Market Rasen Summer Plate 2025

I usually take an interest in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen but before looking at this year's renewal, I have good news and bad news to impart. 

Back in early January I received a phone call from a gentlemen's outfitters in Warwick informing me the clobber I'd ordered for my daughter's wedding was available for collection. 

Now, I was just about to set off to collect the clobber in question when my wife, as is her wont, presented me with a list of sundry errands that, coincidentally, needed to be run in Warwick; having completed no more than half of them as best I could, I thought a small treat was in order so I ordered a small americano (cold milk / regular blend / stay in / contactless) in a coffee house situated a stone's throw away from the clobber shop.

I'd barely taken my seat when a frail old lady struggled onto the premises and a kindly gent sat at an adjacent table, offering her his seat, approached and asked if he could join me at my table. No problem at all.

We quickly struck up a conversation and I quickly deduced this gent followed Flat form rather closely. 

His son, the landlord of a public house in nearby Kenilworth, was part of a syndicate that owned a share in a horse called Lazy Griff. The beast had respectable two-year-old form and syndicate members were spending the winter months dreaming their horse might just be good enough to contest a Derby - either at Epsom or The Curragh. At that time Lazy Griff was quoted 100/1 for Epsom and 66/1 for the Irish Derby.

Four months later Lazy Griff made his seasonal debut, running a very respectable second to Lambourn in the Chester Vase, sent off  a 25/1 shot. 

After that race handler Charlie Johnston told reporters his charge had recently met with a setback and was only 80% ready - improvement was to be expected, Epsom was the target, and any rain in the week leading up to the race would help his cause.

Propitiously, there was plenty of rain around in Derby week this year, and, on top of that, connections had managed to secure the services of Christophe Soumillon. Stall three looked a bit of negative but Betfred were offering 100/1 (four places) about Lazy Griff. I placed a small each-way wager with Betfred on Thursday evening and on Friday another at SP with Sky who were paying five places; Lazy Griff eventually went off a 50/1 shot.

The good news, of course, is that Lazy Griff ran a bit of a stormer. 

He raced in fourth for much of the trip; as they came round Tattenham Corner, I could barely believe my eyes - Soumillon was looking behind for dangers that weren't there, while it transpired the real danger was long-time leader Lambourn. Jock Soumillon pressed the button and set about reeling in the leader and, just for a fraction of a second, I thought he might get close. In the event he didn't, but he still finished second, three and threequarters lengths behind Lambourn.   

The bad news is that, given my egregious tipping performance in this particular race over a period of some fifty years, I didn't have the prescience to share the tip with you, dear reader. 

That's racing, as they say. 

Fifteen have been declared for tomorrow's Summer Plate (3.12); the going at the Lincolnshire track is currently described as good but thundery showers are forecast and the track reports conditions are likely to ease during racing.

Top weight Hang In There takes his chance and concedes ten pounds to nearest rival Horantzau d'Airy; as a result Mr Saxobeat, Doyouknowwhatimean, Ceanndana and the mare Shakeyatailfeather all compete from out of the handicap.  

Last year Sure Touch (137) touched off Soul Icon to collect the spoils, with Statuario (135) third, beaten five lengths; Riskintheground (127) fifth, beaten ten and threequarters lengths; and Vintage Fizz (130) sixth, beaten sixteen and a quarter lengths.

Sure Touch, for much of the week favourite to repeat the trick tomorrow off a mark one pound lower than last year (136), has been easy to back today, while there has been money for Irish raiders Ballysax Hank and Ceanndana. 

Olly Murphy's charge hasn't won in six starts since last year's win - and some might say he hasn't shown much noteworthy form either. 

He jumped poorly behind Docpickedme in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster in January and last time came home just under 20 lengths behind Riskintheground (Vintage Fizz third) in a handicap chase at Ayr. 

No doubt Olly Murphy will have freshened him up for this and cheekpieces are fitted for the first time but his price is short enough.

Harry Cobden bids for a hat-trick in the race having ridden Born Famous to win in 2023 and Sure Touch last year. This year he's aboard the Gavin Cromwell trained Ballysax Hank; the booking looks significant and it has caught the attention of bookmakers and punters alike.

With just three chase starts to his name (U15), six-year-old Ballysax Hank makes his handicap debut and is the runner with the least experience of larger obstacles in this field. Five six-year-olds have previously come home in front: Stately Home (1997); Chicuelo (2002); Iron Man (2007); Really Super (2020); and Born Famous (2023).

Ceanndana carries five pounds more than his long handicap weight but has been well supported today, with Jordan Gainford travelling over for this sole ride. Ross O'Sullivan's charge ran well behind Arctic Fly over a shorter trip at Tipperary 18 days ago (nearest finish) but wouldn't appreciate too much rain.

The Bowen yard always targets this race - and has won it on eight previous occasions: Stately Home (1997); Ballycassidy (2003); Yes Sir (2006); Iron Man (2007); Snoopy Loopy (2008); More Buck's (2018); and Francky Du Berlais (2021 & 2022). 

In the betting course and distance winner Courtland is preferred to Statuario. 

Courtland finished third behind Charlie Uberalles at Cartmel three weeks ago - that was his first outing since April 2024. Having previously won off 142, he looks feasibly handicapped on 133 - and Shane Fenelon can claim five pounds - but there's the danger he could 'bounce' on his second run after such a long layoff.

Stablemate Statuario beat Hang In There in the Perth Gold Cup six weeks ago and has been raised two pounds to a mark of 130 - still five pounds lower than last year when beaten five lengths. All five chase wins to date have come at Perth.

In the past fortnight the yard has sent out five winners from 11 runners (45%). Both declarations in tomorrow's renewal are ten years of age; in the last 25 years only three winners have been older than nine - Glinger (11; 2004); Snoopy Loopy (10; 2008) and I Have Dreamed (10; 2012).  

After beating Vintage Fizz and Sure Touch at Ayr in April, Riskintheground beat Bhaloo and Hang In There at Cheltenham five days later; on 139 he's now 12 pounds higher than when fifth in last year's renewal - and the Skelton yard has been relatively quiet of late.

Bhaloo looked out of sorts when sent off  2/1 favourite for the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter eight weeks ago, trailing in sixth behind Matterhorn (Horantzau d'Airy second at 50/1, Vintage Fizz fourth).

Bhaloo sports first time cheekpieces tomorrow while Horantzau d'Airy has his first run for trainer Sara Bradstock, having previously been trained by W.P. Mullins for Mrs S. Ricci - 2024 form included placed efforts behind Ashdale Bob, Flooring Porter and Real Steel in the Munster National at Limerick - and, more recently, by Newmarket handler Michael Keady.    

