Brief notes for the new season

Summer highlight - picking up a copy of R.M. Bevan's The Roodee: 450 years of racing in Chester from Fossgate Books in Fossgate, York.

The book contains a picture of a particularly young-looking Willie Carson which brought back memories of this Jak cartoon originally published in the London Evening Standard 10 June 1980 and which I saw printed in the Liverpool Daily Post at roughly the same time.

Holidaymakers may have taken a dim view of the late summer rains but the benefit to jump racing has been obvious; we've already seen a number of decent performers in action, in stark contrast to last season.

Much to my dismay I wasn't able to attend Ludlow's first October meeting but Bigmartre's victory in the novice chase catches the eye, with Mad Jack Mytton third and my fancy, Mick Thonic, unseating Brian Cooper three out when probably held by the winner.

Similarly Shantou Rock's all-the-way win in a Newton Abbot novice earlier today warrants close inspection.

Finian's Oscar makes his chase debut at Chepstow tomorrow but Market Rasen Summer Plate winner Alcala will be no pushover. Paddy Power offered 5/1 about Paul Nicholls' charge earlier today; at the time of writing 7/2 is the best price available. I'm not going to play but I prefer Alcala.

If you fancy a wager in the Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow Hurdle (3.35 Chepstow) then a close look at the Fred Winter form from the Festival is de rigueur (Percy Street sixth, Dino Velvet eighth, Dolos thirteenth, Fidux nineteenth). I subsequently tipped Dolos to make amends at Ascot in April but So Celebre proved too good (Percy Street third). Before this race I fancied Dino Velvet with Alan King's yard in particularly good form but the current price makes no appeal.

In the Silver Trophy (4.10 Chepstow) I shall watch Alary with interest. On his first run for the stable in the Peter Marsh at Haydock last January he did not look good at all but connections clearly feel the talent is there. To my mind a number from the Tizzard yard are likely to come on for their first race this season and over the smaller obstacles this looks like a warm-up for the winter ahead.

Some jumping links for Saturday's cards

Pressed for time, so rather brief notes this evening...

Dual purpose handler Ian Williams has some interesting runners around the country tomorrow.

At Chester Swinging Hawk tries to repeat last year's victory in the Kozel Handicap at 4.15; he faces a stiff enough task off a rating six pounds higher. Swnymor, ninth behind runaway winner Our Conor in the 2013 Triumph Hurdle, has his first run for J. J. Quinn in the same race.    

Gifted Leader is getting on a bit these days but took a Class 3 Market Rasen hurdle with the minimum of fuss off a mark of 120 last month. Rated 82 on the Flat he makes some appeal as an each-way wager in Newmarket's 5.15 and George Downing can claim five but 10/1 isn't particularly generous. The gelding finished second behind Veiled in the 2011 running of this race; Veiled went on to win the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot that year.

Williams saddles two at Stratford's evening meeting. Sonofagun arrives in good form to contest the Severn Cider Handicap Chase at 7.25 while the consistent Fredo, entered in the three and a half mile handicap chase at 6.25, should be thereabouts.

Five Star Wilsham did the blog a favour at Ffos Las last week and goes again in that 6.25 race; trainer Twiston-Davies certainly isn't letting the grass grow... With the benefit of hindsight, the gelding was well in that day and has been raised seven pounds for his trouble; this looks much more competitive but likely favourite Oscarslad is taking on seasoned handicappers here and makes a market which contains several credible winners.

I'm going to stay loyal to Five Star Wilsham who holds a better chance of conceding weight all round on drying ground and should certainly see out the trip.    

Down came the rain

A wet week at the races saw flag starts at Chester, Lingfield's classic trials moved to the all-weather and Saturday's Flat meeting at Warwick replaced with hurdle races (and a concert by The Undertones).

Staff at Warwick could be forgiven for thinking that it never rains but it pours.The course's application to build a 100-bed hotel was refused plannning permission by the local district council, much to the delight of local residents...  According to the Jockey Club, which owns and operates Warwick, the future of the course is now under threat yet earlier in the week the same Jockey Club reported record turnover, record crowds and record prize money contributions.

One who has been sweating up a little this 'shareholder spring' is William Hill CEO Ralph Topping. At the company's AGM on Tuesday 49.9% of shareholders voted against the executive pay deal; Mr Topping landed the spoils, a £1.2 million 'retention bonus', by a nose. Predicatably, opponents are demanding a stewards' inquiry.

