Al Zir
Easy winner of first two juvenile starts before losing his unbeaten tag when 3rd to the classy St Nicholas Abbey and Elusive Pimpernel in the Racing Post Trophy (Coordinated Cut well beaten). Adequate seasonal reappearance in this year's 2000 Guineas when 9th after a slow start (Buzzword behind). My ante-post pick last week at 33/1 and should go well if staying the trip. The booking of Fallon is a positive but his draw isn't.
***
At First Sight
Pacemaker for stronger fancied stablemates but there have been worst 200/1 shots than this fella. Could stay there for longer than most think but would need traffic problems behind to last out for a money-finish.
**
Azmeer
Single-figure price in a place which looks very short indeed on what he has achieved. Slight stamina doubts too.
**
Bullet Train
Lingfield isn't the trial it once was and it's difficult to know exactly what Bullet Train achieved when taking this year's race last month. Form prior to that win nowhere near good enough, it's all about how much he has improved.
**
Buzzword
I tipped each-way at 40/1 in the French Guineas so I wasn't surprised to see him run well. I like him but massive stamina concerns here and has form to find with Al Zir.
*
Coordinated Cut
Form of his Newmarket Sales race could not have worked out any poorer and hard to make a case for him reversing Dante form with Workforce.
*
Hot Prospect
Too much form to find with rivals.
*
Jan Vermeer
Grand Criterium winner at two and very impressive under a G1 penalty at the Curragh LTO. Should improve for the trip and obvious chance. Drifting to a reasonable price too.
****
Midas Touch
Done little wrong, relishing the step up in trip in the Derrinstown Stud trial, and should improve further for the extra two furlongs here. Beaten twice by Jan Vermeer but over a mile. Likely to run well, but probably in defeat.
***
Rewilding
Supplemented entry after his impressive Goodwood victory. Previously trained in France and I know very little about him. Dettori's pick so has to be feared but I personally cannot take 7/1 about a horse I know very little about.
***
Ted Spread
Good luck to the small owners here but he makes no appeal. Not a fan of the yard or the trial he won. Ground may be too lively also.
*
Workforce
Coordinated Cut's third place may show up the Dante form but Workforce will undoubtedly come on for that performance. I expect a big run but his improvement is already factored into his price, therefore he is not for me.
***
Friday 4 June 2010
Sunday 11 April 2010
Grand National 2010 - A Return To Form
Unlike last year, I was totally satisfied after the race and this review will have a totally different feel to that of last year's.
A truly run race meant that any chinks in armours were fully exposed, there was nowhere to hide after Becher's this year, you were not allowed to creep into contention due to an inconsistent pace. It was a furious gallop, those racing in front rank were benefitted (as has been the case many times in years gone by), ignoring Conna Castle who was never going to stay, the 1-2-4-5 where the front four from the twenty-fence mark. For the most part there were no flattered performances - this is reliable form and it reminded me of the Nationals of old and why, at an early age, I fell in love with this race, and ultimately horse racing overall.
The finishers...
Don't Push It
I have to say, this horse was not anywhere near my final short-list. It seemed to be that AP was merely picking the best of an average bunch. He was a top novice, running Denman close and was going well when falling in the Arkle, however that is why I overlooked him, he seemed to show too much pace in his early career to be considered a National type. Looking back, the clues were there, Jonjo protected his handicap mark prior to winning at this meeting last year and he clearly did the same this year. However I just felt there were possibly better treated rivals and that stamina was a concern, plus the fact that a McCoy mount was likely to be overbet. I was wrong, the horse come of age and must go down as one of the classiest winners in recent times. No one deserves this success more than the jockey and owner, McCoy will obviously fill the headlines but for J-P McManus, one of the game's biggest supporters, this is a deserved day in the sun.
Black Apalachi
You have to feel for this fella, twice a faller in previous years including when in contention at Becher's in 2009, he hit the front at the run up to Becher's and run his heart out all the way to the line. Horses and rider did everything right, they just ran into a better rival .
State Of Play
His finishing position is slightly flattering considering he past the tired Hello Bud and Big Fella Thanks in the run-in. He definitely wasn't third best on merit but deserves plenty of credit for finishing placed two years running, especially considering they were totally different races in how they were run.
