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Ah well,can’t say I’m surprised horse racing along with sport in general has been laid low.Guess now it’s a question of keeping fingers crossed this flu outbreak can be brought under control without unnecessary suffering.
However for me there are two bright spots although it will be a curtailed season at best the Racing Bible arrived yesterday and I can mull over,hopefully,what’s to come later in the year.
The other would be the cancellation of that god awful singing contest……they say every cloud has a silver lining.
Hope you and your loved ones keep safe.
good luck to allOH CAPTAIN…MY CAPTAIN ……
The rallying cry of the pupils taught by teacher John Keating,played by Robin Williams,in Dead Poets Society.
WHY…… you ask do I bring this up and at this time?
In teaching something different Keating opened eyes offering a new way of looking at things,outside the box as some would say,it not only shows independent thought but also from my perspective a willingness to go beyond conventional reasoning and challenge the orthodox prevailing opinions.
While some may disagree and pronounce me as ‘failing in my duties’ to the many during this time by not towing the line there are always alternatives that should be discussed but never see the light of day because of fear of upsetting authority views.While this pandemic has reached all parts of the world with daily death tolls announced in hundreds which total thousands overall are we getting the proper overall picture as many thousands die everyday throughout the world from various illness’ being included in the figures because they tested positive after dying and their demise being attributed to the current virus.
Just a thought?
Now onto our beloved sport and the current thinking of the powers that be!
So much ‘thought’ is going into rescheduling Classics the ‘little people’ whether they be owners,trainers,stable staff,the not so well known or well off jockeys besides all concerned & connected business’s need to be involved in some way so they don’t get left behind.I’ve expressed the view previously that the UK has too many courses for it’s budget to support in the way they should be and although I hate myself for saying this and the reason it’s likely to come about but it’s questionable whether all courses will survive in the long term.
I mentioned earlier that the Classics are being promoted to be the be all and end all of the heartbeat of racing ….NOT SO!Consider this,in the book Bull the founder of Timefoem Phil Bull questioned the need for ever increasing sums for the already well catered for group races asking “if the prizes didn’t go up would they stop breeding the best horses they can?”
I know my writing appears (and probably is) disjointed but I hope this doesn’t distract readers from taking aboard the views/opinions/messages put forward for you consideration.You may (dis)agree with them,think I should be locked up for my own safety and that of others but what I like to be is ..thought provoking…inspiring and make people THINK…..CARPE DIEM.
good luck to all & keep safeWith racing resuming in France and in Germany today the powers that be have penciled in the first of next month for racing to come back to life in this country with what I expect to be a low key affair up at Newcastle.While my bread & butter betting concerns the upper echelons of handicaps I do realize that ‘champions’,ie Classic winners & such are part & parcel of the sport,however I would query the need to run these races at all in the current season as different trainers will have had different experiences during the enforced absence and can one really rely on these hastily arranged races to give a true reflection of relative abilities of the contenders?
I’ve been in racing long enough to know that some horses will mature faster than others and thus show form earlier in a season but other than ‘bragging rights’ for winning a Classic who’s to say the horse is the best or one of the best of his/her generation …example 2019 Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck rated only 123 by Timeform.An average Derby winner should be 130+,in fact I consider 2019’s 3yo’s to be a below average crop.What I’m questioning is the need for these kind of races to be crammed in a shortened season while understanding that there were high expectations of last years top 2yo’s does the fact they never won a Guineas,Derby or Oaks make them any less of an attractive breeding proposition providing they show the same or better form during their 3yo careers?I would quite happily have them missing,however I do believe this can only be done with the sponsors support and a suitable package can be arranged for the missed revenue that Newmarket & Epsom would not receive due to cancellation.
The things spoken of above are relatively short term considerations compared to the future many involved in the sport face whether they be owners,trainers & their staff,the riders that travel around the country on a daily basis or those that supply the many needs of the sport,not least the courses themselves.While the strong survive and weather this storm many may not be so lucky and what I don’t wish to see is the powerful yards & owners picking on the weak,although I do acknowledge that some will be driven out,as this will not only reflect badly on individuals but racing in general.Thus racing must pool it’s resources for the benefit of all.
keep safe & good luck to allIt seems almost a lifetime ago when I struck my last bet and now as racing sets to take it’s first uncertain steps back onto the racecourse we hold our breath hoping it won’t be a false dawn and that our beloved sport is really back.
There are as many views & opinions how to make racing pay as there are ‘how to make yourself rich’ books written by the various characters & well known figures behind their ideas hidden within the pages which their authors will swear will put you on the road to riches if you follow the advice.All these books have but a single thing in common ……they tell you what worked for THEM!
How many people can honestly say they have the drive,ambition,get up and go attitude to want to start a company from scratch,go out and buy a derelict property to renovate,or do so many of the other things advocated…..sure everyone might dream of the millionaire lifestyle but would it make you happy and do you really need a fortune to lead the life you want?
Rather a strange thing to address you might think but I write it as a blogger of this site and my former thread on RaceCaller knowing people read and take notice of it’s content so I always urge readers to take time to reflect on what they have read and whether it’s right for them?