One not complaining about the raining is Donald McCain; Ile De Re beat Overturn to give the trainer a 1-2 in Wednesday's Chester Cup. The Tote Exacta paid £139.00 but nobody on course will have collected as there are now no Tote pool betting facilities available at the track. 'Chesterbet' is the replacement offering but TV coverage gave more than a hint that the new service didn't offer the best of value. Channel Four's John Francome looked in a tight spot during Thursday's transmission: he was clearly disappointed with the return on a winning wager but intimated that the vast majority of punters at the track want to do two things - bet on a horse and watch it run. He went on to assert that they're not that bothered whether they get 4/1 or 6/1. Well, I think that one's open to some discussion...  Of course, none of this was a bother to Donald McCain who followed up his Chester Cup triumph by landing the Swinton at Haydock on Saturday with Red Merlin.

Finally, at a windswept Carlisle station last week, I absent-mindedly picked up a leaflet entitled 'Back A Winner - take the train and go racing for less!' The offer, from First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, gives a discount of £2 off a £5 toteplacepot bet and up to £4 off entry to selected northern racecourses. A number of conditions need to be satisfied to claim your discount vouchers so, if you're interested, make sure your lawyer has a free five minutes before checking out the details... ;)

Notes on some of Saturday's runners...

Horses with previous NH form running in Flat races over a distance of more than one and a half miles this Saturday...

York 3.05 Lonsdale Cup (2m):
Blue Bajan, Bergo, Elyaadi.

Blue Bajan, beaten a head and a neck into third in the Goodwood Cup (Bergo a couple more lengths away in fifth), is three pounds better off with winner Opinion Poll who took this event last year. The mare Elyaddi, second in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot, will appreciate cut underfoot, a comment that also applies to Harris Tweed, but has plenty to find on official ratings. That was a fine effort by Bergo on his seasonal reappearance but the 'bounce' factor is a worry and he's shown his best form on top of the ground.
Suggestion: Blue Bajan win.

York 3.40 Ebor Handicap (1m 6f):
Salute Him, Cill Rialaig, Investissement, Hillview Boy.

As you'd expect, an ultra-competitive handicap. This race has seen some big-priced winners in recent times - Mediterranean 16/1 2001; Hugs Dance 25/1 2002; Saint Alebe 20/1 2003; Mudawin 100/1 2006 and Sesenta 25/1 2009. In the past decade no horse over the age of six has won the event. Irish runner Salute Him, an eight-year-old, was fifth in this last year and makes some each-way appeal at 25/1 but Hillview Boy hasn't been seen since finishing ninth last year - are connections plotting a cunning coup? Investissement may have been a little flattered when finishing third behind Petara Bay at Goodwood the last time and doesn't look the easiest of rides. Cill Rialaig has an Exeter bumper over 13 furlongs on soft ground to her name so Hughie Morrison's mare should stay the trip here. Both Betfred and totesport pay five places on this race.
Suggestion: Salute Him each way.

Chester 4.10 Chester Stakes (1m 5f):
No qualifiers.

Chester 5.15 (1m 7f):
Amazing King, Lastroseofsummer, French Hollow, Calisto Moon, Hallstaff

Amazing King ran well at this course last time and should appreciate both the going and the step-up in trip having previously won a Southwell beginners' chase over two miles. Lastroseofsummer is a front-running mare who is in very good form at the moment while French Hollow won at 66/1 on his penultimate run and has gone in again since but is one who likes to come from off the pace. Callisto Moon has tried his luck with several trainers and has plenty of miles on the clock but Halstatt is eight pounds better off with French Hollow and was hampered in running in that race. An open event which has seen four of the last five winners carry more than 9-5 to victory - I'll chance Amazing King.
Suggestion: Amazing King each-way (8/1 or bigger).

Bath 8.10 (1m 5f)
A poor grade 6 handicap in which several runners have previous NH form. Michael Scudamore's Red Current would be worth a second look but only at a price.
No suggestion.

Those waiting for the return of the jumpers may want to note Perth's 3.45, the Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle, for future reference. Overturn takes his chance but he's likely to have a fight for the lead with Paul Webber's Australia Day in the line-up. Irish course and distance winners Brave Beauty and Now This Is It catch the eye - the latter finished second in a race at the Galway Festival but isn't certain to be suited by the step back in trip.   

Long distance information?