Big Fella Thanks
Such was the level of my confidence behind my main ante-post fancy, advised each-way at 20/1, I went in again at 10/1 the evening before the race, still believing him to be the best each-way value on offer. Although Ruby Walsh's injury, and the imminent jockey change, was a concern, Barry Geraghty gave him fine ride and there can be no complaints. I whispered to myself the most famous of all punter's mid-race Grand National prayers; "just get over Becher's" as barring accidents he looked booked for at least a place a long way from home. However despite holding a share of the lead two out, he didn't get home. He finished fairly tired and although he weakened into fourth place, he was third best on merit.
Hello Bud
For me he looked one of the few outsiders who was capable of running a big race and one I decided to advised each-way (40/1 five places) on the day. He was backed down to 20/1, a price more idicative of his chances and given he has all the attributes needed for Grand National success it was no surprise to see him run well. He looked certain to play a part in the finish but weakened going to the second last. For a real stayer it was surprising to see him fall away tamely but perhaps
Snowy Morning
Run the race many thought he would, completed but never looked like winning. A third, ninth and now sixth place finish in the race but never going to win it.
Character Building
Nina Carberry gave the grey a very patient ride, perhaps too patient as she seemed happy to sit 25l off the pace at halfway. He made late headway and a placing looked probable as he jumped the last in a share of fifth, however as usual he failed to finish his racing. Connections must surely attempt to re-apply some form of headgear in the future.
Cloudy Lane
Not surprised to see Cloudy Lane complete for the second time in three years, he made up some late ground, as he was tailed off as late as four out, but was never in contention.
Tricky Trickster
This year's National was always going to be a tough ask on just his seventh chasing start and he was never on terms. He was badly hampered by fallers at the 20th but was already struggling. I suppose one so inexperienced deserves credit for getting around and he will be stronger next season, that said, he didn't run anywhere near as Big Fella Thanks did last year.
Joe Lively
Completed in his own time after getting left behind at halfway.
The other of the finishers; Cerium, Comply Or Die, Piraya and Preists Leap were all tailed off.
Of those who didn't complete...
King Johns Castle hasn't been right since finishing second two years ago, campaigned extensively at shorter trips before and after the 2008 race obviously took plenty out of him. How big a mark did that run make on King Johns Castle? I think the old boy remembered, realised where he was and said "No thanks, find another mug!"
Niche Market was probably the biggest disappointment of the race. He didn't travel front rank as expected, was never in contention, and was eventually pulled up after the third last.
Vic Venturi was badly hampered at least twice before he was so again at the 20th, this time cruicially. Nothing went right for him and it's probably not fair to judge his performance in any way.
Last year's winner, Mon Mome, was in rear throughout but started to creep into just before falling at the 26th. He was thankfully none the worse for a horrible looking fall. Given his stamina it's probable he would've brought home some prize-money.
Backstage, Arbor Supreme, The Package, Maljimar, Ballyfitz and Madison Du Berlais comments to follow...
A truly run race meant that any chinks in armours were fully exposed, there was nowhere to hide after Becher's this year, you were not allowed to creep into contention due to an inconsistent pace. It was a furious gallop, those racing in front rank were benefitted (as has been the case many times in years gone by), ignoring Conna Castle who was never going to stay, the 1-2-4-5 where the front four from the twenty-fence mark. For the most part there were no flattered performances - this is reliable form and it reminded me of the Nationals of old and why, at an early age, I fell in love with this race, and ultimately horse racing overall.
The finishers...
Don't Push It
I have to say, this horse was not anywhere near my final short-list. It seemed to be that AP was merely picking the best of an average bunch. He was a top novice, running Denman close and was going well when falling in the Arkle, however that is why I overlooked him, he seemed to show too much pace in his early career to be considered a National type. Looking back, the clues were there, Jonjo protected his handicap mark prior to winning at this meeting last year and he clearly did the same this year. However I just felt there were possibly better treated rivals and that stamina was a concern, plus the fact that a McCoy mount was likely to be overbet. I was wrong, the horse come of age and must go down as one of the classiest winners in recent times. No one deserves this success more than the jockey and owner, McCoy will obviously fill the headlines but for J-P McManus, one of the game's biggest supporters, this is a deserved day in the sun.