The Flier Begley has also gone up 12 pounds in the handicap after winning the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Series Final at Haydock in April and then the Associated British Ports Summer Plate Trial over course and distance four weeks ago. 

For much of that trial race Vintage Fizz, who can lug left at the fences on occasions, looked the likely winner but after taking up the running two out, he was run out of it after the last, eventually beaten a neck  - to my mind The Flier Begley just wanted it that little bit more.

Three of Charlie Uberalles' six chase wins have come at Cartmel - after his latest win at the Cumbrian track three weeks ago handler Dianne Sayer said:

"I reckon he is a stone better here than anywhere else. He had his own way in front which he enjoys."

His defeat of Docpickedme at Doncaster in December reads well and the trip will suit but he goes off a career high mark of 137 tomorrow.

Although Doyouknowwhatimean races from out of the handicap, Harry Atkins' seven pounds claim more than offsets the penalty. Last time Dan Skelton's charge was outpaced from four out behind former stablemate Third Time Lucki at Uttoxeter over two miles; all his wins to date have come around the two mile mark.

A competitive renewal, as always. 

Horantzau d'Airy looks intriguing on his first start for Sara Bradstock but at a slightly bigger price I'm going to take an each-way interest in flying veteran The Flier Begley who has been in good form recently and shouldn't be inconvenienced by any rain.

The Flier Begley is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 14/1 with bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power, all of whom pay four places.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2024

A field of sixteen is set to contest tomorrow's Summer Plate (3.15 Market Rasen) with the going currently described as good.

When Born Famous won last year's renewal off 115 (Fix At All eighth, La Domaniale ninth, Francky Du Berlais eleventh), Iain Jardine's mare became the first winner with a rating below 137 in over ten years. 

Top weight Al Zaraqaan races off 138 tomorrow.

Francky Du Berlais, trained by Peter Bowen, collected the spoils off 139 in 2022, having won off 137 in 2021. 

The handler has an eye-catching record in the race, having won on six other occasions (Stately Home 1997; Ballycassidy 2003; Yes Sir 2006; Iron Man 2007; Snoopy Loopy 2008; and More Buck's 2018); he relies on Francky Du Berlais and Statuario in a bid to win for the first time with eldest son Michael officially registered joint trainer.

In June Francky du Berlais finished third behind Parisencore over two and a half miles in the Perth Silver Cup (Fix At All eighth) while stablemate Statuario beat Hang In There a neck in course record time in the Perth Gold Cup over three miles.

Since then Francky finished third behind Charlie Uberalles at Cartmel while Statuario was raised nine pounds for that neck defeat of Hang In There who subsequently came out to win the Uttoxeter Summer Cup on his first try beyond three miles. 

Connections are reportedly considering entering Group company with Hang In There, the Charlie Hall at Wetherby in November mentioned as a possible target.

Earlier today Mole Court was displaced at the head of the market by Boombawn who finished third behind Al Zaraqaan on his penultimate start and second behind Matterhorn last time over a shorter trip. 

The step-up in distance here should suit; he has just three chase starts to his name but Harry Skelton prefers this one to stablemate Riskintheground.

Mole Court likes to race up with the pace; Ben Pauling's charge has won five of his eight chase starts and finished fourth behind Hang In There in the Uttoxeter Summer Cup.

Soul Icon jumped slightly right when beaten a length by Raffle Ticket at Aintree in May; Market Rasen should suit better but Keiran Burke's charge has yet to win in six starts over fences - and the handicapper raised him three pounds to boot. 

Sure Touch has finished in the first three on all five starts over fences; he came home over 25 lengths clear of Statuario when winning on soft ground at Perth in April. The booking of Harry Cobden catches the eye.

Yccs Portocervo won the trial race over course and distance four weeks ago, holding Vintage Fizz a neck on the line. The pair look closely matched on revised terms but, to date, Vintage Fizz has shown a tendency to jump left at the obstacles.

At 11 years of age Dinons doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock. He has just his second start for Brian Ellison after being withdrawn from the three mile race won by Cap Du Nord at Perth on Sunday on account of the ground. 

The other 11-year-old in the field, The Big Lense, finished third behind the Peter Bowen trained Jerrash over course and distance 13 days ago.

Previously with Michael Scudamore, Fix At All, my selection for last year's renewal, came up short off this mark (125) and was well beaten by Parisencore last time.

Three mares have come home in front in recent years: Casablanca Mix (2019); Really Super (2020); and Born Famous (2023).   

The only mare in this year's race, La Domaniale, was beaten a neck by Francky Du Berlais in 2022 off a mark of 125 but was well behind Born Famous last year running off 133.

Stablemate Prince Escalus has shown his best form over a shorter trip.

Statuario's defeat of Hang In There looks strong form - Peter Bowen's charge also holds the Perth track record over two and a half miles - but the handicapper has had his say and this race often goes to a younger animal.

With just four chase starts Parisencore is perhaps less exposed than a few in this field and won the Perth Silver Cup going away on his first try beyond two miles one furlong; raised three pounds, Nicky Richards' inmate gets the nod.

Parisencore is the each-way suggestion, generally 11/1 with most layers paying five places.

In the Summer Handicap Hurdle (2.40) I thought top weight Fringill Dike and Kihavah both worthy of a second look. 

Fringill Dike races off 132 but is rated 142 over fences while Kihavah goes off 127 but boasts a Flat rating of 95.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2023

Sixteen have been declared for tomorrow's Summer Plate (3.15 Market Rasen) with Francky Du Berlais bidding to win the race for the third consecutive year. 

Peter Bowen's charge won the 2021 renewal off a mark of 137, carried top weight to victory last year off 139 and carries top weight tomorrow off a mark of 140. 

My preview of last year's race highlighted the fact that in each of the previous ten renewals the top horse on official figures was rated higher than 139. 

It's no surprise to see that Sean Bowen prefers to ride the market leader rather than in-form stablemate Courtland; the yard has won the race on eight previous occasions with Stately Home (1997); Ballycassidy (2003); Yes Sir (2006); Iron Man (2007); Snoopy Loopy (2008); More Buck's (2018); and Francky Du Berlais (2021, 2022). 

Conceding a stone, Francky Du Berlais held La Domaniale a neck on the line last year (Tardree falling at the ninth when leading); this year the Jonjo O'Neill trained mare receives just three pounds after an impressive win at Aintree two months ago (Presentandcounting fourth, beaten 29 lengths). Two mares have collected the spoils in recent times: Casablanca Mix (2019); and Really Super (2020).

Veteran And The New appeared in rude health when beating Fix It All and Francky Du Berlais in last month's trial race over course and distance (Northern Bound fifth and Tardree sixth); the winner was raised 10 pounds for that effort.

At the end of May Gloire D'Athon won the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter with the fast-finishing Killer Clown third - beaten two lengths - and Northern Bound sixth - beaten six lengths. That looks decent form. 

