Racing - Thursday 31 May

Sandown 7:15
Mashaahad 3/1
Tam Lin 4/1
Pinpoint 4/1
Papal Bull 13/2
Mighty 7/1

Market looks to have this right - I can't find an angle in at the moment.


Sandown 8:20
Red Clubs 3/1
Firenze 7/2
Moss Vale 6/1
Sierra Vista 6/1
Wi Dud 10/1
The Trader 10/1

Not much here either. With the dead eight double figures each way about The Trader may be tempting, particularly if I could find another decent ew chance somewhere else.

Racing - Tues 29th May

Sandown, of course, used to be my local track. I haven't missed much about leaving London so far, but it would be good to be there tonight.

Sandown 6:40
Queens Best 5/2
Ace of Hearts 4/1
Killena Boy 5/1
Presumptive 6/1
Adventuress 7/1
Invention 20/1

Need to be careful about non runners and the exact going. The going is a worry for Ace of Hearts, plus his long losing run. That said he's dropped to a very tempting mark and a smaller field should be the making of him. I was hoping for some each way action tonight, but non runners have scuppered that. Watching brief.


Sandown 7:15
Charlie Farnsbarns 1/2
Fishforcompliments 8/1
Jo'Burg 8/1
Massive 8/1

A penalty kick. Not particularly a betting proposition unless there's some drift though.


Sandown 7:50
Mount Kilimanjaro 9/4
Tungsten Strike 9/4
Balkan Knight 9/1
Allegretto 9/1
Under the Rainbow 9/1
Bulwark 20/1
Land N Stars 20/1

Plenty will read Mount Kilimanjaro's win last time as a weak one off a slow pace. Maybe, but I'd be as happy to see the horse as a typical Dunlop improver for a trip. Most the others are completely exposed and it comes down to conditions and whether they are on going days. I'm happy to bet Mount Kilimanjaro against them.

Racing - May 28th

Redcar 3:50
Dan Dare 4/1
Hassad 4/1
Benandonner 6/1
Chantaco 12/1
Flipando 16/1
Goodbye Mr Bond 16/1
European Dream 16/1
Bailieborough 16/1

Terrible racing even for a Bank Holiday. And with rain all around and non runners forecast you'd be mad to bet early. I'll give it a miss. For what it's worth my two against the field here at current prices are Dan Dare and Benandonner as long as they don't get caught in a speed duel with each other.

Tennis - May 27th and £500 challenge

Cockney Rebel did well for us yesterday and getting Mr Napper Tandy beaten helped also. The weather in Ireland makes tissue/tips pointless. I may have a swing at Pricewise's tip for fun.

The French Open tennis is upon us. I've promised myself to stay away from the women's betting. William Hills have a tempting offer though and I think I'll take advantage and also put it in the £500 Challenge.

£500 Challenge
Federer and Nadal to play each other in final
£15 at 6/5

Running Total £687.74

Horse Racing - May 26th and £500 Challenge

Too many non runners being declared at Haydock to put tissues up - waste of time.

Newmarket 2:20
Hearthstead Maison 7/4
Lucarno 7/2
Mythical Kid 9/2
Many Volumes 91
Monzante 11/1
Supersonic Dave 12/1

Hearthstead Maison beat two of these fair and square in the Lingfield Derby trial and has nothing to fear from them on a track that is going to suit him considerably more than Lingfield did. Lucarno is the danger but at the prices I'm happy to dive into Heathstead Maison, and in the process give Aqaleem's Derby hopes a small boost.


Newmarket 2:50
Mr Napper Tandy 6/4
Prince Forever 4/1
St Philip 4/1
Tariq 4/1

Mr Napper Tandy looks one to oppose to me. Not only trained by Channon but also a row of seconds to his name. His form behind Creachodoir reads well but the rest doesn't particularly. He could be a straight lay though you'd be better off trying to get the very best prices you can get about the three viable contenders. That's what I'll be doing anyway.


Curragh 3:45
Cockney Rebel Evens
Duke of Marmalade 5/1
Vital Equine 6/1
Creachadoir 9/1

I keep imagining what price Cockney Rebel would be if he was trained by O'Brien. Yes, Duke of Marmalade can improve (and I'm hoping Archipenko will come on for his first run so I shouldn't be dismissive here). But the overhead shots of Cockney Rebel winning the Guineas really are impressive and he shouldn't really fear those re-opposing. 11/8 looks big this morning and he could drift as well if the Irish follow their man.


£500 Challenge
£15 win Hearthstead Maison at 9/4
£15 win Cockney Rebel at 11/8 or bigger

Running Total
£682.12

Racing - May 25th

Goodwood 2:35
Into the Dark 5/2
Illustrious Blue 4/1
Road to Love 6/1
Hard Top 6/1
Imperial Star 10/1

A real shame there's not 8 here - an ew bet on Illustrious Blue would have been unavoidable given his course form. I still have it between him and the Godolphin horse. Road To Love may bounce back but isn't backable on this year's form; Hard Top probably needs further or a bigger field, and Imperial Star's body seems to creak like mine after a game of tennis, plus he's got a penalty. I'll let the market decide which way I go here.


