on after another poor & in parts unfortunate (just as in 1966 it was a definite goal) game against our old foes Germany. Rumours are a plenty on the internet that this weekend's newspapers will be complusive reading for those liking an explosive story relating to a massive divide in the camp. However does it matter, let's face it, we were pretty poor against 3 very average sides in the qualifiers.

Saturday 26th June 2010 - Not a great Saturday
Not my finest hour with 4 bets (5-1 / 9-2 / 16-1 / 22-1) without any luck. Both Rafiqa (3rd) & Deauville Flyer (5th) did run well but we had no winning bets. The later named had the passage from hell in the Northumberland Plate, he managed to find trouble everywhere he went, so that was disappointing in context to the winner who was given a fantastic positive ride from Eddie Ahern. It was a shame for Robert Winston as he got down to his lightest weight for over 2yrs to take the ride on our horse. After a pretty good Ascot week I've subsequently been guilty of putting up too many big priced horses (wouldn't be saying that if a couple had won) but the stats say this approach is successful over a long period. However you do feel slightly stupid when you've had 5 or 6 bets, with no show, on the bounce. We shall keep chugging along but I might strap a straight jacket on for a little while for purposes of the line.

Wednesday 23rd June 2010 - England progress
One bet to minimum stakes today, Shotley Mac 20-1, but he finished 7th albeit showing plenty for next time. It was an error on my part as he didn't get the mile, didn't come around the bend at Carlisle, but could be interesting over 7f next time on a flatter track UPDATE - we backed him 2 runs later at Beverley, won 12-1 . ENGLAND finally showed some decent quality when beating Slovenia 1-0 but it could have been 5-0 bar the keeper. We now meet Germany in the round of 16, could face Argentina in the quarters, so we have a hard passage. If we had won the group it would have been Ghana followed by Uruguay or South Korea. With respect to those nations we certainly look to have the harder half of the draw.

Tuesday 22nd June 2010 - Peter Grimes back in
PETER GRIMES will come back into the yard this week to be prepared for racing in the autumn. He's had a long break since we last saw him in March & Alan tells me it's done him the world of good. PG was quite badly affected by the problems in Alan's yard after Christmas but we are hopeful he'll return to top form in due course. It will take about 12 weeks to get him fit but time will pass quickly.

Sunday 20th June 2010 - ROYAL ASCOT DAY 5
The last day at Ascot wasn't my best with 3 bets (25/1 - 12/1 - 4/1 > all minimum or small stakes) who all unplaced. Sweet Lightening 12/1 did run really well, traded at less than even money turning for home, but probably didn't quite stay in this good company. He'd won at 1m4f before but faltered after travelling supreamly well in the last furlong. Generally the better the grade the better you have to stay so a drop back to 1m2f can see him win again. ROYAL ASCOT was an excellent 5 days of superb racing, no obvious track bias, some good punting results, great weather, excellent TV coverage on both BBC & ATR, bookmakers squealling because they lost. Roll on next year.

Friday 18th June 2010 - ROYAL ASCOT DAY 4
Some profitable results for us today. We started off with Lady Of The Desert 8/1 in the Coronation Stakes (min stake) but she got no run from the home turn. A no hoper called Electric Feel caused all sorts of trouble by dropping back through the field when tired turning for home. Sadly we were directly behind that horse so we had a blocked alley & so game over. She might be better dropping back to 7 furlongs in hindsight. Our strongest bet of the day was on RAINBOW PEAK 2/1 who won the Wolferton Handicap impressively. He wasn't my usual sort of price but his run behind Fareer (see diary 13th May) was very eyecatching & he had an extra two furlongs here. In the Buckingham Palace we split stakes on TREADWELL 14-1 and Al Khaljee 22-1. Treadwell did us a great favour by getting his head in front close home to cap a good day. We did have two more bets at evening meetings but despite them going down we had a super day.
ENGLAND were dreadful. Does Aaron Lennon know how to kick a football, why has he got 'go faster' stripes cut into his eyebrows, why do under performing players like Wayne Rooney moan when fans boo that sort of dire performance, was Frank Lampard on the pitch & can I have the manager's job for £6,000,000 a year please as any mug can pick a team and have them play as badly as that.

Thursday 17th June 2010 - ROYAL ASCOT DAY 3
Yet another terrific days racing with some betting action. I got the Gold Cup half right in that I advised a place lay of the favourite MANIFEST @ 1.9 but also backed Darley Sun, who finished almost last, e/w 16-1. Manifest had finished jarred up at York, connections were worried about fast ground here, and horses often will only go through the pain barrier once. He was also uncertain to stay hence the place lay at short odds. Darley Sun was under the pump from a long way out so that can't be his true form, at least I hope it's not, but having moved yards to Godolphin maybe he'll take time to bed it. Hypnotised 9/1 was disappointing in the Britannia. From a middle draw he quickly ended up on the far side rail & way off the pace. He may have not been good enough but he found plenty of trouble when trying to make a move. My strongest bet of the day AFSARE 3/1 won under a powerful K.Fallon ride from Quadrille, owned by The Queen, in a photo. It was only a short head victory but they all count. Last up was Tactician e/w 12's who pulled too hard for the first mile, he had nothing left turning in & was one paced. That was disappointing as he looked to have a good profile but guess that was a miscalculation on my part.
WORLD CUP - How can Mexico only draw against South Africa, despite battering them for most of the match, yet then demolish France ? I'm crying into my onion soup. The build up to Friday's big England game has just taken a step forward, or that could be backwards. It would appear a group are meeting at 4.30pm, for a 7.30pm kick off, in the cricket club bar. Get me the Anadin !

Wednesday 16th June 2010 - ROYAL ASCOT DAY 2
There were no bets today at RA as the racing was confusing on a punting level & I had no idea how the draw would work out. I'm writing this update on Thursday morning which allows me to steal a paragraph, which poses questions, from the excellent Hugh Taylor of ATR fame. I agree 100% with him.

" A curious feature of the racing at Royal Ascot yesterday was the bizarre number of jockeys who came up the centre of the track despite the strong evidence that that was the worst place to be. After the riders had come up the middle in the first two races, the Royal Hunt Cup provided blatant evidence that the centre was much slower than the far side — as has been indicated by the going stick readings this week, albeit only by a small amount — and the time of the Hunt Cup was 0.88 seconds (or around five lengths) quicker than the Group Two Windsor Forest Stakes in which the runners had come up the middle. I was very surprised that the low-drawn horses in the Queen Mary insisted on coming up the middle — it surely would have made more sense to come right across to the stands rail, taking the Goldikova/Equiano route next to the fence, rather than race in no man’s land up the middle; and I couldn’t believe my eyes when the entire field stayed up the centre of the track in the Sandringham Handicap, the last race on yesterday’s card "

This type of thing makes punting too hard & often happens at Ascot. What the punter thinks is a good draw can, during the early stages of the race, look to be a terrible draw because of the tactics employed thus leaving egg splattered all over the face. You're having to second guess. The going stick is there to assist, we have readings across the track that paint a picture, so why would low drawn jockeys want to tack across to the slowest ground in the middle. It's baffling.

Tuesday 15th June 2010 - ROYAL ASCOT DAY 1
First day of ROYAL ASCOT with the blog updated as we view each race. No major bets today, just some helpful hints, as I wanted to see how the track & draw worked out. Thank god for being reserved as the jockeys caused headaches with a percieved track bias. This played a major part in proceedings on the straight track & left me confused as to how races would be run.
The stalls were in the middle. The going stick showed readings of far side 9.0 / middle 8.7 / stand side 8.6. Higher the number faster the ground, that's the theory. The difference between middle & stand side was marginal but all the jockeys surprisingly came over to the stands rail in the first & second race. Thus anything drawn low had a theoretical advantage as the quickest way from A to B is a straight line, not a diagonal line. Why not keep it simple by going the shortest route ?
In the Queen Anne we got it spot on with a negative for Rip Van Winkle & a big positive (providing she went in the stalls) for Goldikova 7/4 who was birthed in stall 1. Paco Boy was a little unfortunate as he got caught in a pocket allowing the prominently ridden Goldikova a crucial first run. The Kings Stand didn't pan out as expected as Equiano from stall 2 pinged out on to the stand rail & was never headed under a terrific Michael Hills ride. My own fancy Niccone (8 of 12) who I did back fly jumped leaving the stalls, got behind horses, found trouble as everything tacked across. Next up was the St James Palace Stakes, yet another Group 1, which was a shambles. Coolmore's number one Steinbeck somehow ended up leading his two pacemakers, Christophe Lemaire gave Siyouni far too much to do, Hearts of Fire got hemmed in on the rail (J.Fortune 3 day ban for barging out) & would surely have bustled up eventual winner Canford Cliffs. The winner did it well but who knows what would have happened in a clean race. The 2yo Coventry Stakes threw up a surprise as all the jockeys now stayed arrow like from the stalls, went down the middle, so I'm already losing the plot & interest. Maybe they have had a chat in the weighing room, who knows ? Pre race it was too difficult to solve as 11 of the 13 runners won last time out, only 1 horse had run more than twice, improvers galore. Strong Suit was ultra impressive as he found more traffic than in Piccadilly Circus yet still got up in the last stride to beat Elzamm with the pair clear. The winner is now 12-1 for the 2000 Guineas which given the way he won, he could have hacked up, might be tempting as he'll surely shorten up. After just 4 races are there some doubts about the Aidan O'Brien's team, are they running below par ? The marathon 2m5f Ascot Stakes where I had a minimum stake E/W bet at 14's on Tyrells Wood. He was backed into 15-2 but never saw any daylight, got hemmed in, goodnight Vienna. The race was won by Junior having his first run for David Pipe & under bold front running tactics employed by Seb Sanders. It was a terrific run & he looked like he could go around again when passing the post. The last race, the Windsor Castle, was also impossible as the favourite was 2/1 shot Metropolitan Man from the USA. We were guessing what a debut win in a 4.5 furlong dirt race around a bend had in relation with a straight stiff 5f here. Did he take out 33% from the book making others value or was he an unexposed 'stars & stripes' flying machine ? I wasn't willing to find out with hard cash but in hindsight wished I'd laid the pants out of him because he only got 4 furlongs.

Sunday 13th June 2010 - What a weekend of sport
Woke up feeling quite rough on Saturday with 'man flu'. That's what the girl in Boots Chemists called it when I asked for some medication to rid me of this terrible illness. I think the term 'man flu' is some kind of female code for letting you know you're a wimp. Fair play, she is probably right, it's only a cold. Form study time was brief but of the 3 horses put forward AVEROO 12-1 (Skybet) managed to win to raise a smile. What didn't raise a smile was England's performance against USA as we looked pretty average. Robert Green did a Garry Sprake (remember him ?) impression with a terrible fumble that would have embarrassed a 9 year old keeper whilst the central defence pairing of Terry & Carragher (replacing the injured King) looked pedestrian. Teams with nippy forwards or midfielders will rip us apart down the middle so we look, at this early stage, nowhere near 7/1 shots for the title.
There has been plenty of press about HARRY FINDLAY getting a six month ban for laying (albeit still a net backer) his horse Gullible Gordon on two seperate occasions. The rules are very clear so as a high profile punter, with over 30 horses in training, like Mr Findlay should have known that under no circumstancies can you currently lay your own horse or one that is stabled in the same yard. However I do have sympathy for him as I believe that owners should be allowed to hedge (back but then lay off at a shorter price) providing they remain a net backer where profit can only made should the horse win. Without owners there would be no horse racing, no BHA, no racetracks, so they should have some benefits. Say you back your horse ante post at 33-1 for the Grand National yet it turns up as 8-1 favourite on the day. Why not be allowed to hedge to allow the owner a decent position ? This would have to be policed, you cannot be allowed to lay first thus artifically pushing out the price to then back at a bigger price to gain a larger profit, but Betfair can do this as each bet is timed. Maybe Mr Findlay's case will create debate about a rule change.

Friday 11th June 2010 - Mexico !!!
No bets today. How did Mexico fail to win the game against South Africa today ? They had 61% of possession in the first half & created loads of chances but centre forward Franco couldn't put one in the onion bag. I can only assume he has a square head as all his headers, even from close range, ended up in Row Z. I managed to get partially out of the mire by laying Mexico back when they got an equaliser but it was still a grim start to the World Cup. Did you read about WARREN MARSTON in today's Racing Post ? After a heavy fall at Worcester last week the local A&E sent him home as they felt nothing was wrong with his neck bar bruising. However on further examination at Cheltenham General they put him straight on to a spinal board, took x-rays, and found several fractures to his vertibrae. Thank god he's OK and now getting some proper treatment. Wazzer will be out for 6 to 8 weeks.

Thursday 10th June 2010 - Performance review
Two bets today (25/1 & 7/1) to small stakes with both soundly beaten. That's 8 losers on the bounce so it's been a below par run but at the prices I bet at it can & will happen from time to time. I rarely bet at less than 5/2, always strive for bigger value, so a high strike rate is hard to achieve. However it's not all doom & gloom as the previous 21 bets produced 9 winners which keeps our noses firmly in front. Having checked my betting record it was at this time last year, mid June & all July, that I suffered my worst ever run of form. I couldn't have picked the winner of a two horse race, it was simply terrible, chin firmly on the floor. Thankfully we clawed ourselves back & made a healthy profit through the winter but hopefully lightening will not strike twice. The winter can take it's toll with the work & travelling put into our own team of horses. No complaints, it's a privilege to do the job, but I've not had a break for ages so if I start to feel jaded I'll take a week off to recharge. As we stand my holiday plans are all in one basket with a trip to Australia for the Melbourne & Sydney Ashes tests booked. It's a terrific place, great people, but please pray for an England win this time around. On our first trip in 2002 England were already 3-0 down when we landed in Melbourne. We had only been on Aussie soil for 20 seconds when a baggage handler heard the Pom accent & started sledging us .... Oh how we laughed. Five minutes later the cheerful bloke on the passport check desk said " You here for the cricket fella ? Ha ha, enjoy your trip mate ". He cheerfully said that to all 5 blokes in the party .... Oh how we laughed again. Thank god it was only £1 a pint so we could drown our sorrows properly. In 2006 we were stuffed 5-0, so that gave the Aussie's more ammo to give us poor English some stick, but 2010-2011 could be our time to give some friendly banter back. We are hitting a peak, are T20 world champions, have safe hold of the Ashes & the Aussies no longer have Warne, McGrath, Hayden, Lee etc. Tomorrow sees the start of the World Cup but I'm not holding my breath for an England win in South Africa. Group qualification should be a formality but then it could get tricky in the last 16 potentially against good teams like Serbia. My punting eggs are in one basket at the moment with a lumpy bet on Mexico to beat South Africa (see diary 25th May) at an average of 7/4 so it could be an early World Cup bath. It will either be fillet steak or beans on toast after Game 1.

Saturday 5th June 2010 - Epsom gloom
One bet today, Oldjoesaid 9/1, in the Epsom dash but he found more trouble than hoped so was out the money despite finishing well. He was given plenty to do my Jamie Spencer, was still last at halfway, and it was a rough race. It was a small stake bet but still annoying to get beaten. Oldjoesaid can win soon as he's a very well handicapped horse.

Friday 4th June 2010 - Epsom camber
Three bets today and, in hindsight, I regreted two of them as the horses didn't act on the track. Whilst Fame and Glory was by far the most likely winner of the Coronation Cup the 7/2 about Sariska seemed a value bet at the prices to small stakes. She ran a tremendous race (SP 5/2) but couldn't beat the favourite. More juice in the ground will suit her so, at some stage, she'll have her day as she is high class. Our bet in the Oaks, Sajjhaa 7/1, found the experience all too much & didn't handle the undulations of the track nor the sweep downhill. She'll have other days on flatter terrain & maybe with more juice in the ground. Hopefully the advice on the terrible record of horses drawn in stalls 1 & 2 (only thing I got right all day) in big fields at 1m4f was useful. In the last 10 years there have been 46 races with 12 runners or more, at 1m4f, with those in stall 1 & 2 having a combined strike rate of 1 from 85. Today we saw the top two in the Oaks market, Aviate & Rumoush, birthed in those stalls so they looked good win/place lay material purely on the stats. My last bet Gramercy 9/1 also failed to act on the track, was all at sea coming down the hill, had problems coping with the camber in the straight. There are various ways of looking at EPSOM RACECOURSE. Some argue it gives the ultimate test of a horse and jockey but I don't like the place for a multitude of reasons. Due to the camber too many horses can't act on the course, there is too much trouble in running as horses shuffle for position around Tattenham Corner & as a spectator you can't see much from the grandstand until they turn into the straight. Over the last few years I've stopped betting at Brighton and now Epsom is added to the shortlist unless I find a horse proven on the track beforehand.

Thursday 3rd June 2010 - A quiet week will warm up soon
No bets so far this week but we have the Epsom two day meeting to look forward to at the weekend. We have backed SAJJHAA in the Oaks ante post so let's hope she goes well. She brings back memories of HALA BEK who we backed at 50-1 for the Derby after just one run (same as Sajjhaa) for the Michael Jarvis team. I cant bear to watch the replay as he through away the race with just 100 yards to run by jinking to his right. Hopefully Sajjhaa will not suffer the same inexperience troubles tomorrow but she looks high class.

Sunday 30th May 2010 - A bank holiday winner
Three horses mentioned on today's message with one subsequently being a non runner. First up was RED NOT BLUE 4/1 R4 20p who won a competitive 2m4f handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter under a very positive ride by Andrew Thornton. The handicapper will ultimately decide his fate but he could win again in the summer as he looked to finish with a bit up the sleeve. Our other bet, Mayberry 3/1, nearly fell at the 2nd flight & that was effectively the end of the race. She did well to get back into contention & is ahead of the handicapper but needs to hurdle more fluently. There will be no bets tomorrow as I'm not working on BH Monday.

Saturday 29th May 2010 - Rain ruins the day
No bets today as heavy rain was forecast across the country. Rain on heavily watered ground is not a good punting mixture.

Thursday 27th May 2010 - The potential is there
I paid a visit to Alan's yard this morning to see a beautifully bred (Presenting / Forest Pride) 3yo unnamed filly that we may be lucky enough to take on lease for next season. She is 16.2 hands, good looking, has plenty of bone, looks strong, feisty & I'm told working with some quality about her. On the punting front I had just one bet, Master Rooney (4th 8/1), at Newcastle in a 6f sprint. The race didn't work out as I thought it would as the field of 13 split into two groups which meant Master Rooney was a little stranded (from stall 12) on the usually favoured stands rail by himself. In the circumstancies he did well to come 4th, show some fight when getting amongst horses from the furlong pole, and might pop up soon.

Tuesday 25th May 2010 - A night at the football
No bets today. Last night I went to Wembley to see ENGLAND Vs MEXICO courtesy of a kind invite. It was a decent game, good result, but that didn't tell the whole story. Whilst England didn't play their first team the game did show up some of our defensive issues, we looked very leaky. Despite winning England could have let in a hat full against a small but nippy Mexican team who had good movement up front. They looked a fair side so I've had a few quid on at 15/8 to beat the hosts in the opening World Cup match. The only downside about last night was missing PHIL TAYLOR hitting 2 x 180's live in the Premier League Darts Final. Unbelievable feat, incredible game with James Wade.

Monday 24th May 2010 - Anne Of Kiev wins 7/2
One bet today ANNE OF KIEV 7/2 who won a competitive 6 furlong handicap at Windsor quite easily. Highlighted in the diary entry on 15th July she had to be backed tonight. At message time she was only 5/2 but we judged the markets correctly as she drifted out to 7/2 SP (4/1 freely on shows) so we got some value. It was an impressive win & she can win again under a penalty.

Saturday 22nd May 2010 - A 7/2 winner but a frustrating day
WHITECHAPEL 7/2 gave us a good result when he won at Haydock on handicap debut under the ever impressive Paul Hannigan but it was a frustrating day. Johnny Mudball 2nd 6/1 (SP 8's) ran well in the 6f sprint but in hindsight he probably raced on a slower part of the track than the one that beat him. Goodwood has traditionally been best up the stand rail, Johnny was drawn 2, but maybe that bias is now moving towards the middle. Our other bet was Sunny Game 7/2 (SP 5/2) at Chester in the 1m4f stayers handicap. He missed the break but was quickly racing in the pack on an even keel. Disappointingly he was taken very wide around the home bend, lost loads of ground by doing so, then under hands & heels riding stayed on into 3rd. He remains one to follow particularly on a more galloping track and/or with some juice in the ground.

Thursday 20th May 2010 - Sajjhaa so impressive
No bets for a while but hopefully Info Line punters took note of the good word given about Sajjhaa this evening at Sandown. Racecourse & newspaper (plus Mark Howard on RUK) rumour about this horse said he was high class and that is how it proved. He was odds on this morning so wasn't a betting proposition at that time but the Sandown bookmakers wanted to take him on so he drifted out, albeit briefly, to 13/8 before returning 5/4. Despite a bad draw she won easily by 7 lengths. The Oaks may come too quick but she must be followed next time.

Saturday 15th May 2010 - Notebook time
There were no bets today due to some unforeseen (sadly not self induced !!) sickness this morning. I did feel well enough to watch some early evening racing & two horses really caught the eye. Colonel Carter won a 1m handicap with something to spare, maybe even better over 1m2f, so he can pop up again. The other horse to go into the notebook was Anne of Kiev, who finished 4th, ridden by Jamie Spencer in a 6f handicap at Doncaster. Drawn 2 of 18, wide on the far side, he ended up on the stand side after 3 furlongs but was also boxed in on that rail with nowhere to go. At the 4f pole he was brought back down the centre of the track, weaved through as best he could & finished on the bridle. It was hardly A to B by the shortest route stuff & it was a ride that appeared to rankle many posters on the Betfair Forum. With a better passage Anne of Kiev can win soon as she looks very well handicapped indeed.

Friday 14th May 2010 - A jockey's life is never easy
The life of a jump jockey is never smooth as a nasty injury is often around the corner. Yesterday at Ludlow it was horrible to see WAYNE HUTCHINSON, who has ridden many winners for LLR, break his leg in two places when his mount was brought down on the flat approaching the home turn. It looks like Wayne will be out for 10-12 weeks but at least, if there is any consolation, at a quiet time of the year. My punting was poor today, chances were taken on fitness of seasonal debutants, so thankfully we kept the staking low but we did lose about 70% of yesterday's profit. It's disappointing when that happens but that's punting as you win some, lose some, but it's profit over time counts. The only horse we backed that could be considered unfortunate was Oldjoesaid (11's) at York. The way the race worked out meant he was given a bit to do & found trouble before running on into 4th. He is very well handicapped, this was most promising, so I'll be following him particularly when there is a little cut. His trainer will certainly find opportunities for him.

Thursday 13th May 2010 - Fareer 15/2 keeps the winners flowing
Two bets today starting off with FAREER 15/2 (8's exchanges) who won the competitive 1m handicap ay York. If the ground was quick yesterday it would be lightening today without any rain & he had won on that type of surface before. RICHARD HILLS is brilliant from the front & rode a superb race to repel all challengers by a short head. It was a superb effort from man and beast. Keep an eye on the 2nd home, Rainbow Peak, as he had a terrible draw and might just be better over another two furlongs. He can win soon. Our 2nd bet Kingsgate Choice, at 15/2, ran a poor race, you can't win them all ! SARISKA was very impressive today but it was interesting to hear Jamie Spencer's comments about the ground which he felt was far too firm to run class horses on. The track won a prestigeous award just one day prior for the state of the ground, maybe the new drainage is doing too good a job.

Wednesday 12th May 2010 - Two winning bets keep the wolf from the door
Four bets today with two winners. It's unusual for us to bet at less than 5/2 but we had a London bus scenario with three bets of that type. This does fray the nerves, albeit we kept stakes very sensible, but I'm much happier going in at bigger prices. We backed Forte Dei Marmi 9/4 when he won at Newbury & despite being raied 12lbs he looked to have good chances here however he could only manage 4th. After the race Kieren Fallon said the ground was firm (officially Good with G/F) which probably explained why the horse didn't let himself down when asked. At the two pole he traded at 1/5 on Betfair, he was cruising along, but didn't quicken. TREADWELL 2nd e/w 12's ran a super race on ground that would have suited. He found a bit of trouble but it didn't affect the result as the winner won cosily. A good run & he can win soon on fast ground. Official Style 5/2 didn't run anywhere near his Newmarket form on a line through the winner & 3rd. He was going well with 4 to run but Ryan Moore noticably eased him from the 3 pole & looked downwards as if he wasn't happy. It was the last race of the day, ground quite rapid, but hopefully he is allright to fight another day. We had a winner in the Fontwell bumper when the Alan King trained BATTONIER 11/8 sluiced home under Choc in good style. This looked a weak bumper but he did it well to end the day with a smile.

Saturday 8th May 2010 - Noble Citizen placed at 40-1
We made a return to the betting ring today with 3 bets all to small stakes. First up was NOBLE CITIZEN 4th e/w 40-1 in the 29 runner 7f Victoria Cup at Ascot. He ran a cracking race to be beaten just over a length giving us a good start with 10-1 the place portion landing. It was an exciting race, runners were spread all over the track, with Dandy Man just pipping the favourite Mabait. Next came Lombok 9/2 in the 2m stayers race at Ascot. When advising the bet I mentioned he had been off the track a long while so may be either needing it and/or potentially too fresh. He took an alarming drift in the market which probably told it's own story ... he travelled really well until getting tired with two to run. His jockey was very easy on the horse & I'll be keeping him in the notebook for later in the year as he could be nicely treated. Our last bet was unplaced at 9/1 but not a bad day, a profit made.

Thursday 6th May 2010 - Horseradish 7/2 wins easily at Chester
There have been no bets since Saturday but on yesterday's message I mentioned an interest in HORSERADISH 7/2 at Chester for today. We backed him on Saturday (see entry May 1st) and, in hindsight, the ground was too quick but rain was forecast at Chester. Off the same mark here he had to be in with a big chance. Horseradish was backed early in the day from 5/1 into 7/2 but that was still a decent price to take come message time > SP 11/4. HAYLEY TURNER had him positioned perfectly behind the leaders before pouncing two from home. Today's win won't have done his mark much good but he is progressive & can win again given soft ground. Seven furlongs wouldn't be a problem either.

Monday 3rd May 2010 - Dansimar is a late non runner
Unfortunately we had to pull DANSIMAR out of her intended race at Chepstow because she pulled out stiff. It was a bit frustrating as she had a realy good chance, had ideal ground, and we had plenty of owners travelling. She may run later this week at Warwick. No bets today.

Saturday 1st May 2010 - Dansimar runs on Monday at Chepstow
The bang in form William Buick will ride DANSIMAR on Monday at Chepstow. It looks a tight 2m handicap with Mountain Flight the improver in the field having won his last two races. The ground should be fine as rain is forecast to soften the current Good to Firm. My betting was all over the shop with 5 bets & 1 winner. We didn't do too much damage but it was, for many reasons, a very frustrating day. With so many meetings betting opportunity was eveywhere but trying to whittle the supposed best value down for the Info Line occasionally messes me up. My own punting goes belly up & today was an example of when I spend more time worrying about the Info Line than concentrating on my own game. I've got food to put on the table so losing days get under my skin. Today started off well with TOTAL SUBMISSION 3/1 winning nicely at Uttoxeter under an excellent Warren Marston ride. Next up Dalradian (6/1 Unpl) saw too much daylight along the inner at Newmarket. Royal Swain (2nd 4/1) was given a poor ride by Robert Winston as the winner got a very soft lead, set a slow pace & quickened off the home bend to leave those asleep & back off the pace flat footed. Michael Bell's handicapper Horseradish (3rd 9/2) ran well on ground that was probably too fast, he became unbalanced in the dip, then ran on well. I'll definitely follow him again when there is cut at 6f or 7f. Hypnotized (4th 4/1) sweated up at the start & pulled ridiculously hard in the early stages of the race. This capped a rare poor day for Bell as Wigmore Hall wa also beaten at odds on. Hypnotized had little left with two to run but to his credit he tried hard under pressure. We shall try harder tomorrow.

Friday 30th April 2010 - Dansimar plans
DANSIMAR is well at home so we are looking forward to giving her a try on the flat this week. Looking back to last season we may have been slighty unfortunate to find two hot, for the grade, races at Doncaster & Bath. The Doncaster form (Steve Drowne said he rode an average race on Dansimar, didn't make enough use of her) worked out really well with winners a plenty in subsequent races. It's still too firm to school her over fences so we may as well try to win some prize money on the flat. There have been no bets this week but I'm anticipating a plethora of bets tomorrow & Sunday.

Tuesday 27th April 2010 - Ffos Las races - a review
Last night I paid my first visit to FFOS LAS RACECOURSE & really enjoyed the place. As a spectator it's lovely with the stands set high above the track thus ensuring a super view, there is plenty of space to walk about, the food is good value, plenty of parking space, very helpful & friendly staff. The downside to Ffos Las is the journey to the track which from any direction must seem endless. The 110 miles from Shropshire took me just over 3hrs as the roads through the Welsh hills are mountainous & twisty but I'll be back and would encourage others to go. However as an owner I wouldn't have been impressed with the ground as it was far firmer than published (hence the bucket load of withdrawls giving poor punting opportunity) & I'd be wary of competing for the terrible prize money on offer. The bumper was worth just £1,626 to the winner before deductions so an owner would take approx 80% of that home after trainer & jockey percentages. Once you have deducted your jockey fees, racing plates, entry fees & transport an owner wouldn't be left with much more than a fish supper. It's not good enough to put on races for that value in modern times. We had one bet who was Stan SP 6/1 in the 2m5f chase. He looked the winner everywhere bar the line, ran a tremendous race, but was just denied in the shadow of the post. The journey home would have seemed a lot sweeter had he won. No bets today.

Saturday 24th April 2010 - Entry News
LATIN SCHOLAR has four entries planned for w/c 3rd May at Huntingdon, Wincanton & Plumpton. We shall study the entry lists carefully before settling on a target. Venetia says he's moving well enough right now. Not my greatest days punting with 3 losing bets which is disappointing as we've been having a super run over the past fortnight. Sands Crooner (minimum stake 11/2) should maybe have won but his jockey had his whip in his left hand which allowed SC to drift across the track. In a very tight finish he was only beaten a short head so it probably did count. It was a mistake to back Hello Bud (small e/w 14-1) as he ran no sort of race so we can assume the National had left it's effect. Reminder for next season - leave National horses alone in the Bet365 !! Laheeb (med to strong 7/4) ran well enough to come 3rd but looked to get quite tired with two to run so that was a blow in the shins.

Friday 23rd April 2010 - Richard Hills from the front
Only one horse mentioned today, Ships Biscuit 9/2, to minimum stakes but he was beaten into 3rd at Sandown. He may have been feeling the ground as he changed his legs when asked to quicken & also 'climbed' in his action. The winner was ridden by the in form Richard Hills, a jockey who gets his fair amount of stick from losing punters on the forums, but there is no one better from the front when dictating the pace.

Thursday 22nd April 2010 - Whistlejacket wins at Fontwell 7/2
Three bets today but an emphasis on keeping stakes low. We started off with a 7/2 winner WHISTLEJACKET who won cosily under Wayne Hutchinson at Fontwell. He would have won last time bar for running out at Taunton and, worryingly for a stride, did wander a tad going to the last here. Thankfully 'Hutch' was wise to the move & drove him home at an SP of 11/4. There looks to be plenty left in the locker. Maybe a handicap with plenty of cover & waiting tactics might be ideal. Then we moved on to Punchestown with an E/W bet on Noble Prince 16/1. He ran an absolute blinder to finish 4th in a Grade 1 race at 3m which really rubbed salt into the 33-1 ante post bet, non runner, Coral Cup wound. Turning for home nothing was moving better but I can't help think they are riding this horse wrongly. He is held up miles off the pace, makes up his ground quickly (and in today's race came very wide) so is often asked an impossible question. BENSALEM ran 2nd to Quevega in this race so just how well handicapped is he over fences off 143 !! The wounds from the William Hill Chase at Cheltenham have just had some acid poured on them but does the Hennessey beckon first time out next season ? Our last bet was Cherryficial 9/1 who was brought down at the 3rd flight in a 3m handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter. At least it was another winning day so we can't complain too much.

Wednesday 21st April 2010 - Hypnotized 9/4 wins in Kempton stroll
ASTURIENNE is fine this morning & will now go on her summer holidays. Prior to that Alan will pop her over a fence as chasing is an option for next season. NOUN DE LA THINTE will miss Uttoxeter tomorrow as it's going to be fast ground. She has had a marvelous season & now goes on a well deserved break for the summer. A decision about PETER GRIMES has also been made after hearing Alan's advice. PG will have a complete break with a view to coming back quite early in September or October.
DANSIMAR has been dropped just 3lbs from 133 to 130 after her run at Cheltenham but I really don't understand as she was beaten a long way. This season she's been beaten by 44L, 15L, 41L & 18L in handicaps off marks ranging from 138 to 132. How can the handicapper feel that dropping her to 130 will make her competitive - it does not make sense. I'll rarely get upset for going up the handicap when winning (she went up 13lbs for one win in a 0-125 mares) but surely when you get beaten the handicapper should drop you in the same big chunks.
One bet today HYPNOTIZED 9/4 who won easily in a mile handicap for the Bell / Spencer team. She can win again as she won cosily after finding just a of trouble with two to run. The bet was a small to medium stake, about 4pts out of 10. My two favourite flat yards of Michael Bell & Michael Jarvis have both started the season really well which is encouraging. Both are experts at improving horses steadily.

Tuesday 20th April 2010 - Prince Des Marais wins 13/8
ASTURIENNE ran well enough tonight at Towcester when 2nd to her nemisis Hayes Princess. Choc said she still felt flat, didn't really help him, made a couple of crucial mistakes. Choc reitereated that he thinks highly of her & said "she is far better than that". She now have a good summer off before coming back to contest handicap hurdles in 2010-2011 season. PRINCE DES MARAIS 13/8 was a very rare bet at short odds but I did feel he should be much shorter than that, hence we were getting value in a poor race. His jumping was spot on & he won as he liked by 17 lengths. A profit shown on the day but I wished it had been Asturienne that had been the winner.

Monday 19th April 2010 - Asturienne runs at Towcester
ASTURIENNE with Choc on top will contest an 8 runner Mares only novice at Towcester tomorrow. The ground is likely to be quite quick but that shouldn't be a problem. Whilst she has two penalties to carry she should have a great chance providing she runs anywhere near her true form. Last time out was undeniably disappointing as she was beaten early in the contest at Newbury but I'm hoping she can bounce back here. There were no bets today despite Ella Woodcock (see entry on Saturday 17th) taking part at Pontefract. Unexpected heavy rain had turned the ground to G/Soft so I left him alone - he needs it quick. Despite conditions not being ideal he ran really well to come 3rd, we shall keep him in the notebook.

Sunday 18th April 2010 - To much to do
One bet today, Watergate 7/2, in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton. He was held up miles off the pace & the bird had flown before he stayed on into 3rd place under a fairly kind ride.

Saturday 17th April 2010 - Tactictian 15/8 & Forte Dei Marmi 13/2 win at Newbury
DANSIMAR is a little stiff after her run on Thursday but Venetia isn't worried so we can plan ahead. A chasing debut is possible but Venetia would need to see loads of rain to enable her to be schooled. Come what may she'll run again before a summer's break. Nothing too strong on the betting front stake wise today but we started off with ELLA WOODCOCK 3rd e/w 16/1 who wasn't best drawn at Thirsk but was value given the likely fast pace. He ran on really well to reach 3rd after being held up in last place (cut inside from wide birth at stalls) so I'll be watching out for him in similar races as he's on a good mark. Next up was TACTICIAN 15/8 (5/2 exchanges) who won under an excellent Hayley Turner ride. Tactician wandered around a bit, was still green, but Hayley did a grand job first settling him & then with a powerful finish. He could be nicely handicapped as he'll surely improve quiite a bit. Our last bet was FORTE DEI MARMI 13/2 who won cosily under Keiron Fallon. He can go far as he won as he liked. A super day !!

Thursday 15th April 2010 - Dansimar runs well at Cheltenham
DANSIMAR ran far better than the result today when unplaced at Cheltenham in a very tough looking handicap. Aidan was pleased with her, said she felt very well, but was just tapped for toe on this ground. We will now see what the handicapper does but she'll probably have one more run before being put away.

The volcanic eruption in Iceland couldn't have been timed worse as after a long season I'd planned a very short two night trip to France to watch TOULON Vs PERPIGNAN in the French Rugby 14. A good friend of mine KRIS CHESNEY plays for Toulon and he'd been kind enough to arrange match tickets for our party of 3 at the sold out 60,000 seat stadium in Marsaille. Worse still was that it was a winner takes all game with Perpignan currently top of the table with Toulon lurking just 3pts behind. Saturday's winner (Toulon were heavy favourites at home) win the title. The weather was 20 degrees, we were by the coast, a few beers in hand, celebrations due to a title win highly probable. Gutted doesn't describe the feeling when told all flights were cancelled tomorrow.

We had one bet, to minimum stakes, on a 16-1 shot today but he ran poorly. Maybe he had a short holiday planned too.

Wednesday 14th April 2010 - Ouzbeck wins 17/2 at Cheltenham
I mentioned two horses in the Cheltenham 2.45 but did dither a bit due to doubts about the ground. After heavy watering it was a concern the ground might be pudding like but jockeys from the 1st race said the ground was decent enough. Those with RUK or access to the Racing Post website would have been armed with this information and therefore could have backed OUZBECK 17/2. He was given as a decent fancy given the right ground. When with Alan King he won off 143, would have been 4th bar falling off 153, yet was perched here off just 135. Despite an early mistake he won cosily from the other horse mentioned Burren Legend 9/2. Ouzbeck can win again given the right conditions. Keep an eye on the Bryan Smart sprinter Master Rooney as he ran a good race today at Beverley before the lack of fitness told. He might pop up soon. DANSIMAR faces stiff competition tomorrow at Cheltenham but Venetia reports her as very well, moving nicely. I think some respite from deep winter ground will help her.

Tuesday 13th April 2010 - ENTRY NEWS
No bets since Saturday. We have a few race entries starting with DANSIMAR at Cheltenham on Thursday. She will go for the Mares only handicap & we hope she'll go well. Cheltenham has said they'll water to maintain good ground which is fine. ASTURIENNE has two races mapped out firstly at Towcester on Tuesday (mares novice 2m) and then Chepstow on Friday (novice 2m4f). Until we see the entry lists no preference but quicker ground will help her. NOUN DE LA THINTE will run once more before a well earned rest. She holds an entry, which due to fast ground is unlikely to be utilised, at Stratford on Sunday but will also get a entry at Uttoxeter in a 3m Mares only handicap chase on Thursday 22nd.

