Reasoning Behind Selections

If your interested in why we have posted up our selections we will post up why here for you in a rough sketch book form! You will be able to get the last 3 days on here

Sunday 6th June 3.50 Southwell Extremely weak even for the grade and Business class must have a chance, his only worthwhile form is on the fibresand for Dandy Nicholls when he won a mile handicap here in sept off a mark of 57, runs off 60 today but useful apprentice takes off 5lb and also wearing first time cheekpieces! 0.25pt e/w business class 8/1 hills 4.20 Southwell Tomintoul Star was a horse I tipped up several times over the winter he clearly goes well round here but has been extremely frustrating, he doesnt shape as ungenuine he just seems to keep bouncing into 1 or 2 too good, handicapper giving him a chance considering his consistency now running off same mark from his best effort over CD when runner up by a neck! 0.5pt win tomintoul star 4/1 pp 4.50 Southwell Wide open low grade handicap, and if there was a horse that often runs above his mark but finds 1 or 2 good it has to be Louisiade becaming a little frustrating over the winter with several good placed efforts on both surfaces, not won for several years but plenty of promise recently and still remains extremely well handicapped if catching anything like his old spark! 0.25pt e/w louisiade 7/1 sj 3.30 Brighton Hard to see past the favourite, Fifty Cents is clearly not force of old and could well find this race coming too soon after fridays good show, Ubiquitous was consistent last year but hasnt gone well fresh on 2 tries where as YourGolfTravel com is clearly in good heart including 2 good efforts in defeat in defeat over this unique course, takes a massive step up in trip and if that brings out further improvement he could be hard to beat. 1pt win yourgolftravel com 15/8 bet365 4.30 Brighton Ocean Countess is a real Course specialist around this unique course, she is 4 from 5 round here and 2 from 3 over CD, up 4lb for latest success around here on her reappearance clearly still improving and certainly upto making her present felt around here again, fast ground also in her favour Gannon rides again and gets on well with horse. 0.5pt win ocean countess 9/2 sj Saturday 5th June 3.15 Epsom Fantastic sprint handicap that is infamous within the sprint industry 'the dash' For me the Jaconet is the over priced runner for me at 16/1, I feel the field are likely to go off likely a bullet and make it hard for things to get in from behind and Jaconet is reliable as far as getting out and getting to the front she is very tough and full of speed and could be hard to peg back. 0.5pt e/w jaconet 16/1 bet365 4.45 Epsom Coin of the realm is clearly gonna be hard to beat on his favourite track BUT he is up 12lb for that romp home and the form has taken plenty of boosts but this is far more competitive and there is value elsewhere in my opinion. King Olav is in good heart at the moment up 3lb for a win at brighton (similar track with undulations etc.) up only 3lb for it and potentially still well handicapped on AW form having won off this mark and placed off a 3lb higher mark in a strong race. The other interesting runner for me is the frustrating Perpetually who on penultimate start was who was 3rd to king olav, has since run again and did little again blinkers are fitted for the first time today and Fallon on board and is riding out of his skin at the moment and rides well round here will relish the faster going. 0.25pt e/w king olav 20/1 sj 0.25pt e/w perpetually 14/1 sj 5.20 Epsom Abraham lincoln is suddenly being kept busy most probably because he is clearly in good heart and good form, he used to be a useful performer for Obrien and never hit those heights soon which means he looks well handicapped if even rekindling any kind of that form and it looks like he clearly has, only concern is race coming too soon. 0.25pt e/w abraham lincoln 12/1 sj 2.20 Doncaster Hajoum improved massively for the step up in trip as I expected last time out and needs all of 7f in my opinion and could be seen over further soon, he will need to find more to land this but you can never rule out Johnstons runners improving from run to run and is still lightly raced and certainly open to improvement having won in good enough style last time out last saturday. 0.25pt e/w hajoum 11/1 sj 2.05 Musselburgh The bear returned to form on penultimate start when winning a seller in good style on tough terms on OR, he completed blew it 2 days ago when he bolted to post and was never in the race therefore he looks a little overpriced if over those antics! 0.25pt e/w the bear 14/1 sj 3.40 Musselburgh Hamish Mcgonagal could be hard to beatif turning up in the same form, he is reliable and finally got his head in front in good style last time out runner up tripped up over the line and it is yet to be seen whether his confidence is knocked yet and will also need gaps to appear where as Hamish just makes a bold bid from the front, he looks as though he is still improving and could well pick up another big sprint this season. 0.5pt e/w hamish mcgonagall 11/2 bet365 7.05 Newcastle Ruth Carr has her string in fantastic form right now and Imperial Djay scored narrowly last time out when wearing down the run away front runner and well handicapped Glenriddin, up just 3lb for that and is probably worth more than that as the rest of the field were well held. 1pt win imperial djay 3/1 sj Friday 4th June 3.35 Catterick Sir Nod is clearly in good form at the moment but must get to the front and allowed a soft lead. Dametime might be worth risking, she landed a bit of a gamble on the AW 3 starts ago off a 5lb lower mark, hasnt run to that level since in much stronger fields than todays and could just bounce back if all is well and ok with her and certainly any money would be of interest. 0.25pt e/w Dametime 3.10 Wolverhampton Speed dating really impressed me with the way he travelled on seasonal appearance and followed up when clearly stripping fitter last time out, up only 4lb which is fair enough, form has taken a couple of small boosts for the grade and is open to more improvement yet having been rather lightly raced. 1pt win speed dating 1.40 Epsom Mabait progressed impressively in 2 handicaps this year and only just failed off a mark of 104 in Victoria Handicap when he was beaten by Dandy boy on the other side of the course, rated 108 and Alexandros running below par last time out mabait doesnt come out to badly on OR, should enjoy this fast ground and clearly progressing rapidly! 