Goodwood 3:10
Rowe Park 5/1
Loch Verdi 5/1
Classic Encounter 8/1
The Lord 8/1
Magic Glade 8/1
Bluebok 8/1
Texas Gold 20/1

Surprised at how weak Rowe Park is. Loch Verdi looks an obvious improver given the relations, but this is first time out. The rest are all exposed although The Lord may be coming into form based on last year. There is a lot of early pace and if the going eases they could fall in a heap - Keniry will need the gaps but it would suit him (or indeed Texas Gold were he in any form first time out). I think I'll stick to my prices and play Rowe Park - certainly not a £500 challenge horse though.

Racing - 24th May

Still struggling to find much action this week.

Goodwood 2:35
Eastern Anthem 1/2
Halicarnassus 4/1

Eastern Anthem ran Ok first time out. It's remarkable given the stable jockey that you would have made a considerable profit over the years backing Godolphin horses blind, and I've never been keen to oppose them. Particuarly not at their favourite track, up against a Channon horse carrying a penalty. We'll have to wait on the market to see whether he's a backable proposition.


Goodwood 3:10
Sudoor 9/4
Bicoastal 9/4
Cosmodrome 10/1
So Sweet 10/1
Les fazzani 16/1
Lost In Wonder 16/1

Bicoastal looks opposable at the price - despite his classic race form. The distance in particular is a worry for one so short. Finding something to beat her isn't straightforward though - not least given Sudoor's penalty. There may be each way options given the dead eight - my eye keeps getting drawn to Les Fazzani who could improve for this step up in trip and Cosmodrome who could possibly find the stones he needs to. Watching brief.

I may have to widen my scope to get some turnover going and play Bangor (can't remember doing that before!) and some of the trappy races at Goodwood - Cabinet looks a legitimate fave in the first. This usually proves a big mistake though, so I may settle for the golf and the alpine stage of the Giro D'Italia!

23 May - Champions League/BMW Golf

Sill no £500 Challenge bets this week, which puts the blather below in perspective!

Champions League.
I run a "betleague" competition with some mates purely for fun. Everyone seems to have gone for AC Milan to win this outright (rather than in the 90 minutes). It's strange when everyone takes a close match and are completely one-sided about the outcome. It makes a contrarian like me look the other way. That said, my original feelings formed part of the consensus.

I think three things are probably at play in this group think.

(1) We see Liverpool more as an under achieving Premiership side than as a European force these days. As such we look at the line up and think - 'Peter Crouch - Champions League winner - nah'.

(2) The demolition of Man Utd has hyped Milan's ability somewhat.

(3) We think Liverpool were essentially lucky last time and tonight will be karmic revenge.

For all that my personal feeling is Milan are the side most likely to be able to win over 90 minutes, but the longer it stays level the more Liverpool take the ascendancy - in fact I'd have one eye on penalties right from the start if I was them. So, I'll be backing Milan (say 4 points) to win in 90 minutes at around 11/8 and backing Liverpool (say 1 point) to win on penalties at 10/1.



BMW Golf

I'll throw a few darts at this one, and if I'm stuck in all weekend will probably trade in-running.

The front runners are at best only fairly priced: Els has a feeble record in this on his home track; Vijay, Goosen, Stenson and Donald also have mediocre records; Harrington supposedly hates it here despite playing well and must be drained from last week; Casey and Rose have been off injured; and Olazabal, Cabrera, Montgomerie and Jiminez all look as though their big winning days are behind them.

So the finger stops at:

Karlsson - showing some form and underbet on my ratings (should be 25/1).
I'll go ew at 40/1 and also to be top Scandanavian at 13/2

Dredge and Jacquelin are the form guys on the tour and with so many doubts about the front runners 50/1 each way looks fair, especially anyone playing 6 places.

And of course I'll continue to squander past winnings on Jeev Singh at 125/1 despite his 96 or whatever it was last week!

Racing - 22nd May - Beverley

Beverley 3:50
Flipando 3/1
Jubilee Street 9/2
Langford 9/2
Daaweitza 9/2
Nevada Street 9/1

Actually went 4/1 each of four to start with, so easy to see that Flipando is my problem here. Nothing against the horse, just that he hardly ever wins and you'd have to say he was disappointing at Thirsk. Dutching the other three at around Evens to beat him is hardly inspiring but is probably where I'll end up!

