The focus shifts to the Flat now.
Cards on the table - I don't follow the Flat particularly closely, so those tempted may want to think again before jumping in feet first...
Eighteen have been declared for the 204th running of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket where the going is currently described as soft and, according to layers, Aidan O'Brien's Camelot appears something of a shoo-in at around the 7/4 mark. Indeed Ladbrokes, who have long been rumoured to possess an 'inside line' to Ballydoyle, stand out from their competitors by offering just even money.
Those looking to oppose may be interested in Timeform's view that both Trumpet Major and Caspar Netscher are more highly rated. Caspar Netscher isn't guaranteed to stay a mile but is overpriced at 25/1, a point made by Topspeed, Dave Edwards, in the Weekender. Trumpet Major looked an impressive winner of the Craven while Power and French Fifteen are two others I've considered. The percentage each-way call is Power (12/1 Coral) who on official ratings is the top-rated animal in the field and won on soft ground at The Curragh last September.
I just wonder what affect, if any, the draw may have...
No selection put up for Sunday's 1000 Guineas but those interested in playing may find the Timeform ratings a decent starting point...
Showing posts with label 2000 guineas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2000 guineas. Show all posts
Friday, May 04, 2012
Sunday, May 01, 2011
In a nutshell...
Those lucky enough to be at Newmarket yesterday saw something exceptional when Frankel demolished his field to win the 2011 2000 Guineas by six lengths; the crowd's applause commenced with two furlongs still to race. Earlier this afternoon Dettori rode 16/1 chance Blue Bunting to victory for the 'Boys in Blue' in the 1000 Guineas.
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the legalisation of UK betting shops. The spartan establishments those of us of a particular age used to frequent in the mid sixites bear no resemblance to our modern shops. Sound only commentaries, betting shop tax, it was something of a 'guilty pleasure'. Some complain the prevalence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) threaten to turn today's shops into glorified amusement arcades, yet in 2008 these machines became the first product to earn more for Ladbrokes than horse racing. Money talks, as they say.
All that contrasts markedly with the tales of chicanery and criminality I'm currently reading about in Nicholas Foulkes' excellent book 'Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844'; the paperback version is due to be released on May 26th.
The Punchestown Festival starts on Tuesday - latest declarations here. I've blogged selected races from this meeting in the past but due to commitments can't this year (probably something of a blessing!) Where possible, I'll post some selections...
A final footnote on the royal wedding... One of the troopers from the Household Cavalry was thrown from his mount as the wedding procession made its winding way from the Abbey back to Buckingham Palace. The thoroughbred sped past the newly-married couple and headed for Hyde Park barracks where it was caught; rumours that Her Majesty is considering supplementing the beast for this year's Derby are apparently wide of the mark.
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the legalisation of UK betting shops. The spartan establishments those of us of a particular age used to frequent in the mid sixites bear no resemblance to our modern shops. Sound only commentaries, betting shop tax, it was something of a 'guilty pleasure'. Some complain the prevalence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) threaten to turn today's shops into glorified amusement arcades, yet in 2008 these machines became the first product to earn more for Ladbrokes than horse racing. Money talks, as they say.
All that contrasts markedly with the tales of chicanery and criminality I'm currently reading about in Nicholas Foulkes' excellent book 'Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844'; the paperback version is due to be released on May 26th.
The Punchestown Festival starts on Tuesday - latest declarations here. I've blogged selected races from this meeting in the past but due to commitments can't this year (probably something of a blessing!) Where possible, I'll post some selections...