Regular readers will know that during this Flat season I'm trying to concentrate on horses with NH form running in races beyond one and a half miles. Two recent results caught my eye - in Doncaster's opener last night Sendali (5/1), second in an Aintree handicap hurdle on his penultimate run, beat Heart Of Dubai (13/2), winner of a Cartmel novice hurdle last month, while earlier this afternoon French Hollow, winner of  a Market Rasen bumper two years ago, took York's one and three quarter mile Global Trading UK Responsible Packaging Handicap at odds of 66/1. Needless to say, I backed none of the aforementioned beasts.

Two long distance races tomorrow - York's John Smith's Silver Cup at 2.40 (not to be confused with the John Smith's Cup run at the same venue some 35 minutes later) and Chester's toteswinger Handicap which is due off at four o'clock.

Twenty are declared for the Silver Cup; the going is currently reported to be good. The Betchworth Kid finished tailed off behind Fame And Glory in the Ascot Gold Cup last time; this listed handicap represents an easier task. Alan King's gelding has his share of weight here; fourth in Newbury's totesport Hurdle reads well - he subsequently finished down the field in Sandown's Imperial Cup three weeks later before bouncing back to take a 14 furlong listed Flat race at Nottingham. Woolfall Treasure, once owned by Harry Findlay, was rated 128 over hurdles and finished down the field in the 2009 renewal of the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He is potentially very interesting if fit enough on this seasonal debut but there's a suspicion connections might be using this as a prep for the forthcoming Glorious Goodwood meeting. La Vecchia Scuola has been out of form this term. Of the other runners, it's worth casting an eye over the Northumberland Plate form and remembering that Her Majesty The Queen's Tactician was withdrawn from that race on account of the ground. Rock A Doodle Doo heads the market and has been tipped up by several commentators; the winner has come from the top two in the market on four occasions in the past five years. The Betchworth Kid isn't the most consistent of performers but Coral stands out with a quote of 33/1 this evening; The Betchworth Kid is the each-way suggestion.

Ten of the five day entries for Chester's toteswinger Handicap had form over the sticks (including former Philip Hobbs charge Comedy Act and earlier York winner French Hollow) but only two make the final cut - Descaro and Beat The Shower. The former has hurdling form in Ireland as well as England and was beaten just under six lengths by Tim Easterby's game mare Bollin Judith last time at York; Descaro re-opposes five pounds better off tomorrow and on tonight's tissue price (12/1) offers better value - first time cheekpieces last time are replaced by a first time visor here. Beat The Shower won a Hexham handicap hurdle last summer; that day the gelding came from behind to stay on and take the spoils - that style of running isn't best served by this tight track. I shall take an each-way interest in Descaro.     

Friday night thoughts

In recent weeks rumours have been rife in racing and the national press concerning an ongoing investigation being conducted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Earlier today the result of that investigation was made public as the BHA charged four jockeys and one ex-rider with breaking the rules of racing by conspiring to commit a fraudulent or corrupt practice in ten separate races run between January and August 2009. The four jockeys were named as Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn; former rider now trainer Paul Fitzsimons faces similar charges, as do two licensed owners and six other persons. The date of the hearing has been set for Thursday 20th October; unsurprisingly the jockeys charged, who can continue to ride, have vowed to clear their names. Unfortunately episodes such as this have become all too familiar in recent years.

Regular readers will know that I've decided to focus on horses with form over the sticks running in races over further than one and a half miles this Flat campaign. Nicky Henderson's Oasis Knight goes in the 3.10 at York; this one won a two and a half mile novice hurdle at Aintree a fortnight ago sporting first time blinkers. The gelding's second to subsequent Supreme Novice winner Al Ferof  in February reads well enough and the blinds remain on here but on official ratings he has enough to find with two or three of these. Palomar was third in the Lanzarote at Kempton last January but has ten pounds more to find and makes little appeal.

In Chester's 4.35 Cotillion, Bollin Felix and Comedy Act have all collected over hurdles this winter. Both Cotillion and Bollin Felix probably prefer cut while Comedy Act is of some interest. Formerly with Sir Mark Prescott this one sold for 125,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales and at one point was quoted a 25/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle. He's not lived up to expectations - connections try cheekpieces for the first-time here. He represents nothing more than an each-way longshot but has a decent draw next to the rail in stall one.

Nicky Henderson's First Point is rated 140 over hurdles yet races off a mark of 70 in Newbury's 8.15; the booking of  Kieren Fallon catches the eye and the yard has had five wins from 26 runs in the past fortnight. In the same race Gunslinger looks an outsider but Ian Williams' Rebel Dancer boasts decent form with a second to Tocca Ferro to his name. He failed to get competitive in the Swinton at Haydock the last time but I'd forgive that effort and the quick ground shouldn't pose a problem.