Black Apalachi
You have to feel for this fella, twice a faller in previous years including when in contention at Becher's in 2009, he hit the front at the run up to Becher's and run his heart out all the way to the line. Horses and rider did everything right, they just ran into a better rival .
State Of Play
His finishing position is slightly flattering considering he past the tired Hello Bud and Big Fella Thanks in the run-in. He definitely wasn't third best on merit but deserves plenty of credit for finishing placed two years running, especially considering they were totally different races in how they were run.
Big Fella Thanks
Such was the level of my confidence behind my main ante-post fancy, advised each-way at 20/1, I went in again at 10/1 the evening before the race, still believing him to be the best each-way value on offer. Although Ruby Walsh's injury, and the imminent jockey change, was a concern, Barry Geraghty gave him fine ride and there can be no complaints. I whispered to myself the most famous of all punter's mid-race Grand National prayers; "just get over Becher's" as barring accidents he looked booked for at least a place a long way from home. However despite holding a share of the lead two out, he didn't get home. He finished fairly tired and although he weakened into fourth place, he was third best on merit.
Hello Bud
For me he looked one of the few outsiders who was capable of running a big race and one I decided to advised each-way (40/1 five places) on the day. He was backed down to 20/1, a price more idicative of his chances and given he has all the attributes needed for Grand National success it was no surprise to see him run well. He looked certain to play a part in the finish but weakened going to the second last. For a real stayer it was surprising to see him fall away tamely but perhaps
Snowy Morning
Run the race many thought he would, completed but never looked like winning. A third, ninth and now sixth place finish in the race but never going to win it.
Character Building
Nina Carberry gave the grey a very patient ride, perhaps too patient as she seemed happy to sit 25l off the pace at halfway. He made late headway and a placing looked probable as he jumped the last in a share of fifth, however as usual he failed to finish his racing. Connections must surely attempt to re-apply some form of headgear in the future.
Cloudy Lane
Not surprised to see Cloudy Lane complete for the second time in three years, he made up some late ground, as he was tailed off as late as four out, but was never in contention.
Tricky Trickster
This year's National was always going to be a tough ask on just his seventh chasing start and he was never on terms. He was badly hampered by fallers at the 20th but was already struggling. I suppose one so inexperienced deserves credit for getting around and he will be stronger next season, that said, he didn't run anywhere near as Big Fella Thanks did last year.
Joe Lively
Completed in his own time after getting left behind at halfway.
The other of the finishers; Cerium, Comply Or Die, Piraya and Preists Leap were all tailed off.
Of those who didn't complete...
King Johns Castle hasn't been right since finishing second two years ago, campaigned extensively at shorter trips before and after the 2008 race obviously took plenty out of him. How big a mark did that run make on King Johns Castle? I think the old boy remembered, realised where he was and said "No thanks, find another mug!"
Niche Market was probably the biggest disappointment of the race. He didn't travel front rank as expected, was never in contention, and was eventually pulled up after the third last.
Vic Venturi was badly hampered at least twice before he was so again at the 20th, this time cruicially. Nothing went right for him and it's probably not fair to judge his performance in any way.
Last year's winner, Mon Mome, was in rear throughout but started to creep into just before falling at the 26th. He was thankfully none the worse for a horrible looking fall. Given his stamina it's probable he would've brought home some prize-money.
Backstage, Arbor Supreme, The Package, Maljimar, Ballyfitz and Madison Du Berlais comments to follow...