0.5pt win mabait 7/2 hills 2.10 Epsom Was lucky enough to be there and on Tartan Gigha last time out at Newmarket and I am a massive fan of this horse, but he only just held on and a 5lb rise in the weights may be enough to find him out and a massive career best will be needed today. Andrew Balding's team is flying right now and Set The Trend has to be of interest having won first time up last year and progressed nicely on AW, not been seen since Sept but rated dangerously lower on turf than AW and looks a steal at current price aslong as fit and ready. Jordaura will be my other bet in the race he has run with credit on all his starts this year and is clearly knocking on the door up another 2lb and Spencer takes the ride which might not be a bad thing as he does need a spencer ride but again is another lightly raced 4yr old progressing well. 0.5pt win set the trend 8/1 sj 0.5pt win jordaura 13/2 sj 3.25 Epsom Haggas has perhaps slipped slightly under the radar at the moment he is currently sitting on a 23% strike rate for the past 14 days from 22 runners 5 winners, he runs the lightly raced Leceile in this hot handicap, she ran ok upto a point before fading disappointingly last time out she should strip fitter also dropped a 1lb since last time out and now only 2lb above when runnign a good 2nd in listed handicap at goodwood on last start last year and it is clearly to soon to write her off. 0.25pt e/w Leceile 12/1 vcbet 7.30 Bath Bath tends to be a horse for courses course and this smart looking sprint handicap has several course specialists in it; filligree, desperate dan, kyllachy storm and white shift but I have preference for Filligree as I feel she is the classiest one of the lot although having to carry top weight that is simply because she really is a grade above these and is a smart sprinter on her day, she didnt shape great on first start of seaosn but can be expected to come on for the run, she is well handicapped having landed a CD handicap last year off a 1lb higher mark and should go close if fitter. 0.25pt e/w filligree 8.55 Goodwood I have flagged The Wee Chief up several times lately simply because I feel he has the ability to land a handicap soon, he ran another solid race last time out when not getting the opens he needed and nothing got into the race apart from runner up who stormed home from the clouds (winner made all). He runs off the same mark and now he has learnt to settle better he can clearly go up the handicap I feel and is worth another chance. 0.25pt e/w the wee chief 8.15 Doncaster The Ninth House is dangerously well handicapped on AW and soft turf from last year, he showed very little over winter/spring months but nearly caused an upset under this jockey at the weekend building on a good 5th prior to that and clearly looks to be returning to form and could well romp home of a 5lb lower mark than last turf win and 11lb lower than last AW win! 1pt win the ninth house Thursday 3rd June 3.10 Hamilton The Bear produced something a bit special to land a seller at Musselburgh according to official ratings which can only be read that he has returned to form, handicapper hasnt exactly gone easy on him hammering him with 7lb rise which puts him on a tough mark according last years form (although won off much higher (95) as a 2yr old) but did run out 2 good wins round here last year and this track favours front runners. 0.25pt win The Bear 4.10 Hamilton King Of Eden clearly looks ahead of his mark but by how much has to be wondered and a 6lb penalty could be easy to defy BUT a likely short price (currently trading evens on BF) puts me off and should he fail I quite like the chances of Cheyenne Red he is clearly coming to hand right now and a return to form looks sound having had the door shut the other day at Beverley when finishing strongly, was a CD winner twice last year as a 3yr old and runs off same mark as the other day and only 5lb above last winning mark also Makin replaces apprentice and rode him all last year. 0.5pt e/w Cheyenne Red 7.50 Sandown Truly Asia might be worth a second chance, I have him down as potentially well handicapped and still open to improvement, didnt beat a single rival on seasonal reappearance but showed some useful form last year in handicaps and maidens and finally got off the mark on last start last year only up 3lb and should enjoy a strongly run race here. 0.25pt e/w truly asia 16/1 bet365 8.55 Sandown At Wits End is lightly raced and continued his progress last time out/seasonal reappearance when only going down length half in a fairly competitive handicap on soft conditions on handicap debut, A try on fast ground could bring out further progress off the same mark and sure to strip fitter. 0.25pt e/w At Wits End Monday 31st May 4.10 Redcar Wide open competitive handicap with several of these running well last time out Follow the Flag is overpriced on the form he has showed recently probably simply because he is 'unclassy' and probably fully exposed but appears to be in such good heart at the moment, having won a decent handicap at newmarket and 2nd in follow up bid in another decent handicap off a 4lb higher mark, runs off same mark today and must have a say in this race especially if it is run at a strong pace, Cannon gets on well with this horse. 0.5pt e/w follow the flag 16/1 sj 3.40 Chepstow Ragdolliana really made a bold bid to wear down the impressive winner Lady Hestia at bath on super fast ground but that was her first start for nearly 200 days and all her best form has come on softish ground so this good ground looks ideal andlooks well handicapped if back to best she romped home off a mark 71 in 2008 and is now rated 72 and should atleast go close. 0.5pt win ragdolliana 4/1 will 4.20 Goodwood Another good looking handicap, Thebes is probably better on the AW than he is on the turf these but nonetheless he has run well on all turf starts this season and is clearly in good form having won a handicap at linngfield on penultimate start and ran well enough in Victoria cup to finished 7th, dropped a 1lb for that effort and is still well handicapped on AW form and in this smaller field he should have more room perhaps even make the running from perfect draw. Tropical Paradise looks a massive price imo, won a Salisbury handicap on soft ground 3 starts ago and then went into listed company and didnt cut too much mustard, but his last start was ok and should have blown the cobwebs out for this, and now also returns handicapping off just a 1lb higher mark than that win, concern is that the ground isnt soft enough might have inflated the price slightly. 