Saturday 10th April 2010 - AP wins the National on Dont Push It
A terrific race for the Grand National with AP McCOY taking the honours on the JJ O'Neill trained. JP McManus owned Dont Push It. The winner & second both carried over 11 stone. I'm thrilled for AP as he's been a superb jockey over many seasons, is a very nice guy, and the publicity for the sport will be huge. My own bet never got past the start line as King Johns Castle refused to race. The big eyecatcher was Backstage who was cantering when brought down by the loose My Will who fell (this time without a jockey) infront of him at the 20th giving Davy Condon had no chance of staying in the plate. Our two bets started with Wogan (4th 6/1) who ran a super race in the circumstancies. He made a little mistake at halfway & was badly cannoned into at the next thus losing his position. However he tried hard, ran on well, but the mistakes had taken there toll. Ghazio (13/2) also ran OK but tied up badly going to the last. The NH season is coming to an end but we still have runners. DANSIMAR is entered on Thursday at Cheltenham for a 2m5f Mares only handicap whilst Latin Scholar (waiting for better ground, which we now have) & Asturienne will race shortly. Then we start, next day, for 2010-2011.

Friday 9th April 2010 - AINTREE DAY 2 - review
Another superb days racing at Aintree on Ladies Day .... or as the locals call it "Flesh Friday". 2m Novice - two negatives were given for both Escortmen (3's) & La Sarrazine (5's) with both being unplaced. I didn't suggest a bet as the race revolved around the well being of Supreme winner Menorah 7/4. He was the obvious pick but had a hard race at the Festival & wasn't my kind of price. A good shout was given for General Miller 12/1 who I felt would run really well. They finished 1-2 with General Miller getting up near the line so a decent start to the day. 3m Novice - no bets in this race but the preview didn't go entirely to plan as my two token names against the field, Ogee 9/2 & Lenabane 9/1, were stopped in their tracks when Khactaturian fell in front of the stands. I doubt they would have beaten Burton Port, who I didn't really fancy, who proved just how tough he is by winning despite after a hard race at Cheltenham. I'm all in favour of giving people chances but surely Knockara Beau would do better with a top flight jockey on top. With this being his 9th race of the season I'm hopeful the horse now gets a break. Melling Chase - this was a definite no bet race for me as it was too confusing. A token 9-1 e/w selection was the gallant grey Monets Garden who came a very brave 3rd. If all horses tried like him it would be an easy game. >Topham - 22-1 winner Always Waining gave the bookies another holiday contibution. Hold up horses in the Topham, as in the Foxhunters, have a pretty poor record but the winner was ridden prominently by Brian Hughes (as was the 3rd & 4th home). The bold jumping Frankie Figg, who led the field with Always Waining, unseated Wilson Renwick two out. He must be a frustrating horse as he's now departed 3 times at Aintree when in with a big shout. My two bets, Offshore Account 12's & Pak Jack 33's, were disappointingly held up & could only run on to finish 7th & 8th after being set a bit to do. Pak Jack finished full of running & considering he was last jumping the 2nd fence (I ripped up my betting ticket at that stage) ran a terrific race. Sefton 3m novice - no bets, no fancies, but I did mention The Giant Bolster as a horse to watch next season. He'll be a terrific type when tackling 3m with cut on a galloping track. TGB could only keep on one pace into 5th but he's decent enough. 3m handicap hurdle - a terrific race for the line as my two against the field (advised yesterday) were winner 1st RINGAROSES 12/1 & 2nd CARSONSTOWN BOY 16/1 (33's in the morning). To be honest I had a bigger stake on the 2nd, he was the bigger price, but a lovely result come what may. Being greedy perhaps but hindsight tells me to have had a £1 reverse forecast. GRAND NATIONAL - I mentioned on today's message one small bet for tomorrow on Kings John Castle 33-1 each way.

Thursday 8th April 2010 - AINTREE DAY 1 - review
Aintree's card started off with some big names but little in the way of betting opportunity. 3m Liverpool Hurdle - BIG BUCKS was, on paper, a certaintly & whilst not a betting proposition at 1/3 he duly hacked up under Ruby Walsh. Last night I backed Wolf Moon e/w 150-1 but non runners ruined that bet as place prospects were minimised so I swerved you off that stupid idea. 2m juvenile hurdle - the only bet I suggested was a place lay on ME VOICI (2.32 at time of message) as he was said to want soft ground & a trip. The ground had dried up & he finished 6th. Super Kenny was another negative as his Stratford form wasn't good enough here - he was unplaced. I did say that Santuaire was the likeliest winner but wasn't backing him as the race didn't have the right shape. He traded at 1.01 going to the last but due to pulling very hard for the first mile he tired badly on the run to the line. He's clearly a very good horse but will need to settle better or have a furious pace to follow. A unheralded 40-1 shot won the race. The Totesport Bowl was another no bet race due to doubts about all 5 runners but hopefully the strong hint to swerve Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander (11/8) was taken. He had always been best fresh, was best around Cheltenham, plus plenty who've have hard races at the Festival get stuffed here. Watching the race I was pleased not to be trading in running after Imperial Commander had UR Paddy Brennan when beaten at half way. Going to the 2nd last Nacarat looked likely to win, Carruthers looked cooked, but then suddenly Nacarat faded with What A Friend looking to dodge in behind. Carruthers fought back in determined style but What A Friend jumped the last better to win under an inspired Walsh. Foxhunters - I backed Baby Run (4/1 > 5/2) in this race but despite never having fallen in 18 chases he managed to lose Sam Twiston Davies at the 6th. I felt his young promising jockey had a rush of blood, fired the horse into nearly every fence, had him flat out too early, so it was an accident waiting to happen. It was a race, won by 50-1 shot Silver Adonis, that was full of carnage with just 8 finishers. Red Rum 2m Chase - yet another massive price winner when Charnibar 28-1 hosed up under Sean Quinlan. My own two bets Pepysrock e/w 20-1 (5th !!) and Safari Journey 9/1 were burnt off by a furious pace. I take my hat off to the Milton Harris trained winner as it's rare you see a 2m chase run at that sort of pace & he led from the 3rd. It was a tough performance. 2m4f Novice Chase - No bet here but didn't fancy The Nightingale due to his poor record right handed. Somersby was the most likely winner (he was the fav !) but he got kicked at the start, got messed about a lot early in the race & there after didn't jump well before coming 2nd to impressive Mad Max. I've long thought Somersby is slightly better right handed and might be the type to run very well in the King George next December.

Monday 5th April 2010 - Noun De La Thinte 4th at Haydock
NOUN DE LA THINTE was a little disappointing on Saturday but is fine after the race. She tried hard eventually running 4th place behind impressive winner Maktu. NDLT owes us nothing having won 6 races so far this season.

Thursday 1st April 2010 - Disgraceful ruling by the EU
STAN JAMES GUINEAS - I've been contacted by Charlie McCann (Head of PR at Stan James) as he wanted to bring a ridiculous EU ruling to the attention of everyone in racing. Charlie says that the European Union have stunned 1000 & 2000 Guineas sponsors STAN JAMES by insisting they change guineas to euros ........... thus changing the name of the two classics to the 1165 & 2331 Euro's.
Charlie said ....... “This has thrown preparations for the race into complete disarray and both the Newmarket executive and ourselves are livid at this latest petty EU bureaucracy. We maintain it's a foolish decision by the EU and will be challenging a name change that forms part of our heritage. This ludicrous decision will mean that race commentators Ian Bartlett and Simon Holt will need to be on their toes during the race just in case the exchange rate alters as the leaders enter the dip. It is possible that the race formerly known as the 2000 Guineas will start as the 2331 Euros but finish as the 2335 Euros. "

Monday 29th March 2010 - Asturienne runs poorly
ASTURIENNE ran a poor race on Saturday with Choc saying he was beaten very early in the race. When he asked for acceleration there was nothing in the tank. We were all worried about stable form prior to the race and, maybe, this had a big say in how she ran. Through a line with winner RYDE BACK we should have been in the mix. Ryde Back beat us 8 lengths receiving 6lbs at Huntingdon whilst we gave 4lbs on Saturday which is an interesting bit of handicapping. Nicky Henderson has clearly been very clever with his mare as she got in here with a decent mark & had a very good 7lb claimer on board. Asturienne was dropped 2lbs to 125 which is fair considering she ran no race at all.

Whist on handicapping ... NOUN DE LA THINTE has been raised 5lbs for her win at Haydock despite beating only two rivals who both tried to take most of the fences out the ground & had a well documented weight disadvantage. The hurdles handicapper has also raised her 2lbs which is beyond belief. In December she won a small handicap around Fontwell off 90 by an all out short head yet is now asked to race off 114. Handicappers have a hard job but I'm struggling to understand that piece of work.

Friday 26th March 2010 - Enrty news
No bets since Tuesday's win with NOUN DE LA THINTE. Let's start with her ... I'm hopeful the handicapper will leave NDLT alone after her win because of the reasons documented earlier. However he could have a mad moment, hike her up, and therefore we need to have a few entries ready to race with a penalty. She is already in two races at Exeter and there may be other options. A run over hurdles is possible as she would (a) race off a lower mark (b) have no penalty. LATIN SCHOLAR needs a few to come out at Fontwell to get a run but we are hopeful. The situation at NEWBURY RACECOURSE for ASTURIENNE isn't pleasing me. Clerks have a difficult job when it comes to watering but Newbury, on this occasion, decided to water on Monday. Guess what - the weather forecast changed & the ground is now soft. That's far from ideal for our mare so I'm not happy. With it being watered I'd be sure it will be quite testing ground despite them providing a fresh strip around the inner. The clerk, Richard Osgood, told me he watered because the forecast on Monday said no rain & he was worried about the going being too fast. My view, with forecasts generally being inaccurate, is that watering should have been delayed until Wednesday or Thursday when he could have been more definite. Anyway - what is wrong with good ground ?. I'm praying no more rain hits Newbury but heavy showers are expected. ASTURIENNE has had this race as her target all season so it's a bit disappointing to find, in late March, that we have testing ground.

Wednesday 24th March 2010 - Noun De La Thinte wins 5/2 > 15/8
I'll not go through the race scenario again (please see yesterday's diary entry) but it could not have gone better. Our weight advanatge was huge but our 3 opponents also decided to try to kick nearly every fence out the way thus allowing NOUN DE LA THINTE to win without breaking sweat. She was heavily backed from 5/2 (Stan James) into 15/8 at the off. Best show on track was 9/4. Her magin of victory was 8 lengths, she could have won by 30, but here lies a potential problem with the handicapper. I hope he see's sense, watches the race carefully & leaves her mark alone as the weights were advantageous & our opponents did there best to gift NDLT the race. Well done to HARRY CHALLONER who rode NDLT as he came excellently prepared tactically for the ride having watched tapes of all our opponents.

Tuesday 23rd March 2010 - Noun De La Thinte runs at Haydock
A brief line to say NOUN DE LA THINTE runs tomorrow with Harry Challoner taking off 7lbs. Being a 0-120 novice the field should meet on level weights but NDLT gets 7lb for being a mare ! Therefore strictly on handicap marks she is well in here particularly when adding Harry's valuable 7lbs claim. We get a stone from Frankie Anson who is also rated 117 & get a stone from Marcus (rated 120) when in a handicap we would only get 3lbs. She was a bit flat after Kempton where her busy schedule had caught up with her, however I'm told she is now bright & her coat looking super. Hopefully she'll run a super race for her team of owners. Remarkably for such a valuable prize only 4 take part but that's not a complaint. Better news on DANSIMAR as she is now sound so we can stop worrying and look ahead. LATIN SCHOLAR holds an entry at Fontwell next Tuesday so that's also a bit of good news.

Monday 22nd March 2010 - Not good news on the horses
Not a great 48hrs for our team. DANSIMAR is quite sore after her race at Cheltenham which is very worrying. Venetia is sure it's not a tendon but we are now waiting for the vet to give us his diagnosis. Hopefully it's just bruising. PETER GRIMES ran an awful race on Saturday at Uttoxeter, he was beaten after two flights, Choc said he was never going. Having spoken with Alan he feels his team are still under a cloud and will give Peter Grimes a complete rest for about 6 weeks. Alan's yard has not been firing on all cylinders for some time now which is a terrible shame as we all know how hard he & his staff work. There have been no bets over the last few days.

Friday 19th March 2010 - CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 4
With Dansimar due to race this afternoon I walked the track at midday. Surprisingly there was loads of moisture due to watering but no rain forecast. Guess what - it rained all day - so we went from Good ground to Soft / testing ground. The racing was incredibly tough to solve so selections were token rather than confident. TRIUMPH - Barwell Bridge 33-1 was put forward an an each way selection & he ran really well to come 5th. The race was a starnge one with Barizan storming into an early long lead. It was a terrific effort as he just failed to stay there being only nabbed by Soldatino near the finish. COUNTY - Noble Prince 12/1 was selected and he ran a blinder to come 5th after suffering interference at the 2nd last. We had backed him for the Coral Cup and this "staying on" run made me think the wrong race was chosen. ALBERT BARTLETT - by now the rain was lashing down and the crowd were getting soaked. Tell Massini was nicely placed at the top of the hill but stopped as if shot, he clearly wasn't right. GOLD CUP - well done to Imperial Commander who proved the masses wrong, including myself, when staying every yard to win the big pot. Tricky Trickster ran an awful race, hit nearly every fence, but remarkably still holds a prominent position in the Grand National betting. MON MONE ran a blinder to come 3rd and he really did advertise his National claims. FOXHUNTERS - no selection. MARTIN PIPE - the ground had gone a little bit against Dansimar but she was running a super race until stopped in her tracks by a faller at the 5th flight. She plugged on but he chance was gone. GRAND ANNUAL - no real opinion in this race and that was fortunate as I'd have gone for a fast ground horse, given the forecast, yet it was soft by now. SUMMARY - the last 2 Festivals have been kind to us on the betting front but not this year. Like most punters we suffered a reversal in fortunes with the bookmakers cleaning up in a major way. It was a long trudge home after the last.

Thursday 18th March 2010 - CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 3
Another hugely competitive & hard day. Going into the last it looked like being a bloodbath with long price winners all the way but we got lucky with a 9/1 winner ! Firstly DANSIMAR runs tomorrow in the Martin Pipe with Will Biddick taking the ride. She will have conditions in her favour & if she runs as well as last time out we shall be very happy. On to today JEWSON - our two against the field were Hey Big Spender (fell) and Rivaliste (jumped poorly on the quick ground). PERTEMPTS - Alfie Sherrin seemed all at sea on the ground & never let himself down in jumping terms whilst a 40-1 shot, best each way, ran poorly. RYANAIR - a negative for Tranquil Sea & Shindlers Hunt proved to be correct but our selection Poqulein came 2nd to Albertas Run. WORLD HURDLE - BIG BUCKS was an obvious banker but the suggested each way 20-1 shot Sentry Duty was never at the races. BYRNE PLATE - Watch My Back was given no chance by being held up 30 lengths off the pace over the first few fences whilst My Petra jumped poorly. Panis stations were setting in as we hadn't had a sniff but thankfully BALLABRIGGS 9/1 won the KIM MUIR by a fast diminishing short head. The info line got out of jail. Tomorrow looks just as hard - but it wouldn't be Cheltenham without that degree of difficulty.

Wednesday 17th March 2010 - CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 2
It was a hugely tricky day where there were no strong betting opportunities which, in hindsight, was lucky as we (the panel from Monday) had a very average day. There were also no ante post bets struck for today's racing. 4m NH CHASE - the two against the field were Any Currency & Mobaasher. The former ran his typical race which was to get outpaced & stay on. At 4m that was a disappointment so I wonder if more forceful tactics could be employed. Mobaasher was very unlucky as he still came 5th after being very badly hampered by a faller at half way. Charlie Mcann gave the audience Becauseicouldntsee as one of his best bets of the week (each way) in this race & he came 2nd after running with just 3 shoes. Apologies to those telephoning as I forgot that one. It was only when I met with Charlie at the track that he reminded me ! NEPTUNE - Finians Rainbow was reported as strongly fancied by the Henderson Team but he faded in the last half mile whilst Choc's mount Manyriverstocross lost all chance when nearlt brought down at the 2nd flight. RSA CHASE - we got this half right as LONG RUN was a big negative due to his age & jumping & BURTON PORT 12/1 was given as a good each way bet but none of the panel, even Paul Nolan, gave Weapons Amnesty a chance because of his jumping. Paul's selection Citizen Vic was going well when suffering a fatal fall at the tricky 2nd last. 2m CHAMPION CHASE - having backed Master Minded at 5/2 myself (panel unanimous pick) I felt quite confident pre race but he clearly didn't act on the ground which was pretty quick come race time. Choc's poor luck continued with Twist Magic being pulled up & Big Zeb (who buried him last season) winning the race. Barry Geraghty deserves a medal for that ride as Zeb can try to take some of the fences with him. CORAL CUP - an impossible race to solve with any confidence with the expected result. FRED WINTER - Choc gave a negative for Causeway King as he had gone up a ridiculous 11lb for coming 2nd last time out whilst Scu cave positive mentions to the Pipe pair but did prefer his mount Hunterview to eventual 2nd Notus De La Tour. BUMPER - no selection as it was simply too hard & no colleteral form. My own day was poor with 3 losing bets (Any Currency, Master Minded & Quantitiveasing) but we live to fight another day. Watering takes place tonight as another dry day is forecast but rain is expected on Friday.

Tuesday 16th March 2010 - CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 1
Last night we held a festival preview with a panel of Choc, Tom Scudamore, Andrew Tinkler, Charlie McCann (Stan James) and top Irish trainer Paul Nolan. Information on the daily messages will be focused on comments made by the panel. Paul Nolan thinks NOBLE PRINCE has a massive chance on Friday in the County (12-1 Fred Done) as he feels he has a stone of improvement to come. There were also rumours that Voy Per Ustedes would wear blinkers & Barber Shop cheekpieces in the Ryanair. SUPREME - the panel felt Dunquib would win but hindsight says he was given a poor ride by his inexperienced pilot. Too far off the pace & taken wide he could only finish 3rd to burn many an Irish bunch of fingers. Each way bets were suggested on GET ME OUT OF HERE and eventual 12-1 winner MENORAH so a good start to the day. ARKLE - Choc felt Somersby was his best ride of the week but he could only stay on into 2nd behind the unfancied (by the panel) Sizing Europe. WILLIAM HILL CHASE - our bet Bensalem 7/1 was cruising coming down to two out but clipped the top & came down. I can forgive any horse for falling at that tricky fence but he would surely have won. When placing the bet it was felt we were backing a 7/1 shot to get round safely such was his generous mark but he didn't quite manage it. I was stood by the fence when he fell & could see that Choc hadn't pushed any buttons - gutted to the max - but most importantly both horse & rider were fine. Maybe the Hennessey in November will be the time to recoup losses. OGEE 12/1 was given as the best each way & he duly came 3rd. Aintree will suit him to the tee. CHAMPION HURDLE - Medermit ran below form but a horse supposedly ruled out by his trainer just 3 weeks ago, Binocular, won easily. I'm not sure what they did to the horse in those three weeks but I feel for punters who laid him at massive prices on the exchanges. When a trainer says "will not run" then maybe he should be made to keep that word - it was a definite statement. Andrew Tinkler felt Zaynar 7/1 would run into a place as so he did. CROSS COUNTRY - there were no real solid views bar Paul saying the best JP horse would be L'Ami as he'd benifitted from a wind op. That one ran a blinder to come 2nd but didn't bring home the bacon. MARES RACE - Paul felt Voler La Verdette would win (didn't quite stay, cruising 2 out) but Andrew felt CAROLES LEGACY 25/1 had a superb chance of running into a place. He was spot on as it was only reigning champion Quevega who beat her home. We look forward to tomorrow but sadly PETER GRIMES didn't make the cut for the Fred Winter. He may now go to Uttoxeter on Saturday.

Saturday 13th March 2010 - Cheshire Prince & Paddy Power
One bet today CHESHIRE PRINCE (ante post 33's, SP 14's) each way in the Sandown Imperial Cup. Like all great each way shots he finished 5th which was frustrating. At the start of the week the ground was expected to ride quite quick, which would suit us a lot, but it rode dead up the straight due to the effects of watering. This horse could be one to watch out for at Aintree or Ayr if the ground is genuinely good. One interesting point of the race was that Alex Merriam carried 2lbs overweight on our mount. I can't get my head around that .... why does a trainer use a claimer to reduce weight yet then allow them to carry overweight. QASPAL was an impressive winner & now runs at the Festival with a 5lb penalty but it's doubtful that will stop him given luck in running. It's amazing how much improvement he's shown since his three 'down the field' efforts to get handicapped !!! I did telephone PADDY POWER yesterday to place a bet on Cheshire Prince - they were 22-1 & paying 5 places. Knowing they wouldn't take much I asked for just £20 each way. However they said " you can have £20 win, the rest at SP, it's a trading decision". That's an amazing bit of business from Ireland's biggest bookmaker. The news on the injured SAM THOMAS is far better as he is walking about despite his neck fracture. I'm told he should be back in roughly 6 weeks. DANSIMAR will contest the Martin Pipe CJ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham as Venetia was keener on this race than the Coral Cup. Will Biddick will take the ride on Friday & will reduce her weight by a handy 3lbs. She worked nicely this morning and is in good form.

Friday 12th March 2010 - Sam Thomas injured
Terrible news yesterday about Sam but fortunately it's far better today, albeit he has broken a vertibrae & will be out for a couple of months, but it sounded far worse at one stage. It just shows what a fine line jockeys live by. One minute he's looking forward to Cheltenham with some fancied rides yet the next minute he is in hospital. We wish him well with his recovery. PETER GRIMES looks like missing the Fred Winter as he'll probably not beat the safety limit cut. It would be a terrible shame for the owners to miss the race as they have been a very enthusiastic team & a pleasure to work with throughout the season. It's been good to see Donald McCain bang in some winners over the last couple of days to get himself off the cold list & go into the Festival confident of more success. There have been no bets over the last few days.

Wednesday 10th March 2010 - Go Compare
No bets this week bar a 33-1 shot ante post for the Imperial Cup but time hasn't been wasted as the decs for the Cheltenhanm Festival are starting to come through. They are fascinating races to work on so no doubt I'll be tapping away on the exchanges placing loads of bets over the next few days. I've not missed a Festival for about 20 years but it's very tempting to sit at home to watch with the computer logged on. As a rule I don't lay horses but the Festival gives an abundance of lays particularly in running where the pace is always fast & the leaders go too fast. I'm having my doubts about PETER GRIMES getting a run, it will be touch and go, but DANSIMAR will be fine for both her engagements. I'll have to speak with Venetia when the weights are published and thenm get her recommendation.
STABLE FORM is always interesting leading up to the Festival. With just 6 days to go Donald McCain is on the cold list, his last winner was on 24th Feb. David Pipe has a strike rate of just 7% last month whilst in March he's had one winner .... and that horse (Salut Flo) had only been with him for 10 days. Alan King is nicely in form with a few recent winner, including one today, whilst the Nicholls & Henderson yards continue to churn out the winners. Hopefully both Donald & David will bang a couple of winners in later this week to go into the meeting on an upward curve.

Am I the only one that's getting totaly fed up with the Go Compare advert. It seems here is no excape from the shocking opera singer.

Saturday 6th March 2010 - Wogan wins 6/1 but it's not all good news
We dipped our toe into the betting ring for the first time (bar Cheltenham bets) for quite some time. We had 3 win bets, all to small stakes, with WOGAN 6/1 winning under the impressive Andrew Tinkler at Doncaster. He is riding better than ever this season & has cemented his position as second jockey to the Henderson yard. Maybe Zaynar awaits at the Festival should Binocular bounce back into the Champion Hurdle. We showed a nice profit today but it certaintly wasn't all good news with one of our ante post bets NOBLE PRINCE at 25's reportedly now to be aimed at the County Hurdle rather than the Coral Cup. He had been backed into 10-1 for the Coral Cup so it's hugely disappointing particularly after the recent news about Triumph favourite MILLE CHIEF who we had 20-1 about. We are still left with some good ante post vouchers but my chin was on the floor when I heard about these two. Noble Prince looked ideal for the Coral Cup after showing up really well the last twice at 3m & 2m respectively.

Sunday 28th February 2010 - Noun De la Thinte fine
NOUN DE LA THINTE couldn't cope with the step up in grade yesterday at Kempton. Despite jumping well she was left behind when the pace quickened with a mile to run. Aidan looked after her when all chances was gone and pulled her up before the final fence. She did get very tired so it was the sensible thing to do. There were no bets over the weekend. However we did have some bad news with the lameness of Mille Chief. Hopefully he'll come right as, it's reported in the press, that there are no obvious signs of injury bar him being sore. It must be very disappointing for Alan & his team so I hope they can get him right.

Friday 26th February 2010 - Noun De la Thinte at Kempton
No bets on today's racing but we did dip our toe into the Cheltenham ante post market. The bookies are betting on the handicaps and value was to be had. I'll put these bets on the site nearer the time. Hopefully Mille Chief will cement his position at the head of the Triumph market with a win at Kempton tomorrow. The ground won't be ideal, it's sure to be very soft & testing, but this highly talented horse should win. NOUN DE LA THINTE runs, Aidan Coleman in the plate, in the 2m4f handicap chase. She is off 120 now so things will be harder but, in her favour, the race has cut up quite nicely. It will be very competitive but if she jumps as well as she can then she's not without a chance.

Wednesday 24th February 2010 - Dansimar runs an excellent 2nd at Southwell
DANSIMAR 14-1 returned to form yesterday when 2nd at Southwell under a good Aidan Coleman ride. We were soundly beaten by the winner, Honest John, but he is no mug having won the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree a couple of years ago & was clearly thrown in on best form. Aidan said she got outpaced on the sharp track but stayed on really well. He was pleased with her jumping bar a mistake down the back when she was going a stride too quick for comfort. Only a small each way bet was advised at 14-1 as I couldn't be confident after a poor run last time. Maybe the ground was too blame as it was lovely ground at SOUTHWELL. My thanks go to the ground staff as they worked wonders after being under 4 inches of snow just 2 days prior.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL ENTRIES ...... DANSIMAR holds an entry in the Coral Cup & Martin Pipe handicap. PETER GRIMES will head for the Fred Winter. NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry in the Jewson, Kim Muir & the Byrne Chase

Monday 22nd February 2010 - Dansimar at Southwell
DANSIMAR will take her place in the 2m4f handicap hurdle at Southwell tomorrow. Once again she has loads of weight but is slowly (is the handicapper reading this ?) dropping back to a fair mark. She was placed off 132 last season and runs off that mark tomorrow. Hopefully the meeting will go ahead but they have an 8am inspection because of snow & frost. Venetia says she is in good form but, as you would expect for this grade, it's a very competitive race. A safety net entry at Kempton on Saturday has been made for her in a 2m5f hurdle. NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry at both Kempton and Fontwell (Sun) in two 2m4f handicap chases.

Saturday 20th February 2010 - Peter is fine but gets bogged down
PETER GRIMES came last yesterday but has excuses. Firstly he was short of fast work (this was reported on RUK to assist punters) and the ground was simply bottomless. he couldn't handle the ground so Choc looked after him from half way rather than get stuck into him only to finish mid division. Thanks to Choc we have a reasonably fesh horse this morning & can look ahead to the Fred Winter. He'll not run if the ground is really soft but surely the horrid weather has to go away soon. DANSIMAR's intended race at Wincanton was washed away so we now head to SOUTHWELL on Tuesday. They have decent ground so that is a bonus.

Thursday 18th February 2010 - Peter Grimes to run at Sandown
PETER GRIMES, with Choc on board, will run tomorrow at Sandown in a competitive looking juvenile hurdle. Alan wanted to run because the weather forecast over the next few days looks desperate. It makes perfect sense and it's a case of getting a 3rd qualifying run, for the Fred Winter, at the earliest possible opportunity. The ground wouldn't be ideal but at least it's raceable unlike at many tracks. DANSIMAR may miss out on Wincanton with that meeting now dicey because of waterlogging. On the betting front there has been nothing doing but when the Festival handicap markes are open we'll be stepping in quickly.

Monday 15th February 2010 - Entry news
PETER GRIMES holds three entries this weekend (Sandown, Wincanton & Haydock) but they will mean nothing unless he scopes clean on Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully we'll be Ok to press on and race. He'll need a 3rd run before the entry closes for the Fred Winter on 23rd. DANSIMAR'S race at Wincanton looks typically competitive & she'll have plenty of weight but there is no escape at the moment from the handicappers grip. Venetia's horses are in form which is a positive. On the punting front I'm suffering from a complete lack of inspiration with day to day matters but am spending plenty of time working on possible Cheltenham pointers. The availability of tapes, via the Racing Post & Attheraces web sites, is a tremendous help in refreshing an old memory. Hopefully the work will pay off over the biggest 4 days of the season.
FESTIVAL PREVIEW TICKETS - only 30 tickets remain for the Preview on March 15th in Prestbury. Please get in touch if you would like to attend.

Wednesday 10th February 2010 - Carlisle adandoned so more wasted journeys
I've gone into my bunker with bets, nothing doing at the moment mainly due to ground & very average fare. CARLISLE abandoned today after a 3rd inspection just after midday. By then most horses & jockeys would be at the track so it's been a costly day particularly for owners who have transport bills to pay. This is very unfortunate and maybe tracks need to pay something towards these expenses if they faff about. DANSIMAR will get two handicap hurdle entries at Wincanton 2m6f (20th) and Southwell 2m4f (23rd). Hopefully we'll get a run in one of those races. MILLE CHIEF now misses his intended race tomorrow because of a bad scope. That's a worry with just 5 weeks to go but the amended plan is Kempton later this month for the Adonis.

Saturday 6th February 2010 - Asturienne lame on Saturday
ASTURIENNE was lame this morning but thankfully she'll be Ok in a few days. Alan found an infection in her foot & this had clearly caused a lot of pain. Her shoe has been removed & the fluid drained off. Her run yesterday was a major worry but it's good to know there was a reason and that we can now head to Newbury for the EBF Handicap Final. I'm hoping the ground will have dried up a bit by then. We did dip our toe into the betting ring today but although the horses ran well (7-1, 12-1, 14-1) we didn't bag a winner. Oiseau De Nuit 7/1 fared best when 2nd to the impressive, and seemingly unfancied, Kalahari King in a 2m handicap chase. At Doncaster the jockeys said the ground was soft & testing (official Good to Soft) so that assessment made me lose all confidence in Cheshire Prince but he ran well until fading going to the last. In the circumstancies it was a decent run. Nicky Henderson's big Triumph Hurdle hope According fluffed his lines leaving Diktalina & Anak to fight out the finish. That result further franked the Plumpton form of Peter Grimes & gave the Westlin Winds / Mille Chief form another boost too. Whilst Peter Grimes holds a Triumph entry we need to get a 3rd run into him before 23rd Feb to qualify him for the Fred Winter, that's the main aim.

Friday 5th February 2010 - We didn't have a lovely day at Bangor
No bets today. Two runners today at Bangor. NOUN DE LA THINTE ran yet another blinder to come 2nd to a good horse in Khatchaturian. Aidan said she was probably just feeling the effects of a busy spell (Venetia not so sure about that - she pointed out that NDLT closed on the winner after the last in typical game style) and didn't jump as well. It was disappointing to find on arrival that four fences had been removed due to waterlogging as one thing we thought, before the race, we had in our favour was her jumping. In reality she made a couple of uncharactistic errors. ASTURIENNE was a major disappointment as she looked beaten after two flights and never travelled. Something will surely come to light as she is a quality mare but it's all very worrying. Let's see what Alan says tomorrow.

Thursday 4th February 2010 - Busy day at Bangor & Choc back soon
No bets again today as both meetings were run on ground resembling a battlefield - we hope the rain goes away soon. An exciting & busy day awaits tomorrow at BANGOR where NOUN DE LA THINTE & ASTURIENNE both take part in 4 runner races where they should both be market favourite. Compared to official marks Asturienne is heavily favoured by the weights in her 2m1f novice hurdle. On paper she would have an outstanding chance & wayne will be positive on her. If all goes well she will then be rested until the EBF Final at Newbury in March. Noun De La Thinte takes her place officially 10lbs well in tomorrow so, if the handicapper is right, also holds strong claims. The opposition in this valuable handicap is decent so she'll have to be on her A Game to prevail. Tactically it will be interesting a 3 of the 4 are known front runners so jumping over the first mile may be vitally important. Jump jockeys never cease to amaze with there toughness. CHOC THORNTON was supposed to be out for at least 3 weeks after his crunching fall at Leicester but today he schooled a few at Alan's and is reporting himself fully fit. He should be back early next week.

Wednesday 3rd February 2010 - Weather frustrations
No bets over the last few days mainly because of terrible ground. Congratulations must go to GERARD TUMELTY for winning 'Ride of the Week' for his excellent effort on Ponchetrain at Leicester. However usual voting patterns may have been affected by his shameless text messaging begging people to vote for him. I'm not sure if this act of vote rigging would pass the stewards but the award was deserved come what may. It was a tremendous ride and had it been AP in the saddle it would have got headlines. Yet more meetings have been lost this week due to snow & frost which is most frustrating. ASTURIENNE was considered for Wincanton tomorrow but, should they race, the ground will be awful. Therefore we wait for a 2m1f novice at Bangor on Friday. Also due to race at Bangor is NOUN DE LA THINTE in a 2m4f handicap chase. She can race off a mark of 112 on Friday but has been reassessed to 122 which is hard to fathom purely on race track evidence. She won off 105 at Southwell, carrying a penalty she won a race full of out of form opponents at Lingfield off 112 (with 3lb claim) & was then beaten off 112 at Warwick. I'm bias but it makes no sense to get such a hike on that form. PETER GRIMES will be scoped on Thursday so, with luck, we will be up & running with him shortly. DANSIMAR is about 10 days from a run whilst LATIN SCHOLAR is working well at Venetia's yard after giving us a 48hr panic with colic.

Saturday 30th January 2010 - Jack Frost back to frustrate
No bets Friday or Saturday. Alan felt the Listed Mares race wasn't ideal for ASTURIENNE and that worked in our favour as Doncaster was abandoned at 10.30am becasuse of frost. The weather forecast doesn't look good for the early part of next week so we can expect yet more meetings to fall. We will re-route to a novice event at either Wincanton or Bangor. NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry at Bangor & Chepstow in a couple of chases. Venetia says she has come out of her last race well so may appear again before being reassessed by the handicapper for her Lingfield win.

Thursday 28th January 2010 - Noun De La Thinte a gallant 2nd
NOUN DE LA THINTE was beaten but far from disagraced today at Warwick. She jumped super, tried very hard but was beaten fairly by Mr Prickle. It's always disappointing to be beaten but she gave her all. She was not advised as a bet because 5/4 was too short to be value in the context of this race. However we did back Riskareas in the opener but sadly he broke down quite badly after the last (leading at the time) and was taken away in the veterinary ambulance. Our thoughts lie with his connections. Jaunty Flight, whom we backed on Saturday, was reported to be in season after the race which would explain her poor run. The one snippet given today did win at 6/4. Alan King was kind to give me an update on Choc after his fall on Tuesday. Hopefully he'll be back in 10 days but remains very sore across his back & rib cage.

Wednesday 27th January 2010 - Choc out of hospital
No bets today. Our gallant mare NOUN DE LA THINTE will run again tomorrow at Warwick in an attempt to rattle up a six timer. She contests an 8 runner 2m4f handicap chase with Aidan Coleman in the plate. With no penalty for Monday's win at Lingfield she can race off the same mark & hopefully can put up another terrific show. CHOC THORNTON had an awful fall yesterday at Leicester from Crackboumwiz & was taken straight to hospital with back pains. Fortunately, though very very sore, he has been released this morning so we hope to see him soon. He missed the winning ride today on our 20/1 Triumph Hurdle fancy MILLE CHIEF at Huntingdon. Whilst he didn't beat anything with a lofty reputation he could not have been more impressive in the jumping department & showed a super turn of foot. It's the Adonis Hurdle then the Triumph now.

Tuesday 26th January 2010 - Tumelty shines on Ponchatrain
No bets today. Alan's 3lb claiming jockey GERARD TUMELTY shone today in the conditional jockeys chase at Leicester on Ponchatrain. Almost brought down at halfway he sat tight, gave the horse time to recover, came with a wet sail after the last. It was a terrific effort from Gerard so well done to him. All the 16's has disappeared on our ante post Champion Hurdle e/w bet MEDERMIT with 14's best now. With Alan's team really hitting form I'm hopeful he can improve further & figure in what is clearly a very open year. MILLE CHIEF looks to further enhance his Triumph Hurdle chances when racing at Huntingdon tomorrow.

Monday 25th January 2010 - NOUN DE LA THINTE (5/2) - 5 TIMER
NOUN DE LA THINTE continues to amaze with yet another win, this time at Lingfield under Will Biddick, to complete a remarkable five timer. She jumped super and was allowed a fairly easy lead up front. If she is Ok we may go again later in the week at Warwick or Ffos Las. She was 13/8 in the morning (VC Bet), 5/4 in places (Ladbrokes), so how she touched 5/2 on the shows I can't work out. This enabled Info Line callers to have the suggested strong support rewarded in grand style. PETER GRIMES will not run on Wednesday as his tracheal wash came back less than 100%. Whilst Alan's horses are running well now a small handful have runny noses and, pain that it is, Peter is one of them. He'll be back next week as it's only a minor problem.

Saturday 23rd January 2010 - Medermit stars for Alan & Choc
MEDERMIT firmly entered the Champion Hurdle picture when beating Punjabi at Haydock today. It was a super performance and one that must have cheered the Barbury Castle after a below par first half of the season. At 16-1 he represents decent e/w value. My punting was poor today but thankfully we didn't do much damage as stakes were kept low - even so we never got competitive so it was very disapointing. Jaunty Flight 9/1 was pulled up at half way with something amiss, Pacco 5/1 was being niggled along after 4 fences before fading whilst Stravinsky Dance 7/2 got into all sorts of trouble & would have found less traffic in Piccadilly Circus at rush hour. Hindsight tells me I went looking for a bet(s) on a busy day rather than simply sitting on a fence until better opportunity arose.
FESTIVAL PREVIEW 15th March in PRESTBURY - tickets are now on sale for the annual preview night. So far Choc, Tom Scudamore, Andrew Tinkler & Charlie McCann (Stan James) have agreed to sit on the panel. Please telephone 01691 653 269 for tickets.

Friday 22nd January 2010 - Declaration update
No bets over the last few days. PETER GRIMES was entered at Ascot tomorrow but the ground could be horrific so we have taken the decision to wait with him. Ascot are already soft (going stick 6.5) but have up to 11hrs of rain forecast today so it's not going to get any better. Ringing in my ears are Choc's words at Plumpton, he said he didn't enjoy the really testing ground around the bottom bend & up the hill. We hold two entries next week NOUN DE LA THINTE will go LINGFIELD on Monday for a conditional jockeys 2m4f chase with WILLIAM BIDDICK in the saddle. Will can claim 3lbs so that leaves just a 4lb penalty to carry from Southwell.