Yesterday Gloire D'Athon was priced up around 8/1 while Killer Clown was a 14/1 chance; this evening both are around the 9/1 mark. Northern Bound is 33/1 in places - and I can't immediately see why.

Three out Killer Clown was squeezed for room at Uttoxeter; on his second run after wind surgery it's easy enough to see why he's popular. In the past he hasn't been one to trust implicitly but he's shouldn't be inconvenienced if the forecast rain arrives.

Hang In There - stablemate of Killer Clown - wants good ground; most of his chase form has come in small fields. He made a bad mistake in the Future Champion Novices' Chase at Ayr in April and has contested two hurdles race since.

The booking of Harry Cobden for Born Famous catches the eye. 

The six-year-old mare is unbeaten since joining Iain Jardine's yard, as is Chief Black Robe since joining Fergal O'Brien. 

Chief Black Robe won a Class 5 novice handicap chase off a mark of 88 at this track in May and is now rated 121.

Gavin Cromwell saddles two - Railway Hurricane and Broken Ice. The former's second behind Unaswered Prayers in a Cheltenham novice last November reads well.

Saint Arvans beat Presentandcounting over three miles at Perth last time but all his chase wins have come in small fields.  

The official going is currently described as good but heavy rain is forecast throughout the day; several in the field are likely to be inconvenienced if the forecast rain arrives.

Formerly with Michael Scudamore, Fix It All ran well behind And The New on stable debut (Francky Du Berlais third) and will appreciate any rain that falls.

Fix It All is the each-way suggestion, 12/1 generally, with Sky Bet paying six places.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2022

Having recently awoken from my rostered summer slumbers, I have been confronted with the news that summer jumping is in something of a 'dire state'. Apparently you're likely to find as many declarations for a Tory party leadership contest as for a race over the sticks around this time of year. 

Traditionally Saturday's card at Market Rasen is a highlight, marking the mid-point of the summer programme; fourteen are set to face the starter for the Summer Plate (3.14) with the official going described as good. 

Tomorrow's renewal certainly appears to lack the quality seen in recent years. 

Light N Strike, Peregrine Run and Francky Du Berlais share top weight on a handicap rating of 139; compare that rating with those of horses allocated to carry top weight in this race over the past decade:

2021: Talkischeap (150)

2020: San Benedeto (150)

2019: Pacific De Baune (149)

2018: Alcala (148)

2017: Henryville (152)

2016: Ballynagar (157)

2015: Conquisto (143)

2014: Pantxoa (142)

2013: Woolcombe Folly (153)

2012: Auroras Encore (149)

Last year Francky Du Berlais claimed the honours beating Exelerator Express seven and a half lengths off a mark of 137; he tries to repeat the trick tomorrow off a mark just two pounds higher.

Unusually, three in the field have raced in the past week.

Both Texard (won at Uttoxeter on Wednesday) and Rostello (won a Class 5 Handicap Chase at Stratford on Sunday with comparative ease) have been raised five pounds for their efforts while Al Roc finished 25 lengths second behind Chapmanshype at Newton Abbot on Monday. 

Mortlach heads the market at the time of writing on the back of three novice chase wins. 

Fergal O'Brien's charge has dominated small fields by racing from the front but this is likely to prove a different test altogether and certainly his stiffest to date. 

The Clarke Chase run at Uttoxeter at the end of May can often prove informative - Francky Du Berlais won last year's renewal. 

This year Demachine beat Manofthemountain three and a quarter lengths (Al Roc eighth); both had undergone wind surgery following their last run. 

To be honest, I expected to see Kerry Lee's charge entered here but he's nowhere to be seen. 

The handicapper has decided to leave Manofthemountain on a mark of 138. In April 2021 Emma Lavelle's inmate won a handicap chase at Cheltenham off 137; my slight concern is this tight track may not play to his strengths.

In the Summer Plate Trial Handicap Chase run over course and distance last month Mahler's Promise beat Statuario two lengths with third Costly Diamond 15 lengths adrift. On revised terms the pair look closely matched, although Peter Bowen's charge has yet to win in 13 attempts over fences. 

Two mares have come home in front in recent years - Casablanca Mix (2019) and Really Super (2020) - and J.P. McManus will be hoping La Domaniale can add to that total. La Domaniale has just three chase starts to her name.

The other mare in the field, Rapid Response, makes the trip over from Ireland. 

The stable has been operating at a win strike-rate of 23% on the Flat over the past fortnight; Rapid Response appears to have had this race as a target but she would probably prefer some cut underfoot.

Light N Strike has finished in the first three on all seven chase starts. 

His win at Stratford last time reads well and Jack Wildman claims seven but there's a slight question mark over this extended trip - a comment that also applies to Tardree. 

Since 1995 four six-year-olds have collected the spoils: Stately Home (1997); Chicuelo (2002); Iron Man (2007); and Really Super (2020). 

Stately Home remains the only winner to carry more than 11-07 to victory while just two older than ten have obliged: Saskia's Hero (1998) and Glinger (2004). 

I could certainly see Licklighter outrunning his current odds of 33/1 if allowed to bowl along in front while Peregrine Run should appreciate decent ground but, to date, no twelve-year-old has collected the spoils.

Not the highest quality renewal but a very competitive race nonetheless. 

The chance of  Francky Du Berlais in particular is respected - Peter Bowen has trained seven previous winners - but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Mahler's Promise; Seamus Mullins' charge has finished in the first three on nine of his ten chase starts.

Mahler's Promise is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 with bet365 who pay one fifth the odds four places.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2021

I can't deny feeling a little ring-rusty looking at tomorrow's Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2.40), a race which traditionally marks the mid-point of the summer jumps programme. Sixteen have been declared; the going is described as good.

Last year's renewal was run on Friday 10th July, with jump racing having only just emerged out of lockdown at the beginning of the month. The Amy Murphy trained mare Really Super came home in front at odds of 25/1 that day with Solomon Grey third, Royal Village sixth and Pink Eyed Pedro eleventh. 

Last time out Really Super finished well beaten in the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter at the end of May; this year the handler relies on Mercian Prince who has shown respectable form on two runs over hurdles following wind surgery in April. The last ten year old to oblige was I Have Dreamed in 2012.

Captain Tom Cat is one I like and it's easy enough to see why layers have Dr Richard Newland's charge at the head of the market. The gelding has impressed this summer, winning all three chase starts to date. He won off a mark of 125 at Aintree in May and starts off 147 tomorrow; this race certainly represents his most difficult task to date.

The form of the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter is worth close inspection.

Francky Du Berlais just got up to deny Pistol Whipped a nose with Pink Eyed Pedro fourth, Topofthecotswolds fifth and Exelerator Express sixth - six lengths covered the first six home. 