Racing - Sunday 20th May

Ripon 3:40
Rio Riva 13/8
My Paris 5/2
St Andrews 20/1
European Dream 20/1

I followed Rio Riva over the cliff in the Lincoln. This could be compensation, noticeable that he keeps going up in the ratings for not winning though. If My Paris gets the run of the race he is still well handicapped to grab this prize too and Ryan offered him up as a tip in the week (not sure that's a good thing to be honest). However, the key to the race for me is that I don't like any of the others. If My Paris gets a soft lead he wins. If he gets caught in a duel, say with Granston, he sets it up for Rio Riva. 4/6 these two dutched looks fair to me. And I think you'll be able to get better if you're patient and pick off the market movements.

However, I'm going out for a walk instead of sitting at my laptop all day. So, I'll play early. Otherwise I'd have put it up as a £500 challenge bet. Which did well yesterday, so I'll put the running total up, just so we can enjoy looking at it!


£500 Challenge
Running Total
£682.12

Racing 19th May and £500 Challenge

Newbury 2:10
Day Flight 1/2
Peppertree Lane 6/1
Foreign Affairs 11/1
Group Captain 11/1

Unless the rains come and a gale blows up the track enabling Peppertree Lane to turn this into survival of the fittest, this looks all Day Flight's. Up to you to decide whether you'll play at 4/7!


Newbury 2:45
Peeress 2/1
Jeremy 9/2
Ramonti 5/1
Red Evie 6/1
Speciosa 12/1
Marcus Andronikus 20/1
Passager 20/1

I like Peeress a lot and this could hardly suit better. That said, Red Evie is priced strangely considering she beat Peeress (albeit a shade luckily and in receipt of weight for age) and barring her bad run at the end of the season is unbeaten. With the dead eight you can bet 7/4 a place for Red Evie on betfair, as opposed to 7/4 the win for Peeress. I can see Ramonti and Speciosa setting this up for the closers (it looked a long way home yesterday) and ruining their own chances in the process, thus enhancing Red Evie's place chances. I'll play each way at 9s with a small saver on the forecast. It's a little worrying that you can get the decent place terms on betfair, especially considering Victor Chandler would only allow me a tenner ew! Bell's horses aren't flying yet and that could maybe explain it, and be a worry.


Newbury 3:50
Zowington 9/2
Come Out Fighting 11/2
Ripples Maid 11/1
Gloved Hand 20/1
Dingaan 25/1

Zowington is in my virtual stable, ever since he nearly won at 120/1 two years ago. Last year, after winning nicely for me first time out, I followed him over the cliff every subsequent race, including coming third in a three way photo he looked to have won to the naked eye. I think today maybe the day to catch him, though the draw definitely tempers enthusiasm, and my tissue is almost certainly one-eyed.


£500 Challenge
£7 ew Red Evie at 9/1
£1 straight forecast Peeress bt Red Evie

Running Total
£607.52


If you're looking at the football scratching around for a bet on the football, how about both the FA Cup Final and the Champions League final being decided on penalties. Covering the combinations would provide around a 25/1 chance. I can't find much of an angle in either game otherwise so this will be my fun bet.

Racing - York friday 18 May

York 2:15
Ballinteni 6/1
Halla San 7/1
Bauer 7/1
Kilimandschero 9/1
All The Good 9/1
Nakheel 10/1
Macorville 10/1
Simondium 25/1
Kyoto Summit 25/1

My tissue is somewhat different to the bookies and it does provide two stand-out bets. Both are improving horses, but clearly no longer considered unexposed by either the handicapper or bookmakers. I'll chance that they've got a fair bit more to give. Ballinteni at 10s or better and Kilmandscharo at 20s or better - neither being backed this morning. I think I'll go win over each way, and probably throw in a cheeky forecast.


York 2:45
Sergeant Cecil 7/2
The Last Drop 11/2
Munsef 11/2
Allegretto 6/1
Percussionist 6/1
Geordieland 12/1
Rising Cross 12/1

Sergeant Cecil was responsible for most my flat profits two seasons ago, so to say I have a soft spot for him is an understatement. He pulled very hard in this last year in a small field. There may be more pace on today, but he does have a penalty to overcome and this is still probably seen as a prep for Ascot. Probably fairly priced but for sentimental betting only. Allegretto could be a typical Stoute improving filly and this may suit Munsef. It will be interesting to see if Kinane can get a better tune out of The Last Drop than Hills or whether it's the horse, not the jockey that's the problem.


York 4:25
Hoh Hoh Hoh 9/2
Buachail Dona 11/2
Kings Gait 7/1
Zomerlust 9/1
Wyatte Earp 9/1
Turnkey 20/1

Hoh Hoh Hoh has gone off too fast both starts so far. However, with a decent apprentice up, he looks the sole pace in this sprint on a track that suits front runners. Ridden sensibly he has everything in his favour. The 6s are going fast. A decent bet for me.


I toyed with the idea of adding Hoh Hoh Hoh to the £500 challenge, but as he is pretty likely to collapse in a heap like the last couple of times, there's no £500 challenge bet today.