Tuesday 19th January 2010 - Four timer for Noun at 7/2
The game mare NOUN DE LA THINTE 7/2 won her 4th race on the bounce today under a fine SAM THOMAS ride at Southwell. Prior to the race we were worried about her fitness because Venetia's team have been badly held up by the snow. Fortunately she had only raced just 22 days ago at Leicester so just about had enough core fitness to prevail. Betting wise we got it spot on as 5/2 early (Coral) wasn't any value but a bet at 7/2 (SP) was advised. Noun De La Thinte holds an entry at Wincanton on Saturday but at this stage is far from a certain runner. PETER GRIMES form from Plumpton was yet again franked when the 4th home Diktalina won by 9L at Folkestone today. With Anak (2nd) winning at Kempyon on Saturday & Westlin Winds (1st) running an excellent second to MILLE CHIEF under a double penalty we can assume the race at Plumpton was quite hot.

Monday 18th January 2010 - Noun De La Thinte runs at Southwell
No bets yesterday or today. NOUN DE LA THINTE runs tomorrow in a 2m4f handicap chase with Sam Thomas in the plate at Southwell. It's well documented that Venetia's team have been held up by the weather so I'm a little worried we may be a gallop short. A couple of her weekend runners ran well enough but the majority were a little below expectation. It's not ideal but we earn nothing sitting at home. PETER GRIMES has a tentative entry at Ascot on Saturday. Surprisingly the ground is soft and more rain is forecast so it's sure to be testing. We'll check out the form & weights before committing.

Saturday 16th January 2010 - Turf racing at last !
We were having a terrific run punting wise & with our team of horses before the break so it's recently been frustrating to say the least. However it was good to see some jumping this afternoon albeit on terrible ground to get things moving again. As detailed on the midday message stakes will be kept very low for a while as a combination of bad ground & horses who may have missed work can be a tricky cocktail. We did have two bets with Prince Louis 6/1 (14's early) running a good 2nd at Huntingdon. His previous form figures were PPP but a change of yard would hopefully work the oracle. Annoyingly he jumped violently left and thus forfeited loads of ground & ruined his chance. It's a silly statement to make but he would have won easily on a left handed track. Bookmakers won't have missed that fact so whilst we'll keep him in mind his price may suffer. Snakebite 7/1 (SP 4's) ran well until 4 out but then got very tired in the bad ground. I'm not sure if we run NOUN DE LA THINTE on Tuesday as all Venetia's ran as if needing a run today. It's been documented that the yard have ticked over but had missed fast work. It was good to see ANAK win today thus franking the form of PETER GRIMES and, inturn, MILLE CHIEF through a line with Westlin Winds. We shall be looking for a race for Peter Grimes in due course.

Friday 15th January 2010 - Racing returns & Noun De La Thinte entered
After a long break it looks as if turf racing will return tomorrow at both Kempton & Huntingdon. Great news. We have entered NOUN DE LA THINTE at Southwell on Tuesday in a 2m4f (0-130) handicap chase. She isn't a certain runner as Venetia will have to give her a big of work on Saturday to gauge her fitness level. Whilst the horses have been kept on the move they haven't done real fast work. Fortunately Noun was pretty fit having had a race just before the icey spell.

Saturday 9th January 2010 - It's still snowing
No bets since the last update and little prospect of any racing for at least a week. Our trainers are keeping the horses on the move but fitness will suffer a little bit which is understandable. The staff are doing a terrific job in the freezing conditions and I do not envy them one little bit. Updates will follow as and when we get a break in the icy conditions.

Tuesday 5th January 2010 - Updated handicap marks
No real good news today after getting our new handicap marks. DANSIMAR has only been dropped 3lbs to 132 despite being beaten out of sight at Kempton. ASTURIENNE was raised 5lbs having won as she should have done at Taunton. NOUN DE LA THINTE was raised a very fair 7lbs for winning over fences at Leicester to 105 yet also had her hurdle mark raised to 100. I can't work that one out as she won off 90 by a short head, had been beaten off that mark 3 times prior, the 2nd at Fontwell has been beaten since, yet we now end up 10lbs higher. Why - Answers on a postcard please to Let's Live Racing.

The snow & ice show no signs of going away. It will be a miracle if we see turf racing before the middle of next week. I'll update the site accordingly.

Monday 4th January 2010 - The phantom flan flinger wins a Plumpton !
We are about to enter a week with, most probably, no jump racing because of the frost & snow. That will be a disappointment to Alan King as his yard have just started to fly after having well documented problems earlier. Yesterday Stoneys Treasure won a decent race at Plumpton when ridden by the PHANTOM FLAN FLINGER alias Choc Thornton. Poor Choc lost some teeth & had 28 stitches put into a badly cut lower lip a short while back. It's remarkable he's back so soon but to reduce the pain from wind chill he's started wearing a pair of black tights around his face but this makes him unrecognisable. My thoughts turned to the Phantom Flan Flinger from Tiswas. Younger readers may not know who the Flan Flinger is but watch the clip, you'll soon get the idea, and if you like custard pies & water then Tiswas was the show for you. We had one bet yesterday, to small stakes, but Pipo Du Re 8/1 was beaten very early in the race. I doubt we'll be betting at all this week which is disappointing but the weather is terrible. Consequently our horses will have a very quiet week but there is little we can do.

Saturday 2nd January 2010 - Sandown abandon late
When a meeting gets called off after a 2nd or 3rd inspection it's always unsatisfactory. I sympathise with the tracks, understand why they do it, it's wonderful when a meeting get the go ahead. However when they don't go ahead it costs owners plenty. DANSIMAR was already at the track when Sandown abandoned at 10.20am this morning so even though we haven't raced there will be a hefty transport & staffing bill for Let's Live Racing to pay. Maybe when tracks delay a final decision past, say 9am, they should be made to contribute to owners costs if a meeting is eventually lost. It's a difficult job for the tracks but that might sharpen up some who sit on the fence with multiple inspections. We all want race meetings to go ahead where possible but just as many are lost as get the green light when late inspections take place. Plenty of people in the game would prefer to know as early as possible that racing is on or off.

Friday 1st January 2010 - Dansimar takes her chance at Sandown
No bets today or yesterday. DANSIMAR will race tomorrow at Sandown subject to the meeting beating a poor weather forecast. Only 6 take part and whilst the weights do not favour us with a couple of opponents it's worth going as the prize money is very good. She goes to Sandown on the back of a poor run last time out but we hope that was a one off & we might change tactics a little bit. Aidan Coleman takes the ride.

It was anoying not to have a bet today as WOLF MOON really did catch the eye but the forecast ground was soft / heavy /frosty. We have backed him in his last two runs giving a 16/1 win & an unfortunate loss when slipping two out. His trainer, Martin Keighly, has gone on record to say he wants it far better so it was a bit frustrating to see Cheltenham change the going report after one race to Good to Soft. I backed him myself on the back of that change but it would have been really good to have put him on the Info Line. However there will be other pay days with Wolf Moon as he looks a very well handicapped horse. He idled in front today and could be the likely winner of the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham Festival 2010.

Wednesday 30th December 2009 - Asturienne lands the money at 9/4
ASTURIENNE kept up the fantastic recent record of Let's Live Racing horses by winning this afternoon under Choc at Taunton. A decent bet was recommended at 9/4. She was given a finely judged ride as she sat close to a slow pace & then kicked early to get everything on the stretch going to two out. She always looked in command with her jumping being first rate. Quite whwre we go next is open to plenty of debate but at least we can relax & think about it. There were no other bets.

Tuesday 29th December 2009 - Carruthers wins the money 7/4
Two bets today with a medium stake on CARRUTHERS 7/4 (SP 5/4) winning easily to get us off to a good start. Conditions looked ideal (heavy ground, small field, no other pace) for MATTY BATCHELOR to be able to control things. Kicked clear four out he never looked in danger and came clear of his field. Our other bet to small stakes, Smooth Classic 11/1, didn't run too well but maybe he found a combination of trip & ground not to his liking. NOUN DE LA THINTE will not take up a further engagement this week as we see no point going under a penalty. However ASTURIENNE will go tomorrow at Taunton in a 2m3f mares hurdle. There are a couple of opponents who will give her a run for her money but we hope she can keep her progression going upwards under Choc.

Monday 28th December 2009 - Noun De La Thinte wins at Leicester 11/4
A super day for NOUN DE LA THINTE 11/4 SP supporters & punters as she won at Leicester to reward some strong support. It was marvellous to see her enthusiastic team of owners really get behind her on the run to the line. She was given a super ride by young FELIX DE GILES who impressed both in & out of the saddle as his orders were followed & he was very pleasant with the owners. A word of praise must go to her groom Kevin who for the second race running won the best turned out prize. Well done Kevin. NOUN DE LA THINTE outjumped her rivals & that is what won the race in the end. It may be ambitious but she'll be aimed at the Mares Chase Final at Newbury in March. Not many will jump like her so it's worth trying to win this valuable 'black type' handicap. We had two other bets with MIKO DE BEAUCHENE 33/1 each way (4th) running a blinder in the Welsh Natiional to give us a really nice place profit whilst Snythe Davis 5/2 also ran well (2nd) at Leicester. Yesterday wasn't so good as DANSIMAR ran poorly but she is fine today so may get a chance to put this shabby effort behind her on Saturday at Sandown. When you get a super day like today it's very important to enjoy it.

Sunday 27th December 2009 - Dansimar runs poorly at Kempton
No bets today. DANSIMAR ran a rare poor race this afternoon yet we have no immediate explanation for it. She simply didn't fire & was beaten just after 4 out. On a line through Amber Bridge she should have been thereabouts but it wasn't to be. It was a four hour drive to Kempton but a bloody longer one back ! NOUN DE LA THINTE runs at Leicester tomorrow in a valuable chase for the grade so hopefully the meeting will beat the frost. Felix De Giles takes the ride as all of Venetia's jockeys are at Chepstow, he will do a good job for sure. Noun De La Thinte won a weak race at Plumpton so this is a step up in grade but we hope she can cope. It was good to see Triumph Hurdle favourite MILLE CHIEF win for Alan & Choc at Kempton as this could signal a return to form for the yard. There is plenty more to come from Mille Chief.

Saturday 26th December 2009 - Dansimar runs at Kempton
Two bets today with PRIDE IN BATTLE 10/1 e/w reaching the frame at WIncanton. Stakes were kept to a minimum as was the stake on Chilli Rose 11/4 (2nd) but a small profit shown on the day. DANSIMAR will run tomorrow with Aidan on top in the 3m handicap hurdle for mares at Kempton. It looks a typically competitive affair but she isn't without a chance as she goes well at the track, has a reasonable weight, is back amongst her own sex, ground should be fine & the yard are going really well.

Monday 21st December 2009 - Christmas Break
No bets yesterday or today. Nor will there be until Boxing Day due to a break in racing for the festive period. The short break is welcome as we have been on the go for a long time, batteries will be reloaded, so will a few glasses to be honest but we shall enjoy ourselves whilst we can. The break doesn't last too long as NOUN DE LA THINTE holds an entry at Towcester on Boxing Day in a handicap hurdle whilst DANSIMAR is an intended runner at Kempton on Sunday 27th. Towcester is currently frozen, so that doesn't sound too hopeful, but Kempton seem confident of racing. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS, MAY SANTA BRING YOU A WINNER !!

Saturday 19th December 2009 - Haydock abandon very late
No bets yesterday or today as most meetings have been abandoned due to snow or frost. In some earlier diary entries I've documented the inaccuracies we have experienced with HAYDOCK PARK's going reports (some are laughable) but they got more bad press again today due to a midday abandonment. In the Racing Post trainer James Ewart is quoted on the abandonment. He said: "It was -8C in the stable block last night and the clerk of the course said it didn't go below -4, which sadly wasn't true. How can they inspect at 8am when they don't pull the covers up. It's a lack of respect for horses and people working in racing. Haydock doesn't mind - they'll have another meeting, but it's absoultely ridiculous - there was no chance." I could write pages about Kirkland Tellwright & his going reports but Mr Ewart sums it up pretty well.
DANSIMAR is fine after her fall on Wednesday & will head to Kempton on 27th if they race. ASTURIENNE holds two entries at Taunton 30th & Warwick 31st. LATIN SCHOLAR has moved from Alan to Venetia. This is not a reflection on Alan as our bond is as strong as ever but we feel a change of scenery might motivate the horse. His last two runs have been regressive so we have to try something. It's best to be proactive rather than sit & wait.

Thursday 17th December 2009 - Dansimar falls at Bangor
DANSIMAR took a tumble yesterday at Bangor when travelling well enough, just behind the leader, at the 3rd last. Aidan was pleased with Dansimar at that stage but we'll never know how she would have got on. Disappointing but we live to fight another day which we hope will be 27th December at Kempton for a 3m Mares handicap. No bets today but one yesterday in Quinz (5/1 > 3/1) but he also fell when going really well with a mile to run. Not our day today nor was it Choc's day as he had a horrible tumble at Newbury. I'm told he's split his bottom lip badly and done some teeth too - we wish him well. NOUN DE LA THINTE has an entry at Bangor on Tuesday 22nd in a 2m4f Mares handicap hurdle.

Tuesday 15th December 2009 - Dansimar runs at Bangor
No bets today due to Folkestone being abandoned late in the day. Tomorrow we run DANSIMAR with Aidan on top in a 3m handicap hurdle at Bangor. She will get the trip fine, like the ground, but does have top weight to carry. It's a competitive 9 runner race but she could go well enough as the yard are now going well. Both NOUN DE LA THINTE & PETER GRIMES have come out of their races in good form so plenty to look forward to with that pair in the future.

TWO SHARES REMAIN IN NOUN DE LA THINTE @ £260pm ON FREE LEASE - NO PURCHASE FEE !!!!!

Monday 14th December 2009 - Noun De La Thinte wins 2/1 to reward confidence
It's been a long day with a four hour drive home but a good day. NOUN DE LA THINTE won easily to reward a lot of confidence in the 2m4f handicap chase. Aidan Coleman was absolutely delighted with her jumping and hopes she can do a bit better over fences than hurdles. It was a low grade affair but we hope she can progress. Well done to Venetia as her opinion proved spot on again !! PETER GRIMES ran very well to come 3rd in, what could be, a tasty juvenile hurdle. Pleased with him too but he was a little one paced so a more galloping track will suit. Choc thought he was flat out from half way & would want a stayers trip in due course.

Sunday 13th December 2009 - Two runners at Plumpton tomorrow
No bets today. We have two runners at Plumpton on Monday with PETER GRIMES getting us under way in the juvenile with Choc riding. We face 6 opponents with Westlin Winds & Anak sure to provide stiff competition. We jump, stay & try hard so we too have plenty in our favour. Peter will be prominent in the betting and that reflects his chance. NOUN DE LA THINTE will line up in the 2m4f handicap chase with Aidan Coleman doing the steering. She had a pop over a few fences this morning, Venetia was pleased with her, so we can go with some optimism to Sussex. NDLT will probably start favourite but having won off the same mark last week she deserves to be. Two winners would be amazing. One winner would give a good day. No winners, a bloody long & miserable drive home ! We have loads of owners coming to see the horses run so I hope the day goes well for them.

Saturday 12th December 2009 - Watch My Back 9/2 (SP 6's) wins under superb Lee
We ended up with one bet today WATCH MY BACK 9/2 (SP 6s) at Doncaster who won under a tremendous ride from Graham Lee. It's often easy to go overboard on winning rides but this was a ripper. The horse got warm beforehand & didn't jump the first couple very well but Lee gave him time, got him jumping well, came with a run from 3 out off of a furious pace. He won by 11 & 8 lengths so his mark could be totally blown once he get a raise. We did have a second bet, Divers 10/1, in a Donnie 2m handicap hurdle but that race was voided due to the very sad injury to Spanish Conquest which occured in front of the stands. It looked the right decision to flag jockeys at the 3rd last as the injured horse was stood in the middle of the track on the narrow run in. A potential nasty accident may have been avoided. There is no news yet about LATIN SCHOLAR who disappointed yesterday so we are still left wondering. On a brighter note it was good to see PETER GRIMES form from Bangor franked when George Nympton (2nd at Bangor) came 2nd in the Cheltenham juvenile behind previous winner Olofi. Alan tells me Peter Grimes is in super form.

Friday 11th December 2009 - Latin Scholar disappoints at Doncaster
There are some days when you wish you had stayed in bed, today was one of those, here are 6 reasons.
1. After driving 15 miles it dawned on me that I'd left my mobile & wallet on the bed. I'm a big believer in a good day starting off well & visa versa. The omens didn't look good.
2. Crossing the pennines into Yorkshire was a slow process due to heavy 'pea soup' fog.
3. Worst of all LATIN SCHOLAR ran a terrible race & we have no idea why. He was going nicely until just after 4 out but then stopped as if shot. Alan will no doubt get him checked out by the vets but it's all very puzzling as he looked well.
4. The first of my two suggested bets Any Currency (backed from 7/1 > 4/1) ran well at Cheltenham but looked outpaced over 3m1f before running on dourly into 3rd. He owes us nothing having won twice & I'll remain faithful when at a marathon trip.
5. Our 2nd bet Wolf Moon (6/1 > 4/1) was just starting to make his challenge two out when he clipped the top & nearly fell. I thought he was going nicely at the time but we'll never know how he would have faired. Another horse I'll not lose the faith in.
6. Driving home across the fog bound pennines (Snake Pass - impossible to pass) I got stuck behind a OAP who was unaware she had 100 frustrated drivers honking horns behind. Max speed was 25mph - I've seen a hearse go quicker ! If you cant drive then get off the road at peak times.

It's been a bad day at the office for sure but now it's shower, dinner, the pub for an hour. Let's hope tomorrow brings good news of Latin. In many ways I'm hoping the vets finds a problem so we can be sure.

Thursday 10th December 2009 - Latin Scholar runs tomorrow
No bets again today but we should be busy over the weekend. LATIN SCHOLAR returns to the track tomorrow at Doncaster in a 2m handicap hurdle with Wayne on top. I hear he is very fresh & has schooled well on Monday so hopefully, as many of Alan's have, can put a below par run behind him. It was encouraging to see Kingy have two winners today ! It's a competitive 18 runner race tomorrow but Latin should get the strong pace he needs. If he gets back to Southwell form then he has a decent chance of being in the mix. Weststern who is favourite on the ATR site at 11/2 is actually 13lbs worse off with us from Southwell yet we beat him two lengths. Interesting !!

Wednesday 9th December 2009 - Noun De La Thinte & Peter Grimes plans
There were no bets today. NOUN DE LA THINTE has come out of her Fontwell race in good form and, therefore, she will run again on Monday at Plumpton. This time it's a 2m4f handicap chase as she can run without a winners penalty - a nice loophole to exploit. The grade of the race is 0-90 so represents a drop in class from Fontwell too. On her only previous chase start she fell but her schooling has gone well so we go there hopeful of a good performance. On the same card PETER GRIMES will contest a juvenile hurdle which, at the minute, looks like being a small field event. This change of plan is necessary because Lingfield decided on Tuesday to abandon all hurdle races on Saturday's card. Despite a dry forecast from Wednesday onwards they are taking no chances with waterlogging & ensuring an all chase meeting goes ahead. It's a commercial decision (and maybe to protect a worn hurdles track) but it's a desperate shame as a big prize race has disappeared but there is nothing we can do about it.

Tuesday 8th December 2009 - Noun De La Thinte 4/1 lands the punt
In game style NOUN DE LA THINTE 4/1 (SP 5/2) landed the 2m2f handicap at Fontwell justifying strong support in the ring. Aidan was inspired as he drove for all he was worth from two out which allowed NDLT to win by a short head. Congratulations to SANDRA WARREN, SHARON FINCH & CHARLIE BOYLAN as it was their first winner with Let's Live Racing. Hopefully the first of many !

Monday 7th December 2009 - Noun De La Thinte runs tomorrow
No bets Sunday or Monday. Tomorrow we run NOUN DE LA THINTE at Fontwell with Aidan Coleman taking the ride. The race will be run on heavy ground but she should cope OK with that & has run well on this tight track in the past. It looks a competitive little race but we hope she'll run well & be in the mix at the business end. Minnie Hill won easily last time and is only up 7lbs which is far from harsh. She could be a hard nut to crack but Noun will be doing her very best.

Saturday 5th December 2009 - Royal Riveria 11/4 wins at Wetherby & looks classy
DANSIMAR has a valuable 3m mares handicap at Kempton on 27th Dec as her prime target but will possibly run beforehand either at Bangor 16th or Haydock 19th. She has coped with two races in quick succession before but more on her nearer the time. We had 3 small stake bets which gave us a small profit on the day. ROYAL RIVERIA 11/4 got us off to a flyer when winning a bumper in grand style at Wetherby. He looked a really good prospect when hacking up under Brian Hughes. The other bets were at Chepstow, in a bog, so stakes were minimum level. Qhilimar 6/1 ran in snatches but did well enough to come 3rd over 2m3f. I thought the drop back in trip from 3m might suit but he ran on well up the straight suggesting that was not the case. He can pick up a race but could also test the patience. In the 3m chase a split stake was suggested on Sherwoods Folly 8/1 & Gentle Ranger 11/2. Sherwoods was suggested as a potential trade at 3/1 in running (he touched 2/1 with a mile to run) so no loss with him whilst Gentle Ranger was pulled up quite early after seemingly struggling on the ground. The form of his Exeter win has worked out well enough so he deserves another chance, Chepstow is a law to itself.

Friday 4th December 2009 - More entry news
PETER GRIMES & LATIN SCHOLAR will both get an entry at Doncaster next Friday. Peter's entry is purely a safety net in case Lingfield looks dodgy whilst Latin would only run if we get decent ground. LATIN SCHOLAR hasn't stood still as he's done nicely over fences on Alan's schooling ground with Wayne Hutchinson on top. NOUN DE LA THINTE has another entry, to add to Fontwell, in a 2m5f handicap hurdle at Huntingdon on Thursday. Ground & opposition will determine where we go. One bet today on Rivaliste but he got touched off on the nod at Sandown by the Doumen trained Doctor Pat. The winner produced a remarkable run from two out as, at that stage, he looked to have little chance under Noel Fehily. The winner can be rated a good deal better than the bare form whilst Rivaliste (traded 1.03 in running) had probably been in front by himself long enough. Trainer Paul Nicholls said Ruby Walsh was annoyed to have been beaten as he felt "mugged" due to idling in front. MANYRIVERSTOCROSS provided Alan's team with another win today to show that the yard is just starting to get back in gear after their recent problems. Expect a good December & January from Barbury Castle.

Wednesday 2nd December 2009 - Eyecatchers at Ayr
No bets on the Info Line today but I ended up having a bet at Ayr courtesy of RUK & Lucinda Russell. We are so lucky to have the two racing channels as they often give punters an edge. I was at Bangor when SKIPPERS BRIG ran really well (3rd) in a competitive 3m chase despite looking as if the run would bring him on a bit. He was inked into my notebook for a bet next time out. However at Ayr today he was dropping back to 2m4f, was only 6/4, and importantly the race may have been muddling due to only having 5 runners. Would it turn into a sprint was the worry ? Lucklily RUK interviewed Lucinda Russell, trainer of 2nd favourite ETXALAR, who said the plan was to bounce out to make a decent pace. That was perfect news for Skippers Brig fans so I backed him accordingly at 6/4 on the exchanges. The race went well with Skippers Brig cruising past Etxalar at the last fence but that only gives half the story as Etxalar made a terrible blunder 6 out. It was only his sheer determination to stand up, plus excellent jockeyship, that kept the partnership intact. Etxalar did brilliantly to get back into the race & can be rated a good deal better than what he showed. Both horses remain of considerable interest next time in the right company. It was interesting to hear Nicky Richards say he was still learning about Skippers Brig's best trip (2m4f or 3m) as he's got speed & secondly he would have to check to spot a race in the north as that wont be easy to find with a 140 rating. Maybe the 3m Tommy Whittle at Haydock on Dec 19th could be considered as that track is now essentially a speed track & will surely give Skippers Brig the soft ground he wants. He is a fine prospect who will hopefully go a long way.

Tuesday 1st December 2009 - Update on the horses
No bets since Saturday so it's been a quiet time. With most of our horses having had a recent run it's also been quiet on that front too. However .......the plan for LATIN SCHOLAR to school over fences was delayed due to waterlogged ground at Alan's but, hopefully, he'll pop over a few fences on Thursday. NOUN DE LA THINTE will get an entry over hurdles next Tuesday at Fontwell in a 0-105 handicap. PETER GRIMES is pencilled in for Lingfield on Saturday 12th for the Summit Juvenile hurdle. Hopefully the weather won't intervene.

Saturday 28th November 2009 - Pop 20/1 runs a good 4th & a 7/2 winner
It was a super days racing today at both Newbury & Newcastle with DENMAN & RUBY WALSH taking the plaudits. It was the performance of a lifetime, absolutely breathe taking, with even Paul Nicholls reduced to tears by the game nature of the win. With all the historical problems Denman had suffered it was a remarkable effort from horse, trainer & jockey. Roll on the 2010 Gold Cup ! Let's not forget SAM THOMAS who gave What a Friend a great ride in 2nd - could he be back on Denman come March ? The farcial early pace in the Fighting Fifth did Solwhit & Binocular no favours so I suspect the form isn't going to stand up. It will be a totally different ball game in a fast run race for that pair.
No bets yesterday but 3 today. We started off with Quinz 9/2 who was making his debut over fences in a handicap. On hurdles form he looked well handicapped but made novicey mistakes at crucial times. He ran well enough in 5th & remains of interest. POP 20-1 e/w ran a blinder to come 4th in an ultra competitive race where front runners held sway. As usual he was held up by Andrew Tinkler & jumped far better (has had his back sorted out) than in the past. His trainer Henry Daly said on RUK that he would come on for the run & would want better ground so it was a superb effort. He can win soon granted good ground. The 3rd home Piraya was reportedly well after a wind op & was subject to very heavy support. After getting outpaced at half way he ran on well suggesting 3m would be welcome. We shall keep an eye on him too. Our last bet was Horner Woods 15/2 who (also suggested as a trade in running, layed at 5/2 for plenty) ran OK but finished out the frame. His run at the Festival behind Cooldine maybe flatters him. A snippet was also given for TEENAGE KICKS 7/2 who hacked up in a bumper at Towcester. A good end to the day.

Thursday 26th November 2009 - Latin to jump fences
LATIN SCHOLAR is now back in work after his stone bruise but finding a race for him might prove difficult with so much rain about. We shall give it a week to ten days but it might be prudent to put him away in preparation for a spring campaign. In the interim period he'll be schooled over fences. Two bets today, to minimum stakes, but things didn't go right. I was never happy with the position of Sir Kezbaah 12/1 in a slowly run handicap hurdle. He ran a blinder to come 4th (each way pain) but faired the best of those held up off of a slow pace. Unfortunately he used up his petrol trying to reach the quickening leaders from 4 out, he will have other days.. Brimham Boy 3/1 had a mixture of good & bad fortune in coming 2nd in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter. The bad was when badly hampered by the eventual the winner (the horse flagged as main danger Shaking Hands 14/1, drfited badly in the market) when that one nearly fell 4 out. Brimham Boy was knocked sideways so that didn't help. However neither would have beaten Pelo Du Bief who was leading two out when taking a heavy tumble. PETER GRIMES form was franked today when Googoobarabajagal (14 lengths 4th at Bangor) was a close 2nd at Taunton to a decent type of Nick Williams. Prior to being beaten by Peter Grimes he had run a close 4th in a Chepstow juvenile that has worked out really well - Pistolet Noir & Olofi were just in front that day. Encouraging !

Wednesday 25th November 2009 - Gone to the dogs
No bets Tue or Wed. At Huntingdon on Saturday I bumped into jockey TOM MESSENGER. He's really into dog racing & was keen to tell me about a dog he'd bought to race at Nottingham. Tom must have got me at a weak moment as within 10 minutes I'd bought a share in the sprinter BALLYLACEY BOY. I forgot to ask when BB was next running so was pleased to get a text that night to say "came 2nd , now in the Final on Thursday". The final of the Betfred Bonus King Sprint is live on Sky this Thursday so please give him a cheer in the 8pm race. Tom says we're drawn in Trap 5 which is outside our main rival & favourite Jimmy Lollie. Had we been drawn inside the favourite "I'd be ultra confident" said Tom but as we are outside the favourite "no easy task but still a big chance". Not sure who rides yet but we shall watch with interest.

Monday 23rd November 2009 - Dansimar & Noun De La Thinte run well at Kempton
I didn't advise supporting our two horses today but both ran well in testing conditions. DANSIMAR was left with just 4 opponents but was still up against it on ratings with Whiteoak & Amber Brook. She ran a good 4th and we were pleased with the run so we can go on from here with optimism. NOEL FEHILY reported she stayed the 3m well, tried very hard & just kept galloping albeit one paced. She may have prefered a faster pace but a super run. NOUN DE LA THINTE ran better than we expected, Venetia thought she might be ring rusty, but she jumped super & ran a very game 3rd under WILL BIDDICK. She did come back with a little over reach but hopefully she'll be fine in a few days. One bet today, Ballinderry Park 9/2, but he was pulled up despite attracting heavy support. Everything looked OK until 6 out when he got an almighty bump & promptly lost his place. Maybe he was winded, who can be sure, but he faded quickly after that bump.

Sunday 22nd November 2009 - Asturienne runs a blinder at Huntingdon
ASTURIENNE ran really well at Huntingdon yesterday but was beaten by a very good mare in Ryde Back. It was 25L back to the 3rd so with our penalty to carry there was no disgrace. Tactically things could have gone a bit better but we were beaten fair & square. Asturienne has come out of her race well and will be back over the Christmas period. At the early prices (8/11 best) she wasn't a betting proposition as risk outweighed possible reward. I didn't advise a bet therefore. Tomorrow we have DANSIMAR in the Listed 3m race at Kempton with the excellent NOEL FEHILY taking the ride. She will be fitter for her Wincanton run & Aidan thinks 3m will suit but does have to contend with Whiteoak at level weights. Does Whiteoak stay 3m on soft ground, that question needs to be answered, so we shall find out tomorrow. Kempton give their ground as Good to Soft (Good patches) but the going stick is a lowly 6.9 so I feel it will ride softer & quite testing. Even more rain is forecast so that may hinder My Petra, Aimigayle & Elzahann who want decent ground. Amber Brook will be a tough nut to crack but Dansimar will be doing her best and we hope she can get into the frame at worst. NOUN DE LA THINTE makes her debut for us tomorrow with WILL BIDDICK in the saddle. She will run well, try her best, but as with many of Venetia's will want the outing. Expect her to win races but I'd be surprised if it's tomorrow given the trainer doubts on fitness. No bets today but one yesterday in Master Medic 3/1 who came a gallant 2nd at Ascot after being set a fair bit to do, held up off the pace, over 2m. A step up to 2m4f will see this game guy win again.

Friday 20th November 2009 - Any Currency wins 11/4 - but how ?
Two bets to medium strength today with one winner ANY CURRENCY 11/4 (SP 15/8) under yet another good ride from the bang in form WARREN MARSTON. Any Currency travelled very well but a slow jump 5 out saw him lose his place (traded 130-1 in running) and he was still 6th jumping the last. However a fine run through horses saw him prevail in the shadow of the post. Exciting stuff but not if you've layed it at 130-1 !! This was yet another winner for the fast emerging MARTIN KEIGHLEY yard who are doing so well. I'm a big fan as this guy can train & also appears to have, so far, ducked under the radar of the bookmakers. As when Any Currency won last time (see diary 7th Nov) I can't help thinking he's a certainty when stepped up to a marathon trip as he can improve a stone. How about the Eider Chase or Cheltenham NH Chase maybe ? The other bet was an error of judgement in hindsight. Tara Taylor is well handicapped but also quite small. She had to carry 11st 12lbs on a stiff track over 2m5f so, at the price, she wasn't great value. No point kicking myself too hard as we won well today so we can enjoy tonight. ASTURIENNE will run tomorrow at Huntingdon under Charlie Huxley in an EBF Qualifier. Nicky Henderson's mare Ryde Back gets good press in his trainer file whilst Willow Wren won a bumper on her only start so they must be respected but Asturienne looks to have a good chance despite her penalty. We all hope she can run well.

Thursday 19th November 2009 - Asturienne plan for Saturday
No bets Wed or Thurs. ASTURIENNE will run on Saturday at Huntingdon with CHARLIE HUXLEY on top because Choc rides at Ascot whilst Wayne now goes to Haydock for Halcon Generaldis amongst others. Charlie does a lot of schooling on Asturienne & also rides her at work so he knows her well. The ground at Exeter will be like a bog if the forecast rain hits Devon so we'll wait until Monday at Kempton for NOUN DE LA THINTE to make her debut in our colours.

Tuesday 17th November 2009 - Entry news for next week
LATIN SCHOLAR didn't go to Fakenham due to a bruised foot but he'll be back very soon. DANSIMAR has been entered into the 3m Listed Mares race on Monday 23rd at Kempton whilst NOUN DE LA THINTE also holds an entry on the same card in a 2m handicap. Punting wise I got the day badly wrong, for reasons explained below, but thankfully both bets were to very small stakes. I wanted to be against an odds on favourite (Busker Royal) in a Fakenham novice chase as his jumping wasn't great on debut. I backed Nom De Guerre 7/2 accordingly but he ran 2nd to the Fav who won by 9 lengths. AP McCoy was on top form because Busker Royal jumped poorly for the first 2 circuits but he gave him confidence & got him jumping well. It was a master class. At Folkestone I felt Nikos Extra was a very well handicapped horse in the 2m5f chase but worries about the ground being too soft saw me leave him alone (he won the race having been 11/2 in the morning - see diary entry 1st Nov) but backed Pistol Desbois 9/1 instead. The latter jumped very poorly and was beaten after two fences. Today was not my finest hour and will be consigned to the bin.

Monday 16th November 2009 - Latin Scholar goes to Fakenham
No bets today but delighted to see Alan and Choc bag a double with The Betchworth Kid & Bensalem. Both did the job well enough on a track and/or ground that may not have suited entirely. Despite being declared LATIN SCHOLAR will not go to FAKENHAM tomorrow due to a bruised foot. Alan telephoned this evening to say it's nothing serious but he's not sound enough to race. Consequently we'll look for something next week or just after. ASTURIENNE has an entry at Huntingdon on Saturday in an EBF qualifier over 2m4f. The step up in trip isn't a major issue as she should be suited by it being a half sister to Lough Derg. The ground looks like being fine.

Sunday 15th November 2009 - Wolf Moon 16-1 lands a punt at Cheltenham
Two bets today. First up was James De Vassy 15-2 who ran a terrific race in the Greatwood Hurdle to come 4th. He led over the last, looked like hanging on for a few strides, but then got swamped from all sides. Considering it was just his 5th run over hurdles it was a very good effort. Our last bet was WOLF MOON 16-1 who won a competitive 2m5f handicap under a top class ride from WARREN MARSTON. This horse stays all day & can progress up the ranks particularly when seen on better ground. Maybe he could be a Pertempts Final horse if his mark is managed carefully between now and March. His trainer MARTIN KEIGHLEY is rapidily making a name for himself so well done to him. Wolf Moon was 25-1 when the market opened but was backed at all rates down to 12-1 SP. At message time he was 16's, bigger at 20's on the exchanges, so a belter of a day for Info Line callers.

Saturday 14th November 2009 - Chamirey wins 6/4 but Bible Lord is non runner
No bets on Friday but 3 today. Things started really well with CHAMIREY 6/4 winning by 4 lengths at Uttoxeter. Even though it's mid November Alan's horses are wanting a run but this chap had already raced at Chepstow so was certain to be far sharper today. Backed into odds on, landing good bets for Info Line callers, he won cosily. We then had the disappointment of our Paddy Power bet Bible Lord (backed ante post at 20-1) being withdrawn at the start by the vet. I've had the odd ante post bet withdrawn but never that late. We also had a minimum stake bet on Playing With Fire 28/1 in the 2m handicap hurdle but the race was a farce. Conditions were desperate but the race turned in to a 3 furlong sprint. Nonetheless a decent winning day due to Chamirey. NOUN DE LA THINTE has received her first entry at Exeter on Friday in a 2m handicap hurdle. More on her later in the week.

Thursday 12th November 2009 - Peter Grimes 'lucky' say RUK
No bets today. Happily PETER GRIMES is fine this morning back at Barbury Castle. He has come out of the race well and therefore Alan will look for another juvenile, with cut in the ground, in approximately 3 weeks. I'm getting more & more confused by comments made by some of the "experts" who front the normally excellent racing channels. It was baffling to hear Stewart Machin (RUK yesterday) say eventual 3rd Master Fong was the unlucky horse of the race as he "did us a favour" by making a bad mistake when upsides two out. I could not disagree more as this is JUMP racing and, therefore, horses that make mistakes are not unlucky. In fact they have failed to fulfill the main objective of JUMP racing which is to jump the obstacles properly. PETER GRIMES jumped better than the others, won the race by 3 lengths, and wasn't in any way fortunate to do so. The RUK analysis team, led by Dave Nevison in the main, weren't too impressed by the standard of the race. Time may prove that Dave is spot on with his assessment but the 4th home Googoobarabajagal was beaten just 4 lengths at Chepstow yet was beaten 14 lengths here. The form from Chepstow has already been franked with the 2nd, 3rd & 7th winning subsequently.

Wednesday 11th November 2009 - Peter Grimes 7/2 lands the money at Bangor
PETER GRIMES 7/2 (SP 3/1) landed the spoils at Bangor today under a fine WAYNE HUTCHINSON ride by 3 lengths. Peter was a bit long at the first but jumped superbly afterwards so that, added to a good attitude, enabled him to win nicely. It was a great day for the new syndicate and hopefully there will be more of the same in the near future. Some of the owners managed to get 4/1 in the ring so there were some huge smiles when picking up the lolly. Hopefully info line callers also followed the advice to have a few quid on the nose !!

Tuesday 10th November 2009 - Peter Grimes runs at Bangor
PETER GRIMES makes his hurdling debut tomorrow at Bangor with Wayne Hutchinson on board. He has schooled well at home and we expect a promising run albeit in a competitive little race. Two of his opponents are rated higher on the flat so it will be interesting to see how the race works out. Two bets today with one loser (minimum stakes) at Lingfield & one in the ante post book for the Paddy Power on Saturday. If the forecast proves to be correct then expect soft ground for the 3 day meeting. ASTURIENNE will re-route to Huntingdon on Saturday 21st whilst LATIN SCHOLAR will get an entry at Fakenham on Tuesday 17th. DANSIMAR has been dropped 2lbs to a new mark of 136.

Monday 9th November 2009 - Planned runners scratched
No bets yesterday or today. Alan King took the decision not to declare ASTURIENNE & LATIN SCHOLAR for Lingfield tomorrow. Asturienne is fine but was just a little quiet on Saturday so, taking no chances, we shall wait a few more days with her. It's only 16 days since her last run so Alan feels Lingfield might just come a little quick. Latin Scholar is also fine but he needs a couple more bits of work so, once again, we shall wait for other opportunities. PETER GRIMES is still an intended runner at Bangor on Wednesday.