Subsequently Francky Du Berlais was beaten six lengths by Solar Impulse at Cartmel while Topofthecotswolds finished well adrift in sixth in the Uttoxeter Summer Cup which is run over an extended trip of three miles two furlongs (Talkischeap pulled up and Solomon Grey unlucky to unseat four out when in contention). 

Using the Clarke Chase as a benchmark, Topofthecotswolds looks marginally favoured at the revised weights, although there wouldn't be much in it; Paul Kealy makes the case for the Twiston-Davies horse in his Weekender column. 

Neil Mulholland has his horses in fine form (7 wins from 24 runs over both codes in the past fortnight) but I'm not entirely convinced Exelerator Express is going to see out this trip.

Four weeks ago Lord Bryan won the Summer Plate Trial over course and distance. 

Peter Bowen regularly targets this event and in the past has claimed the spoils with Stately Home (1997), Ballycassidy (2003), Yes Sir (2006), Iron Man (2007), Snoopy Loopy (2008), and More Buck's (2018). 

Lord Bryan goes from two pounds out of the handicap tomorrow; of the stable's two entries, Francky Du Berlais is preferred.

Paul Nicholls, who claimed the spoils with Alcala in 2017, saddles Darling Maltaix. This one won as he liked at Newton Abbot three and a half weeks ago on his first run after wind surgery; the majority of his chase form has been gained in fields with ten runners or less.

On his penultimate start Fire Away won comfortably at Cartmel (Templepark ten and a half lengths adrift in third and Royal Village tailed off - later found to be lame). Stablemate Licklighter didn't make the final declaration stage but perhaps that's no surprise as he seems better suited by three miles. Laura Morgan's operation based in Leicestershire has been on the radar for some time now.

Fire Away subsequently won over the brush hurdles at Worcester while Templepark has undergone wind surgery. Fergal O'Brien's charge has been placed in 14 of his 15 chase starts to date and sports first-time cheekpieces tomorrow. On a strict interpretation of the formbook he's entitled to finish a lot closer to Fire Away yet that fact isn't reflected in the market with Fire Away generally quoted a 9/1 chance while Templepark is 20/1 with most layers. 

That's A Given looked good at Newton Abbot the last day after wind surgery but he was well beaten by Licklighter at Southwell a couple of runs before. He's one pound 'wrong' at the weights.

Royal Village, second in 2019 off 137 and sixth last year off 141, looks to have been given a chance for new connections with a rating of 130; Emma Smith-Chaston claims an additional seven pounds. He was somewhat fortunate to win over course and distance 13 days ago when Solar Impulse came to the last four lengths ahead and fell.

Top weight Talkischeap is tried in a first-time visor but this trip is likely to be on the sharp side for Alan King's charge.

A very competitive renewal. Uttoxeter's Clarke Chase appears a significant piece of form; recent winners have tended to be aged between seven and nine.

Laura Morgan's Fire Away looks unexposed compared to some in this field but at the prices Templepark offers value and the Fergal O'Brien yard is operating at a 32% win strike-rate over the past fortnight.

Templepark is the each-way suggestion, currently 20/1 with Sky Bet who pay one fifth the odds six places.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2020

For longer than I freely care to admit, I've organised my life according to the austere regimen dictated by the racing calendar; at present I'm experiencing unprecedented levels of disorder, disarray and confusion. 

In normal circumstances Market Rasen's Summer Plate meeting is run on a Saturday in the middle of July and marks the mid-point of the summer jumps programme. This year the meeting goes ahead behind closed doors on Friday, with jump racing having emerged from lockdown barely 10 days ago. 

Of course, we're pleased to see racing over the jumps once again but the elephant in the paddock remains - when will paying punters be allowed to return to the track?

Earlier this week the Anglo-Irish jump classification ratings were published. Sharjah, second behind mare Epatante in the Champion Hurdle, tops the hurdlers' listing while Al Boum Photo and Cyrname share top spot in the chasers' listing.

Since resumption on July 1st, trainers who have recorded more than one NH winner and caught the eye include:

Olly Murphy (5/14) 35.7%

Emma Lavelle (4/7) 57.1% 

Paul Nicholls (3/11) 27.2%

Michael Scudamore (2/3) 66.6%

Ben Pauling (2/4) 50%

Evan Williams (2/9) 22.2%

ITV4 are scheduled to broadcast both the Summer Hurdle at 2.05 and the Summer Plate at 2.40.

With 17 declared, and not an awful lot of recent form to go on, this year's Summer Plate looks particularly difficult. The going is currently described as good, good to soft in places.

Lough Derg Spirit, pulled up behind A Plus Tard in the 2019 Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase at the Festival off a mark of 142, is vying for favouritism. Previously with Nicky Henderson and now trained by arch-rival Paul Nicholls, he races off 137 tomorrow sporting a first-time tongue-tie, having undergone wind surgery some nine months ago. Recent rain may not have helped his cause but stablemate San Benedeto has helped by keeping the weights down. 

These days it's difficult to know whether to describe Alan King as a jumps trainer who has runners on the Flat over the summer or a Flat trainer who has runners over the sticks in the winter. Whichever description you prefer, Mr King sent out sent out three winners and a second from just five runners at Royal Ascot three weeks ago. The handler saddles two here: Fidux was given a spin on the all-weather at Wolverhampton last month while Potterman made hay chasing last summer, culminating in a creditable fifth behind Vinndication in the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot in November. Of the pair I prefer Potterman. 

Bags Groove is a talented individual I have plenty of time for and he appears to have been well supported this evening but the gelding hasn't been seen since finishing behind Kalashnikov at Aintree back in 2019.

In atypically prescient form I flagged up the chances of mare Casablanca Mix and Royal Village for last year's renewal, eventually opting to back the latter each-way; in the event the former beat the latter a comfortable eight lengths. 

Royal Village tries again tomorrow but current stable form is a concern and Copper West had this one and San Benedeto behind over course and distance in October. Two out Ian Williams' charge looked all over the winner that day but he was relegated to third on the run-in which is off-putting; he is weighted to reverse placings with Copper West.

The trends don't favour the chances of mare Really Super; I think last year's winner Casablanca Mix was the first mare to collect the spoils while the last six-year-old to oblige was the Peter Bowen trained Iron Man in 2007. 

Of the bigger priced runners the front-running Imperial Presence is of most interest on the back of his fifth behind the ill-fated Warthog in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham last December. 

Adrrastos ran well for a long way in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing fifth behind Who Dares Wins. That day I thought Jamie Snowden's charge didn't quite see out the trip and, on balance, the formbook confirms the suspicion so, in a race where for the most part fitness has to be taken on trust and in which ordinarily I prefer a younger horse, I'm going to place a small each-way wager on previous course and distance winner Copper West. 