A final footnote on the royal wedding... One of the troopers from the Household Cavalry was thrown from his mount as the wedding procession made its winding way from the Abbey back to Buckingham Palace. The thoroughbred sped past the newly-married couple and headed for Hyde Park barracks where it was caught; rumours that Her Majesty is considering supplementing the beast for this year's Derby are apparently wide of the mark.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Racing thoughts on a royal wedding day
On the day Prince William and Catherine Middleton were married, I'd hoped to get by without mentioning the blessed event but the victory of Nick Gifford's nine-year-old gelding Royal Wedding in this evening's opener at Fontwell put paid to that notion. Bookmakers have indicated they'll pay out millions on the result. The Sporting Life recorded some fair-sized bets on course too including £2500-£500, £2000-£500 (twice) and £1800-£400 (four times). Liam Treadwell sent the 4/1 chance to the front at the third; despite a mistake two out, Royal Wedding stayed on to take the Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase by a comfortable 12 lengths. No doubt the race sponsors hope winning punters will splash out on lashings of their product to ensure the street parties continue to go with a swing...
The racing focus now moves to the Flat with the 203rd running of the 2,000 Guineas; the season's first Classic, contested over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, is due off at 3.10. On the form book Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt Frankel shouldn't be opposed; several commentators see this horse as the next big superstar so it's no surprise to see layers offer 4/7. In many ways the race doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. Some observers weren't overly impressed with the colt's seasonal debut in the Greenham at Newbury while Nick Mordin, writing in the Weekender, makes his case for Roderic O'Connor. For what it's worth my each-way suggestion is Willie Haggas' Fury (18/1 with Coral) but, be warned, I don't follow the Flat so closely and am considering a different approach with the blog for this campaign.
A trend noted last year was that horses with jumps form ran well in a number of Flat races over a distance of two miles or more (with Mamlook winning the Chester Cup, Junior the Ascot Stakes, Bergo the Queen Alexandra Stakes and Overturn the Northumberland Plate). So, time permitting of course, I hope to focus on selected Flat races over a distance of more than one and a half miles (and some summer jumping). With this in mind I'd noted Philip Hobbs' Comedy Act held a five-day entry in the 4.40 at Salisbury on Sunday but didn't appear in the final declarations. By the same yardstick, entries in Wednesday's Chester Cup that may be worth a second look include Dirar, Sentry Duty, Mamlook, Overturn, Admiral Barry, La Veccia Scuola, Swingkeel, Tyrrells Wood, Cotillion, Nemo Spirit and Royal Rationale.
And perchance, the last named brings me right back to where I started this post...
The racing focus now moves to the Flat with the 203rd running of the 2,000 Guineas; the season's first Classic, contested over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, is due off at 3.10. On the form book Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt Frankel shouldn't be opposed; several commentators see this horse as the next big superstar so it's no surprise to see layers offer 4/7. In many ways the race doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. Some observers weren't overly impressed with the colt's seasonal debut in the Greenham at Newbury while Nick Mordin, writing in the Weekender, makes his case for Roderic O'Connor. For what it's worth my each-way suggestion is Willie Haggas' Fury (18/1 with Coral) but, be warned, I don't follow the Flat so closely and am considering a different approach with the blog for this campaign.
A trend noted last year was that horses with jumps form ran well in a number of Flat races over a distance of two miles or more (with Mamlook winning the Chester Cup, Junior the Ascot Stakes, Bergo the Queen Alexandra Stakes and Overturn the Northumberland Plate). So, time permitting of course, I hope to focus on selected Flat races over a distance of more than one and a half miles (and some summer jumping). With this in mind I'd noted Philip Hobbs' Comedy Act held a five-day entry in the 4.40 at Salisbury on Sunday but didn't appear in the final declarations. By the same yardstick, entries in Wednesday's Chester Cup that may be worth a second look include Dirar, Sentry Duty, Mamlook, Overturn, Admiral Barry, La Veccia Scuola, Swingkeel, Tyrrells Wood, Cotillion, Nemo Spirit and Royal Rationale.
And perchance, the last named brings me right back to where I started this post...
Monday, May 03, 2010
In brief
At Newmarket's Guineas meeting the layers were happy enough with a 33/1 winner in the colts' Classic (although I note the return was only £12.80 on the Tote) but the stewards' decision to reverse placings in the fillies' equivalent is thought to have cost the industry £5 million.