Saturday 7th November 2009 - Ellerslie George 20/1 & Any Currency 7/1 do the double
DANSIMAR was beaten a long way at Wincanton yesterday but it wasn't as bad as it looked according to Aidan Coleman. He said the race turned into a sprint, she was done for toe, and blew up going to two out. To have top weight in such a competitive race was a pre race worry (we were giving weight to the 2009 David Nicholson 4th & 5th !!) as was the yard form. Venetia is having the odd winner but everything else is getting beaten by miles because they aren't 100% fit. Historically her stats for October & early November do not read well but come December she is a yard to follow. It's her style to leave a bit to work on so, I hope, we have plenty to look forward to.
We had 3 bets today with two landing at very nice prices. ANY CURRENCY 7/1 was impressive at Sandown in a 3m handicap chase. He gives me the impression that no trip will be too far & could still be unexposed for a marathon chase. He was given a fine ride by the evergreen WARREN MARSTON who continues to boot in the winners. Just ten minutes later ELLERSLIE GEORGE 20/1 won at Wincanton in thrilling style by going from the front. The fences at Wincanton are big & stiff but I've not seen a horse jump round there any better. The switch to a right handed track was ideal as he had previously lost ground at Bangor & Stratford. I spent a lot of the day with the recently married (to Choc) & lovely MEALLY THORNTON. We had a few laughs along the way which was welcome after witnessing a slightly disappointing run from Dansimar in the mares race. Meally writes a column called NAGWAGS which is worth a read as it lets you know what life is like for a jump jockey's wife. By the way .... did you see the recovery Choc made on Bakbencher when clouting 4 out at Wincanton ? Brilliant wasn't it & quite how he stayed on I'll never know. It was a shame to see the horse blunder so many times but the fences are unforgiving around there so hopefully there will be better days elsewhere.

Friday 6th November 2009 - Dansimar at Wincanton
DANSIMAR, with Aidan on top, have ended up with top weight tomorrow at Wincanton. It looks a highly competitive race as you would expect for £30,000, there are several dangers. Some of Venetia's are winning whilst some are not getting home. She tells me they have all done the same amount of work so I'm hoping we will run well. The main danger may be the Nick Williams trained Orbital Orchid (a canny & skilful yard) as she may have excaped lightly for an impressive win in a very good mares novice. The placed horses at Worcester had good bumper form & it was a true run race. It remains all systems go for ASTURIENNE (Tue) and PETER GRIMES (Wed). A busy week ahead !

Thursday 5th November 2009 - Towcester carnage
PETER GRIMES schooled well again this morning and, therefore, Alan is happy to give him an entry at Bangor on Wednesday in a 2m1f juvenile hurdle. It will be good to get him on the track as it starts, hopefully, another long successful journey. Alan also has the highly rated Mille Chief in the same race but he'll probably go to Market Rasen on Sunday. LATIN SCHOLAR worked this morning but Alan thinks Lingfield may come just a few days too soon but he'll work again on Saturday. I had one bet today, Qualypso D'Allier 100/30, in the 2m6f handicap chase at Towcester & I'm having trouble getting over his defeat. This half brother to KANDJAR D'ALLIER looked well handicapped, which proved to be the case, but today was sadly not Nick Scholfield's finest hour in the saddle. Hugging the inner Qualypso jumped & travelled really well to go 3 lengths clear after the last ditch 3 out. Turning for home his jockey changed his whip into his right hand to gave the horse a smack. The horse reacted by veering left & lost loads of ground by coming wide around the bend into the home straight. Uncle Eli, ridden by Leighton Aspell, cut the corner & nipped up the inner to jump the 2nd last upsides, so our healthy advantage was lost in an instant. At the last Uncle Eli tried to refuse, went left, cannoned into Qualypso who was now on the stands rail, and brought him down in a heap. Who would have won the race - who knows - but Qualypso wasn't finished and may have been unfortunate as he came the long way home. I watched the race at HAYDOCK PARK due to an invite from an old friend STEVE TAYLOR (TAYLORMADE BETTING) who was running a charity lunch to raise funds for Racing Welfare. It was a superb effort to get so many people together on a very wet Thursday to raise money for such a worthy cause. AP McCoy made an appearance between rides to auction the colours worn when riding his 3000th winner at Plumpton. Plenty was raised so well done Steve !!

Wednesday 4th November 2009 - Entry news & stable news
The following entries have been made for some of the string. DANSIMAR at Wincanton on Saturday (definite runner providing ground Ok). ASTURIENNE at Lingfield & Exeter on Tuesday 10th (will probably run at Lingfield) and LATIN SCHOLAR at Lingfield also on Tuesday (may run but depends on ground).
I'm able to pass on news of a new horse to replace FLYING WHALE who sadly went wrong at Worcester on her hurdling debut. She was leased from Mr & Mrs Snowden so has returned to them to recover. We wish them well with the mare who will, in a years time, no doubt do nice things on a racetrack. With the help of Venetia we have taken NOUN DE LA THINTE on board. She is an APQS bred and whilst her hurdles form isn't too exciting Venetia is convinced she'll improve over fences. She reminds her of Ping Pong Sivola who struggled to win over hurdles - I'll leave you to look up her chase form.
It was good to see Venetia have her first winner sincve July when Green Belt Flyer won (heavily backed !!) at Chepstow in a 2m chase. All of the yards runners had been blowing up quite badly but this one didn't. That's encouraging for Dansimar on Saturday.
Alan's team look as if they are getting there slowly. Admittedly both his winners had been in through the summer but it still augurs well. Manyriverstocross was most impressive at Chepstow today when sluicing home in a 2m novice. Considering the ground may have been softer than ideal & the trip on the short side he was very very good. Alan said on ATR - "it was a joy to watch". It was great to see the horse win for Mr & Mrs Sweeney as they are lovely people but haven't been blessed with the best of luck with past injuries. Hopefully this lad can reward them with some big wins. Another King inmate Causeway King won on his juvenile hurdling debut under Wayne Hutchinson at Warwick. Interestingly this horse is rated roughly the same on the flat than our own PETER GRIMES, so that is encouraging. Watch out for Silver Spinner who ran well until getting tired in the 3m handicap hurdle. If she can be found a race on very soft ground, and on a stiff track at 3m, she could win now having a pipe opener.

Monday 2nd November 2009 - Entry news & fitness of Venetia's team
ASTURIENNE will get an entry in a 2m Mares novice at Lingfield next Tuesday providing the ground is suitable for her - we won't want it heavy ! DANSIMAR will run on Saturday at Wincanton in a 2m6f Mares handicap hurdle which, even at 5 day stage, looks competitive. I went to VENETIA'S OWNERS OPEN DAY on Sunday and it was good fun with about 150 attendees. Venetia gave everyone present a tip for Quantique at Kempton this afternoon, so this was passed on to Info Line callers. I'm always worried backing Venetia's runners in October & early November as her team tend to come on greatly for the run. This proved to be the case with Quantique (and Rileyev at Plumpton who tired noticably) as she cruised into the lead turning for home, still led 2 out, but ended up a well beaten 10th. She is clearly nicely handicapped, so well did she travel, but just blew up quite badly. Importantly for the Dansimar syndicate this may be indicative of how we could run on Saturday. It looks a tough race and several opponents have had a run already. I'm worried !! Lastly the PETER GRIMES syndicate is now full with BRUCE & LESLEY STEVENS taking the final share. They have owned winners before when with Favourites Racing. I'm delighted to welcome them to Let's Live Racing who will, hopefully, provide them with plenty of winning days. Peter Grimes is about 2 weeks away from his debut.

Saturday 31st October 2009 - Flying Whale injured
Not a good start to the day as it's now confirmed that Flying Whale has a minor tendon injury. Despite the injury being 1/10th severe the only cure is a long rest so she'll now have a year out. In times of recession you need horses to be running on the track so this is a bitter blow to the owners & to Let's Live. I had one bet on Nikos Extra 3/1 at Wetherby. He travelled superbly, probably too well in truth, jumped super but got tired with two to jump. This result highlighted that Alan's team are probably 10 more days away from full fitness. The deluge of rain we are supposed to get over the next week is most welcome as it will allow him to get the horses on to the grass gallop. There was some terrific racing today but jockeys made the headlines with BARRY GERAGHTY getting a 12 day ban for taking the wrong course at Wetherby and PAUL CARBERRY failing a breathalyser test before racing a Naas. Tomorrow I'll be going down to Venetia's for an owners gathering where the string will parade & then a lunch will be provided. If the forecast is correct this event will be taking place in a monsoon !!

Friday 30th October 2009 - Dansimar - non runner
DANSIMAR was not declared for Wetherby because of concerns about the fast ground. She would, at 2m, have wanted plenty of cut but sadly it's on the quicker side of good. She will wait a week for Wincanton. Thankfully loads of rain is forecast from Sunday onwards. No bets today or yesterday.

Wednesday 28th October 2009 - Dansimar entry at Wetherby
DANSIMAR has an entry on Saturday at Wetherby in the 2m Listed Mares race but we need a deluge of rain to consider a run. Whilst the trip wouldn't be ideal we have to start somewhere & the weights favour us due to the conditions of the race. There is decent money down to 4th place so it's worth looking it. If she misses this Saturday she will go to Wincanton on Nov 7th for a Mares handicap. Venetia reports her in good form. One bet, at 14-1 to minimum stakes, yesterday who didn't trouble the judge. No bets today. PETER GRIMES schooled well on Monday and we remain very pleased with him but he's another who needs plenty of rain before we see him.

Sunday 25th October 2009 - Asturienne wins impressively 2/1
Two runners today starting with LATIN SCHOLAR who finished 6th under Charlie Huxley at Wincanton in a very competitive handicap hurdle. At the time of writing I've not had the opportunity to speak with those at the track but visually he looked to jump poorly & get outpaced when the taps were turned on. More on him once I've spoken with the trainer. ASTURIENNE 2/1 > 13/8 SP was ultra impressive at Towcester. My pre race worries about her fitness level (recent winter team stable form not brilliant) proved unfounded as she won by 11 lengths under a motionless Choc. With respect to the opposition it wasn't the strongest race we will ever see but she did everything nicely to land some hefty bets. A couple of these hefty bets were from owners who didn't listen to my pre race worries - and didn't they let me know it afterwards !! Well done to them, a good day all round.

Saturday 24th October 2009 - Venetia's open morning
No bets today as we had our annual owners morning with venetia at her yard in Kings Caple. It was well attended and great fun. DANISMAR worked really well, in fast work, under Aidan Coleman whilst FLYING WHALE did just two canters having run this week. Dansimar looked on good terms with herself and may run next Saturday at Wetherby in a mares 2m Listed race. It's been well documented that the track have had some problems with fast ground so we would need some heavy rain next week. If she misses Wetherby then she'll go to Wincanton on November 7th for a 2m6f Mares handicap. Tomoroow we have ASTURIENNE & LATIN SCHOLAR running so it's a big day. The stable form does worry me quite a bit but we shall stay positive.

Friday 23rd October 2009 - 7/4 runaway winner & two runners declared
We have two runners on Sunday which are unfortunately just 10 minutes apart, my nerves will be frayed therefore. LATIN SCHOLAR (Charlie Huxley) will contest the 2m handicap hurdle at Wincanton. It looks a typically tight little handicap but he goes there with a good each way shout providing there is some pace to track. Ten minutes later ASTURIENNE (Choc) will make her hurdling debut at Towcester in a large field of mares over 2m. She has worked well at home, jumps well touch wood, but the form of Alan's winter team is a major worry. The results during October do not read well as the team are still a bit short of work. The dry spell has prevented Alan getting any of them on to the grass so I have sympathy with the trainer. That won't give a rebate on his huge training bills of course !!! One horse mentioned today EMERATES CHAMPION 7/4 who hosed up in the 1m2f handicap at Ayr landing a gamble in the process. SP was 5/4, he never looked in any trouble.
Tomorrow is VENETIA'S OPEN MORNING for Let's Live owners. This should be an informative morning but will prevent me studying any form for, what looks to be, a brilliant days racing. However with the non stop fixture list we have Sunday to look forward to. It will be good to see Dansimar do some work in preparation for her intended seasonal debut (ground permitting - deluge required) at Wetherby on October 31st.

Wednesday 21st October 2009 - Legends Lass wins at Worcester 7/1
The bang in form Martin Keighley once again proved he is a trainer to watch as he brought back LEGENDS LASS 7/1 to land some good bets. As the yard can do no wrong the early market move, from 10-1, was of great interest to many judges in the 2m handicap chase. The race looked modest & there was a buzz on the track for her ! She jumped very well bar a heart stopping mistake at the last to win easily by 13 lengths. FLYING WHALE finished a long way behind the winner in the 2m mares novice but she wasn't disappointing given her inexperience. Sam Thomas said she jumped well but too big, however that will come right with practise, plus she will learn a lot mentally. Keep the faith ! I did fancy Silver Kate in this race to run well but, in what could be a hot mares event, she plugged on into 5th looking as if 2m4f would suit.

Tuesday 20th October 2009 - Flying Whale to make her debut
FLYING WHALE will make her debut under rules at Worcester tomorrow with Sam Thomas taking the ride. She is a nice mare but will come on the the exeprience tomorrow in, what looks to be, a pretty hot 2m mares novice. Flying Whale has only had 3 pointing runs, winning the last time, but she has looked very green each time. She'll love the cut in the ground but is still learning & having only been with Venetia for a couple of months we are learning about her. Heavy rain is forecast this week which is most welcome as our trainers want to get the horses on to the grass & we want to get them on to the track. One horse heavy rain won't suit is LATIN SCHOLAR so we'll be checking out the ground before declaring at Ludlow or Wincanton.

Sunday 18th October 2009 - Darley Sun wins the Ces - 16-1 ante post
Despite a few good periods it's been a disappointing flat season for punting but DARLEY SUN (ante post 16-1, SP 9-2) winning the Cesarewitch put a massive smile back on faces. As I took a short break over the weekend I've not yet seen the race but he was very impressive, winning by 5 lengths, by all accounts. Trainer Dave Simcock is a top operator given the right ammo.

We should have some runners this week if the weather forcast proves correct. Our entries are ..... FLYING WHALE (Worcester Wednesday & Towcester Sunday) ASTURIENNE (Towcester Sunday) and LATIN SCHOLAR (Ludlow Thursday & Wincanton Sunday)

Thursday 15th October 2009 - Please rain soon
Plenty of entries lined up but the ground is still too quick, we need rain fast ! Having looked on various websites it's looks dry well into next week. That's a big frustration but we live in hope. WORCESTER who race on Wednesday are still Good to Firm (watering) so Flying Whale's participation in the 2m Mares novice is in doubt. The draw has been kind to our two Cesarewitch picks with DARLEY SUN 16/1 (now6's) in 25 and FAIR ALONG 20/1 & 16/1 in stall 29. Remarkably for a race at 2m2f the draw can be very important with middle to high draws having held sway historically. I have layed off Darley Sun to re-coup my stake money but that's only due to having over bet the horse ante post at big prices. The Ces has been a graveyard for 3yo's in the past with just one winner from 57 runners over 17yrs. However this 3yo comes here, on paper, far better handicapped than the vast majority, is said to be improving, and will relish the extra distance. Time will tell if he can win. Fair Along improved a lot over hurdles & fences last season, has proven form in this race & the Chester Cup, has Mr Fallon on top, plus those from the jumping game do well in the Ces. Easy game isn't it !!

Tuesday 13th October 2009 - Some entry plans for the diary
Good news with FLYING WHALE as she has recovered well from her little bout of coughing, Venetia reports her 100% now. She will get an entry at Worcester on Wednesday 21st and at Towcester on Sunday 25th. Both are 2m Mares only races. The latter option is pencilled in for ASTURIENNE but with the race dividing it would be hoped we can keep them apart. DANSIMAR has two possible races to aim at. Firstly at Wetherby on October 31st for a 2m Listed Mares race and then, the following Saturday, at Wincanton for a 2m6f Mares only handicap. If the ground is OK she may contest both despite the 2m trip being short of her best. With it being a conditions race she would meet the vast majority of her opponents at level weights, and therefore on favourable terms, so we might have a go. However we would need to be sure the ground is Ok at Wetherby before commiting 100%. Venetia reports her to be in good form at home. PETER GRIMES is settling in at Alan's well but needs plenty of rain before we can think about a hurdling debut.

Saturday 10th October 2009 - ALAN KING OPEN MORNING
We spent a very informative & enjoyable morning at Alan's yard on Saturday. A group of around 35 saw 2nd lot on the five furlong Sharp Ridge gallop before having breakfast (thank you Mrs King !!) and then taking a tour of the yard. The weather was great so we were fortunate on that score. The horses looked in tremendous nick but Alan said his winter team are still a couple of weeks away from being spot on. Despite some welcome rain earlier in the week his grass gallops are still too firm to be used. Doing a couple of bits of work on the grass, particularly for the youngsters, is a major help to fine tune preparations.
Our new juvenile hurdler PETER GRIMES only did two gentle canters, with companion Blazing Bailey, as he's being freshened up for his winter hurdling campaign. Alan says he likes the horse, is very easy to deal with, jumps nicely, but won't be seen until we get some real juice in the ground. ASTURIENNE worked well and is only a fortnight away from a run. There is a chance we might see her appear at Towcester on Sunday 25th October in a Mares only novice but the ground would have to be right. LATIN SCHOLAR also worked well but plans to run him this coming Tuesday at Huntingdon have been shelved due to the fast ground so we'll find him something suitable soon.

Just one share remains in PETER GRIMES at £3,500.

Monday 5th October 2009 - Flying Whale to make her debut at Ffos Las
Venetia wants to run FLYING WHALE on Sunday at Ffos Las providing we get some welcome rain. She is working nicely at home, coming along steadily, but being an inexperienced mare will surely come on for a run. It will be her first day at school so that has to be taken into account. Rain is forecast for Tuesday & Wednesday in Wales so hopefully the track will get a really good soaking. If we do race it will be my first visit to the track, of which I@ve only heard good things, so that will be exciting.

Saturday 3rd October 2009 - Puzzling
I had one proper bet today, on Dylanesque 11/4, at Epsom in a nursury but the run left me puzzled. She slipped after a furlong but was soon nudged back into the race. Entering the last 3 furlongs she looked primed to make a challenge but was never asked a question by her jockey. She may have been hanging but still finished on the heels of the leaders without breaking sweat. Epsom can be a pain at times, the camber can upset some horses, so maybe that's why Jim Crowley didn't press any buttons. Nothing was reported and the stewards surprisngly didn't ask any questions. I'll be prepared to give her another chance on a conventional track. I also backed Moynahan 40/1 in the Cambridgeshire, for peanuts, and he ran ok beating more than beat him but he didn't trouble the judge. We need some rain to get the jumping season up & running so hopefully we get a soaking soon.

Friday 2nd October 2009 - Peter Grimes doing very well
Nothing to report all week on the betting front but PETER GRIMES, our new juvenile hurdler, is doing very well at Alan's yard. I'm told he schooled over some poles on Thursday before moving on to the main schooling ground where he jumped 20 flights, so for his first attempt it was very encouraging. Alan's horse are all beautifully schooled so they go racing confident & well prepared. Peter Grimes will no doubt have a few more schooling days to perfect his technique. Both Venetia & Alan want some rain so that they can really get going with the string. Working on the grass makes the horses work harder and gives them an edge, this is particually important for the younger types. ASTURIENNE looked really well when seeing her on Monday, she wouldn't be far off a run, but needs rain beforehand. LATIN SCHOLAR is also in good form after responding well to spa treatment, he is moving nicely , so it will only be 10 days before we see him on the track.

Saturday 26th September 2009 - Oxygen needed - 247-1 winner
Our bet last night at Wolverhampton, Sirenuse, was backed from 4/1 to 7/4 but trailed home last. She was later found to be in s distressed state by the vet so we wish her well & a speedy recovery. To be frank the race also left me distressed state as I couldn't work out why she ran so badly but now we know why. Today there were no bets on the line so with my chin firmly on the floor (will I ever back another winner ?) I took the short journey to Chester races with 3 friends. What happened next was quite amazing. From just 5 bets I had the winner of the 2nd race (3/1) the 4th race (85/40) and the 6th race (9/2) but the 5th race, a tricky 7f sprint made my day. I backed Brae Hill 7/1 to win & Desert Dreamer 20/1 each way. As I walked past the tote window I couldn't resist a small reversed exacta on the pair. Guess what ... the 20/1 shot beat the 7/1 shot paying a dividend of £248 for a pound stake. Oxygen was required to bring me round but a good night was subsequently had by all. It's amazing how fortunes can change so quickly so at least the chin is now just off the floor. It's important to now press on and try to bang some more winners in. On Monday I'll be travelling to see PETER GRIMES at Alan's yard, so that will be an interesting morning on the gallops.

Wednesday 23rd September 2009 - PETER GRIMES - a new addition to the string with Alan King
No betting activity to report but we do have a new horse, called PETER GRIMES, to go juvenile hurdling. Alan King kindly viewed & subsequently bought the horse on our behalf. Alan feels that Peter Grimes is an exciting prospect for juvenile hurdling given good his physical stamp & proven form with cut in the ground.
When trained by Harry Dunlop Peter Grimes was a game winner at 1m2f on good to soft ground at Folkestone. Subsequent starts at Newmarket & Newbury also show him in a very positive light when encountering a surface with some juice. His form with cut far outweighs what he managed on unsuitable fast summer ground. This augurs well for his future winter jumping career.
At Newmarket on 17th July he came 3rd staying on in game style on the stiff July course. The ground was soft & hindsight says he didn't have the best of draws in stall 2. The first five home came from stalls 16-17-2-13-18 so that was a super run given the bias. At Newbury on 2nd August he came 3rd in another decent race where the winner subsequently won twice & the 4th also won next time out. Once again he stayed on well and, encouragingly, the form has been nicely franked.
Peter Grimes has won off 64 - been placed off 70 & 66 & 65. To give a comparison with a couple of our other successful juveniles ..... Silencio was rated just 60 on the flat yet won four juvenile hurdles on the spin, rated 130 at his handicap hurdling peak. Dansimar hasn't managed to win off marks in the mid 60's yet she won her first 3 hurdles and is now a highly rated 138 mare. Alan mentioned Blazing Bailey, whom he also bought, as he had a rating of just 58 when purchased. Blazing Bailey has gone on to be very successful at the major jumping festivals winning at both Aintree & Punchestown.
PETER GRIMES is by ALTHAARTH. He is the sire of Iktitaf (ran in Champion Hurdle), Admiral (top class handicapper), Torphechen (highly touted David Pipe horse who won first two over hurdles) Masked Man (won for Alan on debut) and Thaawat (led 4yo champion hurdle at Punchestown until falling at the last). His offspring take well to the jumping game, they stay well, have no problem with winter ground.
Having run recently Peter Grimes is still pretty fit and will only need a few weeks at Alan's to be properly schooled before we can consider an entry.

COSTS & CONTRACTUAL DETAIL

* Standard small & personal syndicate of just 8 x 12.5% shares
* £3,500 purchase fee for each 1/8th share
* £285pm all inclusive training fee
* Fully vetted before purchase
* Initial contract starts October 1st 2009, ends May 31st 2011
* Option to retain or sell your share at end of initial contract
* To go juvenile hurdling in the 2009-2010 season
* Well made & at 16 hands plus he is big enough to go chasing longer term

With just 2 shares remain unsold in Peter Grimes so if you're interested in taking a share please contact me in the short term. 01691 653 269.

Saturday 19th September 2009 - Beaten before we start
Sometimes flat racing really gets under the skin. Today we saw a big draw bias, favouring low numbers, on the straight track at Ayr which stuffed our chances with Redford 12/1 & Conniption 8/1 before the stalls were opened. It's most disappointing when this happens as you can't predict it and can do nothing about it when you're affected negatively. Redford loves a big field with pace to follow & to weave through but he was left with just 8 runners on his side once the field split. It was interesting to hear some of the jockeys when interviewed before the race as defeat had already been accepted by those drawn high. I suppose draw bias does even out itself out in time but it's still a pain when it happens. It's not right that horses drawn on the wrong side, as at Ayr, have a wasted jorney to the track.

Thursday 17th September 2009 - Red hot to an ice cold bath
The positives came with two ante post bet updates. REDFORD (12/1 Ayr Gold Cup) was first out the hat so had pick of the draw in 26 for Saturday's cavalry charge. He will be ridden by Hayley Turner, the ground should be fine, and is now a 8/1 shot best. DARLEY SUN 16/1 (now 6/1) needs about a dozen to come out of the Cesarewitch to ensure he gets a run but is being targeted at the race by his trainer. On official ratings he's 12lb well in after his new handicap mark was made public, plus he has a good 3lb claimer booked to ride who can do 7st 8lbs. The downside was my ice cold spell continuing with 3 bets (all to minimum stakes at big odds) going down the tubes. One was slightly unlucky in a large field sprint but the other two never figured. This follows a red hot spell in August where just about everything won, I don't understand it, answers on a postcard please. Somedays my eye gets taken firmly off the ball (a new exciting juvenile with Alan King is definitely coming our way) and it's hard to do two things properly. When Faithful Ruler won the 4.50pm race the dog hid for cover, he should have been a bet, but I missed him to my disgust. The new juvenile will be announced next week - he needs to be vetted on Friday before money changes hands - but I'm really excited about him.

Tuesday 15th September 2009 - A busy period with the horses
Nothing to report on the punting front but a very busy period with new horses being offered to us. We are in the market for A NEW JUVENILE HURDLER and it's looking pretty hopeful that an announcement can be made soon about a new addition to the string. Alan King will train so please watch this space.

Friday 11th September 2009 - Black Clouds
A black cloud hovered above my head tonight, here's why. Darley Sun, backed at 10-1 (SP 6/1) in the marathon Doncaster Cup but was beaten a neck, worn down in the shadow of the post, by Askar Tau. He should really have won the race and it was absolutely gutting. It was a 2m2f race so the pound overweight carried by Chris Catlin must have made some difference and, more importantly, the jockey decided to change his whip hand within the last furlong which made Darley Sun drift off the rail. Watching the tape it was clear that the winner, ridden by Ryan Moore, was boxed in behind Darley Sun ( had Geordieland upsides) so he was just about to switch around Darley Sun. However when Chris Catlin swapped his whip to his left hand it gave Askar Tau a dream run up the rail. If there was a plus side to the day the suggested interest for the CESAREWITCH @ 16/1 looks very attractive as he's as low as 5/1 now. Off 7st 11lbs a worry would be getting a run but purely on handicapping he looks thrown in for Newmarket in October. My other bet Galiotto was backed from 100/30 into 9/4 but looked to be the first beaten at Wolverhampton. It's hard to tell from TV pictures but he looked to get warm at the start, never travelled (maybe he didn't like the surface), then ran a one paced 5th. The snippet, HOT PROSPECT, duly won easily but the price was only 4/5 when advised. It will be early night tonight !

Thursday 10th September 2009 - The news on Latin is encouraging
No bets today. The news on LATIN SCHOLAR is good as he has responded to treatment and will therefore commence cantering this weekend. It will be approximately 3 weeks before we can run again so there are no fixed plans at the moment. Our Portland Handicap ante post bet INtrepid Jack has a good draw in 18. The stats say carrying plenty of weight is fine, to avoid a low draw (we know that can change) and he has pace to follow with Jaconet in stall 20. The 20-1 we took is now 14-1 with the ground staying very quick, he'll love that, and with Jimmy Fortune riding that is a bonus. Fingers crossed for him. I'm nervous about tomorrow as a horse I've been patiently waiting for, with a step up in trip being important, takes part but at Wolverhampton. Will he like the surface ? Sometimes you have to go for it and tomorrow will be one of those days. I'm going to hide all sharp objects now, just in case !

Wednesday 9th September 2009 - Not consistant
I've gone (yet again) from a blinder of a spell into a very average 10 day spell. Although we have had loads of success on the flat over the years it's no secret that my bread & butter is the jumping game. However it's still very frustrating not to get any rythmn into my flat punting this summer. I backed three horses today at 7/2, 11/1 & 4/1 but they didn't trouble the judge. The reasons were one indecisive ride & two bad picks. Two bets were to absolute minimum stakes, so not much damage done, but I'm still hacked off. Watching the cricket today was a dull affair with Paul Collingwood, once again, proving snail like in the middle order with 28 runs, no boundary, from 52 balls. The opposition have now worked out that if you bowl to him with width outside off stump he struggles to score. International players like him, although a proven grafter & tough, have to do better in the modern era. I hope he does well in South Africa because if he doesn't it's the end of the line. Knowing him he'll score a 100 when on death row. The World Cup football starts in half an hour so England better clobber Croatia or it will be a bad day all round.

Tuesday 8th September 2009 - The Portland at Doncaster looms up
No bets today but we did place a few quid on a 20/1 shot for the Portland Handicap on Saturday. The mere mention of the Portland brings me out in a cold sweat as we have in the last 2 runnings backed the 2nd home. Both were 25/1 shots (River Falcon & Paradise Isle) & both were beaten in very tight photo finishes. Fortunately, at those prices, we did back them each way but it's still quite painful to think about those races. River Falcon is entered once again this weekend but he ideally needs soft ground so if the forecast is correct (hot & sunny) and they don't over water it will be very quick. Hence I've gone for a known fast ground horse ... so if the weather men get it wrong expect a large scream from Let's Live towers.

Monday 7th September 2009 - Tragic news at the weekend
It was awful to hear of the death of the two apprentices living in Malton, this type of tragedy does put everything else going on around us into perspective. One minimum stake bet at the weekend, a 16/1 shot, which ran OK but came 7th in a big field. We also had one bet, to minimum stakes again today, which got upset in the stalls due to his next door neighbour bursting through whilst under orders. Our lad fell out the traps, so game over, marvellous !! I spent a fair bit of time on Sunday watching the 50 over game bewteen England & Australia. We put in a very disappointing batting performance & lost the game. Many of our batsmen are taking up loadss of balls to play themselves in but then they waste all that effort by getting out in the 20's & 30's. Ravi Bopara is the main culprit whilst Collingwood is becoming a shotless nurdler of leg side singles (84 balls for 56 runs with just 3 shots for 4 runs). I'm also at a loss to work out why England think the bowlers, during the last 5 overs, are expected to score more runs in a powerplay than the batsmen. Why are we taking these powerplay overs so late ?

Friday 4th September 2009 - Kieron Fallon returns
No bets so this paragraph is written before racing starts. The big issue today is the return to race riding of Kieron Fallon. The media is going overboard particularly as, it could be argued, they are forgetting the reasons for his 3yr absence. It may have been better to have come back without so much self publicity with the book & the many interviews, but his punishment has been served so let's wish him well. He was without doubt a great rider, wants to prove a point, show us he's still got the total package. Hopefully Mr Fallon will allow racing to be viewed in a positive light on the sports pages and not the front pages. It will be interesting watching him today and to see the 'overbet' prices at which his mounts will start. Surely the bookies will be trying to lay all of his mounts at shorter, than they should be, prices. Well known bookmaker Barry Dennis, interviewed on ATR, has said his first mount is 4/5 but should be 2/1 on form. Could today be a bookies benefit ?

Thursday 3rd September 2009 - When the Sat Nav gets switched off
One bet today which came 4th but it's a result that I find hard to comes to terms with. The filly Conniption, with Martin Dwyer on board, was drawn ideally to race middle to stands side at Salisbury, so that looked to be perfect. That part of the track always offers up the best ground when it's soft, hence the jockeys normally make a line over that way. However, and for me inexplicably, she was steered around horses to route take options that saw her end up on the far rail & racing away from the rest of the field. The sat nav went belly up in a major way & I can't work it out. As mentioned the danger was Shamandar who won cosily under a fine ride from Michael Hills. I had a good bet on Conniption and could be accused of talking via the hip pocket. However my opinion has been backed up by Mr Hills when interviewed on RUK. He felt the field would come down the middle as the ground on far rail was chewed up, very loose & slower due to a season of wear & tear. LATIN SCHOLAR is having some magnetapulse treatment on his fetlocks over the next week to reduce the jarring effect from Warwick. Alan says it's far from serious but needs attending to. Consequently we won't see Latin for a short while but it's nothing that really concerns him.

Tuesday 1st September 2009 - One winner from three but the rain keeps falling
Three horses mentioned today. First up was Knight's Victory 4/1 at Ripon. The ground this morning was given as Good with a dry & windy day forecast (via BHA website). Jockeys riding in the opening race felt (via Racing Post website) that the ground was on the soft side. Unforcasted rain subsequently hit the track at 3pm so the ground was changed to Good to Soft, then Soft. On breeding Knight's Victory would have disliked soft ground and, therefore, it was no surprise when he finished out the back & no surprise I felt like my time had been wasted looking at Ripon form. Next up was SARAHS GIFT 5/2 (SP 7/4) who won at Newton Abbot under a terrific ride from Aidan Coleman. Two mistakes at halfway knocked the horse back but Aidan sat tight, rousted him along, took it up 2 out to win going away. On the message I said, greedily, that when pricing up the race it would be ideal to get 3's before steaming in personally. Hence I didn't have much on this winner in truth. Last up was Sea Lavender 7/2 (2nd) who ran well but as stated on the message he's one to really be involved with when stepping up to 1m4f. A stronger ride (it was an apprentice race today) may have seen him prevail here at 1m2f.

Monday 31st August 2009 - Latin sore after Warwick run & Frankie goes home
I'm writing this piece on Tuesday morning not Monday night so there is more news to hand than normal about LATIN SCHOLAR. He ran well at Warwick but faded in the final furlong beaten 3 lengths in 7th. Jimmy Quinn kindly took the ride because Frankie Dettori decided to go home 'unwell' after his last ride for Godolphin rather than stay on for his booked ride for us in the last. The less said about that the better but it left a bitter taste was a most disappointing episode. Jimmy Quinn was helpful in the parade ring, gave the horse a super ride, said he was sure to win turning in but thought Latin didn't stay. That was my own impression from the stands as he was cruising with two & half to run but Alan tells me (Tuesday morning) that Latin is sore on both fetlock joints. Watching the tape Latin changes his legs twice in the home straight so I'm inclined to think, as does Alan, that he was feeling the ground. The vet will see him tomorrow but it's nothing serious so we'll see Latin again quite soon.
The journey to Warwick took twice as long as usual due to heavy Bank Holiday traffic. Can anyone fathom out why some drivers poodle along at a ridiculously slow 40mph on a motorway ? If you're not confident or competent enough to go the required 70mph then please stay on the minor routes.
ASTURIENNE looked tremendous at Alan's on Sunday, she has filled out a lot, the trainer has high hopes for her. The open morning was, once again, very enjoyable despite the rain. Alan has a typically strong & full yard to go to war with this season so it should be exciting times at Barbury Castle. There have been no bets since Saturday.

Saturday 29th August 2009 - Frankie Dettori rides Latin at Warwick
FRANKIE DETTORI will ride Latin Scholar at Warwick on Monday in the 1m2f handicap. Latin will face 12 rivals, is drawn 7 so that's OK, ground is perfect at the moment. Due to having very little time available to study form this morning I mentioned 2 long shots (notebook horses) for today's racing at 14/1 & 12/1 to absolute mini mimimum stakes. One was unfortunate due to baulking but neither won.
I'm lucky enough to have an invite to the ALAN KING OPEN MORNING at Barbury Castle tomorrow. It's a super event and one where Alan parades over 100 horses in front of 250+ owners & guests. It should be an informative few hours.

Friday 28th August 2009 - Latin decision needs to be made
LATIN SCHOLAR will race on Monday but we need to make a decision as to where we go. The ground at Huntingdon looks like being very fast, Epsom looks quite hot, so Warwick looks the favourite at the moment. We also need to find a suitable jockey on a busy day. One bet today who came 3rd but no damage done as a saver in the place market was advised. Any Given Moment 11/2 is woefully one paced so this 1m5f even looked too short for him, plus he came 4 wide into the straight which definitely didn't help. AGM was only beaten one & half lengths so that lost ground was crucial. He could be one for a lowly handicap at 2m or even further on a galloping track like Pontefract.

Thursday 27th August 2009 - 20/1 & 16/1 each way bets landed but loads of frustration
Five horses mentioned on today's message all to small stakes, so it was a busy day, a slightly frustrating day but one where we saw a profit made. BAAHER e/w 16's (SP 20-1) nearly started the day with a bang when running an excellent 2nd at Ayr in the 1m5f handicap. He had shown improved form for Jim Goldie over hurdles since the move from Tim Pitt so I took a punt on his flat form. Unfortunately another horse theorectically well in based on jumps form, John Forbes, did for us .... the 3rd was 5 lengths back so whilst the defeat was a shame he can win soon. Faithful Ruler 13/2 also ran really well but in hindsight was maybe kicked on too soon. He was caught in the shadow of the post having traded for about 10k at 1.01 on the exchanges - 2nd again. ONE GOOD EMPEROR e/w 20's never looked like winning but managed a fast finishing 3rd in a maiden. He won't be long in winning as his trainer John Best is returning to form. Pokfulham 3/1 was a poor bet in hindsight so I was left kicking myself bar for saying keep stakes low. The price had gone a little bit and, during the race, it became clear yesterday's effort had taken it's toll. Last up was Edgewater 9's in a Lingfield nursury who came 2nd to a run away winner. We made a slight profit thanks to the place money but it could have been better.

Wednesday 26th August 2009 - So near and yet so far
Two small each way bets today with POKFULHAM 10/1 running well to get into 3rd at Ayr. He looks capable of winning soon but maybe 7f will suit better than this 6f. All looked good until entering the last furlong where he looked just a tad one paced. The 2nd bet was Bees River 25/1 (40/1 on exchanges) at Catterick in the 5f sprint. He was still a maiden after 15 runs but looked overpriced given his soft ground form & draw. Sods law applied here as he was nabbed for 3rd spot on the line by a fast finisher. These things can happen when betting at huge prices so we have to take it on the chin. Hopefully the rain will stop as plans for LATIN SCHOLAR on Monday 31st hinge on the weather.

Monday 24th August 2009 - Entry news
LATIN SCHOLAR has 3 race entries planned for Monday 31st. Firstly a 2m handicap hurdle at Huntingdon followed by two handicaps on the flat at Epsom & Warwick. As usual ground & opposition will be looked at before commiting 100%. Betting wise we have had a quiet period with just one 5/1 bet, on Saturday, called Keenes Day. He failed to handle the turns at Chester, lost his place early, then ran on into 5th beaten just 3 lengths. Chester is a unique track and you never know if a horse will act until they get there. We know now !