0.5pt e/w thebes 6/1 hills 0.25pt e/w tropical paradise 25/1 sj 5.30 Goodwood Valdan might be worth a small interest Fallon is a very eye catching booking for the Evans yard, he has never rode one of his horses till today and fallon has been riding out of his skin currently and this horse is not without a chance he ran well last time out when running from 3lb out of the handicap and slowly looks to be coming to hand and now running off last winning mark. 0.5pt win valdan 9/2 sj 3.50 Leicester My Best bet looks extremely well handicapped on AW form having won extremely well off this mark over the winter, she is just as good on the turf which she proved last time out when only just failing to get up off a 3lb lower mark, that form looks solid with 2 horses including second going on to win next time out and 6th going on to be 3rd next time out. 1pt win my best 4/1 corals 2.55 Carlisle Just sam was an impressive all the way winner last time out at newcastle a track that suits prominent runners this is perhaps a litter tougher to make all round carlisle, but this has all the tell tale signs of a weak handicap and a 6lb penalty is probably less than what the handicapper is gonna slap on him so Barr is probably striking while the iron is hot!! 0.5pt win just sam 7/2 sj Sunday 30th May 4.05 Newmarket Not a very special day if you only interested in 4yr old+ races. But this is a smart looking handicap nonetheless, Himalya has shown bits and pieces of form but doesnt look particularly well treated in handicap company although Moore has to always be considered in hs current mood, but it worth noting that his best form comes on good ground and AW rather than fast ground so the ground is in his favour today. Copper Dock is an interesting raider from across the pond, he doesnt have the group form some of these have but he is a very useful handicapper, got behind in a handicap at navan which you dont wanna do (you wanna be prominent around there) but made up a lot of late ground to suggest he is in form and is now only 1lb above last winning mark and we know irish raiders have a reputation of being potentially well handicapped on these shores. Noverre to go has been running well lately but handicap might just have him where he wants right now although he is still only 4yr old and may still have more to offer. Billy Red looks the overpriced candidate in my opinion, he perhaps wont be seen quite to his best light as there is quite a lot of front runners in the field BUT over a straight course he can still be front rank and he more than has the speed for something as competitive as this, he was in fine form on AW during winter when able to dictate, little disappointing when last seen but might be able to bounce back as he is usually nothing but consistent and aslong as converting aw improvement back on turf i see no reason for him not to be in the shakeup for a yard in hot form! 0.5pt e/w Copper Dock 12/1 sj 0.25pt e/w Billy Red 33/1 sj Saturday 29th May (apologies for not updating this this week, been mad week!) 2.55 Catterick Salerosa is well treated on fibresand form but just appears to be lacking a spark recently on 2 starts on the sand so is left alone! Glenridding continues to disappoint but is potentially well treated aswell. But for me Nufoudh is worth another chance, he was going for the hatrick last time out when backed heavily but was held up and it will be interesting to see if he is allowed to make all he is 2lb lighter today and also Kerry Harrison takes off a handy 3lb off and is useful in the front. The other interesting runner is Dark Moment who looks way overpriced, he might be held by the handicapper but goes well fresh and did rack up hatrick last year but handicapper might have him but with going well fresh he looks overpriced. 0.25pt e/w dark moment 16/1 sj 0.25pt e/w Nufoudh 8/1 bet365 3.25 Catterick If these horses run to form this could be extremely competitive little handicap. Beckermet hasnt won for nearly 3yrs BUT that was in listed affair and has since been placed in group company aswell but had appeared to lose his way recently but now looks extremely well handicapped and is having his first start for inform trainer Carr so has to be of interest having showed some life last twice. The other interesting runner is Hajoum a godolphin cast off and I wrote him off last time out and rightly so when racing over 5f, but takes the step back up to 6f and still certainly open to more improvement having been lightly raced. 0.25pt win hajoum 11/2 hills 0.25pt win beckermet 13/2 hills 4.35 Catterick Lucky dan ran out a career best last time out when running out a very impressive winner when held up at Chester (which not many horses can do) if he returns here 7 days later in anywhere near that sort of form he could take this off a 5lb mark having earnt himself more credit in my eyes having met trouble in his run to the front and went away winning and I am surprised to see him such a big price. A decent gallop should be assured with favourite girl and solar spirit in the lineup and plenty of others likely to force the early pace. 1pt win lucky dan 7/2 bet365 5.40 Newmarket Mildoura might be worth another chance having progressed quite smartly on the AW this winter winning 2 decent handicaps, one of which came off just a 1lb lower mark and won it well which could make her well handicapped, she would probably appreciate some rain coming by 5pm (which it is suppose to), she doesnt really have a turn of foot so this stronger stamina test is quite possibly what she needs and a slightly flatter track should suit better. 0.25pt e/w mildoura 14/1 hills 3.30 Haydock Ok so on OR Autumn Blades has got a hell of a lot to find and he could well be tailed off when turning in, BUT he just keeps improving at the moment and is most defenetily bang in form having won a chester handicap on penultimate start and ran another solid race when 3rd at chester again when gaps didnt appear, should be better suited to this track and I cant just wirte him off because he steps up to group class for first time! He certainly has potential for listed company in his current mood! 0.25pt e/w autumn blades 66/1 bet365 3.10 Beverley Indian skipper is nothing but unreliable he can run a good race then flop next time out, he remains well handicapped but I just cant trust him. Ansells pride is VERY well treated having been dropped a total of 17lb since his last win and showed a little more promise on penultimate start and time before that on unsuitable ground, dropped another 2lb after disappointing last time out might get a soft lead here just depends what Kipchak does but Ansells is slightly better drawn than Kipchak 0.25pt e/w ansells pride 8/1 hills 5.25 Beverley Both Milton of Campsie and King of Sword have shaped well recently to suggest they can score soon BUT with rain predicted long before this off time the ground could unfavour them and therefore Cheyenne Red has to be of interest having shaped extremely well on seasonal debut, if coming on for the run he is still open to more improvement especially off just a 5lb higher mark than last win last year yet claimer takes that 5lb off and will certainly appreciate softer ground. 