Having said that, bookmakers can't be doing too badly - look what they've been spending our money on. William Hill has sponsored the Monster Raving Loony Party during this election while Paddy Power has paid £10,000 for a new confessional box at a Catholic church in Newmarket.
Equiano's all-the-way win in the Palace House Stakes on Saturday was impressive. Channel 4's Emma Spencer interviewed winning jockey Michael Hills on the walk back to the winner's enclosure, while John Francome observed the entire looked 'ready run in the next'. With the bay still taking a strong hold, the microphone picked up Michael remarking to Emma, 'He'll be the first man to run away from you!'
Last week's Racing For Change initiative, offering racegoers free admission to several courses, appears to have been a resounding success but the trial of decimal odds at Ascot on Wednesday was branded a failure by several layers who reported a big drop in turnover and, as we all know, for bookmakers turnover is everything.
Finally, a National Hunt footnote to finish on; best wishes go to Robert and Sally Alner who have announced they intend to retire from training this summer. The yard won the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cool Dawn (returned at odds of 25/1) while Sir Rembrandt was a particular favourite of mine.
Having said that, bookmakers can't be doing too badly - look what they've been spending our money on. William Hill has sponsored the Monster Raving Loony Party during this election while Paddy Power has paid £10,000 for a new confessional box at a Catholic church in Newmarket.
Equiano's all-the-way win in the Palace House Stakes on Saturday was impressive. Channel 4's Emma Spencer interviewed winning jockey Michael Hills on the walk back to the winner's enclosure, while John Francome observed the entire looked 'ready run in the next'. With the bay still taking a strong hold, the microphone picked up Michael remarking to Emma, 'He'll be the first man to run away from you!'
Last week's Racing For Change initiative, offering racegoers free admission to several courses, appears to have been a resounding success but the trial of decimal odds at Ascot on Wednesday was branded a failure by several layers who reported a big drop in turnover and, as we all know, for bookmakers turnover is everything.
Finally, a National Hunt footnote to finish on; best wishes go to Robert and Sally Alner who have announced they intend to retire from training this summer. The yard won the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cool Dawn (returned at odds of 25/1) while Sir Rembrandt was a particular favourite of mine.
Friday, April 30, 2010
2000 Guineas 2010
Before we get down to business, a word to the wise. As anyone who has lost money on my National Hunt selections will tell you, the Flat picks are worse...
Nineteen go to post at Newmarket tomorrow for the 202nd running of the 2000 Guineas. Aidan O'Brien's unbeaten star St Nicholas Abbey is a hot favourite on the back of his effortless win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October. That day he beat Elusive Pimpernel and Al Zir three and three quarter lengths and two and a half lengths on ground described as good to soft. Several commentators think he's the proverbial good thing and that view will have hardened on the back of positive stable reports about the horse's well-being and his ability to handle quick ground. He has been backed today and is now a best-priced 5/4 shot (Paddy Power), with several layers including Ladbrokes, Coral and totesport going even money. This reminds me somewhat of the confidence behind Nashwan just before he won this race in 1989, with everyone seemingly 'in the know' apart from my good self.
Having said all that, reasons for looking elsewhere include - there's no value in the favourite's price; being by Montjeu, the preliminaries may prove a distraction; George Washington (2006) is the only favourite to oblige since 1993; Kieren Fallon is on record saying he thinks the horse will struggle on quick ground and finally the yard was slow into its stride earlier this year (although stable form has improved recently).
John Dunlop's Elusive Pimpernel won the Craven over course and distance a little over a fortnight ago but can hit a flat spot in his races while Dick Turpin caused something of an upset when beating stablemate Canford Cliffs in the Greenham. Since then the latter-named has been the subject of a glowing report from jockey Richard Hughes who has stated he intends to ride the colt with more restraint here. Ladbrokes offer 10/1 this evening which looks big as on official ratings Canford is the one they have to beat - will he stay though?