Thursday 20th August 2009 - Far too much to do
One bet today to small stakes Lovelace 10/1 at York. He was drawn wide in 16 so had a hard task over the 1m but we cannot use that as an excuse for his defeat - stall 14 won, stall 11 3rd. (the previous 2 winners of this race drawn 11 & 12). However while the winner & 3rd were ridden prominently Lovelace was heavily restrained, held up in last place & was given an impossible task. CRICKET . At the time of typing ENGLAND are 172-2 at the Oval with the wicket looking quite flat & sure to break up later in the match. If we are to win the game, and therefore the Ashes, we'll need a big 1st innings score so we look to be on our way. It was a shame to see Alistair Cook get out caught, yet again, in the slips. He's had a pretty poor series & must be on borrowed time. Surely you can't keep getting out the same way in nearly every innings & retain your spot. Rob Key awaits in the wings. I'm going to the match on Saturday, the atmosphere should be terrific, come on England.

Wednesday 19th August 2009 - Ebor notebook entry made
One small stake bet today with Bedloe's Island 9/2 SP 11/4 running 3rd at Carlisle. He hung quite badly in the last 2 furlongs and rather threw his winning chance away. Disappointing ! On today's message I mentioned THE BETCHWORTH KID who would have been a bet in the Ebor had there been any juice in the ground. His form is markedly better with cut so keep this lad in your notebook as he ran a blinder to finish a hampered & fast finishing 6th under Hayley Turner. His mark can't alter for this run so he'll be of definite interest next time if we get some rain. The other snippet SHOWCASING 2/1 won the Gimcrack convincingly.
A friend of mine, Paul, offered me a £50 bet. The bet between us is to get the most famous person possible to reply to a TWITTER message sent by one of us. The gloves have to be taken off for £50, it's no holds barred, so I spent last night sending pathetic messages to anyone I could locate who was a known big name such as Amanda Holden, Jordan, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Jimmy Anderson etc. Maybe I'm going down the wrong path of top celebrity as Paul has taken the lead with a reply from TIMMY MALLETT. I'm behind the 8 ball but I'll not be giving up.

Tuesday 18th August 2009 - Intrepid Jack 16/1 gives us a profit
Two small stake e/w bets today with a profit shown courtesy of INTREPID JACK 16/1 running on into 4th at York in the sprint handicap. I thought he did very well to get placed granted the amount he was given to do. Leaving the stalls he was surprisingly restrained and, consequently, was miles off the pace at half way. This horse looks a winner waiting to happen granted fast ground so, perhaps, the Portland H'cap at Doncaster might be a target as this extended 5 furlong trip suited well. Our other bet William Blake 9/1 was murdered at the 2 pole so that was game over. I did think this race looked a good opportunity (went e/w due to a poor win to run ratio) as the 1m2f trip should have suited. However maybe this habit of finding traffic isn't coincedence so he'd need to be a big price to be considered a potential bet in the future. There were no bets yesterday.

Sunday 16th August 2009 - Southwell carnage
Today we had 3 bets (2 small, 1 medium stake) but unlike yesterday things didn't pan out as well. Basra 12/1 had looked a dodgy character and definately proved it here so I'll avoid him from now. City Dancer 12/1 ran really well despite being unplaced at Pontefract. She was just about to make her challenge up the rail when the door slammed shut. I'm certain she would have got us some place money but for that so we'll keep her in mind. Rafiqa 11/4 ran a poor race when finishing 5th under Alan Munro. From stall 6 she was taken to the rail but never seemed happy, maybe due to the drying fast ground which was riding quicker than the official good to firm. Despite staying on up the hill she couldn't make any inroads. I'll give her another chance too if the race appeals. A disappointing day but can't be too upset after the spell we have had. Watching the chases from SOUTHWELL proved X rated stuff as there were fallers galore. Having stood close to those fences & heard comments from senior jockeys I wouldn't be keen to run one of ours around there. Hopefully the course executive soften them a little bit as horses appear to tip up if they brush through one. It's a quick track so the horses need a little help. Hopefully Jamie Moore & Richard Johnson are not to bad after heavy tumbles.

Saturday 15th August 2009 - Markab 5/1 & Bounty Box 7/2 do the double
It's been a super week & to end it we had a double today both at good prices. BOUNTY BOX 7/2 (SP 11/4) landed strong bets in the 6f handicap at Newmarket for the bang in form & superb Chris Wall yard. Leading at the furlong pole she just held on in a driving finish by a neck under Chris Catlin. She can go on from here. Next up was MARKAB 5/1 (SP 7/2) in the competitive Great St Wilfred sprint at Ripon. He too took up the running at the furlong pole & battled hard to prevail by a neck under Pat Cosgrave. This too was a strong bet for us & capped a wonderful & profitable day. A month ago both would have been beaten in photo's but today we had things go our way.
I spent the day at the 20/20 Finals at Edgbaston with my good mate John Evans. The cricket was entertaining, the dancing cow girls were very eye catching, they had a Ladbrokes shop on site so I could watch the 2 races, the weather was excellent, the crowd well behaved & John did the driving. Good day out, no complaints ! Marcus Trescothick smashed the ball everywhere for Somerset in both his innings so it made me wonder why he can perform that well in front of 20,000 people yet doesn't feel well enough to play Test Cricket. A big loss to England.

Friday 14th August 2009 - Latin Scholar fine this morning
LATIN SCHOLAR was fine this morning. Alan thought things didn't work out too well tactically from the stalls so, like me, thought we were given a bit to do. One bet today, a 13/2 shot, which didn't run that well after pulling hard over the first 3 furlongs. He finished 5th.

Thursday 13th August 2009 - Surprise Party lands a lumpy 2/1 bet
Went to Sandown today to see LATIN SCHOLAR race in the 1m1f handicap. He finished 5th with jockey Dane O'Neill reporting that he ran flat. All the owners thought he looked tremendous in the paddock & were upbeat before the race. The plan, which has worked successfully twice before, was from our good draw to sit behind the pace in 3rd but Dane ended up trapped on the rail in 7th place due to him restraining the horse from the gate. That was a surprising move given the tactics we asked him to follow & therefore it didn't make me smile at the time. Having won twice at 1m2f Latin would stay every yard of this shorter trip & is a little one paced so he can't come from that far back. He doesn't have an electric turn of foot, he just keeps galloping, tries hard. Still 7 to 8 lengths off the pace turning for home he found a little interference at the two pole & plugged on to be beaten 4L by the winner. At no stage did he look like winning or even getting really competitive so, from the owners perspective, it gave them little to cheer. In the curcumstancies Latin ran well so we shall try again soon. The day started in better fashion with SURPRISE PARTY 2/1 SP 13/8 landing some good bets for us in the 1m handicap. Having won easily last week at Yarmouth she looked well in with a 6lb penalty but only prevailed by a neck. However I think she can win again as she didn't handle the tight home bend, which cost her many lengths, and also found a little bit of trouble in the straight. After a dreadful spell of punting (our first real nasty period in 5yrs) through June & July this month has been terrific & we have had a brilliant run. Long may it last. Surprise Party's trainer CHRIS WALL is a much underated operator and does a brilliant job with the horses at his disposal, his handicappers improve steadily & can be followed.

Wednesday 12th August 2009 - A tale of frustration until an 11/2 winner ends the day with a smile
Unlike yesterday when Biniou was a really solid bet to decent stakes I took calculated chances, all minimum stakes, on 4 decent priced horses today. Divine Spirit 10s e/w was desperately unlucky at Beverley as he was badly hampered with a furlong to run when going very well. Tom Eaves decided to make his race winning move via a gap along the rail (traded at evens on Betfair) but it closed shut on him with the result being the inevitable crash, bang, wallop. He found more interference in 100yds than Jordan does in a packed nightclub. If the price & conditions are right next time I'll be backing this horse to make amends. Then ROYAL BET 10s e/w ran really well to be 2nd to a 2/5 favourite trained by Sir Mark Prescott (see below). He also got boxed in on the rail but it may not have been a bad thing as he hung badly (would you buy a Montjeu ?) when extracated looking a hard ride. Despite that issue he finished 8 lengths clear of the 3rd but he's not one for my shortlist next time. Today was his day maybe. Even Bolder 11/2 then took part in a 5f sprint at Sandown. Guess what - he was cantering two out when nearly put through the rail !! Once again the jockey decided to go for a gap that Twiggy in her prime would have struggled to squeeze through. Frustrating but maybe a horse to watch out for in the future. Last up was SIR ISSAC 11/2 > 4/1,under Kirsty Milczarek, who took me by surprise by bouncing out to lead. It was a pleasant surpise as he's been staying on over this 7f trip, so well done to connections for an enterprising move. He led & never looked like being headed, he won with a bit in hand to keep our winning run going as KM didn't have to get really serious. Luckily, and this was vital, he did get an easy lead tonight so if backing him again a good scan of the opposition is paramount.

Tuesday 11th August 2009 - Biniou 5/2 (R4 20p) wins easily at Nottingham
One bet today BINIOU 5/2 20p R4 (SP 7/4) who sluiced up in the 5f conditions event at Nottingham to land some good sized bets. I was pretty confident he could win given that the race was set up with plenty of pace to follow. He travelled well & was able to pounce in the final furlong to win going away under Jamie Spencer. This run went some way to proving just how unfortunate he was, when backed at huge odds, in the Stewards Cup.
LATIN SCHOLAR will face 8 rivals at Sandown on Thursday with Dane O'Neill taking the mount. The ground is drying up so I'm praying the forecast, which is dry bar a couple of little showers, is correct for a change. Latin's in good form & the race looks a decent opportunity for him to remain competitive. We welcome a new owner to the syndicate in MIKE FLEMING. Mike tells me he's had a syndicate winner at Sandown before which is better than Let's Live have managed. We have had a few horses come 2nd but that elusive Sandownwinner is hopefully just around the corner.

Monday 10th August 2009 - Lucky Art wins at Thirsk 11/4
Two bets today with LUCKY ART 11/4 (7/2 on track shows) winning nicely at Thirsk under bang in form Silvestre De Souza in the 5f sprint. He broke nicely & despite hanging a little bit from his wide draw he, unlike the last twice, didn't suffer any interference so hung on well. That race went perfectly to plan unlike Mount Hadley's (e/w 16-1) mile race at Windsor. The form book said only one horse would want the lead, so we could tuck in behind, but in reality Cape Hawk in a 1st time visor blazed off with two others which seemed to make our bet sulk a bit. He downed tools and never figured but at those prices it can happen.(NOTE - Mount Hadley won next time out 29th Aug backed 18-1 to 8-1)
LATIN SCHOLAR holds 3 entries this week Sandown (Thur), Bangor (Sat) and Bath (Sun) so we have some form book work to do in order to select the best option. Ground will be a major factor as always for him. He's in good form & worked well on Saturday. Alan reports ASTURIENNE to be in tremendous nick and is very happy with her physical state. She is trotting at the moment by will start cantering this week. She will go hurdling this autumn and is a most exciting prospect.

Saturday 8th August 2009 - Flapper does the business SP 6/1
Two bets today with FLAPPER 9/2 early 6/1 SP winning at Newmarket under good 7lb apprentice Amy Scott. It's not often a race goes as perfectly to plan as this one did but no complaints from this quarter. There looked to be no other pace in the race so it was hoped & anticipated Flapper would get an easy lead. Under a well judged ride the filly had things her own way up front, setting a decent pace, and then quickened clear leaving all her rivals flat footed to win by 6 lengths. A rare forecast bet was also advised with KINDEST running on into 2nd. The dividend paid £20.45 for a £1. Keep an eye on Kindest when the mud is flying - perhaps she was also given a bit to do on this occasion. Our other bet, Capone, was heavily backed 4/1 to 2/1 but could only manage 3rd. In hindsight it's possible the ground was too quick as he was nudged along from an early stage. A very good day to end a really bright & profitable week.

Friday 7th August 2009 - Glad we swerved Sandown with Latin
Having seen the final declarations at Sandown last night I was a bit upset. The original 34 decs looked a hot line up so Alan & I decided to swerve the race. However the final field whilst competitive had lost many of the real dark horses so, the question had to be asked, had we missed a decent opportunity for Latin Scholar ? Fortunately it turned out to be the right decision as heavy rain hit Sandown which turned the ground soft. Had we taken Latin to the track we then wouldn't have run due to unsuitable ground. One bet today, at 9/2, which got beaten.

Thursday 6th August 2009 - Winterbrook King 15/8 & Surprise Party 7/4 double up
Super day with 2 winners from 3 bets. SURPRISE PARTY 7/4 (SP 5/2) won the fillies mile handicap at Yarmouth pretty easily by 3 lengths under George Baker. She is clearly an improving filly & can go on from here. WINTERBROOK KING 15/8 then won the 2m handicap at Folkestone albeit narrowly but there is definately more to come from him too. Having hacked up on heavy at Nottingham last week this quicker ground & sharper track didn't really play to his strengths. Back on softer ground and/or a gallopping track he can win again. Maybe there is a 2m2f race at Pontefract lurking in the near future. All he does is stay. Our last bet, Pointalist 8/1, was disappointing in the 1m2f handicap.

Wednesday 5th August 2009 - Capone wins at 9/2 under Hayley
Our first betting day since Saturday. Lord of the Reins (7/1 > 5/1 SP) ran terribly despite the market confidence so my chin was on the floor after that showing. However CAPONE 9/2 (SP 5/2) won easily in the 6f handicap at Yarmouth under Hayley Turner. We can all be smug after the judge has called the result but the 11/10 favourite, Big Boom, did have questions to answer given his preference for soft ground so had to be taken on. Given that Capone had won off 68 & ran 2nd off 74 last year he looked nicely weighted off 65 tonight having beaten a big field off 62 last time. He looks full of confidence & can surely win again. I woudn't be surprised to see him out soon under a penalty as he won very easily tonight by 2 1/4 lengths.

Let's Live Racing are now on TWITTER so I'll be able to load the latest news direct from the track. When we get busy through the winter months I would hope to have some juicy snippets for you to read. Let's get tweeting !

Tuesday 4th August 2009 - Latin to miss Sandown
LATIN SCHOLAR misses Sandown on Thursday in order to wait for other opportunities at Bath, Bangor & Sandown next week. He remains in good form. We may stay on the flat or go hurdling, it will all depend on ground & opposition.

Spare a thought for IAN TAGG who is one of Latin Scholar's owners. Last week he travelled up to Perth, from his Derbyshire home, for the 3 day meeting only to get drenched on day 1 and to see days 2 & 3 abandoned due to waterlogging. He then travelled down to Goodwood only to see Latin scratched due to heavy rain. Ian took this disappointment with typical good grace & said he'll be there next time Latin runs. Having owners like Ian (multiple winner with Theatre Diva, Valleyofthedolls & Latin Scholar) involved with Let's Live is terrific as he's a true racing fan. Ian also owns a share in our new mare FLYING WHALE so I hope to see him have further success in the future.

Saturday 1st August 2009 - Latin Scholar foiled by the rain
It was a long journey down to Goodwood but it proved fruitless as heavy rain scuppered our chances of running LATIN SCHOLAR in the finale. It started raining at 11.45am so it was a surprise the ground was left as Good, G/Firm in places (given at 7am) for the first race ....however it was changed to Soft directly after that race. Why does that happen ? Surely a new going reading can be taken, say, half an hour before racing to get a better guide. Any punter who did not know there had been heavy rain would have done his dough on a fast ground horse before the stalls opened. LATIN SCHOLAR holds another engagement at Sandown on Thursday so he may go there. On the punting front it was another frustrating day with Sir Issac (backed e/w 8-1) coming 3rd after finding more traffic than you find in Piccadilly Circus in the rush hour. That was annoying. The ground came right for Biniou ante post 33-1 > 9/1 SP in the Stewards Cup but he disappointed for a number of reasons. Visability was very poor but it looked as if the field split into 2 groups with the far side group, without Biniou, going off far faster. Despite this Biniou was tucked away last in his stands side group & given a seemingly impossible task as he must have been 75yds behind after 2 furlongs. Also having watched the earlier races I felt the quickest ground was down the middle (that's where Latin Scholar's apprentice jockey would have been instructed to come) but Biniou went hard against the stands rail. That's racing and that's the way it's been going for me this flat season. There have been times my chin has been lower than a snakes belly but you have to keep fighting and keep trying to get it right. The Info Line has run for over 4yrs and has been a consistant & terrifically successful punting tool for it's followers; however since May it's been poor and that cannot be disguised. It's my job to change that, to get it right and I'll do it. On a brighter note I'm due to visit Venetia on Monday to see our new horse FLYING WHALE so that should be informative. I'll also see Dansimar & maybe talk about other horses in the yard of interest to Let's Live

Wednesday 29th July 2009 - Sweetheart wins 8/1 much to my ...........
.........annoyance. When first looking at today's 2m5f race at Goodwood yesterday afternoon this horse stood out. Unfortunately Pricewise & Mel Collier both selected him in the Racing Post so I couldn't get a bean on at 14-1 or 12-1 so left him alone at the 8's & 9's available. Bloody typical - he hacked up ! Hopefully some Info Line callers had a few quid on as he got a very positive mention in dispatches but I can't claim the winner as I didn't back him myself. The other horse mentioned today, Beyond Desire, in the 2yo maiden won at 2/1

I had lined up Lovelace for a good bet on Friday but his 4 draw is awful - the last 9 winners of this big field 1m handicap have been drawn 16 or above.

Venetia called this morning to let me know DANSIMAR had come back into the yard. Venetia said she had put plenty of condition on but that is encouraging for a mare. The hard work starts here. FLYING WHALE, our new 5yo, will arrive at the yard on Saturday so that date marks the start of another long journey. The 10mm of rain forecast to hit GOODWOOD this morning missed the track (aren't forecasts rubbish !!) so we still have hope for LATIN SCHOLAR to take his chance on Saturday on his favoured quick ground. Rain is supposed to hit later this week however.

Monday 27th July 2009 - Latin Scholar get an entry
LATIN SCHOLAR has been entered into a 1m1f handicap on Saturday at Goodwood, Alan feels the drop back in trip will suit. However there must be a doubt about him taking up the option as loads of rain is forecast for Wednesday & Saturday. We shall hold our breath on that race & look for alternatives. One bet, at 6/1, today which was pulled up at Uttoxeter after failing to settle & pulling too hard for a mile. Our other ante post bet, for the STEWARDS CUP, looks like getting the rain it needs so it's current 33-1 price should contract.
Please have a look at our website as a new page has been loaded highlighting a new service. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY PRE RACE PREVIEWS is a market we wish to move into & feel we can be successful at. If you hire a box, have a special occasion, maybe we could be of service to you.

Sunday 26th July 2009 - Darley Sun wins at 7/2
No bets on Saturday or Sunday but it was a welcome return to the winners enclosure with DARLEY SUN 7/2 on Friday at Ascot. Unexposed at 2m he absolutely hacked up by 10 lengths which, in hindsight, was probably too far for handicapping purposes. His mark might be shot now but even a stronger pace would suit, so we shall see. Our other bet, Great Charm 8/1, was beaten at Doncaster but a good winning day. Hooray & the world looks a brighter place.

Thursday 23rd July 2009 - Latin plan for Goodwood
LATIN SCHOLAR will get an entry at Goodwood on Stewards Cup day, 1st August. It's a 1m1f handicap 0-90. We shall see how the weights look & assess the ground which is currently good but with rain forecast for next week. One bet today which ran a very average race in the 6f sprint at Doncaster. Never had a bad run like the current so maybe a call to the Samaritans might help. "Hello I'm Mark - can you give me a winner please ? " would be something like the start of the conversation

Monday 20th July 2009 - Utmost Respect
Horse racing is a great sport but in the blink of an eye lid one of the stars can be taken away. Multiple group winner UTMOST RESPECT, a winner of 8 races and 240k, died today after contacting peritonitis whilst being treated for another problem. The horse did me / Info Line followers a massive favour when winning the 2007 Ayr Silver Cup without coming off the bridle. We had placed ante post bets on him for the Gold Cup at 16-1 but he missed the cut, so we lumped on for the Silver Cup instead. There was never a moments worry as this unexposed sprinter, loving the soft ground, won easily. He is a sad loss.

On a happier topic we thrashed the Aussies today in the 2nd Test !!. The star was Andrew Flintoff (5 wickets) who bowled as quickly & as hostile as I've ever seen in his last Lords Test. It was a terrific performance considering he is carrying a nasty knee injury. Greame Swann was top drawer too with 4 wickets. If Freddie he stays fit for the next 3 tests we might just win the Ashes back.

Flintoff's fast bowling, which seemed to scare the daylights out of some Aussie batsman, reminded me of a humerous story from my own club, Wanstead CC, that happened many years ago.

Wanstead produced it's first test cricketer in 1964 when left arm pace bowler Fred Rumsey was capped by England. Fred is a lovely bloke but very quick & enjoyed being quite nasty with it on the field of play. A few years after his England debut Fred took the trouble to play in an "inter club" benefit match at Wanstead but insisted on opening the bowling. Facing him as opening batsman was 65 year old Jack Ware .... Jack was half blind & had never gone above club 3rd XI level in his entire career.

Jack wasn't looking forward to facing Fred but still took guard. The first ball of the match whistled past Jack's nose at a rate of knots with Fred giving Jack a stare that would have curdled milk. The second ball smashed into Jack's pads upon which England's Fred let out a huge " Howazaaaaaat " appeal. The umpire said " Not Out " however Jack said " Oh yes it effing is " and promptly marched off the pitch for a large brandy.

Wanstead have produced many county cricketers but have also seen James Foster make the step up to full international honours. At least he won't frighten anyone with his bowling.

Saturday 18th July 2009 - Stumped
It was another dreary punting day with one sadly going lame and two second placed. I'm stumped by my loss of form and cannot fathom out why it's happening. It's the worst run I've personally had in a decade and much of it is hard to take. One runner up was beaten by a horse of whom the trainer said " he won't act on this soft ground" .... but it did. Other horses who we have backed, only to find trouble, have subsequently won next time but my lack of confidence has stopped me backing them. My preference has always been for punting over the sticks but I'm only one winner away from a good run starting so I'm trying to stay positive.
At least we're giving the AUSTRALIANS a good hiding in the Lords Test being over 500 ahead with 2 days still to play. Six years ago I went to Australia to watch the two tests in Melbourne & Sydney. It was a great trip as the country is superb & Aussies were a friendly bunch (we were getting thrashed so why not talk with, or was that gently sledge, the English) so some good friendships were made. One guy I met, Ross Corbett, has made a reciprocal visit to England this summer so he has lodged with us over the last few days. It's therefore been highly enjoyable watching Aussie wickets tumble & England rack up the runs as, had the boot been on the other foot, I'm sure some friendly verbals would have come my way.
I can still recall walking down the steps of the plane at Melbourne Airport after a tiring a 23hr flight ... turning to my mate to say "thank god that's over" but with a obvious London accent. A baggage handler smiled at me and said " Hi mate, are you here for the cricket ? Bad luck as you're 3-0 down already but enjoy the trip Pom". I'd only been on Australian soil about 3 seconds yet a dig in the ribs had been delivered by a grinning Aussie. Consequently it's a terrible shame that Ross is moving on tomorrow as an England victory is surely just around the corner. With luck his mobile will be left switched on.

Thursday 16th July 2009 - Only 2 shares remain in Flying Whale
Our new recruit, FLYING WHALE, is proving very popular as only 2 shares remain to be taken in her. This isn't surprising as she is highly promising having already won a point and will be housed by Grand National winning trainer Venetia Williams. Full details can be found on this website by viewing the Horses for Sale or Lease tab.

Wednesday 15th July 2009 - Latin runs a gallant 4th
LATIN SCHOLAR ran well tonight at Kempton under Byron Moorcroft. His poor draw, in stall 2, did hinder as Latin was forced out wide around the bends, this must have counted against him. He travelled really well however (traded at 1.2 in running) and entering the straight looked the winner but sadly he flattened out & was a little one paced in the last furlong. The winner was very impressive but Latin wasn't beaten far by the 2nd so we think he can win again. In my present punting form it was no surpise to see him beaten on the nod for 3rd. Ideally Byron should have been stronger with Latin in the last furlong as he does respond to pressure but that was only inexperience on his part. I rather see a horse given one smack less than one too many .... however he didn't get any in this case. Byron, who joins Alan this month, is a very promising lad who will do well for the yard. Should we stay on the flat with Latin it might be we drop back to 1m or 1m1f as he travels well & really needs a fast pace to come off. He is developing all the time and will make a fine 2m chaser one day.

Tuesday 14th July 2009 - Flying Whale - a new addition to the team
LATIN SCHOLAR returns to the track tomorrow in an apprentice 1m3f handicap on Kempton's all weather. The experienced Bryon Moorcroft rides. Alan reports Latin to be in good form but this race will be far tougher than Chepstow. Fortunately there looks to be plenty of pace in the race so we will have something to latch on to from a fairly wide draw. DARYAL has been retired after a poor showing last Monday at Windsor. His owners are terrifically loyal & kind so they want the horse to enjoy his later retirement years at a new home . DARYAL won 5 races (one chase, one on the flat, three hurdles) in his career to give the syndicate many happy racing days. Sadly he was injury prone but was still a wonderful servant, he will now enjoy the rest of his days in comfort.

We have a new addition to the Let's Live Racing string in FLYING WHALE. She is a 5yo mare to be trained by Venetia Williams. Full details can be found on the Horses For Sale / Lease tab on this site. We are excited about her. Contact me if you're interested in a share.

Sunday 5th July 2009 - Daryal may go to Windsor
DARYAL is declared to race at Windsor on Monday with George Baker on top ... however we need some rain. The ground is currently good to firm so we need the forecast to be right. He does have an alternative entry at Kempton, see below. A black cloud is currently hanging over my head because my punting has ben awful with 4 bets on Friday & Saturday failing to trouble the judge. One ran like it didn't want to win, one went lame, one got a shocker of a ride & the other was beaten by an unrelaible type wearing blinkers for the first time. The mood isn't good as it would be an understatement to say this flat season has been poor. In 5 years of doing the Info Line it's the longest run of poor form experienced. We are still miles ahead but that is nothing to be proud of. Grim times.

One thing that did bring a smile was a conversation with GARY MOORE about Daryal's alternative engagement. The race at Kempton is being used to trial something new (I think it's absolutely bonkers) to attract race goers. The race will be run accompanied by the ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA playing the William Tell overture from the middle of the track. I asked Gary if he had tried Daryal at home with headphones, tuned into Classic FM of course, to ensure he went well with music. Gary said he had tried an IPod so we were OK to run him.

Over the years I've had many interesting conversations with Daryal's enthusiastic team of owners to work out exactly what conditions he ideally needs to be seen at his best. Somehow we left out musical accompaniment so maybe I should die on my sword for that omission. What if he gets beat by a short head - so we keep him right handed at Kempton and to classical music or move him to another track with reggae.

Thursday 2nd July 2009 - Clerks need to answer some questions
No bets today. I thought there were some good opportunities but due to multiple NR's the value disappeared as did some of my fancies. Most have been scratched due to fast ground in, what are, tropical conditions.

Clerks do have a hard job but the subject of watering has reared it's head this week particularly with the situation at FOLKESTONE'S where the long-standing track bias was turned upside down after course management disclosed in response to eyecatching GoingStick readings that it had adopted an amended watering policy. The evidence of the first race suggested the stands' side advantage had been eliminated, but it has been replaced by a marked far-side advantage. Jamie Spencer commented "It's soft on the stands' side and firm on the far side." Clerk of the course Neil Mackenzie Ross confirmed that he had taken steps to eliminate the traditional stands' rail bias in the straight after penetrometer readings suggested the far side (GoingStick 9.8) would ride marginally quicker than the stands' side (8.6). That is quite a discrepancy but at least the Clerk has been honest with his 'across the track' readings.

I read with interest an article on the ATR website by pundit & jockey agent HUGH TAYLOR. Mr Taylor is a fine analyst & the article is well worth a read as it raises many important & valuable points but as a snippet ... he asks what is good to firm going?

The example below is just one of many that has puzzled punters. It is taken from the last six meetings at Thirsk, but there are plenty of similar examples available at other racecourses. Most punters who have paid attention to the debate about going stick readings are aware that readings are not transferable from one course to another because of the different soil types — but we need an explanation of why the readings are not equating to the official going at the same track.

Thirsk last 6 meetings
11.5 good to firm
10.7 good to firm
10.6 firm
10 good (good to soft in places)
9.8 good (good to firm in places)
good to firm (no information)

In the past I've written about how our own horses have suffered because of inaccurate or confusing going reports (Towcester and Haydock at the top of the pile) which caused unneccessary expense & some poor racing days for LLR owners. Mr Taylor's article highlights exactly what punters, owners & trainers have to put up with on a regular basis. It just isn't good enough. Thirsk have questions to answer.

We have been using going sticks for a few years now so surely now is the time to get the system changed and put right for the good of everybody.

Wednesday 1st July 2009 - Worcester cancel due to the heat
No bets today. Armed with factor 30 I took the drive down to WORCESTER RACES this afternoon but we only saw one race. The meeting was abandoned after the opener as the horses were getting too warm & dehydrated before and during the racing. I can vouch for that as huge amounts of water taken on board did nothing for my own temperature, it was as hot as I can recall in the UK. Not to be put off we took the half mile walk back to New Road (Worcestershire CCC) to view the last few hours of England A verses Australia. It was the tourists warm up (no pun !!) for the first test at Cardiff so it's a big game. Mike Hussey got a very impressive not out 130 for the Aussies whilst Onions & Harmison bowled very well (Mamhood bowled some buffet help yourself pies) to press their claims for a Test spot. Congratulations go to the England lads for keeping the revs up despite equator like conditions. DARYAL was not declared at Sandown on Friday as the ground will be too fast. Instead he holds an entry at Windsor (Mon) and Kempton (Wed) so we'll not have long to wait to see him race. We need ran at Windsor but no such problems on the all weather track at Kempton.

Tuesday 30th June 2009 - Latin Scholar up 2lbs for his win
LATIN SCHOLAR was raised 2lbs for winning at Chepstow last Monday. We can have no complaints about that as the 2nd, beaten a nose, was also raied 2lbs & ran very well from 8lb out the handicap next time. We can look for something suitable for him now. No bets Monday or Tuesday.

Sunday 28th June 2009 - Review
Having been a speedway fan from childhood I really enjoyed going to the Millenium Stadium to weatch the British GP yesterday. You could not get a better atmosphere, a slicker presentation, coupled with some superb racing. Jason Crump was awesome in winning but Hans Anderson, backed each way at 25-1, gave me my only winner of the day when he came 3rd. It gave me something to smile about as the horses contrived to get beaten in some weird ways. Jimmy Styles 7/2, back on his favoured fast ground, was making his challenge two out when another horse carried him right across the track. I was disappointed to see him come wide, there did look to be a golden highway along the rail, but he may have awon anyway bar the barge. In the 2m Northumberland Plate we backed The Betchworth Kid 12/1 and Tilt 20/1. The race turned out to be a farcical tactical affair run at a crawl & gave a probable fluke result therefore. Tilt was held up out the back by design and it was no surprise to see him run on well but only into 6th. It was a tough ask from so far back in a slowly run race. Betchworth was badly hampered in the first furlong & got shuffled back. He never recovered & found more interferrence trying to come through a crowd up the straight. Remarkably he was the only horse drawn between 1-5 not to finish in the first four home. Frustrating as conditions were ideal. Game Lad 12/1 was beaten fair & square in the 7f sprint. Not a good day therefore but we had zero go our way. No bets on Sunday. On Tuesday we shall find out the new mark for LATIN SCHOLAR and then we can plan ahead.

Tuesday 23rd June 2009 - Latin Scholar fine this morning
No bets today. LATIN SCHOLAR is in good form this morning but there are no plans to run quickly. he only won by a nose so he'll go up less than any potential penalty. It was a thrilling race and a fine ride by Dane O'Neill.

I had to laugh at one comment on the BETFAIR FORUM. One nameless face slagged off Dane for putting his whip down in the final furlong as they reckoned that's why Latin nearly got caught in the final strides. This surprised me as Dane was called into the stewards room post race ..... he was banned for two days due to excessive use of the whip. On a more general note I feel the Betfair Forum should be policed better as there are too many numpties allowed to write drivel, which is often nasty & blasphemous, which only does damage. If all users had to use their real name it would put a stop to 99% of the rubbish. It's a shame as there are some terrific posts from genuinely informed and opinionated people who discuss racing issues / individual races in a constructive manner.

Monday 22nd June 2009 - Latin Scholar wins a thriller at Chepstow 7/2
Firstly can I give my apologies for not updating the site for a few days but I suffered a family bereavement at the weekend. Normal service is now resumed.

LATIN SCHOLAR did his owners proud this evening at Chepstow, under Dane O'Neill, to win the 1m2f handicap by the shortest margin at 100/30 SP. He was heavily backed from 9/2 on course (can owners form an orderly queue please) after being generally available at 7/2 (5.2 exchanges) at message time. Hopefully those ringing the Info Line availed themselves to a decent wager as the trainer had told me he was confident of a massive run. Alan was spot on as Latin looked tremendous in the paddock and ran a blinder. Tactically the early part of the race went perfectly as the pace we identified did materialise ...... however the leader, favourite I'm In The Pink who was cruising 3 out, faded quite quickly at the 2 pole thus leaving Dane in front too early through no fault of his own. Latin went 2 lengths clear with a furlong to run but seemed quite pleased with himself as he only just held on by a nose. I'm told the eventual 2nd traded at 1.1 in the photo on Betfair. The owners at the track thought we had been pipped but fortune favoured us tonight on the nod. It was super to see first time winners SUE BROOKS, ANDY MERRION & NORMAN SUTTON pick up the prize & enjoy the champagne after the race.

Latin Scholar was purchased as a hurdler (and future chaser) but with jump races thin on the ground we may stay on the flat for a while. ONE SHARE REMAINS UNSOLD @ £2,500 in this horse. If you're interested in owning a proven winner and one who will win over hurdles / fences please call me.

Our ante post bet for the Wokingham Jimmy Styles proved undone by the draw on Saturday. Same thing happened last year in this race ..... previously low draws looked best but a high draw proved decisive on Saturday. Maybe the fresh strip of ground on the far side gave better purchase than the worn / loose strip on the stands side ..... or more likely there was just more pace in the high numbers as, surprisingly, a few middle drawn pace setters went far side. Only 8 remained on the stand rail.

UPDATE - Trainer Clive Cox reported in the Racing Post on Tuesday 23rd that watering was the cause of Jimmy Styles demise. Having walked the track prior to the race confidence was taken away by 4mm watering plus 2mm of rain. he felt it had got into the worn ground on stands side.

Thursday 18th June 2009 - Ascot day 3
Today's one mile Britannia H'cap proved there was, yet again, no draw bias on Ascot's straight track (UPDATE - there was later in the week). A straight line is the shortest route from A to B so, therefore, why do some jockeys insist on making a violent zig zag across a track ? Watching the tape illustrated that some feel getting across from one side to the other is a shrewd tactical move - But why ? Surely the horse is running further & also being taken off an even keel. If there is pace to follow why not keep it simple & keep straight.

It was interesting to hear trainer Mark Johnston prior to the race as he had instructed his jockeys to keep straight from middle draws particularly as there was loads of pace down that strip. However Royston Ffrench (drawn 19) on Mr Johnston's Roman Republic was only 3 off the rail after two furlongs whilst Jamie Spencer (drawn 13) on eventual 2nd Secret Society went sharp left from the stalls to tag on to the back of the stands side group. The tape then shows that Secret Society, who was only beaten a head, come hard right handed at the 2 pole thereby ending back where he started from slap bang in the centre. This longer path from start to finish may have cost him the race (or was it tactically astute, Mr Spencer is a brilliant jockey - so you decide). Jockeys have a terribly hard job, and one they do to an incredibly high standard on the majority of occasions, but why not keep things simple by not trying to beat the laws of geometry.

We had bets in two races but had no luck. Roman Republic 9/1 & Hyades 20/1 ran in the Britannia. Hyades was backed each way, 5 places, and ran really well but sadly came 6th. Roman Republic took a weird course but wasn't good enough. In the King George we ended up on two horses for which there was floods of money in Zarinski (15/2 > 5/1) and Highland Glen (11/1 > 6/1). Both suffered interference in the first 2 furlongs so were further back than ideal. The first named tried to get competitive by making up his ground going up hill from Swinley Bottom but it cooked his goose whilst Highland Glen ran on well from a shocking position turning for home. It was a rough race so it was unfortunate he was that far back, hence he may not be one to give up on for later in the season. There were 19 runners in this race yet with 18 attempts at picking the winner I'd have missed it. Cosmic Sun a 66-1 shot, a maiden after 10 runs, and from out the handicap did the business. A remarkable effort. YATES was magnificent when winning his 4th Gold Cup so well done to him & connections.

Wednesday 17th June 2009 - Hunt Cup victory with Forgotten Voice 9/2
We got the winner of the Hunt Cup today with FORGOTTEN VOICE 9/2 (R4 20p) but it was an sorry race for some connections with 3 being withdrawn at the start. The winner was working like a Group horse and so it proved as he won cosily under Johnny Murtagh to land some good bets. We did split our stakes with 2 other bets in the race but Docofthebay was withdrawn after being spooked & rearing in the stalls whilst Final Verse 40/1 lost his chance when Roaring Forte suffered the same fate as Docofthebay. Roaring Forte (draw 20) was the only true pace setter drawn above 15. Hence Final Verse (drawn 22) had nothing to take him along once the field had split so that was his race over. Take note of LOVELACE who 'won the race' on the far side by some distance. He may only have finished mid division overall but it was a notable performance.

With two thirds of the Hunt Cup field choosing to race up the stands rail it's hard to be sure if there is a true draw bias. The jockeys must think it's the place to be, as they did at the start of last year's RA, but things changed rapidly after day 3. None the less when the draw for the Wokingham is made tomorrow I would anticipate a shake up in the market solely on Hunt Cup evidence. We are on JIMMY STYLES 9/1 ante post (working like a star) but if he gets a high number we may see a
drift. I'm more worried about him getting the fast ground he needs. As long as he has pace to follow I'm not fussed.

Have you noticed how well the AMERICAN & AUSTRALIAN horses are doing this year. Well done to them and more success will follow but doesn't it make it hard to anaylse the form. All that is obvious is that when they come over it's not a wasted fare. I did have to laugh when JOHN McCRIRICK said the Aussies were loud and uncouth. Amazing. Lastly ..... the Racing Post was much brighter today as it had a picture of the lovely AMANDA HOLDEN on the front page. No complaints there.

Tuesday 16th June 2009 - Latin Scholar entry & Treadwell unlucky
Treadwell 33/1 ran a blinder today and was unfortunate not to make the frame behind ultra impressive winner Canford Cliffs. Treadwell had a super position leaving the stalls but stumbled (I thought he had broken down) after a furlong thus losing a couple of lengths. He then got on to the shirt tails of the leaders but found trouble on at least 2 occasions to deny him a run. The winner had flown but Treadwell stayed on nicely, not beaten far, into 5th. He is one to follow, maybe over further than 6f, later in the season. LATIN SCHOLAR has 2 entries on the flat at Haydock (Sat) and Chepstow (Mon) with the latter being most favoured at the moment. Haydock report firm ground and, worryingly, also say it's worn. What is happenning at this once great track ! We have had loads of fun & games with the Haydock ground over the past year but to have worn ground on the flat track in mid June is mind boggling.