Eclectic thoughts on Saturday's cards....

With so many cards on offer tomorrow, it's difficult to know where to concentrate the effort...

The 51st running of the John Smith's Cup takes place on the Knavesmire at 3.05; twenty are set to face the starter. I used to think a single figure draw was an advantage not to be sniffed at in this but over the past ten years the winners have been drawn wide on four occasions, Sirvino taking the spoils from stall sixteen last year. The last three-year-old to win was Sir Mark Prescott's Foreign Affairs in 2001 which doesn't bode all that well for the well-touted Wigmore Hall who appears to have been tipped up by the world and his wife and now has a price to reflect that fact. Four-year-olds have won six of the last seven runnings - Sir Michael Stoute's Imposing will be popular and another with a price to match. Demolition is one of five from Richard Fahey's stable - he ran well behind easy Haydock winner Dangerous Midge last weekend but this may come a bit quick. Tom Tate runs two - I'll take a small each-way interest in Kings Gambit (14/1) with Jamie Spencer up. This one was noted doing his best work at the business end to take second in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot three weeks ago.

Northumberland Plate form gives a pointer to several in the Silver Cup at 3.40. Drunken Sailor ran second, Deauville Flyer (backed as though defeat was out of the question) fifth, Chiberta King tenth (and likely to appreciate the drop back to 14 furlongs) while Sabotage finished seventeenth of the nineteen runners. At the prices on offer I'll take a chance with Chiberta King at 5/1 (or bigger). It should be noted that although Richard Hannon's horses are in fine form at the moment, this season the handler hasn't managed to get to grips with The Queen's horse, Free Agent; I imagine Her Majesty is far from amused...

At Ascot Paco Boy won't take his chance in the Summer Mile and as a result we're left with a field of ten in what looks a very trappy affair. Dream Eater stayed on at one pace to take third off Zacinto in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot but doesn't make much appeal while Premier Loco can be a tricky ride. Two-year-old nurseries over six furlongs are well out of my comfort zone but earlier today I saw a word for Major Conquest in the 2.20.

The feature at Chester is the listed City Wall Stakes at 3.20. Last year's winner Borderlescott looks the one to beat again this year and he has a plum draw in stall one. Blue Jack is of interest having finished behind Equiano and Kingsgate Native in Group races this season. Owned by Andrew 'Bert' Black and Michael Owen, the gelding is highly regarded and many will think worth a second look at 10/1. There are reservations though - a poor draw (stall nine), quiet stable form and in a review printed earlier in the season, the handler expressed concerns as to how his charge would take to Chester's tight turns. In the opener Ashram looks a play against short-priced favourite Lord Shanakill.

Noted in the North West...

Running late this evening - a brief post before the final 'Ashes To Ashes' episode.

There are two meetings in the North West tomorrow, at Chester and Haydock - I note that Tom Dascombe has plenty of entries around the country but stable jock Richard Kingscote has just two rides, the first at Haydock on Blue Jack (owned by Andrew Black and Michael Owen) in the Temple Stakes at 3.00 and the second at Chester in the Lambrini Handicap at 5.10. The aforementioned Michael Owen, together with footballing colleagues Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, own Bagutta Sun, a four-year-old bay filly who finished last in the listed Leicestershire Stakes last month. The suspicion is connections were looking to acquire a handicap mark there - previously their charge had finished behind one that went on to claim third spot in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. I'll consider an each-way interest in Bagutta Sun at a price - she will sport a visor for the first time.

Chester suggestions:
2.25 Little Scotland (top rated)
2.55 Not My Choice each-way (C&D winner with good draw)
4.00 Tamareen (good low berth in a sprint - market rivals out wide)
5.10 Bagutta Sun each-way

Doc Martin, Andy Murray, Choc Thornton, Avram Grant and the man who ate his winning lottery ticket...

There was plenty of action at Fontwell this afternoon... First time blinkers appeared to rekindle Trenchant's appetite as Alan King's charge won the Grade Two National Spirit Hurdle while Martin Clunes, star of Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin, was hoping Buffalo Stampede, the horse owned by his TV company, would prove a star in the making - unfortunately the beast hadn't read the script and trailed in last of the seven finishers.