Racing 17th May - York

York 1:45
Kay Two 5/1
Fire up the band 10/1
Corridor Creeper 12/1
Green park 12/1
Tournedos 16/1
Hogmaneigh 16/1
terentia 16/1
Cape Royal 16/1
Masta Plasta 16/1
Bigalos Bandit 16/1

Corridor Creeper had the race fall in his lap last time, and Kay Two was given far too prominent a role. Whatever the going over 5f at York they don't seem to come back and I can see this suiting Kay Two much more. Other trail-blazers will have their chances as usual, and Kay Twos draw wide tempers enthusiasm. I'm a player at 6/1 though.


York 2:15
Anna Pavlova 5/4
Echelon 4/1
Topatoo 5/1
Maroussies Wings 16/1
Portal 16/1
Summers Eve 16/1

Echelon may have idled in front last week - or the trip may have been at her limit. The going will make it even more of a test here and I think I'll play against her. Anna Pavlova looks rock solid against her anyway. Topatoo loves the track and will be fitter than her brave run last time. Looks a good bet to place in the dead eight. The £500 challenge will copy the bet I did in midweek. (See below)


York 2:45
Authorised Evens
Adagio 4/1
Proponent 11/2
Raincoat 11/2

Could do with Authorised flopping her so that our Derby portfolio flourishes! Looks solid though. I like the look of Raincoat at a price, he didn't beat anything at Epsom but looked the part. My Adagio Derby voucher was long since abandoned - be interesting to see if he can get back on track.


York 3:15
Wise Dennis 9/4
Very Wise 5/1
Pride of Nation 6/1
Zero Tolerance 7/1
Blythe Knight 11/1

This looks quite a bit less competitive than the Victoria Cup and Wise Dennis only needs to repeat that form to score here. Which makes all the favourites today look fairly priced. At York in the mud - mmm I doubt it!


£500 Challenge
A small increase in stake size now we are over £600. If this loses and we fall below, back down goes the stake!

Anna Pavlova £6 at 5/4
Topatoo £8 place at 4/6 (betfair)
Straight forecast £1

Running Total
£611.52

Racing - York 16th May

York 1:45
Emirates Skyline 10/1
Pevensey 10/1
Bluie Spinnaker 10/1
Best Prospect 11/1
Temple Place 11/1
Futun 12/1

10/1 the co-faves tells you all you need to know about this race really. I used to love 10f B handciaps at York but times change. I think at 25/1 I'll play Futun each way to improve on what he's shown so far this season, and I may put a point or two on Temple Place showing last week wasn't a fluke the market seems to think it was. Trying to avoid getting sucked in though.


York 2:45
Passage of Time 4/6
Shorthand 3/1
Sues Surprise 11/1


Market looks right. No bet at the moment.


York 3:15
Amadeus Wolf 4/1
Soldiers tale 7/1
Al Qasi 9/1
Rising Shadow 11/1
Les Arcs 16/1
Assertive 16/1
Fonthill Road 16/1
Moss Vale 20/1
Red Clubs 20/1
Quito 25/1
Steenberg 25/1
Conquest 25/1

Just a brief look at last year's result is reminder enough not to be bullish about this one. Amadeus Wolf cost me plenty last year, but maybe this is the year he proves himself. He manages to get away without a penalty here. All the racing post tipsters have gone for him so his price should be in freefall at least this morning. I'll play at 5/1. Too competitive to press up and add the bet to the £500 challenge though - I'm in no rush to fritter the profits away!


£500 Challenge
No Bet

Running Total
£611.52

Tuesday May 15th

No bet today.

I was going to come on here and suggest Archipenko was a great price for the Derby. I backed him at 60s before the Derrinstown, simply on jockey bookings. I was expecting to be in a position to trade if need be at around 6s. When he was still around 14s yesterday I decided to go in again instead!


However, I see the Racing Post have beaten me to it and made him the front-page star of today's edition. I'd hurry to get the last of the double figure prices. If you followed me onto Aqaleem Saturday as well that's a decent start to a winning portfolio.

Racing - Monday 14th May and £500 challenge

Windsor 7:00
Army of Angels 2/1
Take A Bow 7/2
Final Verse 4/1
New Seeker 6/1
Levera 8/1

Three of these like to lead. Of course the jockeys should know this and sort it out. They all have question marks as well - Levera poor run Saturday, Final verse seems to lose his race in the paddock and New Seeker has a penalty and of the three really does need to lead. So I'm pretty keen on the remaining two. Take A Bow needs poor ground and a frenetic pace to bring them back to him late on, else he'll be booked for a place as per the last couple of years. The racing fund will be playing him in hope though. The Challenge will be more circumspect.


£500 Challenge
£6 Army of Angels at 15/8 or better
£4 Take a Bow at 9/2 or better
£2.50 straight forecast Army beat Bow.