0.5pt e/w cheyenne red 5/1 hills Tuesday 25th May 4.20 Chepstow Tight at the top end of the market and rightly so, several of these ran extremely well last time out with 3 winning last time out, the one that most interests me is DishDasha who won last time out over hurdles, hasnt been seen since romping home on AW off a 10lb lower mark, but has since been in good form over hurdles and could still be going the right way, interesting to note he has never won on turf flat after 9 starts but clearly performs on it. 0.5pt win DishDasha 7/2 bet365 2.40 Ripon Highkingofireland ran a promising race last time out but a concern that he needs some cut in the ground is a niggling problem along with another 2lb rise back in weights put me off him slightly. Bid For Glory is clearly not the same horse he was a few years ago BUT is looking potentially dangerous off this mark, last win came off a mark of 90 on AW in 2007, ran some better races on AW over winter before disappointing last start since been given a break and has gone well fresh before. 0.25pt e/w bid for glory 3.40 Ripon Decent prize up for grabs and if Nicholls has got Jack Dawkins fully wound up for his he could be dangerous (he should be as he was trained for thirsks hunt cup but refused to go in stalls), this is his first run for Nicholls and potentially looks his best chance on paper, his last win came over 2f further than this but has won twice over this trip and having gone the wrong way at back end of last year he now looks well handicapped and worth a try over shorter again with fast ground to suit. 0.25pt e/w jack dawkins 16/1 bet365 Monday 24th May 6.55 Thirsk Shadowtime is an interesting runner in this moderate handicap with several of these not winning much, he is one that hasnt won for a longtime since 2008 off a mark of 68, often run credibably since but run one of his better races last time out off a 1lb lower mark to finish 2nd, both Templetuohy max (3rd) and Sir George (4th) have both won since both fairly impressively so if repeating that form he could be hard to beat although last time out winner Night Lily is clearly the main danger. 0.25pt e/w shadowtime 7.10 Windsor A very tough looking handicap and with a frustrating favourite and far too short to risk, Anne of Kiev is clearly in good heart but her running style has got her into trouble last twice and is a risky proposition at 9/4 would need to be a ew price for me personally. I am shocked to see Sometsuke as big as 5/1 in early market, he has been race on aw and soft ground mainly and shown little yet when he raced on fast ground maiden at bath he was 2nd, and then again on fast ground last time out in handicap company he romped home by 5 lengths, still lightly raced and now got the winning thread and racing fast ground again he could prove a massive danger to all not drawn to badly in stall 9 neither I see no reason he shouldnt be a 3-4/1 shot! My other interest lies in a winter AW improver Spinning Bailiwick, showed little in channel islands on turf but improved out of recognition on aw throughout winter improving 30lb in the handicap and is still 5lb above last winning mark and didnt look to be exactly improving towards end of aw season but was badly hampered on penultimate start and maybe confidence was knocked so is worth a chance to see if new yard can carry on that improvement back on turf. 0.25pt e/w spinning bailiwick 25/1 bet365 0.25pt e/w Sometsuk 5/1 bet365 2.00 Leicester A 3yr old plus handicap, always a worry to see a 3yr old taking on his elders at this stage BUT to say this field is thoroughly exposed is an understatement and this could open the door up for the only 3yr old runner who is unexposed on his handicap debut, having looked a little one paced over a mile this step down to 7f perhaps isnt ideal but breeding suggest it should be ok and a mark of 70 isnt harsh considering he finished behind a couple of useful looking sorts (2nd has a rating of 77)! 0.25pt win plutocraft Sunday 23rd May 2.35 Bath I was just looking through some course statistics this morning for bath, and one stood out like a sore thumb and is probably worth noting today. In last 5 seasons Meehan has had 77 runners with 17 winners and a level stake profit of +21.69, he goes there today with 1 runner Sparkle Park, who is a well bred 3yr old filly, she hasnt done anything yet nearly tailed in all 4 starts at big prices including handicap debut 5 days ago, watching the replay it looks as though something wasnt right but interesting they turn her out again so quickly, she was as big as 50/1 early doors but already into 25/1 and will be interesting to see how she goes today. 0.25pt e/w sparkle park 25/1 hills 3.05 Bath Usually farely wary of horses coming out of apprentice handicaps into normal handicap even if they do escape penalty simply because they are usually running against weakish animals and potentially weak jockeys, but four kicks might be a little different he has clearly improved since coming to this country, having finished second over 7f 3 starts ago and then won an app handicap over mile off a mark of 51 with powel claiming 5lb, then went in again in another apprentice handicap off a mark of 56 with powell claiming 3lb, today he runs off that same mark but powell is able to claim his full 7lb allowance and he could rack the hatrick up against some moderate performers at best. 1pt win four kicks 7/4 sj 5.20 Bath Orange pip went massively the wrong way last season after winning a windsor handicap in 2008 but bounced right back to her best when running out impressive winner on seasonal reappearnace and if building on that effort she could be hard to beat off a 7lb higher mark with ground conditions to suit Sanders takes the ride again. 0.5pt win orange pip 10/3 pp Saturday 22nd May 3.00 Haydock I was lucky enough to see Borderlescott at newmarket a few weeks back and he reopposes a few of these on the same terms including the winner Equiano who could prove his main danger again, Bastiman has never hide from the truth that Borderlescott is hard to train and to get fit but with a run under his belt he should come off better after staying on impressively. 0.5pt win borderlescott 4/1 sj 4.05 Haydock Not a handicap to go over board on, plenty of question marks over plenty of these, Brierty has had plenty of chances to get in front lately but hasnt, Fathsta rarely picks a win up, Novellen Lad has tended to need a run. Which points me to the overly frustrating Kerry Requiem who isnt one to fully trust but has put up some solid efforts just recently, last time out she was switched off at the back of a small field handicap, they went what appeared to be a steady gallop at the start and she was unable to get going till late on and was doing all her work towards the end and might be worth a chance in this bigger field where hopefully the gallop will be stronger and she looks potentially well handicapped if not becoming ungenuine and moody which I am not sure about yet! 0.25pt e/w Kerrys Requiem 16/1 sj 2.15 Goodwood Johnny Mudball has frustrated since the switch turf, never even threatened last time out on soft ground and is now running on fast ground for the first time and also runs in a smaller field this time and will be interesting if able to get to the front and dictate this and just cant be written off yet after being so impressive on the AW during the winter. 