The Times reported recently that tennis ace Andy Murray had his first taste of the races and was suitably impressed. Mind you, it was at Dubai's Meydan racecourse and is a world away from a Monday afternoon card at Plumpton in the middle of winter...

A couple of Festival titbits - Robert 'Choc' Thornton appears to have picked up two decent spare rides in Somersby (Arkle) and Twist Magic (Champion Chase). The Weekender reports that Choc was approached about Twist Magic last week - a decision was made after Oh Crick finished a well-beaten fourth in Ascot's Betfair Chase. Oh Crick will now go either for the Champion or the Grand Annual; if connections take the former option, Wayne Hutchinson will ride. I'm sure Choc won't need me to remind him that last year Twist Magic dumped pilot Sam Thomas on the turf right in front of the stands as they went to post. Nigel Twiston-Davies' Imperial Commander worked with a stablemate after racing at Kempton on Saturday and is reportedly in good health and on track for the Gold Cup.

100 days to the World Cup in South Africa and people are starting to talk about football's financial crisis. Following their coverage of the Manchester United v. Aston Villa Carling Cup final this afternoon, the BBC ran a trailer for a Radio 5 Live progamme Business Of Sport which will discuss the issue on Tuesday evening at 20:00. I suspect much of this has been brought about by Portsmouth becoming the first Premier League side to go into administration - manager Avram Grant considers the League's nine point deduction unfair. Now I have every sympathy with this view but such events are a common occurence lower down the footballing hierarchy and have been for some time. Contrast Portsmouth's situation with that of Chester City who were expelled from the Blue Square Premiership on Friday morning following a meeting at Rushden. Chester started the season on -25 points and were still in negative territory when they played their last game; the club is now up for sale for just £1. The men with the money - what have they gone and done to the beautiful game?

Finally, you would be tempted to place a headline 'Man Eats Winning Lottery Ticket' in the same bracket as 'Routemaster Discovered On The Moon' or 'Politician Tells The Truth'. On Friday a passenger travelling from Krakov in Poland to East Midlands Airport with Ryanair won 10,000 euros (roughly £8,930) on a scratchcard. When he was informed there wasn't enough cash on board to pay him immediately, he became agitated and promptly ate the winning ticket, thereby forfeiting any chance of collecting his prize. Understandably, the man wishes to remain anonymous...

St Leger day in England and Ireland

Only eight go to post for the St Leger at Doncaster; on paper the race appears to be between the first four in the betting - Kite Wood, Changingoftheguard, Monitor Closely and Father Time. Of that quartet, Henry Cecil's Father Time looks to offer best value as the horse is bang there with a chance provided you forgive his last effort in the Great Voltigeur. Kite Wood has a favourite's chance but I'm slightly put off by the fact he would prefer more cut. Changingoftheguard will not be inconvenienced by fast ground but there are reservations about the ability of Monitor Closely to last home. The winner has come from the first three in the betting on nine occasions in the last ten years, with the favourite obliging six times. I'll take a chance with Changingoftheguard.

At the Curragh I can't oppose the legendary Yeats. Whatever happens, we have to bear in mind that, with the advancing years, this could be the last time we'll see him on a racecourse.

Others I'll take a closer look at before the off include Cat Junior in the DFS Park Stakes at Doncaster, Mac Love in a tight-looking Group 3 at Goodwood (2.40) and Cloudy Start in the 3.55 at Chester.

Lord Mildmay Memorial Chase

I was on business in north Wales earlier today and called in to the Pant yr Ochain for a spot of lunch, only to bump into a number of very smartly dressed young people on their way to Chester races; favourites won three of the six races on the card so I guess there's a fair chance a few of them will have gone home smiling.

Chester race again tomorrow but I'm concentrating on the Lord Mildmay Memorial Handicap Chase at Newton Abbot run over a trip of two miles five and a half furlongs. Paul Nicholls fields four of the sixteen declared, while Peter Bowen runs three and Jonjo O'Neill two. The booking of Ruby Walsh for course and distance winner Roby De Cimbre indicates that one is the main hope for the Nicholls' stable - the Sporting Life tissue has the horse priced at 7/1 this evening.

If you're going to play in this race you have to look at the form of the Summer Plate run at Market Rasen five weeks ago. On that occasion Nostringsattached pipped stablemate Keepitsecret a short head on the line with Peter Bowen's No Panic a neck behind in third. The second and third re-oppose and are closely matched again; Keepitsecret looked unfortunate at Market Rasen - the slightly shorter trip here should help. Of the principals, I prefer Keepitsecret but the one that has caught my eye at a bigger price is Peter Bowen's Always Waining. Carrying top weight, this one finished fifth at Market Rasen just two and a half lengths behind the winner. That's his best effort for a long time - priced up at 12/1 in the tissue he's worth an each-way interest, although I will point out that stable form is worrying with no winners in the past five weeks.