A hold-up ride, he wouldn't appear the best handicapped beast in the field, going up four pounds after being pipped by One Style at Ludlow in February. Still, Tom George's charge has run well after a break in the past and is generally priced up a 14/1 chance, with most layers offering one fifth the odds five places.

Copper West is the each-way suggestion.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2019

Frankie Dettori had barely weighed in after securing a second consecutive Ascot Gold Cup aboard Stradivarius when 'ping!' two emails arrived in the inbox - one outlining an online gambling casino, the other from Cheltenham racecourse advertising next year's Festival.

Since the blog entered 'snooze' mode at the beginning of May I may have wiled away the odd few moments on pokies online real money but Harry Fry has given notice of his intention to move from his yard at Seaborough in Dorset and owners Darren and Annaley Yates have decided to remove their runners from Phil Kirby's yard in North Yorkshire.

And a detailed study indicates that female jockeys are underbet in jump races.

The passing of John McCririck generated plenty of newsprint.

Lee Mottershead's tribute in the Racing Post has been widely acclaimed while The Guardian published an obituary by Julian Wilson who predeceased his subject by more than five years.

Wilson's own obituary in the same paper written by Sean Magee highlights the clash between two very different approaches to the sport.

Personally, I enjoyed Vernon Grant's tribute.

Big Mac often referred to Market Rasen as Market Raspberry and tomorrow's Summer Plate at the Lincolnshire track marks the mid-point in the summer jumping programme.

I've concentrated on three or four pieces of recent form: the Perth Gold Cup run over three miles; the Uttoxeter Summer Cup; the Summer Plate Trial run over course and distance four weeks ago and Casablanca Mix's victory at Aintree in May which, in my opinion, would be right up there with the best form on offer.

Indian Temple beat Van Gogh Du Granit a short-head in the Perth Gold Cup (Get Out The Gate a well-beaten fourth) and weakened after the last to finish fourth in the Uttoxeter Summer Cup. 20/1 looks a big price for David Pipe's charge but the suspicion is this trip may just be on the short side.

Gone Platinum beat Darcy Ward in last month's trial but Nick Schofield may have gone for home too soon on the runner-up that day and is unlikely to make the same mistake again. Sean Bowen rode the winner - tomorrow's pilot Lorcan Williams can claim five.

At Aintree Casablanca Mix beat Indian Temple (won twice since), Value At Risk and Lofgren (has since won Class 2 handicap chase at Cartmel). Nicky Henderson's mare has been raised five pounds for that effort; as far as I could ascertain a mare has not won a previous running of this race.

Six trainers are represented with two runners; Dan Skelton, Dr Richard Newland and Peter Bowen are known to regularly target this event.

Last year's winner More Buck's tries to repeat the trick for Peter Bowen; he was beaten over hurdles last time and looks to have been laid out for the race.

Favourite Gortroe Joe has yet to prove he can handle the cut and thrust of a big field.

Trigger McNichol has a bit to find on form, Solar Impulse has done most of his racing over two miles, Henryville has gone up ten for his win at Newton Abbot while, according to the Racing Post, El Terremoto was sold by Simon Munir and Issac Souede to Fergus Wilson on Monday.

I tend to prefer a young horse in this; the two on the shortlist are Casablanca Mix and Royal Village.

The latter is a course and distance winner who may not have quite seen out three miles at Perth the last day and is forgiven that effort; any further rain would not inconvenience the cause.

Casablanca Mix is generally available at 11/1 but at the time of writing Sky Bet offer 14/1 Royal Village and pay one fifth the odds four places - Royal Village is the each-way suggestion.

Market Rasen midsummer madness 2018

When Alcala held Wadswick Court with a hint of more to come in last year's Summer Plate (Days Of Heaven seventh), the winner's name went straight into the notebook - in capital letters.

Twelve months later Wadswick Court is on a mark ten pounds higher for tomorrow's Market Rasen feature (3.15) while Paul Nicholls' charge, set to carry top weight, is rated just one pound higher which tells a story all of its own - mostly about the sort of stuff you're likely to encounter in my racing notebook.

Five weeks ago stablemate Bagad Bihoue beat Alcala three and a half lengths at Newton Abbot with Viconte Du Noyer a nose adrift in third and Days Of Heaven pulled up following a howler at the ninth. On the revised terms there wouldn't be an awful lot between the first three home while I've suffered burned fingers with the rather misleadingly-named Days Of Heaven in the past.

Shantou Village can boast some decent form but has been out of sorts of late - Paul Kealy advertises his chance in the Weekender - while Cut The Corner's second to Starchitect last November reads well but this race has gone the way of a younger horse in the preceding five years.

Callet Mad, owned by Simon Munir and Issac Suede, has mixed hurdling and chasing to good effect to date and his chance is respected, as is that of More Buck's, now trained by Peter Bowen who is known to regularly target this event.

Of the two at the bottom of the handicap Too Many Diamonds looks to have improved following wind surgery with three wins recorded at Southwell but this race asks a different question altogether; Not A Role Model could be anything and makes more appeal for those seeking an each-way wager.

Yes, there's more than a hint of midsummer madness in the air - I blame the present heatwave - but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Viconte Du Noyer (12/1 Paddy Power, a fifth the odds four places).

I'm hoping that, on revised terms, Colin Tizzard's charge can challenge the Nicholls' pair at the head of the market and that the fitting of first-time cheekpieces can eke out a little further improvement.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2017

In the hiatus since the Sandown finale at the end of April I've spent some time recently reading Dorothy Paget: The Eccentric Queen of the Sport of Kings by Graham Sharpe and Declan Colley.

Martin Pipe states 'I wasn't able to put it down.'

Now, I'd suggest it would be unwise to take that comment literally but the book is a jolly interesting read; in parts the authors lead the reader towards particular interpretations of behaviours and events but the research is comprehensive and the bibliography an added bonus.

In the midst of the summer months Market Rasen's Summer Plate acts as a reminder of what we've been missing and also of what we can look forward to in the autumn. Sixteen face the starter for tomorrow's renewal; the going is currently described as good.

Dan Skelton and Jonjo O'Neill have trained recent winners while Peter Bowen has targeted this race for a number of years.

This year the handicap has a lop-sided look to it with Henryville, Days Of Heaven and Alcala set to carry 11-12, 11-11 and 11-7 respectively while the remainder of the field will carry 10-13 or less. No horse has carried 11-7 or more to victory in the past ten years.

On revised terms there appears little to choose between Henryville and Days Of Heaven after the latter beat the former in the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter eight weeks ago but that fact is certainly not reflected in bookmakers' prices.