It's interesting to see owner Harry Findlay trying his luck at the Flat game with Inler while Ladbrokes' 40/1 about Hearts Of Fire is tempting especially as the colt has won over the distance and has been tipped up by Dick Hunter in the Weekender; in addition Pat Eddery's runners have a decent stirke rate so far this season.
I prefer a low draw in the Guineas and that's where the pace appears to be this year. I take Canford Cliffs to win and will have a small each-way interest in Hearts Of Fire. Note that race sponsor Stan James and Skybet go one quarter the odds four places and in addition I'm sure I've read Stan James is to pay out winning bets in guineas.
Nineteen go to post at Newmarket tomorrow for the 202nd running of the 2000 Guineas. Aidan O'Brien's unbeaten star St Nicholas Abbey is a hot favourite on the back of his effortless win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October. That day he beat Elusive Pimpernel and Al Zir three and three quarter lengths and two and a half lengths on ground described as good to soft. Several commentators think he's the proverbial good thing and that view will have hardened on the back of positive stable reports about the horse's well-being and his ability to handle quick ground. He has been backed today and is now a best-priced 5/4 shot (Paddy Power), with several layers including Ladbrokes, Coral and totesport going even money. This reminds me somewhat of the confidence behind Nashwan just before he won this race in 1989, with everyone seemingly 'in the know' apart from my good self.
Having said all that, reasons for looking elsewhere include - there's no value in the favourite's price; being by Montjeu, the preliminaries may prove a distraction; George Washington (2006) is the only favourite to oblige since 1993; Kieren Fallon is on record saying he thinks the horse will struggle on quick ground and finally the yard was slow into its stride earlier this year (although stable form has improved recently).
John Dunlop's Elusive Pimpernel won the Craven over course and distance a little over a fortnight ago but can hit a flat spot in his races while Dick Turpin caused something of an upset when beating stablemate Canford Cliffs in the Greenham. Since then the latter-named has been the subject of a glowing report from jockey Richard Hughes who has stated he intends to ride the colt with more restraint here. Ladbrokes offer 10/1 this evening which looks big as on official ratings Canford is the one they have to beat - will he stay though?
It's interesting to see owner Harry Findlay trying his luck at the Flat game with Inler while Ladbrokes' 40/1 about Hearts Of Fire is tempting especially as the colt has won over the distance and has been tipped up by Dick Hunter in the Weekender; in addition Pat Eddery's runners have a decent stirke rate so far this season.
I prefer a low draw in the Guineas and that's where the pace appears to be this year. I take Canford Cliffs to win and will have a small each-way interest in Hearts Of Fire. Note that race sponsor Stan James and Skybet go one quarter the odds four places and in addition I'm sure I've read Stan James is to pay out winning bets in guineas.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Smallish snippets
Sea The Stars won the 2000 Guineas on Saturday but there was something of a shock in the fillies' equivalent on Sunday with Barry Hills' 20/1 shot Ghanaati collecting the spoils. John Gosden's Rainbow View was sent off the 8/11 favourite but the writing was on the wall two furlongs out - the filly made some late laboured headway to finish fifth. After the race connections put her disappointing performance down to the firm ground.
Two to take out of the two Guineas races are Rip Van Winkle and Super Sleuth. In commentary on Channel Four before the colts' classic, John Francome said Rip Van Winkle would be some horse if he won looking the way he did; in such circumstances the horse ran well to finish fourth, with the yard under something of a cloud. In the 1000 Guineas Super Sleuth was last early on and practically last two furlongs out before making eye-catching progress to finish third.