Thursday 8 April 2010
Grand National Pinstickers' Guide
Madison Du Berlais
A much improved chaser since falling at the 8th in 2008 but has so far failed to show the same form he did in the 2009 season. Loves Aintree and could stay the trip. Would need to be back to his best to figure of top-weight but the national fences may bring back some of his spark - 50/1. ***
Mon Mome
Last year's winner looks sure to give another bold showing and, given his third in the Gold Cup, is arguably the best treated former-winner I can remember. That said, it's such tough ask to win back-to-back Nationals - 12/1. ***
Vic Venturi
Already won over the National fences when taking the Becher Chase earlier this season and in theory is well handicapped having won the Bobbyjo Chase off this mark LTO. However I still believe there are better handicapped horses in the field - 20/1. **
Black Apalachi
Second-favourite with some bookmakers but failed to complete in 2008 and 2009. Was still going well when unseating at Becher's last year but it's possible his best chance has gone - 14/1. **
Joe Lively
A busy (and succesful) novice season in 07/08 has taken it's toll. Good jumper but looked weighted to the hilt - 100/1. *
Dont Push It
The pick of Tony McCoy but in reality it's similar to Fabio Cappello picking between Darren Bent and Emile Heskey if there was no Wayne Rooney - 25/1. *
Comply Or Die
Almost pulled off back-to-back wins when runner-up to Mon Mome last year (won in 2008). Sure to give another good account - 20/1. ***
Tricky Trickster
Everything was going to plan for the long time ante-post favourite until he run poorly in the Gold Cup. The National is only his 7th chase start (10th career start) and it may all be a bit too soon - 16/1. **
Niche Market
Last year's Irish Grand National winner has been brought along steadily this year. Should be tailor-made for this given his running style, jumping and stamina reserves. Very likely to hold a chance (at least) turning for home - 18/1. ****
Made In Taipan
Massive leap of faith needed with regards to him staying the trip and handicapped on totally irrelevant form (2miles) - 200/1. *
Dream Alliance
Welsh National winner but won't get the slog he needs due to the decent ground, lacks the class to win the real Grand National - 40/1. *
Cloudy Lane
Favourite in 2008 but could only manage sixth behind Comply Or Die and unseated at the Chair last year. Probably doesn't quite stay 4m4f but well handicapped on best form. I can see him running well for a long way but his challenge may peter out - 40/1. **
Nozic
Runs in the colours of Sun readers but more chance of Ann Widdecombe appearing on Page 3 on Monday than this fella making the back page. Another with stamina concerns - 100/1. *
My Will
Well fancied when third last year (2lbs lower this year) in a race that wasn't run to suit. Came into that race in fine form but that isn't the case this season. A return to form, a possibility over these fences, could see him run well again - 40/1. ***
Pablo Du Charmil
Big fan of trainer and jockey combo but only ever won over 2m2f and extensively campaign at and around that trip - 150/1. *
Ballyholland
Another with no evidence to suggest he will stay - 33/1. *
Backstage
Cleared the fences when eigth in last year's Foxhunters and laid out for this since. Trainer already won a Grand National in his short career but I can't help thinking that his priced is based on his trainer's qualities rather than his own - 25/1. **
Beat The Boys
Should be nicknamed "Pip" at home as he has two ways of running, seems to either win or fail to complete. Last thirteen runs read 11P13PFP1P1PP. Hard to see the reason behind such inconsistency but would will run well if on a going day. One of the better three-figure priced horses - 150/1. **
Preists Leap
Likes it bottomless and all best form on right-handed undulating tracks. Be a fish out of water here - 125/1. *
Snowy Morning
Odds-on to complete having finished third in 2008 and ninth last year. Back to his best recently and well handicapped on recent and best form. However not many win their first National at their third attempt. Must run well but not definitely not a win-only horse - 16/1. ***
Can't Buy Time
Was cantering all over Tricky Trickster in last year's National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but failed to see out the 4m. Would need to be in a horse-box to stay the National trip and recently abandonned by McCoy - 33/1. *
Big Fella Thanks
Sixth as a novice last year on just his seventh chase start. A year older, more experienced and looks to have improved, obvious chance considering he is 3lbs lower this year - 8/1. *****
State Of Play
Raced just once since fourth in last year's event. Such a tough ask to win this on the back of a light campaign, even for one who goes well fresh. Woefully short (3rd-favourite) with some bookmakers - 20/1. *
Character Building