Ascot, York and Chester

The highlight at Ascot tomorrow is the Group 2 Summer Mile due off at 2.50. Ceasare won this race in 2007 and finished third last year; he's the top-rated horse but at the age of eight you can't help but wonder whether his best days are behind him and the stable's form has been something of a worry this season. Aqlaam finished half a length behind Cesare in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot just over three weeks ago, the pair well beaten by Paco Boy (who finished fourth in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket this afternoon); Willie Haggas' charge hasn't won over this trip but I'm sure the trainer will fancy his chances of reversing form with Cesare. Mike De Kock trained Archipenko to take this last year and has been bullish about Imbongi's chance - that one won a seven furlong Group 3 at Newmarket last time with the minimum of fuss. In my book Dream Eater has been slightly disappointing this season; he often pulls in the early stages which doesn't help at the business end - he has place prospects at best. This is an intriguing affair; I'm going to risk Imbongi staying this stiff mile - he should certainly handle underfoot conditions, with further rain a distinct possibility.

The feature at York is the 50th running of the John Smith's Cup which looks as competitive as ever. Luca Cumani thinks his well-touted Riggins will stay the trip. I won't be taking part in this - if I had to have a bet, I'd look for something that is set to carry less than nine stones, has a single-figure draw and is four or five years old. If the rain arrives, I'll consider an each-way interest in Willie Musson's Magicalmysterytour at 12/1 or bigger in the Silver Cup at 3.45.

At Chester the five furlong City Wall Stakes is due off at 3.30. Several of these finished behind Scenic Blast in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot - Captain Gerrard (fourth), Borderlescott (fifth), Hoh Hoh Hoh (thirteenth) and Rievaulx World (fifteenth). In addition Tax Free looked like getting involved when impeded over a furlong out; that effort will give Dandy Nicholls a benchmark for his three runners here. The draw over sprint distances is always so important at Chester - six of the last nine winners have come from stalls 1-4. As a play against the well-drawn favourite Borderlescott I've considered Masta Plasta, Captain Gerrard and Hoh Hoh Hoh. Captain Gerrard has disappointed twice since Ascot, finishing tenth of eleven at Sandwon last week, but I'm going to give him another chance as he has course and distance winning form. If his price is big enough on the day, I'll take an each-way interest. Other runners at Chester worth a second look: Just Mandy (4.05) and Zuwaar (4.40) - the stable boasts a 37.5% win strike rate over the past fortnight.

Racing reflections

Good God, I never thought I'd see the day - booing on the Roodee - I had to go and have a lie-down. There was an element of the ridiculous surrounding Friday's renewal of the Ormonde after five withdrawals left a field of just three for the £75,000 added prize money. Three runners for a Group Three but none of them appeared interested in making the running; in the end William Buick took the bull, and the race, by the horns and was rewarded for his enterprise with emphatic victory. Johnny Murtagh aboard 8/11 favourite Frozen Fire trailed in last, eleven lengths behind, and received plenty of catcalls for his trouble. The day before the same jock on Masterofthehorse (13/8f) allowed his mount's stable companion Golden Sword (25/1) too much rope with the pace-making duties; the pacemaker duly went and won with Masterofthehorse finishing like the proverbial train but still two lengths adrift at the line. Still, fair play to Johnny Murtagh, come Saturday he appeared on The Morning Line, took the flak, together with Tom Lee's looks of thunder, and then went and won the Lingfield Derby Trial, although he had to get serious with Age Of Aquarius.

There's usually some sort of football connection when there's racing at Chester. Several Manchester United first teamers were in attendance on Thursday while on Wednesday the finale was entitled 'Hull City AFC Premier Dream Maiden Stakes'. Hull's manager Phil Brown is a keen racegoer - after his side's 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke yesterday, the dream looks increasingly less certain... In that very same race, the Michael Owen owned Paddy Partridge was sent off at 200/1 and trailed in eighth. My guess is Michael will be more worried about tomorrow's crunch relegation fixture at St James' Park with Newcastle set to entertain local rivals Middlesborough.