Chester's May bash next week is one of my favourites on the Flat. Having spent my childhood just down the road in Wrexham, I remember the meeting always generated plenty of local interest. I finally managed to get to this one for the first time roughly ten years ago, when the racing was staged from the Tuesday to the Thursday. The train was late (plus ca change...) and in the dash to try to make it for the first, I was nearly run over by a Merc; we ended up watching the Lily Agnes Stakes from the City Walls, my selection obliging but without my having managed to get a bet on. On the walk towards the Tatts entrance I had two Club badges shoved in my hand by a Liverpudlian tout and then followed a gent wearing plus-fours and a deerstalker onto the course. Of course, all my other selections, which I did manage to bet, failed miserably. Don't you just love racing?
A couple of new books have appeared on the shelves recently. Patrick Veitch's Enemy Number One: The Secrets of the UK's Most Feared Professional Punter looks required reading while those who play the exchanges may be interested in Colin Cameron's You bet: The Betfair Story and How Two Men Changed the World of Gambling.
What with the Punchestown and Guineas Festivals, one that slipped under my radar was Nick Gifford's Russian Around - the beast won the Class 2 three mile handicap chase at Uttoxeter on Saturday. I'd made a note of this one after he collected in a Lingfield novice chase at the end of March. He won at 10/1 and looks worth noting for future reference.
Finally I bring to your attention the BBC's story that Y-front sales have increased by 35% during the recession. A spokesman for Debenhams attributes this success to the 'greater sense of security they provide'. I've invested in a three-pack and intend to make use of a pair the next time I bet a 33/1 shot.
Two to take out of the two Guineas races are Rip Van Winkle and Super Sleuth. In commentary on Channel Four before the colts' classic, John Francome said Rip Van Winkle would be some horse if he won looking the way he did; in such circumstances the horse ran well to finish fourth, with the yard under something of a cloud. In the 1000 Guineas Super Sleuth was last early on and practically last two furlongs out before making eye-catching progress to finish third.
Chester's May bash next week is one of my favourites on the Flat. Having spent my childhood just down the road in Wrexham, I remember the meeting always generated plenty of local interest. I finally managed to get to this one for the first time roughly ten years ago, when the racing was staged from the Tuesday to the Thursday. The train was late (plus ca change...) and in the dash to try to make it for the first, I was nearly run over by a Merc; we ended up watching the Lily Agnes Stakes from the City Walls, my selection obliging but without my having managed to get a bet on. On the walk towards the Tatts entrance I had two Club badges shoved in my hand by a Liverpudlian tout and then followed a gent wearing plus-fours and a deerstalker onto the course. Of course, all my other selections, which I did manage to bet, failed miserably. Don't you just love racing?
A couple of new books have appeared on the shelves recently. Patrick Veitch's Enemy Number One: The Secrets of the UK's Most Feared Professional Punter looks required reading while those who play the exchanges may be interested in Colin Cameron's You bet: The Betfair Story and How Two Men Changed the World of Gambling.
What with the Punchestown and Guineas Festivals, one that slipped under my radar was Nick Gifford's Russian Around - the beast won the Class 2 three mile handicap chase at Uttoxeter on Saturday. I'd made a note of this one after he collected in a Lingfield novice chase at the end of March. He won at 10/1 and looks worth noting for future reference.
Finally I bring to your attention the BBC's story that Y-front sales have increased by 35% during the recession. A spokesman for Debenhams attributes this success to the 'greater sense of security they provide'. I've invested in a three-pack and intend to make use of a pair the next time I bet a 33/1 shot.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Some suggestions for Saturday...
Running a bit late this evening, so here goes...
Earlier today Solwhit and Punjabi fought out a thrilling finish to the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown with Solwhit (2/1 jf) pipping Punjabi (7/2) a short-head on the line. Although I didn't collect on this occasion, the selection and the winner both ran fantastic races. Some you win a short-head and some you lose a short-head - I know it's small consolation, but it's better to win when the price is 22/1 rather than collect when the price is just 7/2. Thirty five minutes later Mikael D'haquenet (8/11f) gave the blog a winner with its 500th post, our fourth at this meeting. I have to say this is the first time I've blogged the Punchestown Festival - I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm more determined (than usual) to attend in person next year, but don't tell Mrs Tips...