Doesn't always find as much as expected in a finish so will always be well handicapped if they can get him to click in the latter stages of races. Best performance by some way came at the Cheltenham Festival last year when winning the Kim Muir - fitted with a first-time tongue-tie that day which oddly has been applied since, I'm convinced he needs headgear help of some form - 20/1. *
Ellersie George
Sure to be leading at some stage but has a tendancy to jump right. Will probably make too much use of himself in the first circuit and drop away - 100/1. *
Eric's Charm
In fine form but this couldn't have been the original plan for Oliver Sherwood's veteran. Fell over the fences in the Topham in 2008 - 50/1. *
King Johns Castle
Travelled like a dream but out-stayed by Comply Or Die when runner-up in 2008 and injury kept him out of last year's race. Impossible to tell if he is back to his best, having been campaigned over hurdles of late, but obvious chance if he can reproduce 2008's run - 33/1. **
Conna Castle
Another Irish two-miler to ignore - 150/1. *
Ballyfitz
Put in the odd blunder (putting it mildly) but well handicapped on best form. If, and it's a big if, he takes to these fences, then he will run well. However, as much as I don't like to say it, one of the big fences may cause him problems. Taking everything into consideration, still one of the better rank outsiders - 66/1. **
Ollie Magern
Always thought the National would be ideal for this horse; front runner, goes well left-handed and jumps well. However he performed so well in his early career that he was two high in the handicap for races such as this. Regressing these days, only one win since 2005, and fell early last year, but could give Tom Molloy a good ride in front rank for a way. Not entitled to be the rank outsider - 200/1. **
Arbor Supreme
Will stay but I worry he hasn't had enough racing this year. Under-priced on what he has actaully achieved - 18/1. **
Maljimar
His third in the 4m Cross Country chase at Cheltenham goes some way to proving he will stay. Not easy to win with, needs to be produced right, so possibly not a National type, however is over priced, well handicapped and could run well without winning - 33/1. **
The Package
Has always been well regarded and it's surely a matter of time before this horse wins a big race. Well handicapped for his and looks in need of a longer trip than the 3m he has recently been campaigned over. Probably the pick of the weights but this may have come a little too soon for
the seven year old - 14/1. ***
Piraya
Obvious stamina concerns - 150/1. *
Irish Raptor
76261U over the National fences but all those efforts were over the shorter trips in the Topham or Becher chases. A fair bet to finish but surely connections would've run this eleven year old over this sort of trip already, had they really believed him to be a stayer - 33/1. *
Cerium
Gallant performance to finish fifth last year despite finishing with an injury, however looks massively flattered on that and easily over loooked - 66/1. *
Palypso De Creek
Raced just four times in the UK but was forth in the Becher Chase for one of those. Not quite a two-star chance but probably not entitled to be as big as 100/1. *
Hello Bud
Scottish National winner last year and the ideal Aintree horse; travels front rank, jumps well, stays well. Shame it's taken this long (now 12) to get him high enough in the handicap to take his chance. Definitely capable of a big run at big odds - 50/1. ***
Flintoff
With just three runs in two years it's a worry he is physically or mentally ready for his - 66/1. *
Royal Rosa
Cost £340,000 back in 2003 but never lived up to his price-tag. Connections were keen for him to take his chance and he sneaks in as second reserve. Placed over the fences in November and sixth in the 2008 Scottish National, however doesn't look particualrly well treated off a mark of 139 - 100/1. *
A much improved chaser since falling at the 8th in 2008 but has so far failed to show the same form he did in the 2009 season. Loves Aintree and could stay the trip. Would need to be back to his best to figure of top-weight but the national fences may bring back some of his spark - 50/1. ***
Mon Mome
Last year's winner looks sure to give another bold showing and, given his third in the Gold Cup, is arguably the best treated former-winner I can remember. That said, it's such tough ask to win back-to-back Nationals - 12/1. ***
Vic Venturi
Already won over the National fences when taking the Becher Chase earlier this season and in theory is well handicapped having won the Bobbyjo Chase off this mark LTO. However I still believe there are better handicapped horses in the field - 20/1. **
Black Apalachi
Second-favourite with some bookmakers but failed to complete in 2008 and 2009. Was still going well when unseating at Becher's last year but it's possible his best chance has gone - 14/1. **
Joe Lively