Running Total
£585.65

Football 13th May - £500 Challenge

Man Utd seem to have drifted all night - even before the naming of a weakened team. Looks a remarkable market over-reaction to me almost regardless of who plays. I'm happy to get involved.

The £500 challenge took a leap forward yesterday on the back of Aqaleem. Hope some of you played - shame about the SP. Luckily I did a small press-up on my bet at 16s on betfair late on.
The play-offs not proving quite so encouraging.


£500 Challenge
Man Utd to beat West Ham 4/5 or better.

Running Total
£598.15

Racing - 11May and £500 challenge

Ascot 1:45
Mountain High 4/6
Akarem 8/1
Balkan Knight 11/1
Kong 11/1
High Heal Sneakers 11/1

Tissue matches market. Mountain High could drift in which case he'd be of some interest - he's certainly better than this lot, despite last time out.


Ascot 2:20
Edaara 10/1
Trimelstown 11/1
King of Argo 11/1
Dabbers ridge 16/1
Skhilling Spirit 16/1
Wise Dennis 16/1
Presumtpive 16/1
Futures Dream 16/1
Fullandby 20/1
Partners in Jazz 25/1
Machinist 25/1
Malcheek 25/1
Ordnance Row 33/1

The sort of race I'm withdrawing from. However I will undoubtedly play Trimelstown and give Skhilling Spirit a chance to show the pace he did first time out.


Lingfield 2:40
Wasseema 11/8
Wake Up Maggie 13/8

Virtual match. There's a chance Wasseema could get caught up in a duel for the lead, and Wake up Maggie may just be better fresh and prefer the ground. Whatever, I've convinced myself they should be closer in the betting than they are and I'm playing Wake Up Maggie at 2s and better.


Lingfield 3:15
Mythical Kid 11/4
Kid Mambo 4/1
Many Volumes 4/1
Aqaleem 5/1
Heathstead Maison 6/1

Plenty of improvement likely in some of these. It's a flyer I know, but I think Aqaleem could show plenty. I took 100s for the Derby in the week and will have a crack at him here. I also took a big price about Many Volumes so wouldn't mind an impressive show from him either.


Lingfield 3:45
Sunlight 2/1
Folk Opera 5/2
Brisk Breeze 6/1
Elyaadi 9/1
Gull WIng 9/1

I was hoping Sunlight would be a backable second favourite here, but 2/1 is still probably fair with Godolphin yet to fire.


Haydock 3:05
Levera 7/4
Munaddam 7/2
Quito 7/1
vanderlin 9/1
Balthazaars Gift 16/1

could be a bit of a dodgy race. On the other hand Levera could get a soft lead and win cosily. 7/4 looks fair.


Haydock 3:40
Borderlescott 13/8
Fonthill Road 9/1
Ashdown Express 10/1
Barons Pit 10/1
Sierra Vista 10/1
Kostar 16/1
Prince Woodman 25/1

Fonthill Road's wellbeing of interest but Borderlescott looks solid if short.



£500 challenge

Ling 2:40 £12.50 Wake Up Maggie at 2/1 or better
Ling 3:15 £7.50 win Aqaleem at 9/1; £5 place at 5/2ish

Football 11 March

This week's ratings - the last of the season - only provide one match:

Sheff Utd to beat WIgan at 13/10 or better.



The play-offs.

Overall my ratings have led me to back Blackpool and Bristol Rovers outright, but to be fair my record in this is pretty woeful.

The first leg of the play-offs have always meant me getting my draw boots on, and the system still turns a profit. It's entirely sensible that the away (and supposedly better) teams should be happy with a draw if need be from the first leg.



£50 Challenge
Let's include the system as the racing hasn't been very conducive this week.

All 6 play-off first legs to be draws.
6 x £2s at 9/4 generally and 50p 6-fold.

Running total
£505.65

Racing 11th May

Chester 2:20
Desert Dew 9/4
Admiralofthefleet 3/1
Yazmaan 4/1
Ea 11/2

Sketchy tissue. Desert Dew fairly solid.


Chester 2:50
Scorpion 7/4
Ask 3/1
Peppertree Lane 4/1
The Whistling Teal 9/1

Scorpion with a lot of questions to answer and both he and Ask could be vulnerable first time out. That would let in Peppertree Lane as long as the ground is Ok, and he could possibly grind this out and expose any flaws in the favourites. He doesn't really strike me as a group horse but at 11/2 or better I think I'll pay to find out. This is considered a better race than last year when The Whistling Teal finally won, but you can at least be sure he's been readied for this and if you follow the line of reasoning opposing the front two, you'd probably want to save on him.