Henryville looked unlucky to be brought down at the final flight in last year's renewal but tomorrow he starts off a mark eight pounds higher and Casino Markets is weighted to reverse the placings of April's Cheltenham Silver Trophy Chase.

Alcala's three chase wins have come with six runners or less in the field.

Jonjo O'Neill saddles two - 2014 winner It's A Gimme and I'dliketheoption; owner J P McManus also has the Ben Haslam trained Cup Final in the field. Midnight Shot beat Cup Final a nose in a Hexham novice chase last month when ridden by an amateur claiming seven pounds.

Earthmoves won the Summer Plate Trial over course and distance four weeks ago (Viens Chercher fourth) but he looked in a lot of trouble half a mile from home. Peter Bowen is always respected here but he bought this one out of a Ffos Las Selling Chase - I'm not convinced by the profile.

At the start of the week Poker School was an interesting proposition but I'm afraid the value has long since disappeared.

The Dan Skelton trained Shelford catches the eye near the foot of the handicap but he isn't easy to win with and spent most of last winter racing over much further. That said the race is likely to be run to suit.

2015 winner Brave Spartacus is probably past his best at the age of eleven and I'd be surprised if Wadswick Court proved good enough.

The threat of rain at the track cannot be ignored and that puts me off the bigger weights; in a wide open event, I'll chance Midnight Shot (14/1 generally) will be good enough to make a place. Most layers offer a quarter the odds four places; Sky Bet pay five places at a fifth the odds.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2016

I tend to think of tomorrow's Market Rasen meeting as the half-way point through the summer jumps programme; the highlight is the Summer Plate with sixteen set to face the starter at 2.45.

Top weight Ballynagour, beaten two lengths in the Summer National at Uttoxeter three weeks ago (Tony Star pulled up), stands his ground and as a result the bottom four all race from out of the handicap. Paul Nicholls saddles three with Charlie Longsdon and Tom George responsible for two apiece; the trainer in form is Dr Richard Newland with a 31.58% strike rate for the season so far. 

Geraghty rides Cernunnos for J P McManus; in the same ownership It's A Gimme didn't make the final declarations, having only seen a racecourse twice since finishing sixth in last year's renewal, and Easy Street failed to make the cut.

A number in the field finished behind Minella Present in Uttoxeter's Sir Stanley and Lady Clarke Chase at the end of May: Germany Calling (third), Long House Hall (fourth), Henryville (eighth), and Dormello Mo (ninth).

Previous course winner Long House Hall, marked up 6/1 favourite at the time of writing, is two pounds better off with Germany Calling for one and a half lengths - it looks a close enough call. The latter isn't guaranteed to see out this two miles five furlong trip but he was staying on the last day...

Henryville is a horse I like and the ground will certainly suit but, to date, he hasn't totally convinced over the larger obstacles.    

With Paddy Power offering 12/1 and paying a quarter the odds four places (provided sixteen make the start), Germany Calling is the each-way suggestion.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2014

This race, one of the highlights of the summer jumping programme, is a regular target of Peter Bowen; the Welsh handler boasts a decent record in the race but hasn't won any of the past five renewals.

This year Jonjo O'Neill saddles four - Lost legend, It's A Gimme, Dursey Sound and course and distance winner The Nephew.

McCoy has chosen It's A Gimme but has previously won on each of the three stablemates so the champion jockey should certainly know what's required.

Of the Bowen pair Lamboro Lad was well beaten behind The Romford Pele last time (Pantxoa pulled up) while previously he found Guess Again too good at Perth; Book'Em Danno, racing in a first-time tongue-tie, beat Grandads Horse over course and distance last month and probably holds the better chance.

I note that six of the fifteen strong field have the form comment 'made [virtually] all' recorded for a recent race (Kie, Pantxoa, Guess Again, Creevytennant, The Nephew and Woodbank) and Book'Em Danno also likes to race with the pace, all of which suggests it could be cut-throat up front; good fencing will be at a premium.

The weather is likely to prove problematic as well with sporadic torrential downpours forecast - it's difficult to know exactly how the ground will ride.

Guess Again hasn't always been the most fluent of jumpers but he's a tough customer who has won over further and won't be inconvenienced by any rain that falls. At the prices this evening (10/1 BetVictor) he looks a reasonable value each-way play.

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2013

Peter Bowen won three consecutive renewals from 2006 to 2008 with Yes Sir, Iron Man, Snoopy Loopy and regularly targets this race; he saddles just the one tomorrow, Dineur, but that one could start favourite on the day. The gelding jumps well and went in at Stratford last Sunday despite my concern he may not prefer the prevailing fast ground. He carries a five pound penalty for that victory.

Dr Richard Newland has declared three - Paddy The Hare, Pineau De Re and Bobowen. The first-named won over course and distance 13 days ago and according to the market is the stable's best chance but it would be unwise to disregard Pineau De Re who finished sixth behind Storm Survivor over a longer trip at Uttoxeter on his first run for the yard. That day he displayed a tendency to jump out right so this right-handed track and step back in trip should help the cause.

Both Brian Ellison and Jonjo O'Neill saddle two - Ellison Bocciani and Viva Colonia, O'Neill Galaxy Rock and Finger On the Pulse. McCoy rides Galaxy Rock who finished ahead of Pineau De Re and Problema Tic in Storm Survivor's race at Uttoxeter.

The market tells us that, as usual, this a very open race; I looked at Galaxy Rock (11/1 Stan James) but his last win was November 2011 and he may just need a bit further these days.

From Dr Newland's runners I prefer Pineau De Re to Paddy The Hare - Pineau De Re is the each-way suggestion (9/1 Paddy Power).

In the Summer Hurdle (2.55) I have to have a bet on Barizan, an old favourite; his heart-breaking second to Soldatino in the 2010 Triumph Hurdle still sticks in the mind. He seems to have been around for ever but is still only seven and won the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last time out - he's 8/1 with Betfred and totesport.

Every now and again the opener throws up an interesting one - Countrywide Flame took the 2011 renewal before going on to win the Triumph Hurdle the following March.

Market Rasen's Summer Plate meeting

I'm short on time so some very quick notes...

The weekend feature, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot 4.35), is intriguing. Last year's winner, Nathaniel, took the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown a fortnight ago with a gutsy display on his seasonal debut; there must be some concern he won't have fully recovered from those exertions. In a race where the market has proved a decent guide in the past, I prefer Sea Moon to St Nicholas Abbey following his victory in a competitive renewal of the Harwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot but Sir Michael Stoute is not overly bullish about his colt's chance in a piece in today's Times so I'm not going to play. The three-year-old Japanese runner Deep Brillante (20/1 Bet Victor) is the each-way suggestion for those interested; at the time of writing bet365, 888Sport and Blue Square are the layers offering a quarter the odds a place.