A busy (and succesful) novice season in 07/08 has taken it's toll. Good jumper but looked weighted to the hilt - 100/1. *
Dont Push It
The pick of Tony McCoy but in reality it's similar to Fabio Cappello picking between Darren Bent and Emile Heskey if there was no Wayne Rooney - 25/1. *
Comply Or Die
Almost pulled off back-to-back wins when runner-up to Mon Mome last year (won in 2008). Sure to give another good account - 20/1. ***
Tricky Trickster
Everything was going to plan for the long time ante-post favourite until he run poorly in the Gold Cup. The National is only his 7th chase start (10th career start) and it may all be a bit too soon - 16/1. **
Niche Market
Last year's Irish Grand National winner has been brought along steadily this year. Should be tailor-made for this given his running style, jumping and stamina reserves. Very likely to hold a chance (at least) turning for home - 18/1. ****
Made In Taipan
Massive leap of faith needed with regards to him staying the trip and handicapped on totally irrelevant form (2miles) - 200/1. *
Dream Alliance
Welsh National winner but won't get the slog he needs due to the decent ground, lacks the class to win the real Grand National - 40/1. *
Cloudy Lane
Favourite in 2008 but could only manage sixth behind Comply Or Die and unseated at the Chair last year. Probably doesn't quite stay 4m4f but well handicapped on best form. I can see him running well for a long way but his challenge may peter out - 40/1. **
Nozic
Runs in the colours of Sun readers but more chance of Ann Widdecombe appearing on Page 3 on Monday than this fella making the back page. Another with stamina concerns - 100/1. *
My Will
Well fancied when third last year (2lbs lower this year) in a race that wasn't run to suit. Came into that race in fine form but that isn't the case this season. A return to form, a possibility over these fences, could see him run well again - 40/1. ***
Pablo Du Charmil
Big fan of trainer and jockey combo but only ever won over 2m2f and extensively campaign at and around that trip - 150/1. *
Ballyholland
Another with no evidence to suggest he will stay - 33/1. *
Backstage
Cleared the fences when eigth in last year's Foxhunters and laid out for this since. Trainer already won a Grand National in his short career but I can't help thinking that his priced is based on his trainer's qualities rather than his own - 25/1. **
Beat The Boys
Should be nicknamed "Pip" at home as he has two ways of running, seems to either win or fail to complete. Last thirteen runs read 11P13PFP1P1PP. Hard to see the reason behind such inconsistency but would will run well if on a going day. One of the better three-figure priced horses - 150/1. **
Preists Leap
Likes it bottomless and all best form on right-handed undulating tracks. Be a fish out of water here - 125/1. *
Snowy Morning
Odds-on to complete having finished third in 2008 and ninth last year. Back to his best recently and well handicapped on recent and best form. However not many win their first National at their third attempt. Must run well but not definitely not a win-only horse - 16/1. ***
Can't Buy Time
Was cantering all over Tricky Trickster in last year's National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but failed to see out the 4m. Would need to be in a horse-box to stay the National trip and recently abandonned by McCoy - 33/1. *
Big Fella Thanks
Sixth as a novice last year on just his seventh chase start. A year older, more experienced and looks to have improved, obvious chance considering he is 3lbs lower this year - 8/1. *****
State Of Play
Raced just once since fourth in last year's event. Such a tough ask to win this on the back of a light campaign, even for one who goes well fresh. Woefully short (3rd-favourite) with some bookmakers - 20/1. *
Character Building
Doesn't always find as much as expected in a finish so will always be well handicapped if they can get him to click in the latter stages of races. Best performance by some way came at the Cheltenham Festival last year when winning the Kim Muir - fitted with a first-time tongue-tie that day which oddly has been applied since, I'm convinced he needs headgear help of some form - 20/1. *
Ellersie George
Sure to be leading at some stage but has a tendancy to jump right. Will probably make too much use of himself in the first circuit and drop away - 100/1. *
Eric's Charm
In fine form but this couldn't have been the original plan for Oliver Sherwood's veteran. Fell over the fences in the Topham in 2008 - 50/1. *
King Johns Castle
Travelled like a dream but out-stayed by Comply Or Die when runner-up in 2008 and injury kept him out of last year's race. Impossible to tell if he is back to his best, having been campaigned over hurdles of late, but obvious chance if he can reproduce 2008's run - 33/1. **
Conna Castle
Another Irish two-miler to ignore - 150/1. *
Ballyfitz