One final selection at Punchestown - in the feature race, the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at 2.55, there's nothing original in selecting Willie Mullins' Mourad but he's the top-rated horse and the one to beat.
On the Flat, Newmarket becomes the focus of the racing world with the first Classic of the season, the 2000 Guineas, due off at 3.10. I'm sure it's painfully obvious, but I'll make the point nonetheless. If I know relatively little about jump racing, I know even less about the Flat. As those who have studied my Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas will know ( I use the term 'studied' advisedly), I'm concerned about the form of the Aidan O'Brien stable which has been sluggish out of the stalls this year. Of their two runners, my marginal preference is for Mastercraftsman but stable jock Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Rip Van Winkle. At the head of the market, Brian Meehan's Delegator makes most appeal but the quick conditions could be against him. I've been on the lookout for an each-way selection at a price and the two I like are Gan Amhras (who is possibly drawn a little wide) and Lord Shanakill. I've missed the best prices about Jim Bolger's charge - now only a 12/1 shot with William Hill; Lord Shanakill on the other hand is 20/1 with the same layer but not guaranteed to stay the trip. The percentage call is Gan Amhras, so I'll take an each-way interest in that one.
Earlier today Solwhit and Punjabi fought out a thrilling finish to the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown with Solwhit (2/1 jf) pipping Punjabi (7/2) a short-head on the line. Although I didn't collect on this occasion, the selection and the winner both ran fantastic races. Some you win a short-head and some you lose a short-head - I know it's small consolation, but it's better to win when the price is 22/1 rather than collect when the price is just 7/2. Thirty five minutes later Mikael D'haquenet (8/11f) gave the blog a winner with its 500th post, our fourth at this meeting. I have to say this is the first time I've blogged the Punchestown Festival - I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm more determined (than usual) to attend in person next year, but don't tell Mrs Tips...
One final selection at Punchestown - in the feature race, the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at 2.55, there's nothing original in selecting Willie Mullins' Mourad but he's the top-rated horse and the one to beat.
On the Flat, Newmarket becomes the focus of the racing world with the first Classic of the season, the 2000 Guineas, due off at 3.10. I'm sure it's painfully obvious, but I'll make the point nonetheless. If I know relatively little about jump racing, I know even less about the Flat. As those who have studied my Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas will know ( I use the term 'studied' advisedly), I'm concerned about the form of the Aidan O'Brien stable which has been sluggish out of the stalls this year. Of their two runners, my marginal preference is for Mastercraftsman but stable jock Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Rip Van Winkle. At the head of the market, Brian Meehan's Delegator makes most appeal but the quick conditions could be against him. I've been on the lookout for an each-way selection at a price and the two I like are Gan Amhras (who is possibly drawn a little wide) and Lord Shanakill. I've missed the best prices about Jim Bolger's charge - now only a 12/1 shot with William Hill; Lord Shanakill on the other hand is 20/1 with the same layer but not guaranteed to stay the trip. The percentage call is Gan Amhras, so I'll take an each-way interest in that one.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas
Following the (rather limited) success of my Twitter Guide to the Grand National, I thought I’d publish the second in this occasional series, A Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas. Here are comments on each of the seventeen runners, all within Twitter's imposed restriction of 140 characters.