Never mind the Flat, there's a decent jumps card at Market Rasen, with the Summer Plate (3.25) the highlight. You'd have reservations about the jumping with a few of those entered including Benbane Head, Tiger O'Toole, Eastlake and likely favourite Spock. Last year's winner Qulinton is a quirky individual who has been out of form for a while but last time hinted he could be on the way back and tries a visor here; Lawney Hill's I Have Dreamed has been running in hunter chases for the best part of 18 months. Peter Bowen regularly targets this prize, having won four of the last nine renewals; often he saddles several but this year he's single-handed with Al Co. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has declared two - I much prefer That'll Do (Harry Derham claiming seven) to Spock.  Al Co is my idea of the winner while That'll Do is suggested as an each-way alternative.

Finally, a couple to monitor - Mick Channon's Ctappers in the opener and Bellaboosh in the 4.40.

Weekend musings

Earlier today Blue Bunting made amends for her Epsom disappointment by taking the Irish Oaks while Workforce delighted connections in a Newmarket gallop and looks on course for a clash with St Nicholas Abbey and Rewilding in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. This evening Betfred bets 11/10 St Nicholas Abbey, 2/1 Rewilding, 11/4 Workforce; William Hill offers 11/10 St Nicholas Abbey, 5/2 Workforce, 11/4 Rewilding.

They went hard up front in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen, with the result several were struggling on the second circuit. Much as it pains me, I am obliged to report the mother-in-law took one look at the TV two minutes before the off and selected Qulinton; the wretched beast landed the spoils in what can only be described as a very convincing manner. Gutted. With gloating still ringing in my ears, I can report this evening that Stan James offers a miserly-looking 8/1 about David Pipe's charge for the Galway Plate on 27th July while Boylesports quotes 16/1. I wonder if connections are intending to make the trip over the Irish Sea...

Bookshelf notes - The Story of Your Life: A History of "The Sporting Life" Newspaper (1859-1988) looks a must for serious sports fans (currently £17.04 with free P&P from Amazon). Having enjoyed Nicholas Foulkes' Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844, I was tempted by D J Taylor's Derby Day, marketed as 'a Victorian mystery'; two contrasting reader reviews have made me think again. One tome I will purchase in the near future is The Form Book Jumps Annual 2010-2011 (£21.99).

Finally, if you follow football, Monday night's Dispatches on Channel 4 may be of interest; it's entitled  'How To Buy a Football Club'.

Quick Saturday suggestions

Presssed for time this evening, so quick notes only. The Summer Plate is the highlight at Market Rasen; no horse has carried more than 11-6 to victory in the past decade, a stat that knocks out seven of the 16 declared. Peter Bowen has a good record in this; of his pair course and distance winner North Island is preferred. Suggestion: North Island (13/2); unexposed each-way alternative: Pilgrims Lane (16/1).

2.40 Market Rasen: each-way suggestion - Little O J around tissue price 12/1.

5.10 Newbury: Of the runners with NH form (Raslan, Keys, Addwaitya and Callisto Moon) Keys is the most interesting. His short head defeat of Cinders And Ashes in a Cheltenham bumper on New Year's Day (14 furlongs) reads well; Cinders And Ashes went on to run fifth in the Triumph Hurdle. He has been slightly disappointing since and keeps the blinkers tried last time. Doesn't look a certainty to stay the trip.

8.10 Haydock: Only two with NH form, Advisor and Tropical Batchelor; Advisor is of interest. Sent off 8/1 for the 2010 Triumph Hurdle, the grey finished down the field in 11th behind Soldatino. His last run, fifth behind Gifted Leader at Sandown, looks reasonable as that one ran second to subsequent Ascot Stakes winner Veiled in May.

Some short snippets...

Harry Findlay's successful appeal on Wednesday has received plenty of press coverage this week - Greg Wood argued for a change in the BHA rule book in Friday's Guardian. Meanwhile the exchange operator Findlay used to lay his own horses, Betfair, appears to be considering a stock market flotation in the autumn which could value the group in the region of £1.5 billion. Saturday's Times reported that the two founders, Ed Wray and Andrew 'Bert' Black, will share a paper fortune of £375 million if the float goes ahead. Betfair is the world's biggest betting exchange with over three million customers in 140 different countries.

In future 'Bert' Black is likely to pump some of that money into Manor House Stables where Tom Dascombe trains a number of horses for Michael Owen. However it was trainer Tim Vaughan who provided Owen with his first double as an owner when Paddy Partridge and Holoko Heights took the opening two races on the card at Uttoxeter on Wednesday.

It looks as though trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies intends to try and keep the Plates spinning. Grand Slam Hero won the Summer Plate at Market Rasen yesterday and connections have indicated they now have the Galway Plate on July 28th in their sights. Bet365 still offer 16/1 this evening but William Hill go 10/1.

In the world of golf, congratulations go to the new Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen. Mrs Tips reports Clare Balding saying on radio a racing acquaintance of hers had backed the winner at odds of 480/1. I wonder who that might be...

Finally, a quip from Johnny Vegas in a 60 seconds interview that appeared in a recent edition of Star magazine. Asked if he'd ever cheated on anyone, Vegas replied: "I have never cheated on anyone, certainly not in a relationship. I cheated on my dad when I said I put bet on for him, but I kept the money. That was 20 years ago." Of course, had the horse come in, he could simply have gone back to his father and handed over the stake, saying he forgot to put the bet on. Such an honest gesture from one so young may well have prevented the probable parental thrashing that loomed ahead. However, if the young Vegas had already spent his dad's stake money on several bags of sweets, then the only sensible course of action would have been to stuff an old exercise book down the back of his pants. Ah, the good old days - where did it all go wrong?

Market Rasen's Summer Plate 2010

Tomorrow's meeting at Market Rasen is the highlight of the summer jumping calendar. Sixteen go to post in the Summer Plate at 3.35 with prize money of £60,000 on offer; this evening all the major bookmaking firms are offering each-way a quarter the odds four places. Several of tomorrow's particpants have run in the race previously. Last year McCoy did this blog a favour by getting Nostringsattached up to win a short-head from stablemate Keepitsecret while King Troy ran well to finish fourth; Brooklyn Brownie finished second behind Peter Bowen's Snoopy Loopy in 2008 with Seymour Weld down the field in tenth. In the past the Bowen yard has been mob-handed in this but just Valley Pride takes his chance tomorrow - that chance is certainly respected as the trainer is in phenomenal form with six winners from his last seven runners. Of the three Jonjo O'Neill entries McCoy has opted for course and distance winner Tempsford and that one heads the market. Putney Bridge is one who runs his race from the front but he'll do well to win this with that style of racing. One that's slightly less exposed is Tim Vaughan's War Of The World. This gelding finished just under two lengths behind Valley Ride over course and distance last September; he looked to race in snatches that day but on his next appearance was in with a shout when coming down two out at Cheltenham's mid-October meeting in a race won by Poquelin. He hasn't been seen out since and although he has shown himself prone to the odd jumping error in the past the booking of Richard Johnson catches the eye. I'll take an each-way interest in War Of The World at around 12/1. It's worth noting that the favourite has obliged on five occasions in the last ten years.