Monday 15th June 2009 - Paddy Power bookmakers
Back to work today but no bets on today's racing. However I still have an interesting tale to tell, relating to PADDY POWER BOOKMAKERS, that will illustrate how hard it is to get even the smallest bet placed with some bookmakers. It will also illustrate quite a bit about the firm in question - please make up your own mind about their trading policy.

Whilst on leave over the last 2 weeks I only had one day's gambling, at Sandown on June 4th, and it was a great success as I managed to back 3 double figure priced winners including TREADWELL 18-1 who won the opening maiden. He was unraced but the racecourse rumour mill (including a positive mention in the Post) rated him as Jamie Osborne's best juvenile. Despite a terrible draw and likely greeness he was expected to run well here before going on to Royal Ascot. He fell out the stalls but quickly took control to win easily. Happy days, get the beers in !!

Anyhow ........ a couple of days ago Jamie Osborne said on ATR that Treadwell had improved about a stone for the Sandown race & thought he would run very well in the Coventry at Ascot. I didn't give it a thought until late on today when I spotted that Paddy Power were offering 40-1 so decided to place a very small bet on the horse. Having had a few previous negative experiences of Paddy Power knocking me back I only asked for £15 each way & £5 win @ 40-1.

The lovely girl taking my call at Paddy Power apologised but as "no racing traders were present" they had to restrict my bet to just £10 each way & £5 win. However I could call back in the morning to place more on the horse if required. Amazing and guess what .... not two minutes after my small bet was placed the price was cut to 25-1. Therefore I guess Paddy Power must have found a trader from somewhere ... so I'll not be calling back on Tuesday morning to top up with another tenner. God help this company (profit of 72m in 2008) should Treadwell win on Tuesday as they may have to close down to pay out.

Monday 1st June 2009 - Holiday
I'M ON ANNUAL LEAVE. CONSEQUENTLY THE WEBSITE WILL NOT BE UPDATED UNTIL I RETURN ON MONDAY 15th JUNE.

Monday 1st June 2009 - Scorching Saturday
It was an incredibly hot day and the heat must have gone to my head as I noted 7 horses on the message. TILT e/w 20/1 ran a blinder to be a really close 3rd at Haydock whilst RIGGINS and ALRASM both advertised their Royal Ascot claims with smooth wins at Goodwood and Doncaster respectively. The other 4 ran disappointing races it must be said. LATIN SCHOLAR is now back in work and we can expect to see him in approximately 2 weeks. If we keep getting warm weather the ground will be perfect for him.

Tuesday 26th May 2009 - Bank holiday review
A fairly quiet time on Monday & Tuesday with just 2 bets (8/1 & 5/1) but sadly no luck. Today's bet, Stamford Blue, was given an inept ride by an apprentice as he recklessly chased hard after a tearway leader & was predictably shattered entering the last furlong. Can't complain as I knew he was riding before placing my bet but a pain nonetheless. I was lucky enough to attend the final of the PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS at Wembley Arena last night. The promotion really know how to put on a show so you can't help yourself when joining in the singing, chanting & terrible binge drinking. We are all allowed an occasional night off the leash ... my head told me yesterday was the day. I vaguely recall James Wade winning.

Sunday 24th May 2009 - Jimmy Styles wins at Newmarket 7/2
Two bets today firstly with a medium sized stake on JIMMY STYLES 7/2 hitting the target at Newmarket in a 6f sprint. He looks a well handicapped horse as he cruised up on the bridle 2 out and despite winning cosily he idled in front. There is more in the locker so granted fast ground he could be just the type for the Wokingham. Our other bet, Extra Bold 3/1 to small stakes, was pulled up after making a few mistakes in a 3m chase at Uttoxeter. Still it was a good profitable day. We've hit a bit of form in the last few days & about time too. Losing runs are part & parcel of this job, we all suffer occasionally, but they are never nice. Hopefully we can keep up the decent work until taking a break after next weekends racing.

Saturday 23rd May 2009 - Desert Creek 9/4 lands a gamble
A good days punting with 3 bets & 1 snippet yielding 2 winners. DESERT CREEK 9/4 (SP 5/4) landed some hefty bets when winning the Silver Bowl at Haydock. He won cosily and can go on from here. BOUVARDIA 11/2 also won a competitive sprint at Newmarket over 6f and could be the type to take in the Wokingham at Ascot on fast ground. I travelled down to Wembley today for the Shrewsbury Vs Gillingham game. Great stadium, terrible game & a poor result for an adopted Shropshire lad like me as the Gills won 1-0. It was the right result as Shrewsbury looked toothless & never worried the Gills keeper. Maybe next year !

Friday 22nd May 2009 - Tartatartufata 12-1 e/w grabs 3rd
One bet today TARTARTUFATA 12-1 e/w who managed to hang on to 3rd in a competitive little sprint at Haydock, so a small profit shown. Things looked really rosy going to the furlong pole (traded at 1.66 in running) but she was claimed in the last 100yds. She has dropped to a nice mark & granted soft ground can win a little 5f race soon.

Thursday 21st May 2009 - Angel Rock wins at 9/1
Three bets today with 5/1 & 25/1 getting beaten however ANGEL ROCK 9/1 won in fine style at Haydock in a competitive handicap. The world feels a better place right now. We do not have any entries on the horizon so it's a quiet period for our string.

Wednesday 20th May 2009 - Kandjar & Oscar sold
KANDJAR DALLIER was sold to go pointing this afternoon at Doncaster for 15,000g. It's very sad to see the old boy go to a new home but he'll do really well pointing. OSCAR JACK also went through the ring but was sold for just 2,000g also to go pointing. Venetia reported business at the sale to be very weak & none of her horses sold well. One bet today 7/2 which was unplaced, he didn't act on the track at Goodwood. Nothing surprises me at the moment such is my poor form. If the flights hadn't already been booked I'd have brought forward my holiday as the head needs to clear all the negative thoughts & some enthusiasm for looking at a form book needs to return. It's been a bloody long season without a break. (Please remind me not to moan or grumble again as I could be working down a coal mine or digging roads. I'm lucky to have a great job.) With KANDJAR & OSCAR leaving and VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS going to stud our string has been made smaller. However new horses will come along in the autumn which is always exciting.

Monday 18th May 2009 - Dansimar runs 3rd at Bath
DANSIMAR ran 3rd at a very soggy Bath today under Will BIddick. Everything was looking rosy until the eventual winner,Corking, slipped his field turning for home & we were left flat footed. The ground lost there proved decisive and we could only plug on at one pace up the straight. Dansimar will now have a long & deserved break over the summer. We shall look forward to seeing her in November back over hurdles. LATIN SCHOLAR has been given an antibiotic jab by Alan's vet (purely precautionary) so will not be out for 3 weeks.

Friday 15th May 2009 - Oscar Jack disappoints at Aintree
It was a wet & soggy night at Aintree plus a very disappointing evening. OSCAR JACK was cruising along going to 4 out, jumped it well, then stopped as if he had been shot. He came back with a huge gash in his hind leg courtesy of being struck into. Oscar is due to be sold this week at Doncaster so it's a sad end to his Let's Live Racing career. He'll be a good buy for someone as his form is good enough to give loads of fun, both chasing & hurdling, particularly if he can be taught to settle. We had lond priced bets in two races but neither won. My punting form is still poor & my chin(s) are on the floor right now. I'll keep going until June 1st & then have 2 weeks holiday without looking at a form book or a horse race. DANSIMAR will be declared to race at Bath on Monday with Will Biddick taking the ride. However she will need the forecast rain to hit the track thus tyrning the ground to Good.

Thursday 14th May 2009 - Oscar Jack declared at Aintree
OSCAR JACK will race in the 3m conditional jockeys handicap hurdle tomorrow night at Aintree. Any rain that hits the track will help ! Aidan Coleman, the reigning Champion Conditional, can claim a very useful 3lbs as he is riding for his retained stable. The step up in trip should, according to jockey & trainer, suit the horse so we live in hope of a good run. LATIN SCHOLAR is having 10 days on the easy list after having an antibiotic jab. Alan hasn't been happy with his team for a short while so, after scoping them, he has decided to get everything jabbed. He'll be back in about 3 weeks. NO bets yet again today.

Sunday 10th May 2009 - Bouvardia 7/4 wins & entry news
OSCAR JACK has good prospects of getting a run with rain forecast later in the week. He holds an entry at Aintree on Friday & Bangor on Saturday. Whilst we are pleased to see rain for him it's not welcome for LATIN SCHOLAR. He holds an entry at Bangor on Saturday plus Uttoxeter & Stratford later next week. We shall see what ground we get before deciding where we go. DANSIMAR has 3 race entries planned at Bath, Goodwood & Haydock with Bath (18th) being the first opportunity. She will only run if we get some cut in the ground. We had 3 bets on Saturday with BOUVARDIA 7/4 winning at Nottingham to reward heavy support, her SP was Even money. Trafalgar Bay ran well (e/w 16-1) for us to be 5th. He was slowly away in a big field & was hampered due to having, surprisingly, no pace on his side. I'm not giving up on him as he can win soon.

Wednesday 6th May 2009 - Dansimar misses Nottingham
The ground will be too quick for DANSIMAR on Saturday so a decision has already been made to miss that race. She will get an entry at Bath 18th, Goodwood 20th & Haydock 21st. With 3 races to choose from I'm praying we get some juice in the ground & can race before she goes on her holidays. One bet today Kings Destiny 3/1 who ran 4th. My poor (rubbish to be frank) run continues as this guy didn't settle & had to come wide around the turns at Chester which is never ideal. It was another losing horse that I've backed from the brilliant Michael Jarvis yard, which is annoying, as I can normally get his yard right. Ideally I would have gone on leave by now (after 8 months solid without any break the form book holds little appeal at 8am daily right now) but we still have some runners to field later this month so that's impossible. My punting plan until the end of May will be to scale down the number of bets & the stake placed (as we did today) until a welcome return to form looks on the horizion. We have had a terrific 12 months punting, have made loads of profit, but have had all the normal ups & downs in that period that punters suffer. No punter wins all year round but the last 3 weeks have been the biggest blip I've had for a long while. Working out why is the big question to solve.

Monday 4th May 2009 - Entry news
No bets today. DANSIMAR has an entry at Nottingham on Saturday over 1m6f. For her to run we would need plenty of rain thus turning the race into a stamina test. OSCAR JACK has added Uttoxeter to his list of race entries on Sunday for a handicap chase. He needs rain too.

As our running plans dwindle in readiness for the summer break I'll only be updating the website when there is something valuable to tell you. Please check back on a daily basis however as it only takes a few moments to log on.

Sunday 3rd May 2009 - Dansimar beaten - Hitman Hatton thrashed
DANSIMAR was soundly beaten last night into 5th at Doncaster which was most disappointing. Steve Drowne said the race rode like a good race, they went a proper gallop, but Dansimar wants far more cut in the ground and/or further than 1m6 & half furlongs. She plugged on gamely but was one paced up the straight. Steve said the ground wasn't the official Good but was pretty quick !!!! He feels she can win on the flat but suggested a marathon trip as all she does is stay. We may give her another run providing we get some rain before sending her on a nice holiday. We had one bet yesterday, a 4/1 shot, who came 4th so my form remains lousy. I stayed up all night to watch the RICKY HATTON fight but it was all over in a flash as he was knocked out cold in two very one sided rounds by Manny P. It was sad to see him beaten so heavily, totally outclassed, but maybe the years of getting fat between fights has taken their toll. He's had a super career, been world champ at two weights & made a fortune, so maybe retirement beckons for him now. I hope he gives up as he could get badly hurt but boxers are often the last to realise that.

Friday 1st May 2009 - A poor day's punting
My punting form, which has been mixed over the past month, continues in that vein with 3 losing bets, none to large stakes thankfully, placed today. The nearest we came was 2nd with Tranquil Sea 7/2 who, in hindsight, hit the front about half a mile too soon !! Andrew McNamara was ridden to sleep by the magnificent Ruby Walsh who, in normal style, came fast and late. It's been a long season since September without any break so a 2 week holiday has been booked for early June. It will be good to recharge the batteries & forget about racing form for a short period of time. As much as I love the job we all need a break to freshen up & get keen again. Our good mare DANSIMAR faces 7 rivals tomorrow, the ground should be fine, so let's hope she can run well for her enthusiastic syndicate. She was beaten a neck off 66 when with Mick Channon, races off 61 tomorrow, but has hopefully improved quite a bit in her 2 seasons with Venetia. Doncaster is a lovely track with top class facilities for everyone attending. If you haven't been it is well worth a visit. It will be a late night tomorrow as I'll be staying up for the RICKY HATTON fight live on Sky from Las Vegas. I've been ringside for many of his fights in the UK - he really is a terrific entertainer & super boxer - so here's hoping he can beat the naturally lighter Manny Pacquiao. With my punting form being very moderate I'm sure sure it's a wise thing to be patriotic but .... I've had £20 on HITMAN HATTON to win in 10 rounds at 35-1. Come on Ricky !!!

Thursday 30th April 2009 - Dansimar runs but Oscar doesn't
No bets today. With the ground at Fontwell tomorrow being too quick OSCAR JACK has 3 races lined up to choose from next week at Huntindon, Wincanton & Uttoxeter. Hopefully we'll get some juice in the ground so he can get an outing. DANSIMAR has been declared for Doncaster on Saturday with STEVE DROWNE taking the mount. The race has cut up to 8 but it looks competitive with quite a few bang in form rivals opposing. Venetia reports the mare to be in good form & the ground is currently fine. More rain is forecast so the going should keen the same.

Tuesday 28th April 2009 - Nothing doing
Another quiet day without any bets. This was mainly caused by the uncertainty over ground conditions with loads of heavy rain about. Hopefully we shall get busier later in the week.

Monday 27th April 2009 - Entry news
No bets today.DANSIMAR has two entries this coming Saturday staring with Uttoxeter for a 2m4f handicap hurdle & also Doncaster for a 1m6f flat handicap. With loads of rain forecast we should get a run. OSCAR JACK should also get the chance to race on Friday at Fontwell as they have ground with cut.

Sunday 26th April 2009 - Weekend Review - Haydock fiasco
LATIN SCHOLAR ran really well on Friday to come 3rd but was unsuited by the very slow early gallop which turned the race into a sprint. He was done for toe from 2 out & can surely win races. We are still learning about Latin but he does look quite one paced (fast gallop will surely suit - as it did on the flat) but Wayne said he would have kicked earlier in hindsight. We never have the benefit of hindsight during a race so Wayne did nothing wrong, he was well positioned the whole way round. DANSIMAR was due to race on Saturday at Haydock but we witnessed yet another pathetic effort by the track with ground maintenance. HAYDOCK PARK had reported on the BHA website "good to firm (good patches) watering to maintain" throughout the week. On Thursday morning we declared on that report & on Friday there had been no change to the going. Guess what ..... on Saturday morning @ 7am the ground was given as Good to Firm with firm patches. This simply isn't good enough, it's not professional enough, and does make me wonder if the going was accurately assessed earlier in the week. The clerk of the course, KIRKLAND TELLWRIGHT, was flippant at best with his explanation of why they hadn't produced ground as promised. Mr Tellwright seemed to lack a grasp of the situation in that we had disappointed owners, had wasted declaration fee money, our jockey could have ridden something else, and this type of thing turns owners off racing. Cast your minds back to the last meeting over hurdles at the same track - it was ruined by fields being decimated with non runners due to ground. This is a Grade One track yet they can't get the ground right. We had 2 bets over the weekend starting with Mister Laurel in a 6f sprint. He was backed from 5/2 to 7/4 but came last of 8 - he was found to be coughing after the race. Eastern Warrior 8/1 was making his handicap debut, finished 2nd beaten half a length, but with the 3rd being 5 lengths back we can class ourselves a little unfortunate to bump into another well h'cap sort. OSCAR JACK has an entry at Fontwell on Friday so, if we get some rain, we shall run. DANSIMAR will be found another opportunity in due course..

Thursday 23rd April 2009 - Weekend running plans
No bets today. LATIN SCHOLAR will run tomorrow at Bangor with Wayne Hutchinson in the plate. He faces 9 other opponents in what looks a suitable opportunity providing the ground stays on the quick side. OSCAR JACK misses Bangor due to the fast ground. On Saturday we run DANSIMAR at Haydock over 1m6f with former champion JAMIE SPENCER in the saddle. Dansimar was given a mark of 61 on the flat but is 138 over hurdles so the figures are there for all to see. She is potentially well in on Saturday if all goes well, finds no trouble for her stall 7 draw. I say potentially well in as she remains a maiden after 17 flat runs for Mick Channon but if she can translate some of her improvement over hurdles then Dansimar should run well.

Wednesday 22nd April 2009 - Native Coral wins at 5/1
One bet today and fortunately a winner with NATIVE CORAL 5/1 at Perth in the 2m4f handicap chase. This one has been on my mind since he was beaten by Kandjar Dallier at Haydock over 3m in November where he simply failed to stay & did likewise subsequently at Doncaster behind Big Fella Thanks. He was given a super ride by Davy Condon, picking them off one by one, to lead two out. My current punting form remains very much up & down but I'll take this win with pleasure. Winners at 5/1 are always welcome.

Tuesday 21st April 2009 - Better news on Charmaine
CHARMAINE WOOD has not done a tendon as first feared when pulled up on Sunday but she has chipped a bone in her knee so we are not out the woods just yet. The vet will have to flush out the chip and then let nature take it's course over the summer. I'm thrilled for the horse and for breeders John & Sarah Hayden as they have been most helpful over the last two seasons. A decision of whether we keep her or not for a 3rd year has yet to be agreed but I'm hopeful as always. One bet today, Busbes Boy 5/2 > 7/4, but he apparently (according to Jamie Spenser) hated the all weather surface at Southwell.

Monday 20th April 2009 - Weekend review
It wasn't a great weekend for our runners particularly as CHARMAINE WOOD came back lame from Stratford. Choc said she was hating it after a couple of hurdles so she must have picked up an injury quite early. We are unsure of the problem right now but Alan's vet is doing some tests. Choc looked after her from half way, pulled her up shortly afterwards, so thanks to him Charmaine will hopefully not be too bad. KANDJAR DALLIER showed signs of a long season at Bangor, he was very flat according to Wayne Hutchinson. Once again he was looked after from half way & came home in his own time. Very disappointing indeed. On the betting front we had 3 bets over the weekend but had no luck there either. My punting form, after a brilliant 14 day spell about 3 weeks ago, has been up & down like a yo-yo since. Maybe I need a summer break too, it certainly feels like it right now. On the entry front we have OSCAR JACK & LATIN SCHOLAR in at Bangor on Friday 24th whilst DANSIMAR will get an entry on the flat on Saturday at Haydock. No rain is forecast all week which must make Oscar's participation already in doubt at this stage. Conversely Latin Scholar will love the faster ground whilst Dansimar will run if the ground is good or softer.

Friday 17th April 2009 - Weekend runners
No bets today. As we near the end of the season it's still busy as we have two runners this weekend. LATIN SCHOLAR misses his intended target as he was balloted out of a handicap hurdle at Stratford. He will reroute to Bangor next Friday night. Tomorrow we run KANDJAR DALLIER over 3m at Bangor with Wayne on top. This will be his easiest race for some time as he's taking a drop in class thanks to the handicapper lowering him a few pounds. He has to carry plenty of weight but the track & ground will suit him, so we shall go there hopeful of a good run as always. CHARMAINE WOOD has also ended up with plenty of weight at Stratford on Sunday in a mares handicap but trip & ground will suit her well. She stays nicely so I'm hoping Choc makes plenty of use of her. Charmaine has a decent chance in a competitive little race. Stratford is a tight track & you can need a bit of luck in running so let's hope we get some as last time out at Newbury was not good.

Thursday 16th April 2009 - Beaten by a whisker
3 bets today but no luck. There were 2 absolute minimum stake bets on Mister Potter 25/1 & Sarde 20/1 but the one that got away was Balaagha 7/4 who was beaten by a whisker at Newmarket. She was a little unruly before the race, missed the break & was a bit keen, but showed a very good attitude when asked a question two from home. At that stage she looked sure to win despite everything going wrong but was just pipped on the nod by Sir Michael Stoute's filly Resort. It was one of those days to forget !! Redford was thankfully pulled out of the Abernant due to the quick ground, I shall watch with interest whwre he turns up over 6f, but he will need some cut.

Wednesday 15th April 2009 - Atouchbetweenacara wins at Cheltenham @ 9/2
Two bets today starting with ATOUCHBETWEENACARA 9/2 (SP 11/4) who won a handicap chase at Cheltenham very easily. Pre race I was a little worried about his jumping (should have won for us last time at Haydock but blundered his chance's away ) but had no doubt about his handicap mark being kind. During the race he put jumping doubts to rest with a terrific display to rout his field by 24 lengths. Impressive stuff & early reports say he is Paddy Power Chase bound in November. Our other bet, Long Hop 13/2, ran below expectation but maybe my pre race concern (had the rain had got in the ground) came to bite us. The official going was Good with G/S patches .... however some jockeys reported it as soft in places after Race 1 so it was a bit more testing than expected by the clerk of the course. KANDJAR DALLIER'S race at Bangor on Saturday is cutting up a little bit which is helpful. The form of his run from Doncaster is working out well with winner Church Island running a superb 2nd in the Irish National whilst the 3rd Briery Fox & 5th Cool Roxy have also won since. Kandjar is now back on a reasonable mark.

Tuesday 14th April 2009 - Aakef lands the spolis at Yarmouth
One bet today when AAKEF (SP 11/8) landed some good bets at Yarmouth under Richard Hills. The master trainer, Michael Jarvis, had a wind op & a gelding carried out on this one over the winter and it's done the job. His current perch of 81 might look lenient in a few weeks as all Mr Jarvis's horses currently look as if they are coming on a tad for the run. Some entry news ......KANDJAR DALLIER holds an entry this Saturday at Bangor in a 3m handicap chase. He ran 3rd in this same race last season but how fitting it would be to see him win on his last run in Let's Live colours. LATIN SCHOLAR & CHARMAINE WOOD both hold entries at Stratford on Sunday in suitable handicaps. OSCAR JACK will be aimed at a 3m chase on 24th April at Bangor - Venetia feels he'll get the trip Ok. DANSIMAR will get an entry on Saturday 25th April at Haydock in a 1m4f handicap on the flat, that should be interesting as she's rated 138 over hurdles. She is still a maiden on the flat after 17 attempts for Mick Channon up to the age of 3 - she is clearly a better hurdler so we'll have to see how she responds. One of my 4 flat horses to follow REDFORD has been declared for the Abernant on Thursday at Newmarket at 6 furlongs. Oh dear .... I was hoping they would have a pop in a handicap before going into Listed class but, should it rain, I suppose I'll have to back my opinion providing the price is suitable. Spare a thought for HAYLEY TURNER as she is banned from race riding for a year due to her recent injury. Jockeys can be quickly forgotten but hopefully her talent will be remembered when she makes a comeback in 2010. I suppose you can't take any chances with a nasty bang on the head but a real shame for her at this stage of her career.

Sunday 12th April 2009 - Oscar doesn't run & we are frustrated
No bets today. OSCAR JACK didn't run at Towcester today because the ground was still good to firm in places at 8am this morning. No rain was forecast by the track (or on 3 different websites) so he didn't go on the van leaving the yard at 9.30am. Guess what - it started raining in Towcester at 11am !! Aren't the forecasters completely pants. The rain didn't stop until about 2pm so, on watered ground, there would have been enough cut for Oscar to race. It's very frustrating for the owners and I sympathise totally. Venetia telephoned from the track to apologise which was kind but, working with what she had available at 9am, there is no way it's her fault. We shall look for opportunties elsewhere. DANSIMAR will get an entry at Haydock on Saturday 25th in a 1m6f handicap on the flat. She is very well in herself.

Saturday 11th April 2009 - Oscar not certain at Towcester
OSCAR JACK isn't certain to run tomorrow at Towcester as we need rain. The forecast has been wrong yet again as the 10mm due to hit last night didn't & nor has the rain promised today. Most frustrating ! We had our first bets for a week today, both to small stakes, but I wish I hadn't bothered as neither got round. Both pulled up ( one sadly lame at half way ) with neither looking likely to win from an early stage. DARYAL may run on Monday at Chepstow but he needs a little rain too. DANSIMAR is fine but she'll have a run on the flat rather than go for the Listed handicap at Cheltenham on Thursday. Next weekend we have CHARMAINE WOOD, LATIN SCHOLAR & KANDJAR DALLIER pencilled in to race.

Thursday 9th April 2009 - Four for the flat
No bets again today so here are 4 to follow on the flat.
REDFORD we backed this horse four times last season, winning twice at rewarding odds, so he owes us nothing but there could be more to come. Despite running at 7f & 8f my feeling is that Redford should be dropped back to 6 furlongs with cut in the ground. If the hunch is right he could end up being a top class sprinter as he looks to have loads of speed. Gelded over the winter he is one I'll be following.
SUMMERS LEASE is another horse from the excellent Michael Bell yard to follow. Having won on debut she was unlucky not to follow up in a handicap at Newbury when getting caught up in traffic in a slowly run race. Forget her last run in Listed company as that was a bridge too far. Off 80 she has the capability to win a handicap or two over 1m2f / 1m4f.
HARRY PATCH hails from my favourite flat yard of Michael Jarvis. What a shame Kite Wood has left his care. Harry Patch won a nursery at Doncaster last season, off 78, in the style of a horse to follow. The vibes from Newmarket are positive and this sprinter should be followed in handicaps over 6f with plenty of juice in the ground. His new mark of 86 could be quite generous.
FAIR ALONG may be a strange one to highlight but he's rated 94 on the flat & could be a long term pick for the Cesarewitch in the autumn. .....hopefully first time out after a summer's break. He's improved significantly over hurdles so if he can translate that improvement he might be well treated for a staying handicap. Phillip Hobbs did a similar job with Terry Warner's Champion Hurdle winner Rooster Booster.

Hopefully those 4 will go well.

Wednesday 8th April 2009 - End of season contracts
No bets today. Nothing doing in the punting department but the office work is currently heavy working on new contracts for the coming season. As we approach the end of one season, and progress seemlessly into another, there is always a turn over of horses. It's been decided by the KANDJAR DALLIER syndicate that he should go to the sales & be sold as a potential hunter chaser. Whilst he will make a superb purchase for someone wishing to ride in hunter chaees it will be very sad to see him leave. Kandjar has been a tremendous servant to his owners as he's been 3rd in a Paddy Power and has also run in the National. He always gives 100% and you can ask for no more from any horse. I'm sure he'll get a great home and enjoy his racing for a good while yet. Kandjar is due one more run in our colours, possibly at Bangor on Saturday 18th April, so please give him a cheer if your there.

Tuesday 7th April 2009 - Oscar Jack misses Hereford
No bets today. OSCAR JACK will not race tomorrow at Hereford due to firm ground. They had some rain but it will only dampen down the dust. Venetia remains in high spirits after her great win on Saturday but getting hold of her has been hard because everyone wants a slice of her time understandably. She said it's one interview after another but reckons it will die down soon. I really do hope the yard are propelled to new heights with this big win & let's not forget the two winners at this years Cheltenham Festival.

Monday 6th April 2009 - Entry News
No bets today. DARYAL has 2 races this week at Ludlow & Haydock but ground will determine if & when he runs. LATIN SCHOLAR also 2 races at Stratford & Bangor to choose from, the first being on 19th April so more on him next week but I can say he schooled well this morning. KANDJAR DALLIER may head to Bangor on 18th April for a 3m handicap chase. DANSIMAR is recovering nicely from her splint & may be ready for Cheltenham on THursday 16th. OSCAR JACK may have to miss Hereford on Wednesday due to the fast ground but we have Towcester on Sunday as back up. CHARMAINE WOOD is due an entry at Stratford on Sunday 19th in a mares only handicap. We still have plenty to run and are looking forward to it.

Sunday 5th April 2009 - Celebrations at Venetia's yard
No bets today. Late last night I received an invite to see MON MOME parade at Venetia's this morning. The trainer had just 2 hours sleep last night but was in understandably great spirits (or was it champagne !!) today. I think Venetia is the only trainer I know who could say " A friend of mine will be flying over the yard in a minute & will do a couple of victory rolls for you " . Mon Mome was very patient as he stood still for hundreds of photographs & Liam Treadwell did loads on interviews for various papers, TV and radio. It's terrific for Liam as he's a young guy with plenty of talent, this win will push his name forward to a far wider audience, so well done to him. All winning National rides are great in their own way but Liam never came off the inner and went the brave mans route.

Saturday 4th April 2009 - VENETIA WINS THE NATIONAL !!
Well done Venetia, Liam & the team for a superb win in the 2009 Grand National with MON MOME at a huge 100-1. Considering he had been 2nd in a Welsh Natiional & had won a good chase this year at Cheltenham it now seems a huge price but that's being wise after the event ! Our two bets .... Darkness 40-1 ran well to get round in 11th whilst Parsons Legacy 33-1 was going very nicely until departing at Bechers 2nd time. He had suffered interference a couple of times and was, maybe, unlucky but that's the nature of the race so I can hardly complain. I had a bad days punting as Katchit 12-1, Island Flyer 12-1 and Zero 5/2 all ran poorly. It wasn't my best day at the office but that happens from time to time, maybe too many big prices taken thinking back. We can all be wise after the event ! On a seperate subject I spoke with punter / jounalist MARK "COUCH" WINSTANLEY this morning. He said " Have you seen what time they are starting each day at the PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL this year - 3.45pm ". When I asked why he said " the course exec want to allow the locals to take just a half days leave ". Good Idea I replied. ...... Couch said " it's a terrible idea as it means the locals will just have extra pre race drinking time - they'll have to provide a fleet of ambulance's to ship people to the track from Naas ". Fair point !

Friday 3rd April 2009 - AINTREE DAY 2 REVIEW
Another good days racing at Aintree. We started off with a confident selection with VOY PER USTEDES 6/4 in the Melling Chase. He won, but only just, from Schindlers Hunt under a power packed Choc drive. It was a really thrilling & tough performance from this game gelding - and the jockey was brilliant too. Next up came The Sawyer 16-1 e/w in the Topham. He ran really well but his normal front running tactics could not be employed due to the fierce early pace. His jumping was typically good and making ground over 3 out I thought we had a chance but the effort took it's toll. He was 6th, staying on one paced, when falling at the last. Next up was a small interest on Karabak (4th) but he didn't jump very well under AP for the 2nd time running. Our last interest was on MAMLOOK 4th 12-1 each way in the 3m handicap. Held up out the back by Tom Scu he threaded his way through & turning for home traded at 4/5 so well was he going. Sadly he just failed to get home but we still got the place money. I thought he would stay but it wasn't to be. He's a nicely handicapped horse and can win soon but maybe at 2m4f or 2m6f.

Thursday 2nd April 2009 - AINTREE DAY 1 REVIEW
It was a good day but also a sad day at Aintree with the loss of Exotic Dancer who suffered a heart attack after finishing 2nd in the Totesport Bowl. Denman also suffered a nasty cut when falling 2 out in the same race (cue the the Betfair Forum muppets to blame Sam Thomas ) but he should hopefully be Ok. Race 1 was the stayers hurdle where BIG BUCKS could not be opposed, and duly won, but I didn't suggest a bet as I don't bet at odds on. I did suggest a bet on Hebredian 7/2 in the juvenile hurdle but he was given a mountain to climb by giving away 10 lengths (why do jockey's do that) at the start. It made no difference to the end result today as he didn't jump a hurdle well and was found wanting on what turned out to be quite slow ground after heavy watering. In the Foxhunters TRUST FUND 8/1 was the selection. He was given a really good ride, weaving his way through the field, to lead at the last. Bambi De Lorme 10/1 & Vinmix Du Bessy 12/1 made no show in the 2m handicap chase won by Oh Crick. A tremndous performance from him as he was up a stone since Cheltenham & on a sharper track. The two suggested against the field, Planet of Sound 100/30 SP and TARTAK 11/2 SP finished 3rd and 1st respectively. In the last we backed Arcalis 33-1 but he found loads of trouble in running before finishing 8th of 22. Held up early in a huge field, on the the inner, he was then switched wide around the home turn. So wide that he almost ended up in Row A of the main stand after a barging match with a couple of others. Strangely he then went diagionally down the home straight ending up by The Chair in the last furlong. It was a bizzare ride where Dennis O'Regan covered every blade of grass at Aintree - it wasn't the shortest or easiest route. Dont give up on Arcalis as he's got a race in him soon. Had to laugh when discussing the England Cricket team with Dansimar owner Dave Vart. He couldn't get his head around why Kevin Pietersen was moaning about being away from home for so long. Dave argued that 10 weeks housed in top hotels, in the West Indies, getting waited on hand & foot, without the wife, cheap Red Stripe lager on tap, on expenses & playing cricket with the lads was absolute utopia. Fair enough !

Wednesday 1st April 2009 - Theatre Diva news
No bets today but our 2 National wagers, albeit at minimum stake level, are shortening all the time. Darkness is now 16's in places whilst Parsons Legacy is 14's in places. I hope punters are right in, what looks, the most open National in a long time. The meeting is mouthwatering and a few bets will be placed tomorrow. The news on THEATRE DIVA is better as she is making good progress after her operation & the prognosis is also good for her to come back to the races.

Tuesday 31st March 2009 - Our bets are struck
Had my 2nd small bet in the National today on Parsons Legacy at 33-1. He's been 2nd in a Kim Muir, 3rd in a Scottish National, goes well fresh, loves fast ground, never fallen, stoutly bred, yard are flying, been laid out for the race & missed Cheltenham therefore. That's the theory but I'm hoping the practise works well too. At the price you have to have a go. Darkness 40-1, now 20's in places, is our other bet but he has a jockey issue as Dominic Elsworth is struggling with a very sore shoulder after a nasty Towcester tumble. He will have to pass the doctor but no doubt the trainer will have a sub lined up.

Monday 30th March 2009 - Valley OK after yesterday
No bets today. Alan reports no problems with Valleyofthedolls this morning bar the usual small cuts & bruises after a race. Therefore we are a bit baffled by her performance as she's surely better than that. It's going to be a quiet week with no entries planned until 8th April at Hereford. However we do have the big National meeting to keep us interested with some superb racing in store. I've had a few quid each way on Darkness at 40-1 for the big race. He has a touch of class, a nice weight, an excellent rider in Dominic Elsworth, been trained for the race ... but my nagging doubt is will he take to the fences. I have a feeling our fate will be known by Bechers first time but at 40-1 you don't have to have much on. He's 25-1 now so that's encouraging.

Sunday 29th March 2009 - Weekend review
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS was a disappointing at Newton Abbot this afternoon. She ran 4th but Choc said he gave him no feel at all & was in trouble from the off. That's clearly not her form so I'll have to speak with Alan and she where we go with her. We had one bet yesterday, Cape Express, who was backled from 7/4 to 11/8 at Kempton. This horse is a stayer but sadly got boxed in a little bit on the rail so P.Robinson was forced to sit & suffer until turning for home. He couldn't up the tempo when wanted. After taking up the running entering the straight, at the cut-away, he proved to be a little one paced & finished 3rd. This horse isn't one to give up on as he'll win more races but does look to want a trip. It was our first big reverasl for some time but that's racing so we have to take it on the chin. The news on THEATRE DIVA is better so that is a relief. Venetia says she is brighter which is encouraging news so soon after her operation.

Friday 27th March 2009 - Theatre Diva has colic
THEATRE DIVA underwent surgery this afternoon for colic. THe prognosis is good but she had a piece of twisted gut that had to be sorted out. Venetia's team deserve a lot of credit as she was operated on within 2hrs of having the problem - without that action we could have had a far more serious situation. If Diva continues on an upward curve ( she's far happier on Friday night ) there is every chance she'll return to the track next season. We had 2 bets this afternoon at Ascot with one 2nd & one unplaced. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will run on Sunday at Newton Abbot with Choc on top. The ground looks like coming right for her so we will go there hopeful.

Thursday 26th March 2009 - Boring Thursday
No bets as the racing was very low-key. Neither do we run THEATRE DIVA on Friday due to fast ground and we also wait until Sunday for VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS at Newton Abbot. To fill a line or two today I thought I'd say a massive "well done" to SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE for the standard of their truly magnificent canteen. For £6 you can eat a tasty healthy proper meal, served on a real plate with real cutlery, which is rare at some UK tracks. It was real value for money & the place was duly packed. Yesterday at Towcester they had burgers on sale for a fiver, chips at £2.50 - what complete & utter daylight robbery - no wonder there wasn't a long queue ! It therefore folows that I'll shall be asking our trainers to take all opportunities at Southwell with our horses !! ( 3 runners this year - one winner, 2nd & 3rd - so it's not all stomach orientated )

Wednesday 25th March 2009 - Daryal continues his comeback
No bets today. Daryal continued his comeback from injury this afternoon at Towcester. He ran Ok but his jumping was still quite sticky at his hurdles after a spell chasing, so we need to work on that before going much further. He'll get better so I'm not too worried at this stage. THEATRE DIVA & VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS hold entries at Fontwell on Friday. One likes fast ground, the other doesn't, so I'm not sure what runs yet.

Tuesday 24th March 2009 - Latin Scholar a good 2nd (10/1 ew) at Southwell
Our own horse LATIN SCHOLAR 10/1 ran really well today at Southwell but was simply beaten by a far better handicapped rival. An each way bet was advised. There is still room for improvement in Latin's jumping but his day in the sun will come soon on fast ground. A good solid effort, pleased with him. He'll make a fine chaser.

Monday 23rd March 2009 - Sula's Legend 9/4 & Freeze Up 2/1 (SP 100/30) do the double
Two bets today & both won to keep our terrific run going. SULA'S LEGEND 9/4 had fallen just 5 days prior when leading at Chepstow but this looked a very suitable opportunity at Plumpton as the opposition were mainly out of form. He jumped well to win by 4 lengths under good claimer Felix De Giles. Sula's was freely available at 5/2 on the exchanges, SP 2/1. Our second bet was FREEZE UP 2/1 (SP 100/30) in the 3m2f chase. I thought 2/1 was generous given Freeze Up's winning form, the modest opposition & his pedigree (by Presenting, sure to like good ground) so couldn't believe the drift to almost 4/1 on the exchanges. I'm sure some of these drifts are caused by the louder, more opinionated, pundits (J.McCricrick in this case) making negative comments about the horse. He said Freeze Up's jumping wasn't any good but I don't know where he got that from - he must have been watching the wrong horse when he won at Fontwell - but thanks to him I filled my boots. Freeze Up, under good 5lb amateur Danny Cook, never saw another rival in the race & won without breaking sweat by 11 lengths. As a cautionary note .... I'm not sure if I'd back him running with a penalty as he disappointed last time this tactic was used, albeit on very heavy ground.