Ashram Sixth in Dewhurst last year, beaten under two lengths; first run for Godolphin
Cityscape Second in Greenham; winner, Vocalised, not considered up to this
Delegator Current favourite well talked-up after winning sub-standard Craven in impressive fashion
Evasive Respected trainer took his charge to Ascot this week in an attempt to wake him up
Finjaan Looks more a sprinter than a miler
Gan Amhras Well regarded by connections; interesting outsider with each-way shout
Imperial Guest Well beaten in Craven; hard to fancy - 200/1 chance
Lord Shanakill Missed Greenham with temperature. Each-way chance if stays
Mastercraftsman Ballydoyle second string on jockey bookings, but only just. Stable form a concern
Monitor Closely Plenty to find on official ratings
Ocean’s Minstrel Ditto above; 250/1 shot
On Our Way Flopped badly in Feilden but trainer respected
Ouqba Free Handicap winner; connections forked out £30k late entry fee
Pure Poetry Third in Craven; unlikely
Rip Van Winkle Problem with bruised foot earlier in week. Murtagh’s choice; stable form worries
Sea The Stars Potentially very good but setback in March may have scuppered his chance here
Zafisio More likely to run in German Guineas
Ashram Sixth in Dewhurst last year, beaten under two lengths; first run for Godolphin
Cityscape Second in Greenham; winner, Vocalised, not considered up to this
Delegator Current favourite well talked-up after winning sub-standard Craven in impressive fashion
Evasive Respected trainer took his charge to Ascot this week in an attempt to wake him up
Finjaan Looks more a sprinter than a miler
Gan Amhras Well regarded by connections; interesting outsider with each-way shout
Imperial Guest Well beaten in Craven; hard to fancy - 200/1 chance
Lord Shanakill Missed Greenham with temperature. Each-way chance if stays
Mastercraftsman Ballydoyle second string on jockey bookings, but only just. Stable form a concern
Monitor Closely Plenty to find on official ratings
Ocean’s Minstrel Ditto above; 250/1 shot
On Our Way Flopped badly in Feilden but trainer respected
Ouqba Free Handicap winner; connections forked out £30k late entry fee
Pure Poetry Third in Craven; unlikely
Rip Van Winkle Problem with bruised foot earlier in week. Murtagh’s choice; stable form worries
Sea The Stars Potentially very good but setback in March may have scuppered his chance here
Zafisio More likely to run in German Guineas
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Guineas weekend roundup
New Approach was beaten for the first time in his racing career when going down by a nose to Henrythenavigator in a thrilling finish to yesterday's 2000 Guineas. Natagora proved beyond doubt that she stays a mile by deservedly taking the 1000 Guineas but Nahoodh would have been a big threat if she'd had a clear run. It's back to the drawing board for Godolphin with Ibn Khaldun giving a most disappointing display on Saturday and Laureldean Gale getting worked up beforehand on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson isn't accustomed to finishing last but the horse in which he owns a share, Fireside, did exactly that in the colts' race. To be fair, the horse struck into himself early on; connections say the plan is to lower their sights a little and look for a handicap or listed race.
It's that time of year. I've just switched off the central heating and next week one of my favourite Flat meetings, the Chester May Festival, takes centre stage from Wednesday to Friday. The highlight on the first day is the Chester Cup run over two miles three furlongs. I draw your attention to Philip Hobbs' comments about Fair Along from the Weekender dated 20-24 February - "Whatever happens [at Cheltenham] or at Aintree, make a note of him for the Flat because his big target is the Chester Cup..." Hobbs goes on to say he'd like Jamie Spencer, who gets on very well with the horse, to ride; looking at the entries on Sunday evening Spencer is booked to ride Highland Legacy while Ryan Moore is booked for Fair Along. Read into that what you will.
Regular readers will be aware that my home town team, Wrexham, were relegated from the Football League a couple of weeks ago. In their last league match, at Lincoln City, Wrexham went out with a bang, winning by four goals to two. A rather unsympathetic work colleague (who happens to support Chester City) kindly sent me an email link to the Conference website. Manager Brian Little has recently signed a new two-year contract; can Wrexham bounce straight back next season? They may well do, but I, for one, won't have any money on it.
It's that time of year. I've just switched off the central heating and next week one of my favourite Flat meetings, the Chester May Festival, takes centre stage from Wednesday to Friday. The highlight on the first day is the Chester Cup run over two miles three furlongs. I draw your attention to Philip Hobbs' comments about Fair Along from the Weekender dated 20-24 February - "Whatever happens [at Cheltenham] or at Aintree, make a note of him for the Flat because his big target is the Chester Cup..." Hobbs goes on to say he'd like Jamie Spencer, who gets on very well with the horse, to ride; looking at the entries on Sunday evening Spencer is booked to ride Highland Legacy while Ryan Moore is booked for Fair Along. Read into that what you will.
