[Himself]

There have been many examples of horses making the transition from flat to hurdling and very successfully at that. Sea Pigeon (who finished 7th in 1973 Derby), Red Rum and Istabraq (formerly with John Gosden) to name but three, who also became legends.

Even the greatest NH horse of all, Arkle, won a mile and six handicap on the flat.
Apologies, just had to give him a mention.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

It is not one of the best renewals, in terms of overall quality – that much is fair to say. Of course Maraahel has a chance, but I for one will be steaming into Dylan Thomas on this particular occasion – come hell or high water.

I know, a fool and his money is easily parted, but there you go, what can you do?

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Aidan O’Brien’s decision not to run Soldier Of Fortune leaves the way open for Dylan Thomas to duly collect. I could of course be proved wrong, but I can’t see anything beating him.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

I tend to stick to non-handicap races, with the odd exception. I am very selective and mainly concentrate on horses who have previous winning form – preferably over the distance they are now being asked to run.

I also think too much studying of the form book can be detrimental, as it can often over complicate matters and steer you away from your initial selection.

Ground is a crucial factor when considering your selection or selections.

When your selection ticks all the right boxes, and you feel very confident – lump on! … but

only IF you can afford to lose.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Isn’t it about time racing dragged itself into the modern world and dispensed with judges; especially given some of their questionable judgements over the years ?

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

I feel sorry for those who have a gambling problem/addiction. It is all about self control, temperament and discipline. Sadly, the gambling addict has none of these basic requirements. The worst thing that any punter can do – and must avoid at all costs – is the compunction to chase losses. I know people who will stand in a bookmakers shop until they are down to their last penny. As for fruit machines, vitual racing etc which now blight the modern day betting shop – well, heaven help us all.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Although I’m not Matt Chapman’s biggest fan, to put it mildly (to me, he looks like the missing member of BROS ), his interview with John Gosden was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Gosden was an absolute joy to listen to. Fascinating and insightful.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Not saying this in hindsight ( I have the winning single bet voucher in my possesion ) but Turbo Linn did look the biggest certainty of the day – and thus it proved.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Sir Percy was an average Derby winner, as were Motivator and North Light before him. Historically, The Derby sometimes throws up a sequence of average winners ( like them) who fail to win again.

I’m sure another star performer like Galileo or High Chapparal will emerge in the not too distan future.

Who knows, Authorized may yet prove the doubters wrong.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

The Arc is probably the only race left in Europe where all the best horses do face each other.

I think it is true; there is a lot of ducking and diving these days and a avoidance from trainers to pitch their good horses against others’ stable ‘stars’ in top class races.

Maybe owners and trainers were more sporting in the past

Wasn’t the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup (now the Juddmonte) inaugurated in 1972 so that Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef could face one another again on British soil – even though, on that particular occasion, Mill Reef had to miss the race.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

RE: Shergar.

I don’t think it is beyond the realms of anyone’s imagination to think that Shergar could have defeated the likes Master Willie (’81 Eclipse winner) and Beldale Flutter (’81 Benson & Hedges Gold Cup winner) that year over that distance, or for that matter Vayrann (Champion Stakes winner).

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

I would have loved Authorized to run in the KG, but I’d like it just as much if he meets Notnowcato and George Washington again at York or Leopardstown. Wouldn’t that be something ?

All three will be hoping Manduro doesn’t show up to spoil the party.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

I hanker after the good old days of Peter O’Sullevan, Julian Wilson and John Hamner.

That said, I don’t mind Big Mac, Jim McGrath, Francome et al.

Above all else, it is the races which are the most important element to any racing coverage.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

As for books dedicated to betting, Clive Holt’s little red book Be a Succesful Punter[/b:1eo9c8zz] which must be 25 years old now remains (IMO) a sound introduction to betting strategy and staking; and via his ‘Fineform Formula’ to the importance of recent form and course winners

Read it soon after it was published. Good and interesting read.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Maybe Peter Chapple-Hyam has made the correct decision. Looks like the Irish Champion Stakes of tthe Juddmonte next for Authorized.

Looking at my Racing Post calendar, I notice that July has a photograph of Dylan Thomas. Prophetic maybe?

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

Another I would recommend is The Life and Secrets of Alex Bird (professional gambler).

I remember Alex being interviewed on CH4 racing the day before the 1984 2,000 gns. He was so bullish about El Gran Senor winning the race (in fact he said it was a certainty) and although I already fancied the horse, it made me even more confident – so confident, I had my biggest ever bet ever, up until that day.

I also remember The Sun newspaper ran a computerised, all aged mile and a half dream race, featuring most of the great middle distance horses in history, back in the early 80s. Bookmakers took bets on the race. Alex Bird was the man employed to give his views on what might be the outcome. I recall he tipped Mill Reef (carrying 9-7 as a 4 yr old) to win the race – it did at 20/1 (Bird was on!) against other greats such as Ribot, Sea-Bird, Nijinsky, Vaguely Noble, Petite Etiolle, Alleged et al. Following the result, I cried fix, fix, fix!

Let’s face it, Sea – Bird would have hacked up!

The next day he conceded that on reflection, no horse ( not even Mill Reef, he said) could have given 13 pounds to great horses like Nijinsky and Sea – Bird. But being the old pro that he was, he obviously waited until he had secured the ridicuously fancy price on Mill Reef winning.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

It’s one apiece. I wouldn’t totally dismiss Light Shift’s chances on faster ground, but on last Sunday’s evidence Peeping Fawn may just have the measure of Cecil’s filly.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Author]

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