Chester 3:20
Giganticus 3/1
Dhaluar Dhar 5/1
Song of Passion 5/1
Glenbuck 7/1

This doesn't look that competitive and these four can make the most of their draws. Glenbuck has a chance of a softish lead, though that doesn't happen that often at Chester. However, anything above 10s looks worth a punt and you may get a chance to protect yourself in-running if that's your thing.

None of these appeal as £500 challenge bets though.

Racing - 10 May

Chester 1:50
Maraahel 1/2
Ivy Creek 11/2
Blue bajan 9/1

Looks straightforward for the favourite.


Chester 2:20
Kay Two 4/1
Mr Wolf 11/2
Bigalos bandit 9/1
Cape Royal 11/1
Guto 11/1
Turn on the Style 11/1
Dhaluar Dhar 16/1

I'd rather have kay Two over Mr Wolf, and of the lesser lights Bigalos Bandit interests.


Chester 2:50
Soldier of Fortune 4/6
Arabian Gulf 9/2
Metaphoric 9/2

Again. looks relatively straightforward for the favourite, but being a classic trial I'd rather play Maraahel at his price than Soldier of Fortune at his to be honest.

Chester 3:20
3 yr old handicaps not my thing, but I'd have Gulf express and favourite. He seems weak this morning but I'll back him at 9/2 or better.

Racing 9th May and £500 Challenge

Chester 1:50
See www.theracingforum.co.uk under the Daily Lay and Plays (juveniles) section for a discussion of this race.

Chester 2:20
Light Shift 3/1
All My Loving 7/2
Hollow Ridge 7/1
Fidelia 9/1
Hanging On 9/1
Lost In Wonder 10/1
Fashion Statment 16/1

I'm not sure the front two are as clear here as the betting suggests. These listed fillies races are often impossible puzzles and this looks typically full of unexposed horses from stables who know how to look after the fairer sex. I'll probably play the likes of Fidelia and Hanging On (possibly a good day for Swinburn)


Chester 2:50
Galient 6/1
Flare Star 10/1
Som Tala 10/1
Nordwind 11/1
Enjoy the Moment 11/1
Greenwich Meantime 12/1
Admiral 12/1
Whispering Death 12/1
Under the Rainbow 16/1
Afrad 16/1
dancing Bay 33/1
Odiham 33/1

I can't remember doing well on this race over the years. Anak Pekan first time around is the only winner I can recall backing in the last ten years. So I think I'll play my four behind the favourite and hope for the best.


Chester 3:20
Stotsfold 9/4
Charlie Tokyo 5/2
Blythe Knight 12/1
Realism 20/1
Bazart 20/1
European Dream 20/1

I think the front two are clear here. Not sure how I'll play it - Charlie Tokyo weak, and I'll probably do sneaky Swinburn doubles so a watching brief for now.


Beverley 3:00
Tilt 7/2
Kilimandscharo 7/2
Nelsons Column 4/1
Kames Park 8/1
Mull of Dubai 8/1

Ladbrokes, Corals and Hills all go longest Nelsons Column, so there has to be a worry as to his well-being. Not helped by his woeful effort last time. That said, I can see him getting a soft lead here on a track much better suited. Compared to the tricky races at Chester I think I'd be better off oming down the pitch for a thump here than frittering there. So whilst he isn't in the normal price range for a £500 challenge bet I think I'll throw him in anyway.


£500 Challenge
£12.50 win Nelson's Column at 7/1 or better

Running Total
£518.15

Racing - and £500 Challenge - 8th May

Interesting card at Kelso today. I won't bother putting some pretty boring tissues up, but overall:

1. I don't like Scots Grey at the price. He's always been best fresh and on the whole, apart from the last two runs, he's been a disappointment. One for the layers to get stuck into.

2. I do like Peter Bowen's team. I'll be playing them in doubles and a five-fold.

3. £500 Challenge
The 2:50 is a match between My Immortal and Contact Dancer. The latter has hit a few and that is a worry, but My Immortal has always struck me as a disappointing type. My move has led to me missing quite a few races (plus I haven't got Satellite where I am so no RUK and ATR is proving a problem), and I missed My Immortal's novice win. I'm not sure he should be long odds on though - and that despite the penalty CD's carrying.

Contact Dancer £12.50 at 7/4 or better

Running total
£530.65

Horse Racing 6th May and £500 challenge

Newmarket 1:55
Pinpoint 9/2
Charlie cool 6/1
Dansili Dancer 6/1
Royal Oath 6/1
Ace of Hearts 20/1
Supaseus 20/1
Night Crescendo 20/1

The front four all look solid and my prices have them all essentially backable. I think if playing early the 8s available on Charlie Cool and Dansili Dancer are worth taking. The latter looks to have a good draw - most the big runners are trapped wide, especially Royal Oath.