Everyone is different taking various views on life,the universe & everything (Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy) knowing other commitments must take priority thus gauging the risk they can or can’t accept.
be safe & good luck to allSo it’s finally back …..we have horses returning to the track and an exciting time to look forward to although for me the first few days will be quiet with not a lot to get the pulses racing.However there’s a handicap that caught my eye on Newcastle’s massive card which I’m hoping will allow us to take up where we left off in March.
The short priced favourite looks on paper to have good credentials trained by Stoute,winning 50% of his races to date both on a/w with a plausible excuse for his failure last time out at Ascot on ground his pedigree suggests wouldn’t be favourable.Mubakker’s numbers don’t exactly jump out as the well handicapped horse the betting would say.Stoute had a winner from his sole runner today which counts as a plus.But I just wonder why the trainer ran him in that Ascot race if he was unlikely to perform?Camacho Chief would seem to come into the reckoning on his numbers but his figures over this trip just don’t compare to those over the minimum.For this handicap I’m putting forward ADMIRALITY for your consideration.Purchased from Eire by present connections last year.Had a rather inconsistent year during 2019 but however showed enough ability for me to suggest he’s capable of better this season and worth a chance E/W at the current double digit odds on offer.
good luck to all
ps …appears Stoute had two runners today finishing 1st & 2nd in their respective races
sorry my earlier posting was misleading.Must admit to being somewhat disappointed by Admirality’s showing on Tuesday but as stables are only just getting into gear can’t expect everything to click into place at the drop of a hat.Watching yesterday’s flood of 2yo’s onto Newmarket’s hallowed turf I think showed how prepared trainers are to get their horses out and racing!
With unprecedented numbers of races per card the flood of betting opportunities can be quite overwhelming so I would urge caution with ‘fear of missing out’ as I believe this will be the biggest problem having been starved of all kinds of sport for so long.
Having said that I believe there are two quite reasonable prospects that fall within my sphere of specialization today,almost top & tailing the Newmarket card.It was hard not to think there would be more to come from SWINDLER following a brief 3yo campaign in which he won two of three showing progressive form overall and the blip on his second start perhaps down to the short interval from his seasonal bow where as previous races have been well spaced.Registering career high numbers when last seen find it hard to think this gelding won’t be in the shake up!
From a horse with very few miles on the clock we go to one reaching the veteran stage now and a gelding that made a big impact when first dropped to sprint trips but hasn’t won as often as one might think he should have given the level of ability shown.WENTWORTH FALLS in winning his first two races over 6f rocketed from 74 to 98 and has most of the time since maintained a handicap mark in the 90’s despite not winning very often which surely,to my mind at least,means this gelding has run consistently.While the winless run might put some off the figures he recorded last time at Doncaster were the best for some time and in my book give him good chances of at least hitting the frame,so a fair e/w prospect.
good luck to allI rather think Swindler will go into notebooks for all the wrong reasons after yesterday.The geldings mulish behaviour isn’t new but for me seemed not to race with any real enthusiasm when asked to get involved.Can’t say I will be putting him forward as a possible future investment without signs that this trait won’t show again.Wentworth Falls made his usual gallant efforts being ridden closer to the the pace than normal but being just run out of the places close home,his time will come.
Waiting until the penultimate contest at HQ for the Henry Candy filly JOUSKA who showed a decent level of form as a juvenile despite being foaled so late (31 March).After winning her maiden in convincing fashion on her second start didn’t really progress in higher grades due to her freshness and fighting the jockey.All this changed quite dramatically on her final outing last year in the Cornwallis Stakes when settling much better was held up last and sweeping past most of her rivals in the final furlong catching the first two hand over fist in the dying strides going down by less than a length after giving the leaders many lengths advantage.To me this is some of the best form on offer and expecting a good E/W showing.
The second race on today’s card,Palace House Stakes,contains a filly I like a lot,Hareem Queen,but has this will be the deepest race she’s contested there’s unknown’s as regard the fast ground and turf in general so just going to watch as I believe this race could be a fair pointer to future prospects of a lot of the runners.
good luck to allGood luck with your selections this year. I found this to be a really good read last year.
Thank you Kris always nice to know my scribbling’s are read and for your comments and anyone else who wishes to do so which I encourage but do ask they be positive & constructive please.Only sorry that so far my selections have failed to hit the bullseye but hopefully won’t be too long before we are back on track and the winners start flowing.Something of a theme last few days but once again I’m afraid we have to wait until the last race of the day where I’m putting forward MOTAGALLEY for your consideration.Being quite a late foal,27 April,it’s not surprising this gelding is only now starting to show his real potential with a very impressive win at my local track last Oct.Although recent runs have been over 6f from what I’ve seen viewing the races he’s a keen going sort who traveled powerfully last time in a contest run at a good pace before turning on the afterburners to run away from his rivals so not concerned by the drop to the minimum trip.
good luck to allDown in my book as a short priced favourite I let Sceptical run yesterday,only on viewing the race today was astonished at the 3/1 SP.That goes no way in describing the performance of this gelding who ran right away from some fair opponents.What a real bargain this Godolphin castoff has proved to be when sold unraced for £2,800 to present connections last August.While his two runs at the backend of last season were reasonable,showed improved form earlier this year registering numbers suggesting he was much better than a mere handicapper.A clash with some of the best sprinters around at Royal Ascot beckons (Kings Stand says trainer) which might be a bit tough given his belated debut and short career to date.However what I don’t believe is in any doubt is that this gelding looks to have a very bright future but we are still learning about him so no throwing the kitchen sink at him yet!