0.25pt e/w Johnny Mudball 13/2 sj 2.45 Goodwood Perpetually is on my list but conerns over Johnston form (although had a few winners yesterday) and whether he is just a sitting duck to something that is progressing in such a competitive heat as this. Managua stayed on really well on his first start for nearly 2 years and was first try over 10f (raced at 6f & 7f as a 2yr old) and kept on really gamely, should come on for the run and still lightly raced and open to plenty of improvement off a 1lb higher mark and this step up another further 2f shouldnt be a problem on the back of his last run. 0.25pt e/w managua 6/1 sj 3.25 Chester Autumn Blades has turned into a very useful performer these days and got up on the line to win to land a valuable competitive handicap over this course, he was rather handed the race as it turned out with amny of the front runners coming back for once after a bit of a messy turn but it confirmed he is still in good form and in this smaller field he could be a leading player just behind the leaders well drawn in stall 1. The other interesting runner is Flipando who is another that won impressively over 6f on AW recently and has run 2 better races than placings suggest last twice in competitve big fields off 2lb higher mark, doesnt look handicapped out of things biggest concern is running style coming from behind may not be suited to this course. 0.25pt win autumn blades 5/1 sj 0.25pt win flipando 13/2 pp 4.35 Chester Saga De Tercey showed up well for a long way in his first start of the season over an inadequate trip before getting outpaced and finding lack of a run taking its toll, takes step back up in trip and now running off last winning mark. 0.5pt win saga de tercey 5/1 pp 3.40 York Hamish Mcgonnagal has been running really well of late and handicapper is giving him a massive chance allowing him to run off same mark as last 2 efforts when 3rd and 2nd, he looks well handicapped on last springs form, always goes well at the beginning of season and could be hard to beat if repeating his run last time out. 0.5pt win hamish mcgonnagal 5/1 bet365 Friday 21st May 3.10 Chepstow Hajoum is a worthy favourite, he is a go dolphin cast off but Detori gets to ride again, he goes well fresh and doesnt look to badly handicapped on back of 2 efforts on aw in handicap company but concern is over the trip looks a bit sharp. Olynard was a little disappointing last time out but now comes back from a break and still doesnt look badly treated, still lightly raced and won off a 4lb lower mark on penultimate start over 6f on fast ground. Has shown potential and winning maiden form over 5f to suggest he is able to cope with it but will need a decent pace. Yard is going well and have had a couple of good runners first time up this year including 3 winners in last 14 days. The other interest is Captain Carey who won quite convingcingly at wolverhampton a month ago only up 4lb which looks lenient considering the way he wins his races and looks to still have plenty up his sleeve. 0.5pt win captain carey 4/1 pp 0.25pt e/w Olynard 8/1 pp 4.00 Yarmouth Whiskey Junction made his place on the watch list last time out, he looks in good heart currently and does have course form when 2nd over CD off a 3lb higher mark last summer and could get an easy lead here which would make him very dangerous in my opinion 0.25pt e/w whiskey junction 7.30 Haydock Dont often bet in 3yr old race and especially not stakes races but I have heard that Red Gulch is working extremely well at home, and although not a strong maiden it was good enough for an AW maiden and did win impressively, and form has taken plenty of boosts at a lower level. 1pt win red gulch 7.40 Musselburgh Nufoudh is another running off my watchlist, turned out extremely quickly under a penalty winner, wasnt able to dominate last time out but slip through a small gap and showed a fantastic attitude and proved in fantastic heart, Tylicki rides again and could get a soft lead in this small field main concern is he is turned out so quickly but goes for a CD treble! 0.5pt win nufoudh Thursday 20th May 3.25 Haydock 10 Runner handicap and a case can be made for every single runner and makes this tough and I am gonna take 3 all win only. Webbow run well in some fierce handicaps last season and again on reappearance when shaping well enough before meeting an awful passage in running and is worth a second job in this easiest task for some time for him on fast ground rather than soft. Jordaura clearly came on for the run when staying on very eye catchingly on 2nd start of the season off a 3lb lower mark, 3rd has boosted form having finished runner up on 2 attempts in better races off 2lb higher mark and 5th also ran out credible 2nd next time out in a better race, seems to go on any ground conditions so should be bang there. Kidlat looks overpriced at 10/1 having racked up a quick double on aw then solid turf effort next time out, probably disappointing effort can be put down to soft conditions, useful claimer takes 3lb off so looks hold a claim and at 10/1 a chance is taken on him bouncing back. 0.25pt win kidlat 10/1 bet365 0.25pt win webbow 5/1 bet365 0.25pt win jordaura 11/2 bet365 3.15 Southwell Speed Dating got put on the watch list last time out when staying on eye catchingly from last place to 2nd on season reappearance before clearly needng a run, should come on for that run and has won quickly turned out before and as I have said before Prescott has a good strike rate round here (20%) and his runners appear to be going well enough and is set to run off a 3lb higher mark from next week so this could be his golden opportunity. 1pt win speed dating 4.55 Southwell Salerosa is worth a second chance today, she pulled and pulled on first start of season over this course but should be better for that run and she can bounce back over a slightly lesser trip on her favoured surface fibresand with 5 wins from 7 runs, still only 4lb higher than last years last win in december, biggest concern is the form of the trainer! 0.5pt win salerosa 6.30 Salisbury The Wee Chief earnt himself some credit with me over the winter if not slightly frustrating at times, he has plenty of speed and potential, and I am sure if they made the running with him he could be open to more improvement. He was 3rd on aw when last seen off this mark 3 months ago, won fresh in november and Durcan is an interesting booking. 