Sunday 22nd March 2009 - Weekend runner review
No bets Saturday or Sunday. We did not run THEATRE DIVA ay Haydock as the ground was too rough & had dried out to Good to Firm. The track endured loads of withdrawls yesterday so we weren't the only team with concerns about the surface. She holds options at Fontwell & Uttoxeter this week. KANDJAR DALLIER ran his usual game and honest race in the 3m chase jumping supurbly but, as expected, was still a little too high in the handicap on 132. The handicapper put him up 8lbs for beating a non stayer at Haydock but has dropped him a total of 3lbs for being beaten 41L and 17L in two subsequent races. I'll stop moaning when handicappers drop horses just as fast as they raise horses - particularly 11yo's who surely must be getting slower with age. CHARMAINE WOOD ran well in a high class EBF Mares Final but could only finish 7th after meeting trouble on more than one occasion. We were the meat in the sandwich on the paddock bend which cost us plenty of ground. It was disappointing because we held high hopes for her but that's racing as in championship races no quarter is asked or given. She will come again later this season. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS holds an entry on Friday at Fontwell and will also get one at Newton Abbot on Sunday. LATIN SCHOLAR will probabaly run on Tuesday at Southwell whilst DARYAL holds an entry on Wednesday at Towcester. ASTURIENNE has been put away for the season as she has done enough for now. I think she'll do really well next term. OSCAR JACK is back in full work after a slight knock, so we should see him soon. DANSIMAR is still swimming in a bid to cure her splint problem.

Friday 20th March 2009 - Exciting times on Saturday - 3 runners all on Ch4
We have 3 runners to look forward tomorrow so it will be a busy day. We start off at Newbury with KANDJAR DALLIER with Choc riding in the 3m handicap chase. He'll do his best as always and should run his race. Next up is CHARMAINE WOOD with Gerard Tumelty on board in the Mares handicap final. A tough race for sure, that is to be expected for the money, but Charmaine will run well on ground that will suit. I like her chances providing we get normal luck in running. Lastly we run THEATRE DIVA with Will Biddick taking off 5lbs in the valuable 2m4f handicap hurdle at Haydock. She worked well on Wednesday and should run a nice race having been left on the same mark from Southwell. We had one bet today, Cnoc Moy 20/1, but he only managed 5th. No damage done as, at the price, it was a very small staked bet. It's been a really good week on the punting front with 9 bets yielding 6 winners. I'm pleased with that performance but let's hope the trend continues - I'll be working hard to ensure it does.

Thursday 19th March 2009 - Quarl Ego 100/30 & Mizen Raven 6/4 both win
Two bets today and two winners. We are on fire but, as with all these good runs, I'm wary of being put out with a bucket of water just as quickly. QUARL EGO 100/30 was making his handicap debut stepping up in trip & with AP taking over the reins. There is a lot of rubbish spoken about "Great AP" rides as many jockeys would win on the majority of his mounts. However today was a superb ride as the bit slipped through the horse's mouth so he had no steering & he was ultra strong up the straight. Rides like this show how good he really is. Quarl Ego will be better going right handed. I messed up with the price as SP was 4/1. MIXEN RAVEN 6/4 (SP Evens) won a Ludlow handicap chase very easily under Richard Johnson for the bang in form Tim Vaughan. Normal practise is to find chinks in the armour of these short priced horses but I really did think this one should be 1/2 on his recent 3rd behind Cornas (ran well in Arkle) and Idarah (won next time). Considering The Package & Isn't That Lucky (2nd Jewson) were behind that day it made him a snip here off 112. CHARMAINE WOOD will face 12 opponents on Saturday in the EBF Final at Newbury. The ground looks like coming right for her & we shall go there in a positive frame of mind.

Wednesday 18th March 2009 - Extra Bold 9/2 SP keeps the good run going
Two bets both in the same race today. EXTRA BOLD and SIR WINSTON were the two selected against 15 others in a 3m handicap chase at Chepstow. Sir Winston made a couple of mistakes (came 5th) but if they can get that sorted out he can win races as he travelled well enough. EXTRA BOLD was always cantering behind a fast pace & when Richard Johnson took it up 3 out only the fences could stop him. He won't go up much for this as he idled in front, he could win again sometime soon.

Tuesday 17th March 2009 - Spanish wins at Kempton @ 9/2
Two bets today with one winner SPANISH CONQUEST 9/2 at Kempton. He was making his handicap debut and won nicely under Rhys Flint. It was pleasing to see CHARMAINE WOOD's race on Saturday only having 16 declared at the 5 day stage. I thought there would be far more involved for such a big prize. Having said that it will be competitive. The in form GERARD TUMELTY ( who is always pleased when he gets a mention on here ) will take off a valuable 3lbs. GERARD was pleased to see his photo in yesterday's Racing Post and told me he looked a real heart-throb. " All the girls in the yard have bought a copy " he prodly said. I've stuck a print in my window to frighten off burglars. Gerard won't let us down on Saturday and is delighted to get the ride as he feels Charmaine has a really good chance. He's ridden her to win before & has done plenty of schooling on her too. KANDJAR DALLIER will run at Newbury in what should be a hot race but that's the grade he has to run in off 132. I wish we could find him something easier but this race is the only 3m handicap, going left handed, in the next 14 days so we have no other option bar leave him at home. He'll try his best as always and will be in the shake up. THEATRE DIVA probably goes up to Haydock for a 2m4f handicap over brush hurdles. She coped with those well last time and runs off the same mark here. Hailing from the bang in form Venetia yard she should run her usual gutsy race.

Monday 16th March 2009 - Long Hop powers to 3/1 easy victory
One bet today LONG HOP 3/1 who was stepping up in trip to 3m on handicap debut at Taunton for the on fire Alan King team. His novice form was most progressive and his bumper form, close up behind Karabak in one event, looked good in the context of this race. He can win again as he wasn't extended - a stiffer track may help too.

Sunday 15th March 2009 - A bumper 100/30 winner
One bet today which hosed up in a bumper at 100/30. A busy week ahead with an entry or two planed for KANDJAR DALLIER, CHARMAINE WOOD, THEATRE DIVA & DARYAL. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will get an entry w/c 23rd, so too will LATIN SCHOLAR. A busy time ahead.

Saturday 14th March 2009 - Dansimar sore after Cheltenham
The news on DANSIMAR isn't great as she has come back from Cheltenham with a nasty painful splint. Whilst this is easily treatable it's painful for a young horse & will hold her up a little bit. Venetia will swim her for 10 days in an effort to keep her moving & get the heat out of the knock. I really feel for the owners as this is sure to have been the reason for her disappointing show last Monday. Why does it always happen on the big days ! Two bets today and I couldn't get one round. Kates Gift 16/1 and Marufo 11/2 both pulled up before half way. Hopefully a better day tomorrow.

Friday 13th March 2009 - CHELTENHAM - DAY 4 REVIEW
Walkon 5/1 ran a blinder to run 2nd to Zaynar in the Triumph but it was another frustrating result, so near yet so far. A bet on Dave's Dream 11/2 was suggested in the County but he ran flat. Cockney Trucker was put up as an each way alternative, he ran 3rd at 11-1. Kauto Star was selected as the most likely winner of the Gold Cup ( as favourite that's pretty obvious, so no real credit taken ) but we also backed Star de Mohasion 25-1 each way - he ran poorly. Mamlook 7/1 nearly fell on the flat in the Martin Pipe so that was a pain as he was going really nicely, our other bet in that race Carrick Oscar 40/1 made mistakes. It was looking to be a bad day but OH CRICK 11/1 saved the day in the Grand Annual with a gritty performance to land the money. Suddenly the world looked a better place & we left with a smile on our face and some money in our wallets.

SUMMARY OF THE WEEK

VENETIA had a tremendous time winning 2 races on Thursday, she really is the master of winning with handicappers. If only someone would send her a real good one, it would be in good hands.ALAN had a week of total frustration with loads of placed horses before Oh Crick saved the day. Thank god he won otherwise the stable cat would have got the most almighty kicking. Medermit would have won but for Cousin Vinny jumping into him at the last, Karabak may not have received AP's finest ride in the Ballymore, Walkon looked like winning the Triumph heading to the last but just failed to get up. We were on all 3 so I know how the trainer felt. PUNTING - we had loads of ups and downs but came out winning albeit not as much as it could / should have been. In 2008 we had a bumper year with some ante post bets, this year I struggled, but fortunately some winners on the day got us out of trouble. KAUTO STAR & DENMAN proved just how good they are and now we have 2010 to look forward to. I hope they both get there safely. CHOC suffered an ugly fall in the Champion Chase but continued to ride through the pain barrier with damage ribs & kidneys to again prove that jump jockeys are the toughest breed. CROWDS - it was noticeable how quiet the town was, maybe due to people only doing 2 days instead of 4. Hopefully the hotels who charge criminal rates in Festival week with now re-think their policy & not fleece the public. RUBY - what a week ! NEXT YEAR can't come round quick enough as a great time had by all.

Thursday 12th March 2009 - CHELTENHAM - DAY 3 REVIEW
A superb days racing started with the Jewson where Tranquil Sea 12/1 & ISN'T THAT LUCKY 12-1 (2nd) were put up against the filed. The winner CHapoturgeon looked a very well handicapped anilmal in hindsight. Tranquil Sea was slightly unfortunate as he got blinded and hit the ditch as half way which forced him back through the filed. He battled on well into 6th. I put 4 names forward in the Pertempts all to absolute minimum stakes but still just missed out on the winner. Beuna Vista 2nd @ 10-1 and Pennek 3rd @ 12-1 did better than Galient 22-1 & Ringaroses 50-1. No bet for the Ryanair but I really hoped Voy Per Ustedes would win for the King / Thornton team. However a couple of rare blunders cooked his goose despite a battling effort to run 2nd to Imperial Commander. There was a thrilling finish to the World Hurdle which fortunately fell our way with BIG BUCKS 13/2 getting past Punchestowns after the last. They finished miles clear of the rest with a fading Kasbah Bliss back in 4th. My two against the field in the Freddie Williams, again boringly each way due to hugely competitive nature of the racing, were Turkish Surprise 33-1 and Three Mirrors 4th 10-1. In the Kim Muir BOWLEAZE 28-1 looked likely to land the money going to the last but was swamped from all sides. He battled really well to get 4th and land the each way money. It was a super day for VENETIA WILLIAMS as she trained 2 handicap winners and just missed out on a treble with Pretty Star. The last named is owned by two Let's Live owners in James & Lottie Hayman Joyce.

Wednesday 11th March 2009 - CHELTENHAM - DAY 2 REVIEW
Our ante post bet on Karabak 7/1 never really looked like being landed as he didn't seem to get a good position at any stage of the race. He did really well to take 2nd on the run in behind the impressive winner Mikael D'hagenet. Negatives for Mad Max & Diamond Harry proved correct. COOLDINE 7/2 did us a big favour when winning the RSA Chase. His previous run had been made all the better by Forpadytheplaster's win in the Arkle - this form augurs well for Tranquil Sea's chance in the Jewson tomorrow ! The suggestion to back Briarius e/w without Master Minded looked a great idea until he fell at the last when in 3rd place. Franchoek 20-1, had recently had his wind done, so we took a chance with him in the Coral Cup but he looked beaten after 3 flights. There were no bets suggested in the 4m Chase, the Fred Winter or Bumper. I hope Choc is OK after his heavy fal from Big Zeb in the Champion Chase, it looked like he got trampled all over. With Voy Per to come tomorrow hopefully he'll pass the doctor in the morning.

Tuesday 10th March 2009 - CHELTENHAM - DAY 1 REVIEW
The preview night held in Prestbury yesterday evening was a terrfic success. Choc Thornton, Tom Scudamore, Sam Thomas, Joe Tizzard and Mark " The Couch " Winstanley were in excellent form. With their help I was able to pass on to Information Line subscribers all the latest news & views for the 4 days. Tuesday started well but in slightly unlucky fashion as MEDERMIT e/w 16-1 came second, beaten a neck, after finding interference at the last. Without trouble he would surely have won. Cousin Vinny wasn't fancied (9/4 fav) so one bismark was sunk. In the Arkle the Nicholls trained Tatenen 9/2 was fancied to run a big race but he fell at the 3rd fence so we knew our fate quite early. Next up came the William Hill Chase where we backed each way The Sawyer 33-1 and Wind Instrument 28-1. The Sawyer ran a super race to come 5th whilst Wind Instrument made a mistake 2 out that cooked his goose. Keep him in mind as he could be well handicapped. Our bet in the Champion Hurdle, Ashkazar 25-1, ran an awful race in 1st time blinkers but those reading yesterday's blog knew I didn't fancy Binocular to win. It was close but he didn't quite manage it fortunately. There was no selection in the Cross County bar saying L'Ami or Grande Champetre would win but we can't take much credit for that as they were the top two in the betting. In the Mares race QUEVEGA 5/2 was tipped to win but Dansimar 22/1 was also given a plug. Sadly Dansimar ran no sort of race which is worying so she'll be checked out by the vets over the next few days. Quevega showed herself to be a class above when crusing home by 14 lengths.

Sunday 8th March 2009 - More rain in Cheltenham
No bets on today's racing. It's been raining in Cheltenham, on and off, all day today. Plenty is forecast for Monday night so my feeling is soft ground or worse for Day 1 .....regardless of the official report. The ground at the January meeting was very deep, the track was badly cut up, and water tables are high. It won't take much rain to really get into the ground. The forecast says the weather will get better through the week but this afternoon was spent laying some good ground horses, for a place, who are due to run on Day 1 & 2. Binocular is on the slide & I do wonder about him. Last year the stats men told us a 5yo couldn't win a Champion Hurdle but Katchit did - so now we have a 5yo as 13/8 favourite and he's a banker bet. It's funny how things can turn a full circle. Are the bookies pricing Binocular solely on impressive defeats of Celestial Halo who, I think, is a real staying type. Celestial is a good horse but the Triumph didn't work out great (Franchoek hasn't franked the form) and Sentry Duty slammed him 7 lengths last year at Doncaster giving weight. Binocular may be a machine so egg could be splattered but with 23 opponents running for me I'll probably take a view by laying him on the day. The other horse that has me thinking for Day 1 is Cousin Vinny as he will be heavily backed by our Irish friends which could see him start at a false price. He too could prove a class above but with his jumping frailties (did you see the photo in Wednesday's Post of him schooling), his inexperienced jockey, his hurdles form being in slowly run and small field races gives some optimism that he's got a chink in the armour. DANSIMAR remains on track for Tuesday.

Saturday 7th March 2009 - Asturienne please at Sandown
Asturienne only finished Mid Div this afternoon but we were still pleased with her effort in a very hot race. Wayne Hutchinson said he felt sure to be placed with 2 furlongs to run but, through pure weakness, she didn't see out her race. I thought she had run up very light when seeing her in the parade ring so that was a worry from the start but, all credit, she ran better than anticipated. Next season she'll be a proper mare for novice hurdles so we have plenty to look forward to. It's raining in Cheltenham !

Friday 6th March 2009 - Quiet before the storm
No bets Thursday or Friday.DARYAL ran well enough yesterday on, what turned out to be, desperate ground at Lingfield. He understandably just needed the run a bit after a year off so we were happy with how things went. He finished 5th. It's been very quiet on the punting front as the racing has been low key this week but next week I'm anticipating a frenzy of activity. I've several bets in mind but rain is forecast for Monday / Tuesday so we can't be certain of the ground just yet. It's already got plenty of cut in it so if the rain hits it will be soft enough. The best way of getting a guide is to check out the race time for the Supreme. Anything around 3m55s will indicate good ground, anything around 4 minutes means soft ground. ASTURIENNE runs tomorrow in a very competitive Listed bumper at Sandown. She is very good but plenty of her opponents look just as good on paper. There is minimal collateral form so we'll find out a lot more about her tomorrow -Wayne rides. OSCAR JACK misses his engagement on SUnday due to a dirty scope.

Wednesday 4th March 2009 - Valleyofthedolls flooded out
No bets on Tuesday or Wednesday. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS simply couldn't cope with the ground yesterday at Exeter, the rain beat us. The track was still dry at noon with good ground but by 3pm it had turned soft & the rain had really got into the ground. Maybe I should have pulled her out but it's hard when you're 5/4 favourite and, on the book, your only serious opponent has been declared a NR. Choc is a very sympathetic rider and he said he'd look after her should the ground be too much - and that's exactly what he did - thanks to Choc ! DARYAL makes his comeback to the track on Thursday at Lingfield with Jamie Moore on top. Gary Moore is happy with the horse but he'll need the run after a year off. Our next runner will be ASTURIENNE at Sandown on Saturday for the EBF Mares Bumper followed by OSCAR JACK on Sunday at either Market Rasen or Warwick. Then we move on to DANSIMAR on Tuesday as she will contest the DAVID NICHOLSON MARES at the Festival which is very exciting. She is rated 138 so needs to improve just a few pounds to figure, she is not without place claims.

Monday 2nd March 2009 - Latin runs well enough at Huntingdon
No bets Sunday or Monday. LATIN SCHOLAR ran well enough yesterday at Huntingdon to finish 5th in a truly run race. He jumped well until fluffing the 4th & 5th which ultimately ended his chance but Choc said it was just inexperience & he would come right. Latin did get sweaty beforehand so that's something we'll have to work on over the next few weeks but plenty to look forward to with him. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will run tomorrow at Exeter and will via for favouritism. She is in really good form but heavy rain is forecasted so that's a worry - she wouldn't want softer than Good to Soft to show her best. I'm hoping our race will be run before the rain arrives to affect the ground.

Saturday 28th February 2009 - LIdar shows his class at Doncaster
An unusual day for us punting wise as the normal value prices were abandoned for some short priced hot-pots. LIDAR 5/6 absolutely trotted up in the valuable bumper race at Doncaster under Wayne Hutchinson. He looked the winner a mile from home as he was going so well. WEST END ROCKER 11/10 won the novice chase on the same card to bring up a Hutchinson 4 timer. He would have been 1/2 if he hadn't run a disappointing 2nd at Southwell last week but the sharp track was all against him that day so I was prepared to forgive him on this galloping track. Ballingarry Park 11/10 let the side down when only 5th but trainer Charlie Mann reported a breathing problem after the race so his show can be forgiven. We head to Huntingdon tomorrow for Latin Scholar. He needs to relax before his race & then settle during it. Once those two points are sorted out we'll have a decent horse.

Friday 27th February 2009 - Latin declared for Huntingdon
No bets today as it's the lull before the Cheltenham Festival storm. LATIN SCHOLAR will run on Sunday at Huntingdon with Choc taking the ride. Latin needs to learn to settle better as he's far too keen at the moment. If we can achiebe that goal then we'll see him to best advantage. Better ground will help. It's been very interesting to read the news on the CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL and trying to work out who runs where. Lots more will fall into place when we get the 5 day decs as trainers will have begun to really formulate their plans. It will make thrawling through the handicaps far easier too !

Thursday 26th February 2009 - Daryal back next week
No bets today. DARYAL will make his long awaited comeback next week at Lingfield Park in a 2m3f handicap hurdle. Gary Moore told me that the horse is in good form and is very fresh. It will be great to see the 5 time winner back on the track. The entry list has been published for the David Nicholson Mares race so we can now start doing some digging to assess the chances of DANSIMAR in that race. She has the choice of the Mares race & the Coral Cup, so we have plenty to consider over the next 10 days.

Wednesday 25th February 2009 - Oscar 4th at Taunton
OSCAR JACK ran his usual solid race at Bagor today when coming 4th in a competitive affair. Oscar sweated up very badly when being saddled & also got very warm down at the start so that wasn't a good sign. We expected him to fade away having wasted all that energy but Aidan said he stuck on well & jumped realy well. We'll have to do something different with Oscar next time as his sweating isn't helping but he must have plenty of untapped potential. If we can harness that talent he could improve quite a bit. Congratulations must go to AIDAN COLEMAN as he rode out his claim yesterday. Aidan is a lovely guy & an exceptionally good jockey. He is sure to reach the top as the talent is all there. There were no bets today.

Tuesday 24th February 2009 - Oscar Jack runs at Bangor
No bets today. OSCAR JACK takes his chance tomorrow at Bangor in the 2m4f handicap chase, Aidan rides taking off 3lb. Venetia's team remain is superb form so we shall go there hopeful of a good run. It looks a typically tight handicap where several have chances so probably 4/1 the favourite. Oscar won nicely at Taunton but didn't fire at Warwick just 6 days later on very heavy ground. Tomorrows better surface will certainly help.

Monday 23rd February 2009 - Entry news
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will get an entry at WIncanton on Friday 6th March. It's a 2m6f novice hurdle for Mares only. Alan thinks she'll get the trip but we'll need to see some improvement in the ground as it's been very soft all season at the track. LATIN SCHOLAR will run on either Saturday at Kempton or Huntingdon on Sunday this weekend. One bet yesterday, Pipo De Re 7/4, but he ran 2nd. No excuses for him, beaten fair & square. No bets today. DANSIMAR has come out of her race well so we'll now have a tough task deciding what race we go for at the Festival. If Lough Derg runs in the CORAL CUP he'll keep all bar a few out the handicap.

Saturday 21st February 2009 - Dansimar just denied at Kempton
t's always a shame when one of ours comes 2nd but we couldn't be upset with DANSIMAR'S performance at Kempton this afternoon. She ran an absolute blinder under Aidan and was, perhaps, slightly unlucky not to win. She made an error at the 4th when crowded & that pushed her back further than ideal. Turning for home we were getting excited but a mistake 2 out, where she landed flat footed, didn't help. She then got carried across the track by eventual 3rd Thundering Star ( who was well fancied by connections ) before staying on stoutly into 2nd. Aidan said she was fine on the good ground but all she does is stay so slower ground would have helped bring that stamina out. The winner, Eleazar was fancied by the yard and had been dropped 8lbs due to time off with injury after his win at Bangor. The first 3 home pulled 6 lengths clear from two previous winners in 4th & 5th so the form is solid & the time was quick. Our attention now turns to the Festival where she will go for one of the handicaps or the David NIcholson. We'll see what mark she gets on Tuesday & then see where we stand in all the lists. Will Whiteoak go to the Champion Hurdle ? That would sway us towards the Mares.

Friday 20th February 2009 - Dansimar faces 14 at Kempton
DANSIMAR will race against 14 opponents at Kempton tomorrow with Aidan on top. She, like the rest of Venetia's team, is in very good form so we go there hopeful. She couldn't have won easier at Hereford but this is a step up in class and is sure to be tougher. This race will help decide where we go with her at the Cheltenham Festival. One bet today which was backed from 7/2 to 2/1 but whilst running well managed only 3rd. OSCAR JACK will go to Bangor on Wednesday for a 2m4f handicap chase but bar him it could be a quiet week as most of the string have run recently.

Thursday 19th February 2009 - Entry news at the weekend
DANSIMAR will run on Saturday at Kempton whilst OSCAR JACK will probably go to Bangor on Wednesday for a 0-115 novice handicap chase. One bet today, Marufo 9/2, at Huntingdon but he was allowed to bowl along in the lead & ran far too free. It was a surprising change of tactic as he can pull & with 18 runners there was sure to be plenty of pace for him to settle in behind. I'm not giving up on him as the ground seemed to ride more testing than advertised and he might just need better ground too. Yesterday at Doncaster the ground rode more testing than it should have based on the original going report and that seemed to happen here today. Maybe with water tables still very high I'll have to factor that into the equation when placing a bet in the short term. THEATRE GIRL is very well so will make the trip to Ireland this weekend to be covered by Presenting. It's great news to hear she is back well again as we were worried when she had to come out of training.

Wednesday 18th February 2009 - Kandjar beaten at Doncaster
No bets today. KANDJAR DALLIER ran his typically game race at Doncaster when coming 6th today. He jumped well bar a blunder 5 out & that made him lose his place a little bit. Choc was pleased with him as he could not have tried harder to get back into the race but the bird had flown. The rain had turned the ground soft which was a shame as I'm convinced better ground really helps his jumping. These veteran races are hugely competitive but you have to expect that for the good money on offer. Kandjar ran right up to form with One Sniff & Briery Fox so his turn will come around again. Having been put up 8lbs for his win at Haydock he just needs to come down to a mark from which he can win. The engine & enthusiasm is still there.

Tuesday 17th February 2009 - Valleyofthedolls 11/8 wins & Theatre Diva 14-1 3rd
A terrific day at Southwell today as VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS 11/8 won on her hurdles debut under Choc. She travelled really well, jumped well & stayed right to the line to fend off all challengers. Good bets were landed by the owners as she was expected to run very well as her schooling had gone nicely & she had been working in good style. Plenty to look forward to with her. THEATRE DIVA 14/1 was an each way fancy for her handicap & ran an absolute blinder to come 3rd under Aidan. The field went a tremendous pace early so she was flat to the boards but, gamely, she rallied in the last half mile & finished strongly. She now heads to the Festival for a handicap. A good day !

Monday 16th February 2009 - Runners at Southwell tomorrow
DANSIMAR has come out of her race well so we may go again this Saturday at Kempton whilst entries will also be placed in the Coral Cup & Martin Pipe race at the Festival. Both ASTURIENNE and LATIN SCHOLAR have come out of their races fine too, so good news all round. Asturienne will probably go to Sandown on March 7th for a Listed bumper. Tomorrow we run VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS in the mares novice at Southwell & she looks to have a super chance. The more the ground dries out the better her chance. Choc rides as normal. Our other runner is THEATRE DIVA who runs in the valuable but competitive 2m4f handicap hurdle. Her rating forces us to race at this level but she should cope well as she also loves Good / Good to Soft ground. Forget her last run as she didn't stay 3m. No bets today.

Sunday 15th February 2009 - Dansimar wins 10/1 at Hereford
Two bets today starting with DANSIMAR 10/1 who rewarded followers with a 6L win at Hereford under Aidan. She never looked in trouble & quickened clear after 2 out in good style. It was a handy perfomance but we can expect a hike from the handicapper so it may be that we have to find a race quickly to run under a penalty - Venetia's yard remains at the top of it's form. ASTURIENNE was our 2nd advice and whilst she ran really well, in what could turn out to be a hot bumper, this a tactical affair didn't suit. She carried a penalty today and stricyly on the weights was the best horse in the field. She will now head to Doncaster 28/02 or Sandown 07/03 for a valauble bumper. She is going to be a very good mare. We also ran Latin Scholar today in a pretty hot juvenile. He got very sweaty & worked up in the prelim but jumped well on ground he found a bit sticky. He'll win races but needs more racing to learn his job.

Saturday 14th February 2009 - Ashkazar 7/2 & Santia 13/8 do the double
A break in the weather allowed us to have our first bets for a long while. ASHKAZAR 7/2 put himself right back into the Champion Hurdle picture this afternoon when beating Whiteoak & Punjabi at Wincanton. He was pretty impressive as he looked to be doing just enough & it was a fiercely run race from the start. Whiteoak is held in high regard by Donald McCain and will now try to add a 2nd Festival win to her name in the Mares race. SANTIA 13/8 looked to have sound claims in an Ascot novice hurdle and duly wore down the leaders under a strong Choc drive. This brought up a double for the King / Choc team as Voy Per Ustedes won earlier on the same card. He was hugely impressive and now goes to the Ryanair with outstanding claims. A positive mention was also given for VINO GRIEGO at Ascot who won the bumper at 3/1. His win pays a very healthy compliment to Alan's LIDAR who ran close up behind him at Newbury. Our two other bets were Otto Des Pictons 8/1 and Sherwoods Folly 12-1, both ran unplaced. Sherwoods Folly was disappointing as he was allowed to get into a battle for the lead and ran too free. KASBAH BLISS ran a superb trial for the World Hurdle at Haydock winning easily from Duc De Reginiere. He has shortened up to 5/4 in places and is another with outstanding claims at the Festival. DARYAL owners ROB EVANS & GEOFF JEWITT went to see the horse work at Gary's gallop this morning. They came back impressed with his condition so we'll be seeing him back over hurdles soon. It will be a welcome return for our 5 time winner. We now move onto Hereford with 3 runners tomorrow, it's great to be back racing.

Friday 13th February 2009 - Fakenham off so we head to Hereford on Sunday
FAKENHAM was abandoned early this morning due to snow lying on the track so we now head to HEREFORD on Sunday with Latin Scholar, Dansimar & Asturienne. Hopefully we'll finally get some action. Dansimar's race choice took some thought as she held an entry at Wincanton but it was felt than 2m4f against mares was better than 2m6f on very heavy ground against the geldings. Hereford will be soft but Wincanton is bottomless so will probably turn into a slog.

How quickly can a stable go out of form ? In the 4.20pm race this afternoon Alan's 2 runners finished last & 15th. It was interest ing to then hear Eddie 'The Shoe' Freemantle say that Alan's yard may have been held up due to the snow & his runners probably needed the run. He might be right but surely one race is hardly enough evidence to make this sweeping judgement. Yesterday Alan had 4 horses placed at Chepstow whilst Pangbourne ran a decent 2nd at Plumpton on Monday. The yard has about a dozen runners tomorrow including Voy Per Ustedes so that will give us a better guide. Alan has told me he's keep everything on the go so I'm not panicking just yet.

Thursday 12th February 2009 - Fakenham now frozen
I'm turning into Victor Meldrew as I don't believe it. FAKENHAM had unforecasted snow last night & they now look quite doubtful to race tomorrow. It's totally frustrating for all concerned as we keep getting close but not close enough. Valleyofthedolls faces just 3 opponents in her race (Mahonia looks strong fav) whilst Asturienne's race also looks a suitable event. If Fakenham is off we shall have to re-route to Southwell & Hereford respectively. Luckily there isn't a swear box on my desk - it would have been full today !

Wednesday 11th February 2009 - Hopeful for the weekend
The weather looks like giving us a chance to race this weekend so I'll be doing plenty of miles in the car. If Fakenham beats the frost we shall definitely run VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS ( debut over hurdles, schooled well, wants good ground) and ASTURIENNE (working nicely, has a penalty to carry but improved a bit mentally since Huntingdon). Plans are undecided for DANSIMAR, LATIN SCHOLAR & THEATRE DIVA - ground will rule where we go. It's highly likely we'll not see CHARMAINE WOOD until the EBF Mares H'cap Final on 21st March. She is 100% but as she doesn't want soft ground it makes sense to keep her fresh for a big pot. Hopefully we'll get some decent ground in Berkshire come the day. KANDJAR DALLIER will get an entry at Doncaster on Wednesday but has a back up at Warwick on Friday 20th too.

Tuesday 10th February 2009 - McCoy 3000 not out but let's not forget Dicky
Well done to AP for getting his 3000th winner at Plumpton yesterday. It's a superb personal achievement in one of the toughest sports possible. Just to ride for as long as he has done is meritorious in it's own right and shows how tough he must be with all the falls & injuries incured. Winner No 3500 is certainly possible as AP has such a huge desire to ride winners but please think about Richard Johnson too. He isn't that far off 2000 winners which makes him a great champion in his own right. Two great jockeys who we are lucky to have in our lifetime.

Our plans for the weekend already look in jeopardy with Wincanton, Market Rasen, Sandown & Ascot all waterlogged. We might be able to race at Fakenham & Hereford providing the frost doesn't get to heavy. A drying but cold week is forecast so we might just get lucky. Everyone is bored stiff without any action so let's keep positive that we actually might get some runners.

Monday 9th February 2009 - Entry news
We have multiple weekend entries to cover all bases for our horses due to the awful weather. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS has an entry made at Fakenham & Ascot. ASTURIENNE has Fakenham, Uttoxteter & Hereford. LATIN SCHOLAR has Ascot & Hereford whilst DANSIMAR has Wincanton & Hereford. THEATRE DIVA completes the list with an entry at Hereford. The Blue Square Chase at Haydock on Saturday has cut up leaving SHERWOODS FOLLY as the new 9/2 favourite. As we took the freely available 12's on Friday we have snapped up the value. Let's hope the meeting beats the rain, snow & frost.

Sunday 8th February 2009 - Weekend review
Great to Denman back but what a surpeb performance from Madision Du Berlais to rout his field under Tom Scudamore. The race has left me a little confused as I'm undecided whether to take Madison's run as true form. The question marks are ... Denman was coming back after a year out & didn't like the track, Joe Lively suffered an injury, Albertas Run didn't like the ground & the time was 30 seconds slower than the King George. The plus points were a consistant 137 rated chaser was beaten 69L, the time was 10 seconds quicker than the handicap chase on the same card, Albertas Run was beaten 48L plus Madision has solid Hennessey form with Big Bucks & Air Force One. The race raises more questions than answers but its sure to see the Gold Cup being a huge betting event as plenty will want to take on Kauto Star on soft ground. There were no bets this weekend but we did dip our toe into the water for the Blue Square Chase at Haydock with Sherwoods Folly 12-1. It was good to see Tom Segal tip him today in the Racing Post therefore. The race looks like cutting up quite badly & he'll get the heavy ground he needs to show best form.

Friday 6th February 2009 - Running plans
With the weather still taking a grip our next runners will probably be ASTURIENNE & VALEYOFTHEDOLLS at Fakenham next Friday whilst DANSIMAR, LATIN SCHOLAR & THEATRE DIVA are in contention for races on Sunday 15th at Hereford. Hopefully we'll get some runners soon as we are all going stir crazy. It's great news that the BHA has managed to transfer the Aon Chase to Kempton as we'll get to see Denman make an appearance. This will be a most informative race as it also marks the seasonal debut of An Accordion who is a horse I really like. It will be interesting to see how he goes against the Gold Cup winner but jockey bookings suggest he might need the run. No bets today.

Wednesday 4th February 2009 - Asturienne at Huntingdon - maybe ?
ASTURIENNE will run tomorrow at Huntingdon providing the meeting goes ahead & that Alan can get his horsebox out the yard. Alan told me that he'd had 5 inches of snow last night so the lanes around Barbury Castle were impossible. Asturienne has been working well at home, has improved since her last run but it does look a tough race & she has a penalty to carry. Plenty have form but we hope she can learn from her debut and remain competitive. The race will give us a good guide to her ability level. Choc rides. The rest of our plans are totally in the air due to snow & frost. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS may run on Sunday or Monday. DANSIMAR could go to Wetherby on Monday. We shall have to watch the weather to see what it brings.

Monday 2nd February 2009 - Snow ruins Valley chance
Southwell was abandoned early this morning due to snow. It's very frustrating as VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS looked to have an outstanding chance in a modest race. We shall now head to Hereford on Sunday providing they race. LATIN SCHOLAR will not go to Market Rasen tomorrow as it would be a horrid journey on bad roads in a horse box. He may go to Taunton on Thursday. I'm not too hopeful of Ludlow or Huntingdon being able to race so we may also be looking for alternative races for THEATRE DIVA & ASTURIENNE.

Sunday 1st February 2009 - Valleyofthedolls starts a busy week - we hope !!
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will run tomorrow at Southwell with Choc on board. We hope the meeting can beat the freeze as it's cut up quite nicely for her. Valley's chance will be made all the better by the ground drying out. She has schooled well and is working nicely. THEATRE DIVA will go to Ludlow on Wednesday with Sam riding whilst ASTURIENNE will go to Huntingdon on Thursday in order to qualify for the EBF Final. The weather may intervene but we can do nothing about that bar keeping everything crossed.

Saturday 31st January 2009 - Thetwincamdrift wins at 11-4
An impressive performance by THETWINCAMDRIFT 11-4 at Doncaster under Wayne Hutchinson saw him win the 3m novice hurdle to make it a profitable day for Info Line followers. He can go on from here & this pointing winner will make a lovely chaser next season. It was an informative days racing with plenty catching the eye. Master of Arts won cosily on hurdles debut for the Pipe / Scu team when beating the well fancied Copper Bleu to put himself right in the Truimph Hurdle mix. He was impressive and so was LORIENT EXPRESS at Sandown who racked up the hat-trick since coming back from a year out. Let's Live used to own Lorient but when the contract term reached expiry the syndicate decided to send him to the sales. It was very sad to see him go as he had won 7 races in our colours but I'm thrilled for the new owners who have picked up a real bargain. The horse has won them £35,000 and who is to say he can't win them more. Lorient's win brought up a double fpr Aidan & Venetia - the yard remain in flying form.

Friday 30th January 2009 - Gordon Ramsay on RUK
Another day another abandoned meeting as it was Chepstow's turn to bite the dust after loads of overnight rain. I'm already getting twitchy about our immediate plans for the team as both snow & frost are forecast for early next week. It's an incredible state of affairs but at least we have some replacement meetings in the pipeline.
With so few races to watch I've been looking at other ways to pass the time & today it was an infrequent visit to the BETFAIR FORUM to read through some threads. Much of the content seems to come from losing punters who want to blame the trainer or jockey rather than themselves for losing money. Maybe if they spent more time reading form & less time posting tripe they might actually win some money. If they really think the game is that bent why continue to bet on it every day ? On the plus side there are some superb threads giving excellent stats for big races, some really good insight into some race form & the horses, plus the odd bit that makes you laugh out loud. After Nick Luck's unfortunate slip of the tongue ( see yesterday's diary entry ) it's been suggested that he buys an un-named horse & forms a partnership with top chef Gordon Ramsay to name it You can guess the name of the horse yourself !

Thursday 29th January 2009 - Even the best make mistakes
The ground at Towcester today was as bad as it gets, I pity the poor groundsman whose job it is to put all the divets back in place. One of Venetia's managed to trip up going to the first hurdle so that was a bad start to the day. Ironically one of her owners, PAUL BECK, won the race with the Nick Gifford trained Neil Harvey. The terrible ground made it a day for small uncompetitive fields but matters were livened up when NICK LUCK gave viewers the benefit of an unexpected F word expletive when pictures cut to Nad Al Sheba. Nick is a top pro & when he quizzes you he'll know the form of your horses better than anyone. Nick won Broadcaster of the Year in 2007 & 2008 so it was a shame to see him make an uncharactistic mistake whick required an apology to viewers. I doubt it offended too many people but I'm sure he'll be ribbed about it for years to come. Last summer RUK's Steve Mellish suggested a decent bet at Newmarket but the horse, ridden by ROYSTON FFRENCH, got into all sorts of trouble before finishing fast into 2nd. It was only beaten a short head & was unfortunate not to win the race. Steve said " Now I know why there are two F's in Ffrench".

Wednesday 28th January 2009 - Lifeguards at WIncanton
Two more meetings lost today due the heavy rain which is a shame but I doubt they will be the last. WINCANTON have issued a going stick report of 2.8 for tomorrow. That's the lowest I've ever seen and it makes me wonder if lifeguards will be required to save fallen jockeys from drowning. LATIN SCHOLAR has been given another entry at Market Rasen on Tuesday. Ground will govern where he goes but that's the same for all our horses. None of them want it this soft.