Newmarket 2:30
Sixties Icon 2/1
Papal Bull 5/2
Lindas Lad 9/2
Admirals Cruise 7/1
Mighty 10/1

A head-scratcher of a tissue. The bookie prices must include a lot of "readiness" info to my mind and I'm cautious of swimming against it. However, at the prices I will play. Sixties Icon should be favourite for me, despite trip and going. I'll admit I don't like playing group 1 horses in lower group races though. Lindas Lad was all the rage a year ago, and interesting to see her sent here. I've played the two of them and assuming Icon drifts I'll be suckered into playing again.


Newmarket 3:10
Finsceal Beo 7/4
Arch Swing 12/1
Indian Ink 12/1
Miss Beatrix 12/1
Theann 12/1
Treat 12/1
Yaqeen 12/1
Simply Perfect 16/1
Scarlet Runner 25/1
Selinka 25/1

I have Finsceal Beo at 10s (nice) and Arch Swing at 20s (not so nice), so can afford to play on the favourite failing. Instead of laying off part of the bet I'm happy to seek out a few big prices in case of another upset. I've added Theann and Treat to the portfolio, and played at huge prices on no-hopers Vital Statistics and Darfonah. However, I do think Selinka is worth a mention. You can get 125/1 ew guaranteed 1,2,3,4 and that looks worth a go.


Newmarket 3:45
Tax Free 6/4
Biniou 6/1
Presto Shinko 10/1
Peace Offering 10/1
Paradise Isle 10/1

This looks straightforward for Tax Free. I'm surprised at his weakness this morning. Biniou could be an improver this year - weak this morning, and Nicholls throws his usual curve ball with Peace Offering. I can't get excited about any others in the conditions. Backing any Nicholls runner troubles me, favourites especially so, but here goes anyway.


£500 challenge

2:30 Newmarket
£6 Sixties Icon at 5/2 or better
£6 Lindas Lad at 7/1 or better
25p rev fc

3:45 Newmarket
£12.50 win Tax Free at 15/8 or bigger

£500 Challenge - football Sunday 6th May

The racing today saw Echelon win but Bluebok get touched off after running a pretty game race - overall harm done.

Football - that Darlington bet looks a bit foolish after their hammering, but Villa kept us ticking over.

Sunday - let's take Leicester to beat Wolves. I've already done them at 11/4 in the match market. They are more like 2/1 in my book. Therefore, for the £500 challenge the draw no bet market looks attractive.

Leicester £12.50 beat Wolves (draw no bet) at 13/8 or better.


Running total:
£511.25

Racing - Newmarket 5th May and £500 challenge

Newmarket 2:45
Echelon 4/5
Abisheka 4/1

The Racing Post suggests Echelon won't stay the extra furlong. Possibly, but for me she simply outclasses this lot. 4/5 is fair - should she drift closer to Evens I'd dive in.


Newmarket 3:25
Adagio 7/2
Diamond Tycoon 6/1
US ranger 6/1
Haatef 9/1
Major Cadeaux 9/1
Strategic Prince 9/1
Tobosa 25/1
Duke of Marmalade 33/1
Dutch Art 33/1

Cracking renewal. I've got my front two tucked away ante post, and still see them as the likeliest. Some believe being drawn low will be a disadvantage, but if Diamond Tycoon and Major Cadeaux run like last time, there should be plenty of pace there to tow Adagio through. Front running is probably a disadvantage though, and the big field is likely to try the stamina of Haatef and others. US Ranger is the big unknown, and I have a sneaky feeling for Tobosa making the frame (you can get first 4 if you shop around).


Newmarket 4:00
Bentong 16/1
Mutamared 16/1
Wyatt Earp 16/1
Fantasy Believer 25/1
Grantley Adams 25/1
Meccas mate 25/1
Skhilling Spirit 25/1
Burning Incense 25/1
Dark Missile 25/1
Fullandby 25/1
beaver patrol 25/1
Fictional 33/1
Charles Darwin 33/1

The sort of hopelessly competitive race I'm trying to wean myself off. Again I suspect draw theorists will be plumping high. I'll wait until after the Guineas, but looking at the pace I think I'd favour low and my tissue slightly reflects that. Nothing doing at the moment.


Goodwood 2:30
Bluebok 3/1
Peopleton Brook 6/1
Golden dixie 11/1
Pic Up Sticks 11/1

I really like the chances of Bluebok here. The draw not ideal but there's no obvious pace so he should be able to track across Ok. Peopleton Brook would be the danger to repeat last year. I'll back them both.


Thirsk 3:00
Minority report 9/2
Flipando 11/2
Bustan 7/1
My Paris 20/1

The front three will be in my life-changing Scoop6 ticket! Not sure if I'll bet the race though.


£500 Challenge
£12.50 win Echelon 4/5 or better
£12.50 win Bluebok 7/2 or better

Racing - 4th May

No early price bets today. I may play the three races below. When I say "play the race" - I mean take a few horses against the field - to 0.5% of my fund in total - looking for a high strike rate, low return.