0.25pt e/w the wee chief Wednesday 19th May 4.55 Goodwood Penang Princess could be hard to beat if repeating his run 2 weeks ago at salisbury over 2f shorter off a 1lb higher mark than todays, he is 1 from 1 over this longer trip and won at this trip very convingcingly before to suggest she could be useful at this trip, should come on for the run and fast ground should suit in an easier race! The saver is gona go on Curacao who really impressed me with his attitude last time out when running on gamely but never quite got there, up a 1lb for that and looks worth another shot at this longer trip on the back of that (2 tries over this trip have proved well beat, once on fibresand didnt take to it and 8 lengths adrift on turf when rider dropped whip). 0.5pt win penang princess 3/1 bet365 0.25pt win Curacao 7/2 bet365 3.00 Lingfield Pedasus might be worth another chance to build on his run last time out when second to run away winner showing a good attitude to continue running on strongly, unfortunately 3rd let the form down miserably next time out and that race does look weak but even so he had shown promise previously before flopping on penultimate start, not sure whether he is quite good enough to shed maiden tag but should be placed and may sneak more if the likely short fav flops. 0.25pt e/w pedasus 5.20 Lingfield Wunder Strike is relatively unexposed and still open to more improvement having racked up a quick 4 timer before found lacking zest on last time out, 6lb better off today (was running under new mark and penalty last time out) and a more experienced jockey on board today has previously won on him and been given a break since, gone well fresh before 0.5pt e/w wunder strike Tuesday 18th May 3.40 Musselburgh Nufoudh beat Johnny lesters hair and Mister jingles by just over 2 lengths over CD last week and finds himself 6lb higher in the weights but they are up 2lb and 1lb respectibly and although that margin perhaps wont be as big i feel he is weighted to confirm that form, he was reliable last year. Dhhamaan is the perhaps the main danger he won a weak handicap on the AW and ran 2 respective races on the aw after that and then took advantage of lower turf mark last time out when thrashing a weakish field but concern over the better race and up 8lb in handicap and running 1lb out of handicap makes this a tough assignment. 0.5pt win nufoudh 7/2 bet365 4.40 Musselburgh Socceroo stood out as a potentially well treated mare on her season reappearance at newcastle last time out, she was sold very cheaply one can only assume she failed perhaps at stud or something and hadnt been seen for nearly 2 years but returned with a sound run and f building on that cant be discounted from this race off a 1lb lower mark and useful claimer also taking off a further 3lb. 0.25pt e/w socceroo 7.30 Carlisle Templetuohy Max clearly came on for his run when he was 3rd last week over a mile in similar conditions in a fiercely competitive handicap for the grade and gets in off the same mark which is his last winning mark and has also done all his winning over this trip so this step should be right there. 0.5pt e/w templetuohy max 5/1 bet365 Monday 17th May 3.00 Bath On Terms and Lady Hestia both won last time out but both take a drop in trip which has to be a concern andmay be worth opposing at short prices, where as Wheres Susie actually steps up in trip after racing over a slightly shorter trip last 2 times when getting outpaced and has to be of interest back over this ideal trip, she is a stayer and has run well on 2 occasions on aw recently to suggest she is in form and return to turf should be a lot more to suite aswell 0.5pt win wheres susie 4.00 Bath Full Victory won this race last year off the same mark and has built upto this race in eye catching fashion when only going down by a neck last time out over CD off the same mark, has a good record round this course and could be the one to beat having returned from winter break in good heart. 0.5pt win full victory 4.10 Wolverhampton Trick or Two only has 1 win to his name from 16 starts but that was in a seller and really damaged his handicap mark and has struggled until recently when looking bang in form when being slightly unlucky with draws etc. and again that is the problem again today but back on the AW where his best form has come is likely to make another bold bid. 0.25pt e/w trick or two 5.10 Wolverhampton Blue noodles is of interest in this handicap, he wasnt pushed about on first start of the year last month on fibresand, usually makes all but wasnt even rallied to get to the front and clearly didnt take to fibresand (was last on only other start on fibresand). Is well drawn today in stall 1 to try and make all in this field and was progressive since claimed last year when winning a CD handicap off a mark of 62 and then second on turf off a mark of 67, rated 68 today Hefferman clearly gets on well with this horse and gets the leg up today. 0.25pt e/w blue noodles 8.40 Windsor Turjuman has a duck egg sit behind 2 wins in his form line having met trouble in running over CD when about to mount a bold bid, he gets into the race off a featherweight and dropped 3lb in handicap and now runs off same mark as last win on the AW and looks well treated, he goes well round here with 2 from 4 over CD. 0.5pt e/w turjuman Sunday 16th May 3.10 Ripon This race appears to lack strength especially with some potentially useful 3yr olds but their form is potentially weak, Kerrys Requiem looks a big price to look to fill one of the 3 places available, Kerrys Requiem is potential well treated although not won since a 2yr old but has been placed off much higher marks and is falling in the weights since, had previously been running well off this mark until disappointing last time out but can be excused as was drawn bad and also wrong sort of course to be making ground up at chester, but has run well here twice finish 3rd on each occasion and I cant understand why she is priced at 16/1 0.25pt e/w kerrys requiem 16/1 bet365 3.40 Ripon Hard to see who could lead this small field, Cobo bay has been known to make running but his last wins have come in claimers to suggest handicapper has him should he get a positive ride. Dubai Dynamo was ridden more positively on friday night and just got home to suggest he isnt a one trick pony but a 6lb penalty makes life extremely tough in this small but classy field. Tiger Reigns is entitled to come on for run in lincoln but even so there is a niggling point that he may be held by the handicapper having raced in much better race on last start last season off his current mark and was well held in 4th that day and may just find things tougher this year after a progreessive season last year. Sunnyside Tom is the runne I am going with and I am surprised to see him as big as 9/2 he spent most of last year contesting claimers aswell as handicaps and was nothing but consistent and continued that trend last time out when dead heated for second last time out, should come on for the run and will need to off a 3lb higher mark but with conditions to suit and ideal trip this time. 0.5pt win sunnyside tom 9/2 bet365 4.10 Ripon I tipped up Managua at Yarmouth last month when he was having his first run for nearly 2 years when he just kept plugging on really bravely and he looks a real genuine battler with good attitude, as a 2yr old he was thought good enough for group company not seen since disappointing that day but took to the step up in trip really well and now only 1lb higher today and may be hard to pin back in a weaker race if coping with the faster ground. 