The Queen's horse Free Agent never ran at Chester on account of a bruised foot and I'll bet Nicky Henderson wishes Moonlit Path, in the same ownership, hadn't run in the Turftv Mares' Novices Hurdle at Huntingdon last February. Moonlit Path failed a drugs test and I would imagine Her Majesty is not amused. Just how does one extricate oneself from a rather unfortunate situation such as this? A date in June is to be set for the disciplinary panel.

Finally, Clare Balding was a guest on last night's 'Have I Got News For You'. As you might have expected, there were several references to teeth and dentists. Ms Balding, who earlier in the day hadn't formed part of the BBC's Ascot coverage as she was fronting the Wakefield v. Wigan rugby league match instead, pointed out that her insult on live TV had resulted in Liam Treadwell receiving offers of free dental treatement. She then offered to insult other people live on TV; I'm thinking of asking her to ridicule my ageing Vauxhall Astra 1.6 (8 valve), in the vain hope somebody out there will give me a brand new car free of charge...

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.

Some snippets

Mastercraftsman's victory in yesterday's National Stakes at the Curragh takes Ballydoyle's total of Group One victories for the season to twenty. Aidan O'Brien is quoted at 1/5 to break the current record of twenty five wins.

Many who saw Zakarva take Sunday's Prix Vermeille at Longchamp believe they saw the winner of the Arc; the filly is now quoted as low as 6/4 for that race.

In the Listed six-furlong sprint at Chester on Saturday the two fancied horses, Angus Newz and Look Busy, were drawn favourably in stalls one and two respectively. The market really favoured Look Busy (6/4f) and that's what the formbook pointed to. It was fairly obvious Angus Newz would try to make all up against the running rail; jockey S. O'Hara's ride on the favourite didn't look too stylish, particularly as he apperared to have difficulty drawing his whip through as they raced in the final furlong. Look Busy shouldn't have been turned over here.

Jonjo O'Neill's runners are going well at the moment. I liked the look of his Fresh Air And Fun over an extended two and three quarter miles at Stratford yesterday, up against the Twiston-Davies hotpot Diablo who had been racing over the minimum trip. Various distractions got in the way so I never made it to the bookies; needless to say Fresh Air And Fun won at 4/1. He looks one to keep an eye on.

For those who find the Saturday Scoop 6 too easy (I don't include myself in that number - I'm presently struggling with the Scoop 1), our friends at totesport have introduced the totesuper7 wager which you can play on any day from Sunday through to Friday. All you have to do is pick the winners of seven selected races; should you manage just five or six winners, totesport will kindly pay out a consolation dividend...

Caption noted in Channel Four's coverage on Saturday:
3.45 Doncaster 6. Racer Forever - Non-runner.

Miscellanea

Last weekend's running of the Juddmonte International spawned several articles in the press on team tactics during the week. Johnny Murtagh's reported words to Colm O'Donoghue, rider of Ballydoyle's pacemaker, are unequivocal: "When you get to the four marker just ease off and give me the passage through." On Saturday morning Channel Four's Morning Line programme discussed various angles; whatever your opinion, it is clear the rules of racing have been broken. Paul Struthers indicated the British Horseracing Authority would make a statement on the matter in the coming week.

The usually gruff Mel Smith (of Smith and Jones fame) was anything but as he was interviewed before the Solario at Sandown on Saturday. Mr Smith, joint owner of The Cheka, looked to have had a distinct attack of pre-race nerves. In the race itself The Cheka, who was a drifter in the betting, appeared to have the spoils in the bag going into the final furlong but he tied up ever so slightly in the closing stages and succumbed to Sri Putra's challenge. This looked a hot renewal.

A nasty incident in the Chester Handicap saw Sir Duke fall, bringing down both Cheshire Prince and Speed Gifted. Seb Saunders aboard Speed Gifted broke his leg in the incident and is out for the rest of season. Sir Duke had to be put down.

My brother has received an invite to go to Goodwood on Tuesday, lucky fellow; something of a contrast, I know, but I hope to get to Stratford on Saturday.

York, Ascot and Chester

I still haven't quite got over the fact that on Wednesday Nahoodh won the Falmouth at 10/1 yet I didn't have a penny on...

The highlight of tomorrow's York card is the 49th running of the John Smith's Cup over one mile two and a half furlongs. Given the weather forecast, the going is likely to suit horses that prefer soft ground. Three year olds have a decent enough record in this but none have managed to make the cut this year! On eight occasions in the last ten years the winner come from a low numbered draw; two horses that have been well-touted horses during the week, Mutajarred and Proponent, are set to come from stalls eleven and nineteen respectively. In this most competitive event, I favour a small each-way bet on Ezdiyaad who is set to come out of berth three and should have no trouble handling the prevailing conditions.