Lingfield 4:00
Tabadul 4/1
Queens Best 4/1
Orchard Supreme 5/1
Ofaraby 9/1
Best Prospect 9/1
Tiger Tiger 11/1

I guess the front two may well be better than these, but as Lingfield debutants you'd be hard-pressed to back them today at the prices. Orchard Supreme is of course a favourite of mine, which explains the price, but distance and wellbeing remain doubts. Ofaraby may be too long based on the received wisdom that he needs his first run. I'll sit and wait and could play the race based around getting the front two beaten at combined odds on.


Musselburgh 3:50
Fire Up The Band 4/1
The Tatling 4/1
Terentia 4/1
Merlins Dancer 4/1
River Falcon 7/1
Tournedos 20/1

A sketchy tissue. Four Nicholls runners, and front running sorts on the whole. Assuming they'll be sensible, The Tatling could struggle to pick them off. I have never got a hold on Nicholls' runners to be honest so the race doesn't particularly appeal, despite Fire up the Band and Merlins Dancer looking backable on my figures.


Musselburgh 4:50
Imperial Echo 6/1
Flying Bantam 7/1
Royal Dignitary 12/1
Fremen 12/1
King Harson 16/1
Stonehaugh 16/1

Hopeless race. These northern handicaps have always mocked me and I'm only 50% on finding the winner with these 6. Flying Bantam does interest me at bottomweight, but again a watching brief.


£500 challenge - sadly no bet today on a disappointing day.

Weekend Football and £500 Challenge - 3 May

Using the ratings there are 4 matches to play this weekend.

Villa to beat Sheff Utd at 11/10 (anything over Evens)
Darlington to beat Stockport at 2/1 (anything over 7/4)
Hartlepool to beat Bristol Rovers at 11/10 (anything over Evens)
Leicester to beat Wolves at 11/4


The £500 Challenge will get involved in two of these (and we may play Leicester closer to Sunday).

1) Aston Villa to beat Sheff Utd. This is a typical silly season price. The prices are based on a team with nothing to play for against a team battling against relegation. It is true that Villa have struggled to finish teams off at home but I'm closer to 8/11 with my prices.
£12.50 Villa at 11/10


2) Darlington to beat Stockport. Another team with nothing to play for up against a team with a last throw of the dice. However, the teams are a pretty similar standard and Stockport's long run of winning form came to an end a while ago. There's no way Doncaster should be anything like 2/1 - and there was a welcome 12/5 available early on.
£12.50 Darlington at 2/1

Racing - 2nd May

Poor card at Ascot really and only a couple of races to have any interest in, and both only ones to play the race - with no obvious standout bet.


Ascot 3:20
Cesare 9/4
Road to Love 7/2
Illustrious Blue 9/2
Dunelight 6/1

Looks to be plenty of pace and Road to Love may not get all his own way. Cesare looks to have the versatility to win regardless of pace. I'd take him and Dunelight over the other two, but will look again late on.


Ascot 3:55
The Last Drop 7/4
Hawridge Prince 9/4
Tungsten Strike 4/1

I'm a fan of Hawridge Prince but he still carries a penalty and this ground could be plenty quick enough. The Last Drop was a shade unlucky last time in a race he would have been plenty fit enough - (Hills would have wanted to win the Further Flight stakes - or some my staking went that day!). Tungsten Strike could be the fly in the ointment - going well fresh - after a disappointing end to last season. A tight market. As it stands I may play the race. I'm thinking Hawridge Prince could be overbet by a bunch of Sergeant Cecil fans and I may take him on with the other two.



£500 Challenge - no bet today.

Racing 1st May, Golf and £500 Challenge

Wincanton 3:50
Matt The Thrasher 3/1
Le Jaguar 7/2
Red Echo 7/2
Xellance 6/1
Even More 10/1

A very messy race. I've never liked Le Jaguar, Red Echo looked to have gone wrong last time, and Matt the Thrasher is the obvious improver, but with definite stamina doubts. Xellance, despite not having won in living memory, looks like he may be a Dr Newland special and I see Corals are ducking him this morning. Overall, not for me.



Golf - Italian Open

Two for me here.

Jeev Singh. Yes, I know this is getting boring. However, on my ratings he's probably the best golfer in this field and 50/1 is an insult and a must each way.

Anders Hansen. Hard to ignore his course form here, and although he may be a bit rusty I think 6/1 the place looks big. Sadly, I struggle to get much on with the Tote.

Also, Paddy Power are going ew the first 6 in both golf tournaments this week. Looking at the ew double angle, I'll stick a few pennies on Hansen and perennial straight-hitting placer Luke Donald at 25/1 the both.




£500 Challenge
A good start to the challenge last night. After some thought I've decided that on the whole we'll avoid the golf within the challenge - the inevitable losing runs won't play well with the fund's objectives.

Running Total 512.50