1pt win managua 5/2 sj Saturday 15th May 3.40 Newbury Desert Phantom is relatively unexposed and open to more as a 4yr old, won a 2yr old maiden, conditions stakes and listed event all on the bounce as a 2yr old and all in the mud, light season last year with just 1 run when last, but shaped well enough this years reappearance to suggest he could be competitive drop another 1lb in handicap and now the main concern has to be the fast ground as he is unproven on the fast stuff. Arthurs Edge is my other interest in the race he won a southwell handicap off a mark of 93, up 7lb for that effort and was not disgraced in listed race last time out, again the concern is the fast ground as his best form comes on good/soft ground. 0.25pt e/w arthurs edge 11/1 sj 0.25pt e/w desert phantom 11/1 pp 2.15 Newmarket Bet365 have invisible man as a 7/2 shot and sj a 5/2 short, I would say SJ price is right but bet365 are over priced, yard in good enough nick for time of year and was progressing nicely before finishing lame on final start last year, he won his 2 prior to that on fast ground over this trip and if new yard can bring a little more out of him he is a listed horse in the making running in handicap/ 1pt win invvisible man 7/2 bet365 3.25 Newmarket Royal Diamond ran a creditable race on first run for new yard last time out after leaving prescott having completed a 4 timer for Prescott, he got going all to late off a 3lb higher mark last time out behind tinaar over an inadequate trip should come on for the run and the step up in trip is a positive move. 0.5pt e/w royal diamond 10/1 bet365 5.10 Newmarket Jake The Snake needs things to fall right but when they do he is impressive often getting up in the dieing strides, yet to win on turf but has run well on limited starts on the turf and actually gets to race off a 3lb lower mark than his last winning mark on his penultimate start. 0.25pt e/w jake the snake 7/1 hills 5.00 Thirsk Jaconet is turned out quickly after a bold effort during the week at york in a handicap, she is a classy speedy mare with a couple of listed wins on the aw this winter and transformed that form back to turf this week and was only just reeled in the dieing stages. 1pt win jaconet 3/1 pp Friday 14th May 2.10 York Another fantastic looking handicap, Dangerous Midge won mightly impressively last time out on seasonal reappearance, lightly raced unexposed and open to plenty of improvement having won by over 5lengths easily in a decent enough field 11lb rise in weights could be easily overturned today as he has all the credentials of a potentially smart group performer, step up in trip certainly does look a problem and I am really sweet on him. The other interesting runner is Shadows Lengthening who again should be up with the pace although wide draw isnt ideal, but he showed he is just as capable on turf as on the aw when 3rd last time out off a mark of 92 up a 1lb for that and returns to a trip in which he has won over 4 times and more experienced jockey steps in for this tricky job of getting him to the front in a big field. 0.5pt e/w dangerous midge 13/2 hills 0.25pt e/w shadows lengthening 25/1 vcbet 8.00 Hamilton Tinaar really impressed me at HQ 2 weeks ago building on his seasonal reappearance when he won by nearly 2 lengths in a fiercly competitive handicap gets into this under just a 3lb penalty, and makes her 4lb better off than her future mark, she is lightly raced and open to plenty more improvement again. 1pt win tinaar 5.10 Newbury Charlie Smirke progressed nicely over the winter finally getting a win on the board off a mark of 67, and followed up with a win on second start after that off a mark of 74, was disappointing when well backed last time out in a 4 runner event, probably unsuited by the pace of the race and the lack of cover he was able to get often pulling to hard. Should get cover and a better pace to run at off a 4lb lower mark than his last win on the AW. 0.5pt e/w charlie smirke 3.35 Newmarket Ocean Legend appears to still be in fine form judged on his last 2 turf efforts when only beaten a short distance by some useful sorts, potentially well treated on aw form having won off a mark of 81 on the aw rated just 80 on turf (due to go up a further 3lb in future). 0.5pt e/w ocean legend Thursday 13th May 1.40 York Wow a very very competitive sprint handicap. As has been stated before it often pays to race handy at york and is no difference over the sprint trip and this is certainly gonna be run at some clip with plenty of front runners in the lineup but I am gonna take the brave Jaconet who has improved out of recognition on the AW past couple years winning 2 listed events over 6f and ran another brave race over 6f in listed company last time out when 3rd and although probably better at 6f she doesnt lack the pace for the 5f and has previously won over 5f including a CD win here off a 32lb lower mark!!! The other I am gonna take is Judge n Jury who shaped well on season reappearance at newbury when clearly needing the run in final furlong and should strip fitter for the run and runs off same mark today and last win only comes off a 1lb lower mark. 0.25pt e/w jaconet 10/1 10/1 0.25pt e/w judge n jury 14/1 lads 7.25 Newmarket Rumble of thunder was a model of consistency last year and may still be open to more improvement now as a 4yr old, he ran a good enough 2nd off this mark over CD on last start, will appreciate the fast ground and could get a soft lead in this race and goes well fresh. 0.5pt e/w rumble of thunder Wednesday 12th May 1.40 York Very decent looking handicap to kick the dante meeting off with and the favourite looks hard to oppose despite burdened with a 12lb rise in handicap for a win at newbury when beating the useful elliptical by nearly 4 lengths who followed up with a good 2nd off a 1lb higher mark in big handicap at HQ last week behind Tartan Gigha and on that form has Tartan Gunna covered in my opinion who was about 4 lengths behinf eliptical that day so needs to find 4 lengths out of 12lb could be tough in this race as Forte De Mairi is likely to strip fitter today and come on for the run aswell especially still being lightly raced. None of swinbanks runners can be dismissed at the moment they are in terrific form sitting on 20% strike rate from 20 runners with lsp of +10.33 he runs Saga De Tercey here who was a horse I followed quite keenly last year who was bitterly disappointing when last seen trying his furthest trip yet in the Cesarewitch trial he drops back in trip massively and it has to be interesting as to why he is doing this and at 20/1 he looks worth taking a risk on he won a maiden over 2f further and may still have more to offer being lightly raced. 