Put in the odd blunder (putting it mildly) but well handicapped on best form. If, and it's a big if, he takes to these fences, then he will run well. However, as much as I don't like to say it, one of the big fences may cause him problems. Taking everything into consideration, still one of the better rank outsiders - 66/1. **
Ollie Magern
Always thought the National would be ideal for this horse; front runner, goes well left-handed and jumps well. However he performed so well in his early career that he was two high in the handicap for races such as this. Regressing these days, only one win since 2005, and fell early last year, but could give Tom Molloy a good ride in front rank for a way. Not entitled to be the rank outsider - 200/1. **
Arbor Supreme
Will stay but I worry he hasn't had enough racing this year. Under-priced on what he has actaully achieved - 18/1. **
Maljimar
His third in the 4m Cross Country chase at Cheltenham goes some way to proving he will stay. Not easy to win with, needs to be produced right, so possibly not a National type, however is over priced, well handicapped and could run well without winning - 33/1. **
The Package
Has always been well regarded and it's surely a matter of time before this horse wins a big race. Well handicapped for his and looks in need of a longer trip than the 3m he has recently been campaigned over. Probably the pick of the weights but this may have come a little too soon for
the seven year old - 14/1. ***
Piraya
Obvious stamina concerns - 150/1. *
Irish Raptor
76261U over the National fences but all those efforts were over the shorter trips in the Topham or Becher chases. A fair bet to finish but surely connections would've run this eleven year old over this sort of trip already, had they really believed him to be a stayer - 33/1. *
Cerium
Gallant performance to finish fifth last year despite finishing with an injury, however looks massively flattered on that and easily over loooked - 66/1. *
Palypso De Creek
Raced just four times in the UK but was forth in the Becher Chase for one of those. Not quite a two-star chance but probably not entitled to be as big as 100/1. *
Hello Bud
Scottish National winner last year and the ideal Aintree horse; travels front rank, jumps well, stays well. Shame it's taken this long (now 12) to get him high enough in the handicap to take his chance. Definitely capable of a big run at big odds - 50/1. ***
Flintoff
With just three runs in two years it's a worry he is physically or mentally ready for his - 66/1. *
Royal Rosa
Cost £340,000 back in 2003 but never lived up to his price-tag. Connections were keen for him to take his chance and he sneaks in as second reserve. Placed over the fences in November and sixth in the 2008 Scottish National, however doesn't look particualrly well treated off a mark of 139 - 100/1. *
1st April - 11th April
1st April
Just Rob 0.5pt win - WON 11/4 (adv)
3rd April
Myplacelater 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Mosquearas Romance 0.5pt EW - 2nd 9/1 (adv)
Dominium 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Peadar Miguel 0.25pt EW - unplaced
4th April
Bogside Theatre 0.25pt win - 3rd
Outrageous Request 0.25pt EW - unplaced
She's In The Money 0.5pt win - WON 9/4 (adv)
5th April
Officier De Reserve 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Lady Florence 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Mr Rainbow 0.5pt EW - unplaced
6th April
Into Wain 0.5pt win - WON 7/1
Mackintosh 0.5pt win - unplaced
Luisa Tettrazini 0.25pt EW - unplaced
7th April
Lingfield Bound 0.25pt EW - 2nd 13/2
Rubi Dia 0.5pt win - unplaced
Red Hot Desert 0.5pt win - 2nd
Trip Switch 0.5pt EW - unplaced
West Kirk 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Plymouth Rock 0.5pt win - 2nd
Just Rob 0.5pt win - WON 11/4 (adv)
3rd April
Myplacelater 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Mosquearas Romance 0.5pt EW - 2nd 9/1 (adv)
Dominium 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Peadar Miguel 0.25pt EW - unplaced
4th April
Bogside Theatre 0.25pt win - 3rd
Outrageous Request 0.25pt EW - unplaced
She's In The Money 0.5pt win - WON 9/4 (adv)
5th April
Officier De Reserve 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Lady Florence 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Mr Rainbow 0.5pt EW - unplaced
6th April
Into Wain 0.5pt win - WON 7/1
Mackintosh 0.5pt win - unplaced
Luisa Tettrazini 0.25pt EW - unplaced
7th April
Lingfield Bound 0.25pt EW - 2nd 13/2
Rubi Dia 0.5pt win - unplaced
Red Hot Desert 0.5pt win - 2nd
Trip Switch 0.5pt EW - unplaced
West Kirk 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Plymouth Rock 0.5pt win - 2nd
Thursday 1 April 2010
March: Record Profits Achieved
Although January's record 64% yield could not be topped, the profit achieved in March is the greatest since the service has been in operation. Just under 42pts profit, putting us around 60pts in front for 2010. Both yield and profit record smashed and we're only three months into 2010.