Only seven go to post for the Ascot Summer Mile at 2.55, in which Ramonti, Cesare and Archipenko look the main players. This will be Ramonti's first run of the season following an injury; he was set to run at Royal Ascot but missed that engagement so is passed over here for course specialist Cesare who looked most unlucky in running when beaten just over a length in the Queen Anne three and a half weeks ago. Archipenko could be the fly in the ointment, looking a revitalised horse since moving to Mike De Kock's yard.

The two top-rated horses in Chester's five furlong City Wall Stakes, Borderlescott and Oldjoesaid, are drawn widest in stalls nine and ten respectively; that being the case, I'm tempted to take them on. Mick Quinn's yard has been in good form over the past fortnight and his Angus Newz in stall one will certainly handle the going. Angus Newz has a bit to find with the principals but looks worth an each-way interest at around the 10/1 mark.

Forthcoming treats

There's some decent racing on offer over the next few days. The Newmarket July Festival starts tomorrow while big races on Saturday include the John Smith's Cup at York, the Summer Mile at Ascot (will Cesare have better luck in running this time?) and the five furlong City Wall Stakes at Chester. The Newmarket July meeting has never been one I've followed particularly closely; I won't be getting involved. Queen Mary form from Royal Ascot is represented in tomorrow's Cherry Hinton by Lucky Leigh and Heart Shaped; favourites have a decent record in the Cherry Hinton. Darjina is likely to be a warm order for the Falmouth but she had a hard race behind Hardasun at Ascot while I haven't totally given up on Nahoodh who runs her second race for new connections. I'll be looking for any encouraging signs - regular readers will recall Mark Johnston highlighted the fact the filly had put weight on following her arrival at the yard but she was allowed to run in Ascot's Coronation Stakes where Dettori adopted front-running tactics. She was cooked two out; I wonder whether different tactics will be tried this time.

Express single Chester to Aintree please!

There are some trappy-looking races at Chester tomorrow. Achill Island would appear the percentage call in the Dee Stakes at 2.15, especially with the O'Brien team having been in such good form during the week. Trying to work through the remainder of the card, my attention was suddenly distracted by the first two of the evening just up the road at Aintree. By my reckoning, it would be a bit of a push to watch the 4.35 finale at Chester and then get to Aintree in time for the opener at 5.45, particularly if you're intent on using the Merseyrail option; I wonder how many will try...

Khacaturian is the form horse in the first but he's not certain to stay two and a half miles; Alan King's entry Your Amount was just touched off over that distance last time and is preferred.

Zilcash is likely to start a warm order for the Foinavon Novices' Chase at 6.15 but, for the time of year, this looks a competitive heat. On Racing Post ratings there's not much between Zilcash, Cape Greko and Chaninbar. Aintree's fast track is likely to suit Cape Greko who is the top-rated speed horse in the race; McCoy rides and at 3/1 he looks a potential play against the favourite. Many will look to dismiss Chaninbar - in his last run he came second at Sedgefield - but it would be a mistake to do so as that happened to be a Class 2 handicap chase. The return to two miles here shouldn't be an issue and the better ground is a bonus; he's 6/1 this evening. If the prices quoted are on offer tomorrow, backing both Cape Greko and Chaninbar will offer a better return than backing Zilcash, while a more expansive approach would be to take a chance on Chaninbar.

Chester Cup

Seventeen go to post in tomorrow's Chester Cup which is due off at 2.45. Although the race is over two miles and the best part of three furlongs, the draw is still considered important given the tight nature of the track. As I indicated in an earlier post, this race has been the target for Philip Hobbs' Fair Along for some time but stall sixteen looks a major disadvantage; having said that, Greenwich Meantime won from that berth last year. Over the last ten years the winner has come from a single figure draw on seven occasions. It looks as though Jamie Spencer was first choice jockey for Fair Along but Jamie has opted for Highland Legacy who is the Racing Post's top rated horse and the bookmakers' favourite. The one that caught my eye and struck me as a sporting each-way bet was my old friend Full House. The oldest horse in the race, he had a recent warm-up over hurdles, will appreciate drying ground and will come out of stall one provided in-form trainer Paul Webber allows him to take his chance. This evening the Racing Post reports that Full House will only run provided the going is good.