Tuesday 27th January 2009 - Silver Spinner 2nd but Ballinderry Park 4/1 wins
Tow horses mentioned this afternoon. Silver Spinner 7/2 looked to have a sound chance at Taunton in a 3m handicap despite top weight but (connections may say differently) she looked to find the track too sharp. She lost her place at half way, got behind some horses who were falling back on the tight paddock turn, made up that lost ground & stayed on well into 2nd up the straight. A stiffer track may see her to best advantage but she looks to need a real trip & mud. Maybe Chepstow or Towcester could be the next port of call. At Folkestone BALLINGDERRY PARK 4/1 won quite cosily for the bang in form Charlie Mann / Noel Fehily team over 2m1f. This looks a horse to follow as he didn't win far but certainly had plenty up his sleeve & will get further if required. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will hopefully make her hurdles debut on Monday at Southwell, she has schooled well. THEATRE DIVA will go to Ludlow on Wednesday for a 2m5f Mares handicap. Having won at the track before we can be sure that suits. LATIN SCHOLAR will go to Taunton on Thursday & we hope he can go well in another novice. ASTURIENNE will bid to follow up her recent win in another bumper at Huntingdon on Thursday.

Monday 26th January 2009 - FESTIVAL PREVIEW 9th March
Tickets for the CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW are being snapped up very quickly. It's sure to be a sel out well in advance of the evening so please contact me soon should you wish to come. The panel consists of Choc Thirnton, Sam Thomas, Tom Scudamore & Joe Tizzard ..... so we should come away armed with loads of vital information. The preview is held at the ROYAL OAK PRESTBURY on Monday 9th March.

Sunday 25th January 2009 - Weekend review
CHARMAINE WOOD ran well enough given the circumstancies on Saturday at Doncaster to finish 4th. Although the ground was officially soft it was also very holding & she couldn't cope with it. We'll see a better horse when the ground gets some bounce in it and with a far more positive ride. Jockeys have a very hard job so we don't pass negative comment too often as things can go wrong in races. However Christian gave her an impossible task by bouncing out last from the gate so there can be no excuse for that. He was asked to be no worse than mid division over the first couple of flights so only he knows why he was so far behind. Charmaine was still in last place going past the stands first time so it was a disapointing effort. I'm yet to be convinced that lining up 10 lengths behind the leaders at the start, particularly on very soft ground, is a clever tactic. At some stage you have to make that ground up, so why do it ? On a positive note she jumped really well & battled hard. Alan says she came out of the race well but we'll hold off until the ground gets better. DANSIMAR also ran a good race in the circumstancies at Cheltenham. The time of the race was quick & she was flat out from the start. It was the first time she had come out of her jumping comfort zone as her 3 novice hurdle wins were all very simple & at her own pace but today was totally different. Aidan said she made a little mistake at the 2nd, a bad one at the 4th, but she learned from those errors as she was good afterwards. Although flat out all the way she ran on past horses from 2 out and finished the race well. That was important as she didn't finish last time & had to have a better experience here. Aidan did a super job as he taught her plenty. Dansimar will win races but she needs a step up to 2m4f or a little further. Cheltenham was all about rebuilding after a poor run at Wincanton, that job was done, so we can now plan ahead,

Thursday 22nd January 2009 - Oscar Jack 3rd at Warwick
OSCAR JACK ran well enough today but was beaten into 3rd. As described on the Info Line the only thing we were worried about was his freshness having had a run just 7 days prior. That worry came home to roost as Sam said he ran flat, had no kick when required & didn't jump as well as he can. He'll have a short break but can win again on better ground. It's highly likely CHARMAINE WOOD & DANSIMAR will take up handicap options at Doncaster and Cheltenham respectively on Saturday. Christian Williams rides Charmaine & Aidan Coleman rides Dansimar.

Wednesday 21st January 2009 - Oscar Jack runs at Warwick if they race
Warwick faces an inspection tomorrow morning at 8am as it's due to rain in biblical proportions but, should they race, OSCAR JACK will try for a quick double. He will face just 6 rivals in the 2m4f handicap chase with Aidan Coleman riding. Therefore his 7lb penalty is reduced by 3lbs with this excellent claimer on top. Oscar does put a lot of effort into his races so we hope he'll be fresh enough to run to the same level as last week. Encouragingly Venetia says he's well at home, looking bright, so we shall go to Warwick with optimism. There is no decision on DANSIMAR's prefered option for Saturday but she will run somewhere. I need to chat through the races with Venetia tomorrow.

Tuesday 20th January 2009 - The handicappers verdict
OSCAR JACK went up 11lbs to 107 for winning by 6 lengths last Thursday at Taunton. The hurdles handicapper, applying the rules of the new system, put him up 6lb to 102. KANDJAR DALLIER who was soundly beaten by 41 lengths at Haydock was dropped one pound. Oscar Jack has an option on Thursday at Warwick but a decision on his participation will not be made until tomorrow. The ground will be terrible as the track had over 25mill of rain at the weekend. Plans for Charmaine Wood & Dansimar at the weekend are on hold until we know if the storms forecast for midweek hit Doncaster and/or Cheltenham. It's highly unlikely Uttoxeter will be better than soft so VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will have to be re-routed.

Monday 19th January 2009 - Kandjar / Towcester Shambles / Bellamy
A very busy weekend started with KANDJAR DALLIER running in the Peter Marsh Chase. Wayne Hutchinson said he was very happy turning out of the back straight as Kandjar was going really well but when he pressed the button just before 4 out the tank went to empty within 100 yards. Kandjar seems fine but he stopped very quickly which isn't like him. He will be scoped later this week so maybe something will pop up but maybe the ground just took it's toll. I'm convinced he jumps & travels better on good ground despite having won on heavy many times. Yesterday our visit to TOWCESTER with CHARMAINE WOOD was a shambles. The ground was given as soft with a going stick reading of 7.9 - exactly the same as when she won last time out. One hour before racing heavy patches were introduced to the report. Where did they sprout from at that stage of proceedings ? It was a beautiful day so I@m baffled by it all. Choc said it was terrible heavy ground in parts and recommended we pull Charmaine Wood out, so that's what we did. We had a large group of owners at the track who were left disappointed after a wasted day. Trainers and jockeys get fined for every small mistake but what punishment do clerks get for innacurate going reports ? It really gets under my skin when we are subjected to innacurate going reports like this as it's expensive to transport horses & the owners can do without a wasted journey to the races. I had tickets for the WEST HAM Vs FULHAM game but happily went to Towcester instead as I thought Charmaine would run well. As the mighty Hammers won 3-1 it was, in hindsight, sad to miss the game but more on them later & the delightful Mr Craig Bellamy. On the punting front we had a slightly frustrating day on Saturday as Pipo Du Ray 7/2 (SP 2/1) fell when cruising at Wincanton. He was due to be ridden by 7lb claimer Will Biddick but as he couldn't do the weight Liam Heard rode. I had to laugh this morning when Racing Post columnist Mark Winstanley said he would have prefered Thora Heard to Liam Heard. That's a harsh comment from 'The Couch' but it gave me a chuckle. Regal Approach 8/1 started off in mid division & stayed there on what turned out to be awful ground whilst Chivalry 20-1 ran poorly. Now back to West Ham & CRAIG BELLAMY. This guy signed a 5yr contract in June 2007 and is paid more in one week than two nurses get paid in a year. He was injured for the best part of last season & therefore was paid fortunes by West Ham for doing very little. He has played about 20 games this season, done well for the team, kisses the badge when he scores, but then (if we believe The Times report) goes on strike because another big money move to Manchester City or Spurs has loomed up. The Times continue to say that Bellamy cleared his locker at the training ground & refused to play against Fulham because West Ham wouldn't let him speak to either club. Isn't football is in a terrible state when player power reaches that level. Anyhow .....back to the horses and some entry news. DANSIMAR will get 3 entries this weekend at Doncaster & Cheltenham. Two handicaps and a Listed race have been pencilled in but we'll have a look at the ground and the entry lists before making a decision. CHARMAINE WOOD will get an entry at Doncaster in the same 2m3f handicap as Dansimar but they will not clash. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will get an entry at Uttoxeter on Saturday in a 2m Mares novice hurdle but she wants decent ground which with a horrible weather forecast would look quite doubtful at the moment. More abandoned meetings look likely in the next week.

Friday 16th January 2009 - Supreme Keano 7/2 wins at Chepstow
One bet today SUPREME KEANO 7/2 who won at Chepstow in the 3m h'cap chase. The winning margin wasn't far but I thought he won cosy enough & is one to follow on soft ground. This was his first chase and only his 5th race so he can only improve. AP looked at pains not to win too far. KANDJAR DALLIER runs tomorrow and he should go well with lots in his favour. CHARMAINE WOOD has been declared for Sunday's 2m novice race at Towcester but the wet weather forecast looks quite threatening. She wouldn't want very soft ground so her runs hangs in the balance. OSCAR JACK has come out of his race well which is a relief. We shall see what the handicapper does before making plans. LATIN SCHOLAR has also come out of his race in good form so we can expect to see him again quite soon, he needs race experience.

Thursday 15th January 2009 - Oscar Jack wins at 9/2 to reward patience
OSCAR JACK produced a good round of jumping to win by 6L at Taunton under a well judged Sam Thomas ride. SP 7/2 (Ladbrokes 9/2 at message time). This was due reward for the owners as they have been very patient when injury repeatedly struck & held his career up. It was superb to see so many happy faces in the unsaddling area therefore. Sam settled him nicely & then crept into contention with a mile to run. A mistake at the last gave everyone a heart stopping moment but Oscar went clear on the run in. He holds some entries next week so there is a possibilty he could be turned out again quickly. Our other runner LATIN SCHOLAR ran a really nice race, coming 5th, on hurdling debut despite hating the soft / sticky ground. He was settled out the back by Choc but suffered some interference over the first couple. Taken wide he jumped well and looked quite threatening turning for home but the ground gave him no assistance. Choc was happy with Latin & said he'll be sure to learn plenty from the outing as he was still immature. It rode a decent event. KANDJAR DALLIER will face 10 opponents on Saturday in the PETER MARSH CHASE at Haydock. We were all gutted when Warwick was abandoned last weekend but this race looks very suitable as we know he loves the track, gets the 3m well & handles soft ground. It's sure to be competitive but as the only known front runner he might just get his own way in the van. If he can get into a good rhythm under Wayne Hutchinson he could get quite a few on the stretch off bottom weight. It's going to be an exciting day. Alan King let me know ASTURIENNE did her first bit of serious work since Huntingdon this morning & he was delighted with her as she's improved markedly. VALLEYTOFTHEDOLLS will get her first hurdles entry at Uttoxeter next Saturday after impressing in a schooling session this morning. THEATRE DIVA will get an entry in a Mares only 0-125 handicap at Newbury next Friday. It's been a very good day !

Wednesday 14th January 2009 - Two runners at Taunton tomorrow
LATIN SCHOLAR makes his hurdling debut tomorrow with Choc Thornton on top. A first run is always a fact finding mission to a large degree but the positives are that he is working well, loves his jumping & is clearly a useful horse with scope. We are hopeful, though not certain, that the soft ground will be Ok for him. He does have some flat form on soft but winter ground is a different ball game. It looks a competitive little race with high class flat racer Eradicate at the top of the market but we hope Latin can run a race full of promise. He'll be trying his best for sure & with a good round of jumping we hope he can be in the shake up. OSCAR JACK takes his chance in the 2m3f handicap chase and we would be hopeful of a good run. Sam Thomas thought a step up in trip would suit after his race at Uttoxeter (form worked out quite well) and despite the lay off he is far fitter now. With a clear run he should be competitive off his current mark. After a long run of good success on the punting front I've had a poor run since mid December. Granted we've just had two weeks off due to the frosty weather I'm hardly suicidal but it's very annoying when things keep going wrong. Today one horse was pulled up after going wrong & the other was given a hard ask after being held up out the back. Fortunately both were to small stakes but nonetheless I need to turn a corner quickly. Experience & a review of my betting records say you get these type of runs occasionally & always work through them .... but that's no comfort right now. On a more positive note expect full details of the annual Cheltenham Festival Preview to be published soon as the panel is now fixed. Considering it's held on the night before the 4 biggest days of the season we are fortunate to have Choc, Sam Thomas, Tom Scudamore & Joe Tizzard available to speak at this fund raiser. National Hunt jockeys are a great bunch & a credit to the sport.

Tuesday 13th January 2009 - Haydock should suit Kandjar & Gerard Tumelty news
KANDJAR DALLIER has been allocated 10st 2lbs for the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday. Minimium weight is 10st 4lbs so we may, if Roll Along & Monkerhostin run, be 2lbs wrong but compared to the majority that's quite a good deal. With Choc at Ascot I'll have to discuss jockey arrangements with Alan later in the week - let's see what happens with the weights first ! We know Kandjar goes well at Haydock having won there twice & goes on soft / heavy ground. Encouragingly the clerk, Kirkland Tellwright, says 6 of the 8 fences have been moved giving fresh ground around the inner. There are no secrets with Kandjar's best tactics, he bounces out & has to go along the paint, so that's a vital piece of information that helps greatly. DANSIMAR produced a clean scope yesterday and is now back in full work at Venetia's. She was a little under the weather after her Wincanton defeat but we can now look forward with optimism once more. She will get an entry at Doncaster on January 24th, so more on her next week.

Jockeys get bored very easily when racing is abandoned & there's no daily adrenalin buzz. This afternoon I received a telephone call from Alan's good young 3lb claimer GERARD TUMELTY to say he had spent quite a bit of this unexpected spare time surfing the net. I didn't ask about all the sites he searched for, that's his private business, but one site he did read word for word was this one. Gerard complained that despite riding winners for Let's Live his name didn't figure too often in the diary & asked what I was going to do about it. How vain can you get !! He also slipped into the conversation that the picture of myself on the "About Us" page was at least 25yrs old as (digging an even bigger hole ) I'd obviously put on a fair bit of weight & lost some hair since the photo was taken. I'm not one to take offence or hold a grudge so am only too happy to put the record straight for GERARD TUMELTY and mention him right now. Sadly for Gerard the floodgates are now open & he'll probably get some future headlines that he won't want.

Monday 12th January 2009 - Entry news & a darts howler
We could have a busy few days starting this Thursday. AS long as we beat the ballot number & the ground is fine our new juvenile LATIN SCHOLAR will race at Taunton. He could be joined by OSCAR JACK in the 2m3f handicap chase but he'll need a few to come out. His saftey net will be at Market Rasen on Sunday or Lingfield Monday. KANDJAR DALLIER will be 2lb outside the weights on Saturday in the Peter Marsh Chase if things stay as they are now. This isn't a major problem as we may choose to claim off him. CHARMAINE WOOD has an entry at Towcester on Sunday so we will have a good look at the entry list for that race. No bets today but we had a minimum stake bet of Deutchland in the Pierce Hurdle yesterday. backed from 16-1 into 7-1 he was clearly well fancied but managed a fast finishing 8th. His chance was ruined by a slow jump at the 1st flight as he ended up, from a good position, hemmed in behind a wall of horses. I'll not be giving up on him & something like the County Hurdle might suit. Did you watch the Darts Final on BBC2 yesterday ? It was great fun all round Dracula lookalike as Ted ' The Count' Hankey won the BDO World Final but the main talking point was the gaff by commentator Tony Green earlier in the week. One player had only 3 left as he came up to the Oche. Tony whispered into the mic..... " Now what way is he going to go ? ". Work it out for yourself.

Saturday 10th January 2009 - See You There 12/1 gets placed
We saw our first jump race meeting for almost a fortnight today at Ayr but the freeze continues as many tracks are still frozen. Carlisle is off & Plumton inspect tomorrow for Monday, so that does not look good for Oscar Jack's prospects of a run. We backed 2 horses today starting off with See You There (12/1 each way) who ran really well to get a place in a competitive chase that turned into a slog. Going to 2 out he looked a likely winner but he faded slightly despite battling hard. Our 2nd bet was at Lingfield where Philatelist cocked his jaw when entering the short home straight when disputing the lead. It was a disappointing effort from the Michael Jarvis inmate on what should have been a favoured surface. If we get the forecast thaw we'll be very busy from late next week with Latin Scholar & Oscar Jack (Taunton Thurs), Kandjar Dallier (Haydock Sat) and Charmaine Wood (Towcester Sun) due to race.

Wednesday 7th January 2009 - Prospects look bleak
No jump racing this week so far & prospects look bleak right into next week with the ground frozen hard. KANDJAR DALLIER looks like missing his long tern goal at Warwick but at least we have another race up our sleeve at Haydock on the 17th. At this stage of the season I wouldn't be too happy running him there as the ground gets badly chopped up on the inner. The course use the same track for brush hurdles & chases so it gets poached, especially when it's soft, but fortunately the Peter Marsh Chase is the first race on that track. We would get the best of it ! Kandjar has always jumped left so he neds to be kept hard against the rail - going down the middle isn't an option. We are looking forward to getting LATIN SCHOLAR on the track next week as he's been schooling well on the all weather strip at Alan's. His first entry is Plumpton on Monday & he could be joined by OSCAR JACK who has an entry in the 2m4f chase. After that both have an entry at Taunton on Thursday.

Monday 5th January 2009 - Entry news
Still no jump racing because of the frost & that's starting to cause a few problems. We have loads of horses to run, so has everyone, but there is no let up in the weather. When we finally do get some action most races, particulary the novice events, will be heavily over subscribed so we may have to remain patient. CHARMAINE WOOD will be redirected to Towcester on 18/01 for a novice hurdle if Fontwell is abandoned. She would defitely get a run having already been a winner. KANDJAR DALLIER will hopefully get a run this Saturday at Warwick but Plan B is Haydock the following weekend for the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase. LATIN SCHOLAR is ready for an entry after one more school on the grass. However Alan was under 2 inches of snopw this morning so that was another plan shelved. Latin will get multiple entries once he has had his school. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS also needs more schooling before she can run so we are about 10-14 days away with her. Alan is pleased with her condition after Ludlow. OSCAR JACK will hopefully get a run on Friday at Huntingdon but will more than likely have to re-route somewher else. We live in hope for a thaw.

Saturday 3rd January 2009 - The weather is causing a problem
No bets yesterday or today with racing mainly being abandoned. Tomorrow we hope to run OSCAR JACK at Plumpton where track officials are surprisingly hopeful of racing. At 10am this morning they tell me the track is raceable but with a frost forecast tonight an 8am inspection on Sunday is required. We live in hope therefore. CHARMAINE WOOD is due to go to Taunton but that track is frozen solid at the moment & they plan to inspect on Sunday. If we miss Taunton then Charmaine could go to Fontwell on Thursday whilst Oscar could go to Huntingdon on Friday. The frost has also held up schooling Latin Scholar & Valleyofthedolls on the grass which is a bit frustrating but there is nothing we can do about the weather.

Thursday 1st January 2009 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
No bets yesterday or today. We have popped CHARMAINE WOOD into a handicap hurdle at Fontwell on Wednesday as a saver should Taunton be off. After 2 wins the handicapper has given her a mark of 117. This mark must have been calculated with a degree of guesswork as Charmaine hasn't come off the bridle to win her two races. We don't know really how good she is until she comes under pressure & also gets her preferred good ground. Therefore nor can the handicapper. The Cheltenham crowd saw yet another remarkable win by Asturienne's half brother LOUGH DERG. After looking beaten two out, under maximum pressure from Tom Scudamore, he gamely fought back up the hill to pip No Refuge. It was a performance of sheer guts & bravery. If our mare turns out to be half as good as Lough Derg we will be pleased.

Tuesday 30th December 2008 - Entry news
No bets today or Monday. We look like having a very cold & frosty spell with some meetings likely to called off. Hopefully this cold snap won't affect our plans for OSCAR JACK who has an entry at Fakenham & Plumpton nor CHARMAINE WOOD who will go to Taunton on Monday 5th. LATIN SCHOLAR only needs a couple of more schools on the grass before he is ready to make a debut over hurdles. He is doing everything right at home. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will also school on the grass next week before making her hurdling debut towards the middle of the month. ASTURIENNE has come out of her race well & the plan is to get her qualified for the EBF Mares Final at Sandown on March 7th. Alan is very pleased with her.

Sunday 28th December 2008 - Theatre Diva fails to stay at Kempton
THEATRE DIVA jumped & travelled well to 3 out at Kempton yesterday but Tom Scudamore reported the petrol tank emptied quite quickly from there on in. With no other suitable option over the Festive break we took a calculated punt, with the owners blessing, to run Diva over 3m. There are no regrets as for the excellent money on offer it was worth a try - she is fine today and we have learn't quite a bit about her. Scu said she wasn't the quickest and understood why she would give the impression of staying further but thought a fast run 2m4f would be best on a flat track. SCU was very professional about the job both before and after the race. He had taken the trouble to call Sam Thomas to discuss the horse and also rang Venetia & I about the tactics to be employed pre race. He spoke sensibly and at length to the owners after the race giving them some good feedback & genuine hope for the future. Scu also telephoned me on his way home to say thanks for the ride & to reitterate his thoughts about the race. My main worry was if he asked me for a fiver for all the mobile calls ! It just goes to show what a jockey does to keep everyone happy but it certainly makes a difference when a horse loses. Thanks Scu !! Nenuphar Collonges 6/1 didn't jump with any fluency on the first circuit in the Welsh National leaving himself with a mountain to climb. Did you see the owner of the National winner go mental when his horse went past the post ? Brilliant wasn't it - that's what racing does for you when it all goes right - you can lose control. I'll not tell tales on here but we have had some very exciting & moving moments when one of ours has grabbed a trophy.

Friday 26th December 2008 - Asturienne wins at 11/4 on a mixed day for Let's Live
It was a mixed day for our two runners this afternoon. We had a lovely surprise when ASTURIENNE won a bumper on debut at Huntingdon under an inspired Wayne Hutchinson. We knew she was a lovely filly & good prospect but Alan thought she would be too green to actually win. In the race she was on & off the bridle for the first mile & half but then the penny started to drop. Wayne said she saw a gap between two runners and shot through to win going away. Asturienne can only improve and go on from here, Wayne was suitably impressed. I'm told she has an attitude about her at home & was very unruly to saddle this afternoon. She clearly takes this attitude with her to the track - she is a fighter. We saw the flip side of racing with DANSIMAR at Wincanton. Gallop reports had been most encouraging before her handicap debut but she fell in a heap just after 3 out which was most disappointing & baffling. She will be checked over by the vets at Venetia's later this week. GOLD REEF 11/4 (SP 2/1) won easily at Wincanton to reward some good bets for us. Our other bet, Alflora Dora 7/2, ran unplaced. She is said to be vastly superior to Asturienne at home & would have been 1st string from the King yard had the bumper not divided. It just goes to show that the acid test is on the track. KAUTO STAR was at his very best in the King George with Alan's Voy Per Ustedes (made crucial mistakes late in the race) back in 3rd. Tomorrow we run THEATRE DIVA in the valuable 3m Mares handicap at Kempton. She has been raised 7lbs for her recent win but we hope she can be in the mix off 127. Her style of running suggests she may be OK at the trip, the good ground will suit and she is in good form. Tom Scudamore takes the ride in what looks a tricky & competitive race but you have to expect that for the good money. Winning these type of races doesn't come easily.

Tuesday 23rd December 2008 - Declaration news for 26th & 27th
DANSIMAR does get a run at Wincanton as Denman's team decided to keep him at home. We are only 2lb out the handicap and with Aidan doing 9st 11lbs we are hardly disadvantaged. Spare a thought for Aidan who will have to cut down on the turkey but luckily he is a fairly light guy anyhow. The race looks to be pretty competitive but for the god money on offer it's to be expected. ASTURIENNE also gets a run, with Wayne on top, due to the bumper being able to divide at Huntingdon. This also looks a competitive little race with 7 of the 12 having placed or winning form. We like our filly but she will come on for the experience mentally. THEATRE DIVA will run at Kempton on Saturday where a small field is guarenteed in the 3m Mares race. Diva has a good record in small fields, is in good form, so we are looking forward to her run.

CAN I WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - NEXT UPDATE ON 26th DECEMBER

Monday 22nd December 2008 - Theatre Girl retired to stud
THEATRE GIRL has been retired to stud with immediate effect. Sadly she has not fully revovered from her nasty blood infection so the vets have advised a long rest in the only cure. As she was due to commence stud duties from late March this move has been brought forward. She has been a terrfic servant over the past two & half seasons with several wins & top class runs at the major tracks including the Aintree & Cheltenham Festivals. We are all sad to see her go but she will have a happy life from here on in ..... maybe in a few years we will see one of her family in Let's Live Racing colours. After a really good run the last week's punting has been poor. Our one bet today ran as if wearing a pair of lead boots. I couldn't pick the winner of a 2 horse race at the moment so the Christmas break comes at just the right time. Plans for DANSIMAR are still in the air as we await news on Denman's participation at Wincanton. If the Gold Cup winner runs off 165 then we will stay at home as Dansimar would be too far out the handicap. THEATRE DIVA's race on Friday at Kempton has been re-opened as only 9 mares took up the option at the 5 day stage. Hopefully it will stay a small field & therefore give us a better chance of picking up a really nice prize.

Sunday 21st December 2008 - Theatre Girl runs poorly at Haydock
It was a deflating day at Haydock yesterday as THEATRE GIRL ran another lifeless race in the 2m4f handicap hurdle. We need to speak with the vets to seek an opinion but the situation is very worrying. Ashkazar also ran a poor race in the Ladbroke, he dropped away very tamely so I'd be surprised if all was well with him. Our other bet, Atouchbewteenacara, ran really well to take 2nd in the Tommy Whittle Chase but a shocking mistake 3 out stopped him in his tracks. Despite that he was only just denied. It was interesting to observe that he was ridden round the inner as all 6 winners on the brush hudle / chase track came down middle to outer. We deliberately didn't run Kandjar Dallier in this race as the ground has been poor against the rail due to excessive use. Haydock seem intent on running 5 or 6 races on the same strip of very soft ground so no wonder it gets cut up & looks like a ploughed field. My punting over the last few days has been horrifically bad, if it can go wrong it has. In the scheme of things I'm not too worried as we have made huge profits this year so the occasional jittery run has to be taken on the chin.

Friday 19th December 2008 - Theatre Girl runs at Haydock
No bets today. THEATRE GIRL will take her place in a competitive looking 2m4f handicap hurdle at Haydock tomorrow. The bang in form Wayne Hutchinson takes the ride. We can forget her last run as she had a poor white blood cell count (a handful of Alan's had this problem at the time) but she is back working well now. Clearly it's a worry coming back after a poor run but the tests are clean & she is very bright in herself. The trip, track & good to soft ground are fine. ASTURIENNE has been given an entry for Boxing Day at Huntingdon in a bumper. It will be her racecourse debut so we cannot expect miracles, nor will she be given a hard time, but her work has been good & she should go well enough. DANSIMAR is our other runner on Boxing Day, she will go for a Pertempts Qualifier at Wincanton. After 3 easy novice wins last season we are left on a perch of 130 - no easy task for a 4yo but she will be trying her absolute best. The 2m6f trip will be fine & so will some cut. It's her first venture outside novice company so we will learn quite a bit. Venetia reports Dansimar to be in decent form but she will just come on a little bit for the run.

Thursday 18th December 2008 - Valleyofthedolls a good 3rd at unlucky Ludlow
We were pleased with VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS when she ran a game 3rd at Ludlow in the bumper. Choc said it rode a good race, she travelled well, got a little bogged down in the dead ground up the straight. It was a pleasing run as she ideally needs better ground but battled hard. The plan will be to go over hurdles now so expect to see her in appoximately three weeks. I'm not surprised she got beaten today as LUDLOW has long been my bogey track - I've never had a good day there. It's always cold & wet .... and I can't recall backing a winner in about 10 visits. I'm sorry if it's one of your own personal favourites (It's friendly & well run) but a black cloud seems to descend over me as I get within a mile of the car park. We had 2 bets today. Both ran well but came 2nd & 3rd - disappointing all round. THEATRE GIRL will run on Saturday at Haydock with Wayne Hutchinson on top. Her work has been fine & her blood test A1. It was great to see our old charge LORIENT EXPRESS win under Sam Thomas this afternoon. It was a superb training performance by Venetia & even better news for new owners. Congratulations to them.

Wednesday 17th December 2008 - Valleyofthedolls faces 15 at Ludlow
No bets today but I wished I'd backed BAKBENSCHER who returned to form at Newbury under Choc. Having seen him work at home he is clearly a very talented horse but having turned in a poor effort last time I felt best to watch. He cantered through the field & won quite easily, he is a Festival horse for sure. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will run tomorrow at Ludlow in a competitive looking bumper with Choc on top. The better the ground the better she will go .... so I'm delighted it's been dry for the last couple of days. Valley has been working nicely & will be trying her best under a penalty. An lovely old friend, LORIENT EXPRESS, makes his return to racing on the same card in a 2m chase. He won 7 times in our name a short while back but was sold just over a year ago. He hasn't been seen since so it will be great to meet him again. Lorient was a fantastic servant for his syndicate (how many horses win 7 races ?) so we'll all be cheering him on & hope he does well for his new owners.

Tuesday 16th December 2008 - Diva up 7lbs for recent win
No bets Monday or today. THEATRE DIVA was raised 7lbs to a new mark of 127 after her recent Taunton win. That could have been worse as she was 12L clear of the 3rd. There are some nice aces for her over the Festive period, let's hope we can pick the right one. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will run at Ludlow on Thursday as we felt the ground would be better than at Bangor. CHARMAINE WOOD will head to Taunton on Monday 5th January for an EBF Mares only qualifier. It will be no easy task to carry two penalties but those are the race conditions. The handicap final, at Newbury 21st March, is a huge pot to win so we have to qualify & try our best. THEATRE GIRL does hold an entry at Haydock on Saturday but is not a certain runner. Alan wants to gallop her midweek and then make an assessment of her fitmess. I won't be pushing but the race does look an ideal option for the mare. However if we have to wait then we have other options over the New Year period.

Sunday 14th December 2008 - Cheltenham lost to waterlogging
It was a real shame that yesterday's meeting at Cheltenham was lost due to severe waterlogging as there were some top class horses due to be on show. Hopefully the BHA will allow the Champion Hurdle trial to take place at either Ascot or Haydock on the 20th as we would learn loads ...particulary about the current favourite Binocular. Two bets on Saturday, both to minimum stakes at 12/1 & 8/1, but both were beat by halfway in there respective races at Doncaster. Hindsight says it was an error to place those bets as torrential rain turned the ground heavy but not much danage down after Friday's good winner. The test match in India looks finely poised with the hosts needing another 256 to win with 9 wickets left. Play starts at 4am on Monday morning so the alarm might just be set for an early start. Our spinners could lead us home for a remarkable victory. Come on Swanny & Monty !!

Friday 12th December 2008 - Mon Mome wins at 8/1 for Aidan & Venetia
Two bets today & the good run continued with MON MOME 8/1 (SP 11/2) winning at Cheltenham under an excellent ride by Aidan Coleman. The gelding jumped his rivals ragged and held on up the hill to gave Venetia a huge pot of nearly 60k. It's good to see her yard flying yet again in December. Our other bet, Raining Horse 7/1, was nearly brought down when 2 fell in front of him at an early stage - that was our race over. THEATRE DIVA is fine this morning so good news there, now we await the handicappers verdict on Tuesday. CHARMAINE WOOD has been given an official mark of 117.

Thursday 11th December 2008 - Theatre Diva wins 9/1 at Taunton
A superb performance by THEATRE DIVA saw her win a competitive handicap hurdle at Taunton under Sam Thomas - SP 9/1. This was a tremendous training performance as Diva had a heavy fall only 33 days ago. Her neck was very sore for a while afterwards so to get her back this quickly & to run so well was training excellence. Diva is a tough cookie too ! Sam said they went too fast for the first part of the race & she was flat out but kepy trying. Diva's jumping kept her in the race and when the leaders began to flag she was able to pick up the pieces. Chuffed for SAM THOMAS as he rode a super race & yet again showed what a top man he is. A super day, a pleasant surprise, but we now wait for her new mark before we can plan her next run. VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS was yet again denied by Ludlow frost so we head to Bangor next Wednesday. I did proof one horse to the Post before leaving for the races at 7.30am but subsequently decided not to put it up as a bet on the Info Line. Those ringing knew the horse in question was Spring Dream but Huntingdon had a 2nd inspection & I'm loathe to back horses on frosty / sticky ground. Sadly she broke down badly during the race so will now be retired to stud. I'm also sad to read that MY WAY DE SOLZEN will probably move yards after another below par performance. The horse owes connections nothing after an Arkle & World Hurdle success & we wish him well.

Wednesday 10th December 2008 - Two runners tomorrow - we hope
THEATRE DIVA runs at Taunton tomorrow with Sam Thomas on top. It's a return to hurdles for her after a somewhat unlucky spell over fences where she spent a lot of time hitting the deck in one way or another. Yes it's a confidence booster but she should also be competitive with trip & track to suit. There will be 7 runners in this tight little race but I'm hopeful of a good positive showing. Venetia's yard is now showing some form which is good for everyone involved . VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will, weather permitting, run in the bumper at Ludlow with Gerard Tumelty taking the mount. This could be quite a good heat with some decent well bred mares up againt her but I'm hopeful of a prominent run. This full sister to Theatre Girl is very useful & working well enough to give us encouragement. Two bets today with a non runner & one 7/1 small stake 4th place - not much damage done after an excellent recent run therefore. Let's hope LUDLOW can beat the freeze or we'll have to wait another week for Valleyofthedolls to make her seasonal debut at Bangor.

Tuesday 9th December 2008 - Freeze Up wins at 4/1 by 11 lengths
Two bets today. One non runner & one winner with FREEZE UP 4/1 (SP 7/2) winning in a canter at Fontwell under Tom Scudamore. This David Pipe trained gelding had 3 hurdle runs to get a mark but having won a point the switch to a low grade handicap chase looked likely to suit. He never came out of 2nd gear & looks far better than his mark of 92. Venetia gives me an upbeat report on DANSIMAR as it's all systems go for Boxing Day at Wincanton. I'm told she is in good form & working nicely. It's been a long wait to get her on the track but we are nearly there. If the forecasts are correct we will struggle to race on Thursday at Ludlow so enrties are planned at Bangor 17th and Ludlow 18th for VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS

Monday 8th December 2008 - Latin Scholar - our new juvenile hurdler
No bets today. LATIN SCHOLAR our new juvenile hurdler continues to please Alan King at home. I'm told his schooling is going very well & the trainer is pleased. Anyone interested in a 1/8th share at just £2,500 can contact me at any time. There are just 2 shares left which isn't a surprise as he is looking very promising & will run in late December as long as the ground isn't bottomless. After Warwick's demise yesterday we shall head to Ludlow with VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS but I'm already worried by the forecasted -3 on Wednesday night in Shropshire. I'll shall be getting the prayer mat out !

Sunday 7th December 2008 - Warwick off - Valley heads to Ludlow
With Warwick abandoned due to heavy frost we shall re-route VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS to Ludlow on Thursday. Frustrating ! I read that Alan isn't keen on ARALDUR going for the ARKLE despite his scintilating win at Sandown. He argues that Araldur would be too slow on good ground at Cheltenham & would be outpaced. His opinion is to be greatly respected but the 3/1 favourite, TATENEN, has never won on ground quicker than Good to Soft ....plus Araldur's winning time was amazing for a 4yo novice. Slow horses cannot run those sort of times & I can't see any speed horses in the ante post book. It's for the owner & trainer to decide where they go but I hope they reconsider opinions. Staying types win the Arkle with the last 3 winners (My Way De Solzen / Tidal Bay / Voy Per Ustedes ) all wanting further than 2m. I hope our brilliant trainer doesn't read this, my ears might be burning.

Saturday 6th December 2008 - King Jack 20-1 (e/w 4th) and Cape Express win
Two bets today KING JACK 20-1 ran a blinder to get 4th in an ultra competitive handicap at Sandown. Lack of peak fitness & maybe the tacky ground just caught him out up the straight but a super run. Our 2nd bet was CAPE EXPRESS 11/10 who was a confident selection in the maiden at Wolverhampton. He won cosily under a positive ride from the excellent Neil Callan. I hope the weather holds fair for VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS tomorrow as frost & freezing fog is forecast but let us hope the meeting goes ahead. She is in good form, working fine & should run well for the in form Alan King team. It would be hard to get a better days racing than what we saw this afternoon. MASTER MINDED once again proved just how good he is when hacking up in the Tingle Creek. We backed him to win last season's Champion Chase at 14-1 but no chance of doing similar this year. The best show for 2009 was 6/4 but even that seems value now as he's 4/7 best. TIDAL BAY looked short of pace so he will surely step up in trip but with his jumping flaws I wonder if he will win a big race out of novice company. PUNJABI & SUBLIMITY served up a thriller in the Fighting Fifth but it was slowly run so the jury is still out for the Champion Hurdle. My two for that race are Sizing Europe and Ashkazar.

Friday 5th December 2008 - Valleyofthedolls meets 19 at Warwick
VALLEYOFTHEDOLLS will face 19 rivals at Warwick on Sunday in the 2m bumper with Choc on board. We should be Ok with the ground as it's forecast to be Good to Soft come race day by the clerk. We had a disappointing day on the punting front for various reasons. We started with 2 small stake e/w bets. Merry Music 9/1 achieved a 3rd place, not a bad start, then Crank Hill 14/1 ran OK in the 4m chase but finished a tired 5th. The main disappointment was Pterodactyl (4th @ 7/2) as he gave away loads of ground at the start & was held up in last place under top weight. Despite looking quite threatening going to two out the effort of closing to the leading pack down the back straight took it's toll. I'm never happy when ground is given away at the start as you're giving yourself a handicap to overcome. He is better than he showed.

Thursday 4th December 2008 - Lady Samantha rewards 25/1 each way support
Our first bet for a short while & thankfully she ran very well. LADY SAMANTHA 25/1 each way ran in snatches but was good enough to come 3rd in the 2m6f handicap hurdle at Wincanton. She can pick up a little race in due course, 3m would be no problem. VENETIA WILLIAMS hit top form with a treble & one second placing from 4 runners today. SAM THOMAS also rode a treble so that is great news all round as it's just what both of them needed. Having 3 horses homed in Venetia's yard I had been a little worried about the lack of winners but hoped it would come right as December is always a big month for the yard. THEATRE DIVA is due to race over hurdles on Thursday at either Taunton or Huntingdon so we can now go with some confidence. We shall look at the entry lists & ground before making a decision on where we race. THEATRE GIRL is back working nicely and we hope she is ready for a 2m4f handicap on Saturday 20th Dec at Haydock. It looks an ideal race. DANSIMAR is coming along nicely so she too has a handicap target on Boxing Day. We are aware she is inexperienced with just 3 hurdle runs & still only 4yo so we do not wish to overface her at this stage. Dansimar will be fit enough to do herself justice but will come on a little for the run. OSCAR JACK is going well so he to will have an entry towards the end of the month. LATIN SCHOLAR continues to impress at home, he will race before the New Year in a juvenile providing the ground isn't bottomless.