Regular readers will be aware that my home town team, Wrexham, were relegated from the Football League a couple of weeks ago. In their last league match, at Lincoln City, Wrexham went out with a bang, winning by four goals to two. A rather unsympathetic work colleague (who happens to support Chester City) kindly sent me an email link to the Conference website. Manager Brian Little has recently signed a new two-year contract; can Wrexham bounce straight back next season? They may well do, but I, for one, won't have any money on it.
Friday, May 02, 2008
2000 Guineas
The two hundredth running of the Two Thousand Guineas takes place at Newmarket tomorrow, with fifteen going to post. Jim Bolger's colt New Approach looks certain to go off a very well-backed favourite; I'll oppose him on grounds of value and the fact that favourites don't have a particularly good record in this race. Raven's Pass was beaten by Twice Over in the Craven just over two weeks ago; many observers felt that Twice Over would confirm that form but he isn't in tomorrow's lineup. Godolphin's Ibn Khaldun has been the subject of favourable reports while Henrythenavigator appears to be Coolmore's main hope - good fast ground will suit. Perfect Stride from the Stoute yard is unexposed, could be anything and is respected. At this time of year you're very much dependent on the comments of connections - I'll side with Godolphin's Ibn Khaldun who still has a little to find on two year old ratings but is open to improvement; Frankie Dettori rides. Of the outsiders, Sir Alex Ferguson has a share in Fireside but connections admit to 'tilting at windmills'. Andrew Balding's Dream Eater is of more interest, particularly as he's marked up at 66/1 with William Hill this evening. The horse is considered the best in the yard - if he stays the mile trip he has place prospects. At that price I'll have a small each way bet.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Newmarket 2000 Guineas meeting
The first classic of the 2007 flat season, the 2000 Guineas, takes place at Newmarket tomorrow. Let me issue the obligatory health warning here - I don't follow the flat particularly closely. Around this time of year I promise myself that I'm going to concentrate on the summer jumping programme but, invariably, I don't.
Yesterday the Guineas ante post favourite Teofilo was withdrawn after suffering a training setback. According to The Racing Post his defection has netted bookmakers between £1 million and £2.5 million. Paddy Power, to their credit, have agreed to refund losing ante post bets.
The race still has the look of a bookmakers' benefit with twenty four expected to go to post. Michael Stoute's Adagio is the new favourite but favourites have a poor record in this event over the years. US Ranger, supplemented at a cost of £25,000 earlier in the week, has been backed with bucketloads of money, while Diamond Tycoon won a Newbury maiden in a very fast time. Major Cadeaux won The Greenham in impressive fashion.
My selection is Paul Cole's Strategic Prince; his third behind Teofilo in last season's Dewhurst on unsuitably soft ground looks solid form. The starting price is likely to be around 8/1; for those looking for something slightly bigger, trainer John Best has a positive word for his 100/1 outsider Hurricane Spirit on the yard's blog at http://www.johnbestracing.com/wordpress/?p=52
The race is due off at 3.25.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Two thoughts for the 2000 Guineas
I don't have a real passion for flat racing; still, here's two thoughts for Saturday's 2000 Guineas.
George Washington is a lay on at least two accounts; his temperament and the fact that the stable is in indifferent form. The 2/1 currently on offer is no value whatsoever.
On the other hand Barry Hills' Red Clubs stands out as each way value at 25/1 with Hills http://www.willhill.com
George Washington is a lay on at least two accounts; his temperament and the fact that the stable is in indifferent form. The 2/1 currently on offer is no value whatsoever.
On the other hand Barry Hills' Red Clubs stands out as each way value at 25/1 with Hills http://www.willhill.com
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