Reflecting on the Guineas as it’s known as the last 2yo race of the season I wondered whether the delayed staging had a material effect on the outcome,why would I think this you may ask?
Throughout my career following this wonderful sport of ours in many a year the best miler hasn’t always shown his/her best early enough to win the milers Classic or in some cases not even participates and only later that season performs to their true worth and really shines.It’s probably a question that can only be speculated over and makes me wonder if the cramped way the ‘pattern’ is being compressed into a shorter time span will prove beneficial?
Just a few thoughts.
good luck to allFollowing Kameko’s win in last weekends Guineas maybe I’ve stirred up thought about the value of a/w form after posting on a thread carrying the horses name.Now after a good display by Sceptical on his first turf run,all previous form @ Dundalk,some are perhaps willing to or grudgingly prepared to accept that there is merit to a/w form.
As an interesting pointer to this fact,in Racehorse Annuals,Timeform has dropped giving horses separate a/w ratings. ……Views?
Sorry about the lack of any selections in the last few days as nothing running has registered numbers considered up to par to be put forward as a potential investment.
good luck to allRoyal Ascot provides top notch racing but has always been a bit of a betting famine with only the Wokingham providing a real opportunity for a decent bet at good odds unless I can fasten onto a conditions event,which are for me so much harder to fathom,for something relatively unexposed.However with extra sprint handicaps being sanctioned things look brighter.That is for the future though and after being left kicking my heels for something to get my teeth into at last I can put forward a horse for your consideration.Although much better known for his exploits over 6f EMBOUR has recorded some decent efforts over today’s minimum trip.The gelding has registered a series of good numbers lately including his seasonal debut which puts him in prime position for me following the enforced break from racing.While 4th in March was only btn hd/nse/nk with the second winning and the 5th running well in second on their next runs.I would be disappointed if the selection didn’t at least hit the frame with the stable & rider both in decent form at present.
good luck to allWhen I looked at today’s cards,on Thursday,I was hoping to be able to do a Wokingham double with possibly one from Newmarket thrown in for good measure but alas as with all ‘good plans’ they get scuppered.However I can put forward a selection in Ascot’s opener for your consideration.To my mind those racing toward the nearside looked to have had the best of the ground and it’s this that has been an influencing factor into today’s horse.Following a rather short career in Eire BURMESE WALTZ was sold last August for £45,000 to her present trainer to make a winning debut just 10 days ago.However I believe it’s her earlier form in Eire as a juvenile that shows her real potential.Finally lost her maiden tag at the third attempt after running well against some useful rivals when slamming Festina Plente and others by 6L and more giving weight all round quite easily.In her final run as a 2yo she was upped to 7f which she failed to stay and faded inside the final furlong.Her 3yo career was brief,very brief,consisting of a single outing when top weight in a rated race running as though the race was needed.Burmese Waltz wasn’t seen again for over a year until popping up in a Kempton handicap to register career high numbers after a 423 day absence holding on well when challenged inside the final furlong.It would be remiss of me not to point out the possible fly in the ointment,two in fact,…it’s only been 10 days since her run at Kempton and untested on this ground.I’ve always taken the view of following the trainers judgement thus if Archie Watson believes she’s capable of backing up that recent run on the prevailing going that’s fine by me.Providing all goes to plan the 20/1 in places and the 16/1 more widely available look decent e/w odds.
good luck to allI wouldn’t blame any that wish to bypass today’s selection being put forward for consideration.
NATIONAL ANTHEM e/w maybe looked upon as something of a specialist due to all recent activity being confined to the a/w and Southwell especially.This gelding ran a fair race on his only turf run considering a mid April foaling date as a juvenile keeping on steadily to the line in fourth.Ran no kind of race on his only 3yo appearance when trainer reported the horse had a breathing problem,wind surgery followed soon after both occurring Nov’18.About a month later was transferred to present trainer,28 Dec ’19.There followed a lengthy spell away from the track reappearing Jan this year with 3 quick runs at Southwell winning the first two a novice event & handicap before things caught up with him this being 3 races in 20 days after over a year off in a much hotter contest.Given a short break went to Newcastle under top weight found only Dandys Gold too good who has since run well in a better race.Returned to Southwell for his last start where he never looked likely to be beat registering career high numbers in the process and was gelded as a reward.Although been off the track since late February stable is doing ok so prepared to take the risk of a small e/w investment at what look like value odds to me.
good luck to allThanks for your input VtC ….nice selection on Sat btw.
Always nice to get a selection back into the winners enclosure,makes things much more worthwhile.
To bring things up to date
to a £1 stake,only winners @ SP counted for returns
(although several selections will have been put forward as e/w and earned a return)
staked £42.00 ….. returns £69.65
good luck to all
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