Successful bets advised on 23 (of 31) days with many big priced winners...
Quasi Congaree WON 25/1 (adv)
Great Endevour WON 22/1 (adv)
...and massive ante-post success...
Penitent WON 9/2 (adv)
Mon Mome PLACED at 40/1 & 33/1
Powerstation PLACED at 40/1, 33/1 & 20/1
March Totals
Staked 85.75pts
Returns 127.48pts
Profit 41.73pts
Yield 49%
Successful bets advised on 23 (of 31) days with many big priced winners...
Quasi Congaree WON 25/1 (adv)
Great Endevour WON 22/1 (adv)
...and massive ante-post success...
Penitent WON 9/2 (adv)
Mon Mome PLACED at 40/1 & 33/1
Powerstation PLACED at 40/1, 33/1 & 20/1
March Totals
Staked 85.75pts
Returns 127.48pts
Profit 41.73pts
Yield 49%
29th March - 31st March
29th March
Quasi Congaree 0.25pt EW - WON 25/1 (adv)
Poppanan 0.5pt win - unplaced
Lochantanks 0.25pt win - unplaced
Laskingofscotland 0.5pt win - 2nd
Coxwain 0.5pt win - 2nd
Sheila's Bond 0.5pt win - unplaced
Una Pelota 1pt win - unplaced
Broughtons Point 0.5pt win - 3rd
30th March
King Raven 0.25pt EW - 2nd 25/1
31st March
Slickback Jack 0.5pt win - unplaced
March Totals
Staked 85.75pts
Returns 127.48pts
Profit 41.73pts
Yield 49%
Quasi Congaree 0.25pt EW - WON 25/1 (adv)
Poppanan 0.5pt win - unplaced
Lochantanks 0.25pt win - unplaced
Laskingofscotland 0.5pt win - 2nd
Coxwain 0.5pt win - 2nd
Sheila's Bond 0.5pt win - unplaced
Una Pelota 1pt win - unplaced
Broughtons Point 0.5pt win - 3rd
30th March
King Raven 0.25pt EW - 2nd 25/1
31st March
Slickback Jack 0.5pt win - unplaced
March Totals
Staked 85.75pts
Returns 127.48pts
Profit 41.73pts
Yield 49%
22nd March - 28th March
22nd March
Athaakeel 0.25pt EW - unplaced
23rd March
Respective Way 0.25pt EW - unplaced
24th March
Myplacelater 0.25pt EW - 2nd 10/1 (adv)
Clever Omneya 0.25pt EW - unplaced
25th March
La Polka 0.25pt EW - unplaced
On Terms 0.25pt EW - 2nd 14/1 (adv)
26th March
Secret Witness 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Medicean Man 0.25pt win - WON 12/1 (adv)
Jennys Pride 0.25pt EW - unplaced
27th March
Tiddliwinks 0.5pt win - 3rd
Red Cadeaux 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Penitent 1pt EW - WON 9/2 (adv)
Mull Of Killough 0.5pt EW - 3rd 11/1
Abayaan 1pt win - unplaced
Hallstatt 0.25pt EW - unplaced
28th March
Jonny Mudball 1pt win - unplaced
Athaakeel 0.25pt EW - unplaced
23rd March
Respective Way 0.25pt EW - unplaced
24th March
Myplacelater 0.25pt EW - 2nd 10/1 (adv)
Clever Omneya 0.25pt EW - unplaced
25th March
La Polka 0.25pt EW - unplaced
On Terms 0.25pt EW - 2nd 14/1 (adv)
26th March
Secret Witness 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Medicean Man 0.25pt win - WON 12/1 (adv)
Jennys Pride 0.25pt EW - unplaced
27th March
Tiddliwinks 0.5pt win - 3rd
Red Cadeaux 0.25pt EW - unplaced
Penitent 1pt EW - WON 9/2 (adv)
Mull Of Killough 0.5pt EW - 3rd 11/1
Abayaan 1pt win - unplaced
Hallstatt 0.25pt EW - unplaced
28th March
Jonny Mudball 1pt win - unplaced
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