The opening Summer Hurdle looks very difficult. One near the bottom of the handicap that might be worth a second look provided the price is right is Evan Williams' Nordwind. Ten pound claimer Adam Wedge takes the ride but will he be able to do the weight, I wonder? William Hill go 16/1 this evening.

Much of the form for the juvenile hurdle at 2.35 goes back to Torran's course and distance win three weeks ago. Lady Pasha, Sansili and Bring Sweets will all fancy their chance of reversing placings with the winner who now carries a penalty. I'm tempted to chance the filly Lady Pasha as she was headed in the shadow of the post in that race and has cheekpieces applied this time which should help the cause. Of the newcomers Dance For Julie who won on the soft over twelve furlongs looks of some interest.

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.

Grumpy Old Punter writes...

I first started PG's Tips roughly three and a half years ago; at that time one of my favourite blogs was the Grumpy Old Bookman. Much to my dismay, that blog was discontinued towards the end of 2007. Since then several acquaintances have suggested I should re-brand my efforts to carry the name Grumpy Old Punter - I can't think why.

Here's this week's round-up from the Grumpy Old Punter...

We saw two big rides from two top jockeys in two feature races on Saturday. With three furlongs to run you wouldn't have given Richard Hughes much of a chance on 2/1 favourite Monsieur Chevalier in the Wetherbys Super Sprint at Newbury; once the jockey got to work, his charge came with a rattling run to beat all nineteen rivals a shade cosily. At Market Rasen Tony McCoy performed an astonshing feat in getting 7/2 favourite Nostringsattached to win the Summer Plate; three out the horse looked a spent force in sixth, some ten lengths off the pace. McCoy galvanised his mount to pip stable companion Keepitsecret and No Panic a short head and a neck on the line.

Over the years we've all heard tales of members of the public being refused entry to various racecourse enclosures, often on account of the state of their attire (Ascot and Goodwood are two courses that come to mind immediately). Salisbury went a step further late last month when threatening to eject two racegoers from the members' enclosure for eating ice-creams! After a number of complaints, the course has now revised its policy...

It was a case of music while you work for Ryan Moore and his companions at a recent Kempton evening meeting. The London Philharmonic Orchestra played the William Tell overture during the running of the Digibet.com Handicap; this was the first race run to musical accompaniment in this country. Whether the idea is going to catch on is another matter altogether. One punter, when asked what tune had been played during the race, replied 'the Lone Ranger theme tune'. I also heard an unconfirmed rumour that several members of the orchestra failed to put in their best performance as the horse they'd backed in the event finished up out the back with the washing.

This snippet was spotted in the Times' City Diary last Wednesday. A gent, queuing up for his winnings at Ascot (yeah, OK), struck up a conversation with a woman who happened to be a banker with Lloyds Banking Group. They were at the races as part of a team-building exercise and had been given £5 'to put on horses'. That's taxpayers' money, isn't it? Aren't we entitled to our share of the spoils?

Finally, in case you hadn't realised, the football season is nearly upon us. I'd be the first to admit that my knowledge of the non-league scene is pretty patchy, although it has improved somewhat following Wrexham's relegation to the Blue Square Conference in 2007/8. I like to use Dr John Beech's excellent Football Management blog to keep abreast of events. The leagues below the Blue Square Conference, North and South in the hierarchy were previously sponsored by British Gas; this season however there is a new sponsor - the league will be known as the Zamaretto League. I know what you're thinking - just what is Zamaretto? Zamaretto is, apparently, a brand of flavoured liqueurs. Flavours available include blue raspberry, banana, apple, cherry, pear, peach and chocolate. Quoting from the website: 'Liqueurs are enjoying a renaissance with a new generation of young adults who are seeking something new, sophisticated and glamorous to enjoy with friends.' I'm just wondering whether non-league football is the right arena in which to promote this sort of stuff...

Summer Plate at Market Rasen

Sixteen are set to face the starter in tomorrow's highlight at Market Rasen, the Summer Plate. With £65,000 added in prize money, it's no surprise to see multiple runners from two yards that regularly target this event - Peter Bowen fields four, Jonjo O'Neill three. Bowen has won this four times since 2003, although it's fair to say that last year's winner, Snoopy Loopy, didn't appear to have the best of chances beforehand, being sent off at 16/1. For the record, in that race Always Waining finished fourth and Iron Man a distant tenth. Histoire De Moeurs is the shortest-priced of the Bowen runners in the early tissue for tomorrow's renewal but this one has done most of her racing over two miles and doesn't look certain to stay the trip. Of the other entries, I think Always Waining will struggle to carry top weight on easy ground and Iron Man has been well out of form which leaves No Panic as the most interesting, but he's done most of his chasing with other novices - this step up into handicap company will prove a stern test. O'Neill fields three, two of them, Nostringsattached and Nelson's Spice, owned by J P McManus. McCoy has chosen Nostringsattached; that one is likely to be near the head of the market and rightly so with the stable in cracking form - 5 wins from 16 runs in the last fortnight. In a competitive event I'll side with Nostringsattached - the market hasn't been a bad guide over the past decade with the winner coming from the first two in the betting on seven occasions.

Charlie Mann's Katies Tuitor has done me a couple of favours at decent prices in the past and for that reason is a horse I like. He won the Summer Hurdle last year on soft going off a mark of 136; tomorrow he races with top weight off a mark of 150 which I think will be beyond him. This is always a difficult race but I'm tempted to have an each-way interest in Twiston-Davies' Cootehill who carries the minimum ten stones and is one to bear in mind for the future irrespective of what happens here.

Many will think Rupestrain a source of easy money in the 2.40 but I won't be getting involved at short odds. His victories have all come on fast ground and he had to work hard enough to win a Sedgefield juvenile hurdle last time out.

The stats give strong pointers in the 4.15. The winner has come from the first three in the betting on every occasion over the past ten years, the favourite winning on six occasions and finishing second on the other four. Of those with a rating, Any Given Day looks the one to beat although it's interesting to note that Pam Sly's Viable has one pound in hand if the amateur rider's seven pound allowance is taken into consideration. I also noted that Charlie Mann has opted to run Moment Present here; his well-regarded Vacario had an entry in this but earlier in the week was withdrawn from a novices' event at Uttoxeter - I don't know why - he misses this opportunity as well. Any Given Day is the selection.