1pt win Forte De Marmi 9/4 0.25pt e/w saga de tercey 20/1 pp 3.45 York Another brilliant big field handicap which appears to be where I am doing well this season but this does look potentialy a tough one with many of these could have a few ticks besides them. A favourite hasnt won this race since 2000 but nothing over 10/1 has won it either which is interesting considering the competitivness of the race, it also often pays to be near the fore at york so I will be taking the lightly but progressive 8yr old Veloso and the ever consistent Mannlichen. Veloso has been in superb form sincing come back off a 482 day break has won 3 of his 4 starts all on fibresand but his only loss was a very good second on turf, he gets into this race only 2lb higher due to his turf mark being below that of his aw mark currently, he certainly wouldnt want ground drying out much more but is likely to make a bol bid from the front end of the race. Mannlichen is another that races at the fore and is nothing but consistent and still open to improvement having won off a 6lb lower mark last year and has since then remained in form running well when shaping as if a run under his belt wouldnt go amiss last time out should come on for the run and the step up back in trip looks a positive move as he just shapes as an out and out stayer. 0.25pt e/w mannlichen 0.25pt e/w veloso 7.00 Bath War of the roses is a thoroughly exposed sort nowadays but is actually lightly raced on turf and although has shown nothing in 4 starts on turf he is potentially very well handicapped having won off a mark of 81 last year now rated just 63 on turf (75 on aw) and although slipped down the weights rightly so with several disappointing efforts he has showed a little more lately to suggest he could pick up a race like this where it doesnt get much weaker with many of these having to run out of the handicap! 0.5pt e/w war of the roses Tuesday 11th May 3.00 Beverley Nice big field handicap over the 5f sprint shame it has all the shape of a weak affair on paper with several of these struggling in the main and need to step up so I am gonna take 2 slightly risky bets but I think they could go well at decent prices. Lord of the reins ran a respectable race in a better race last time out from a poor draw and is better drawn today dropped effectively 6lb in handicap and has useful Cannon taking off a further 5lb which makes him looks extremely well handicapped now returning to last winning mark on penultimate start on aw, he is probably better known for his aw antics these but has won on the turf off marks in 80's now rated just 75 fast ground and course to suit has often run well here the other I am taking against the field is Pacific Pride who is actually running from 3lb out of the handicap and must step back forward after some poor shows after winning this race last year off a mark of 70, rated just 58 today, has gone well fresh in the past and another useful claimer helps to off set the harsh reality of running out of the weights. 0.5pt e/w lord of the reins 8/1 pp 0.25pt e/w pacific pride 25/1 sj 4.00 Beverley A couple of last time out winners line up in this but Fuijin Dancer is up in grade and up 10lb in total today under a penalty which looks tough even though he was impressive he often finds trouble in running. Danehillsundance was impressive winner last week over CD and runs under just a penalty today and looks potentially well handicapped having won off 89 in his younger days running off 72 today and now back on song could be hard to peg back. 1pt win danehillsundance 11/4 hills 2.20 Yarmouth Thoughtsofstardom had a fantastic season on the AW often running some bold races in stronger races than this and at peak won off 66 on AW this winter and after some creditable efforts in handicaps back on turf finds himself rated 55lb, has often lacked a finshing effort recently under a young apprentice that hasnt had any winners yet who is now replaced by Ryan Moore which looks a strong booking. 0.25pt e/w thoughtsofstardom 13/2 sj 4.50 Yarmouth Taking a massive risk in Best In Class is nothing but inconsistent but has slipped to a very low mark now dropped 6lb below last winning mark, is reasonably lightly race and may in time work out better on the aw than turf he cant be ignored in a weak affair step up in trip looking a positive move on the back of aw runs and also tongue tied for first time a visor got rid of. 0.25pt e/w best in class 12/1 sj 5.20 Yarmouth Sir Prescott has a fantastic record with improving modst handicappers out of recognition especially when he peserveres with them and steps them up in trip. Ultimate Quest hasnt been seen for 2 years but when last seen he ran out a much improved 2nd in handicap company over CD up 1lb for that effort but its interesting that Prescott has conitnued with a 53 rated horse, yard got going this weekend with a 8/1 winner in listed race which might suggest his yard has wintered well. 0.5pt win ultimate quest 7/2 hills 3.10 Warwick Lost in paris was mightly impressive at catterick last week proving might expectations right that he is potentially well handicapped and unexposed at 5f which now looks his optimum trip he is all speed and nothing else and gets in lightly into this race with just a penalty sure to go up 10lb+ after last weeks victory. 1pt win lost in paris 4/6 bet365 7.20 Southwell A chance is taken on Speed Dating for the prescott yard, he is reasonably lightly raced and won quite comfortably and better than the bare winnign margin that day off a mark of 59 but was soon turned over off revised mark 8lb higher but this step up in trip should suit much more and his best form has come with some cut in the ground to suggest a trip on the fibresand wouldnt go amiss and prescott usually does quite well round here with a 20% strike rate last 5 seasons. 0.5pt e/w speed dating 9/2 bet365 7.50 Southwell Salerosa is a real course specialist winning 5 from 6 and only second on only other start when second to the other course specialist miss glitters up a moderate 4lb for latest win in december looks lenient and has gone well fresh here before and open to yet more improvement main concern has to be form of the yard but still the one to beat on form. 1pt win salerosa 3/1 bet365