Bets 31/03/2012 - Dubai Gold Cup!

Yesterday proves is it not ever worth chasing loses. Should have walked away £30 down, instead crawled away £90 down. I don’t have high hopes for today as the races look ever so open, with so so so many runners. You just don’t know which trainers are bashing them out, which horses will return fresh, who is on a decent mark after progression from the break. Tough, tough, tough. Nevertheless I will have a crack! I could get Meydan totally wrong today and the suggestion is that the Tapeta is running slower than normal. If that is the case, I really could get this all wrong. Ek.

Doncaster 2.05 – Tom Segal has gone with Captain Bertie and Shamdarley. There are a few others I like but two is enough.

Doncaster 2.40 – For me this is all about Sirius Prospect. He hacked up several times for me and looks awesome. However Waffle also catches the eye. Has form behind Horseradish and Hoof It here at Donny and must be of interest. Barron is shrewdy too. He knows when to play. One problem I have is Redvers, on the basis I fancy Mia’s Boy (that’s sound wrong), in The Lincoln. If Redvers wins, may be worth few quid on Mia.

Doncaster 3.25 - The Lincoln – This is a ridiculous race but there are a few worthy of noting. There are also a few can discard (I hope). Cocozza looks smart but ground may be too quick. Can’t have Edinburgh Knight at that weight and although Eton Forever won easily last year, surely mark must be too high with some of the useful ones is this, or not. Hmmm? Fury has been gelded, Haggas has won this a number of times, Segal has tipped him so can’t avoid him. I mentioned yesterday I dabbled on Mull and Mia already. You could back a number of these but I need to close my eyes now…

Doncaster 3.50 – Difficult to ignore Just Past Andover with Bill Turner’s record in this race.

Kempton 3.30 – Segal has tipped Reflect. Won’t even look at the race, just trust him with another £30. But may check it out later especially Charles Camoin.

Kempton 4.05 – Primaeval looks the class here.

Stratford 3.55 – Knight In Purple has a couple of good form lines, back down in trip and in class, could go well.

Meydan 2.10 – I can’t see past African Story. Managed to get 7/4 last night. There is another interesting runner at 11/1 in Sandagiyr. Ran well over C&D with a decent time and another Goodolphin runner. As much as I bum Derbaas just hope he is past it at this level.

Meydan 2.45 – I’ve backed Opinion Poll many a time and has my share of 1^st and 2^nd places! Dettori switches to ride him today in favour of Fox Hunt who beat him last time out, quite easily. I wonder though if I’m being swayed by Frankie as form points to Fox Hunt.

Meydan 3.25 – Maritimer is an interesting outside price as is Balada Sale but not anything really shouting out to me. Falls of Lora gets a sex allowance and maybe might be the pick.

Meydan 4.00 – Sole Power has upset me a number of times, so might be on side, but I like Joy and Fun. Hopefully fully recovered from injury now he’ll be a good price too I hope.

Meydan 4.35 – Rocket Man is a rocket. I like Krypton Factor and landed a nice double with Hitchens last time. Was a decent time. Whispers about The Factor as well.

Meydan 5.25 – Three I like here. Ambitious Dragon is superb and if runs as well here must be difficult to beat. Mutahadee got trapped in last race and would have won (I believe), so is the biggest threat. The other is Delegator. Could be very interesting in step up.

Meydan 6.00 – Like Beaten up an a surprise package. JM onboard. Can’t back any O’Brien horses today.

Meydan 6.45 – Capponi and Royal Delta. So You Think may be the class horse but as above not touching O’Brien horses! Capponi has nailed it over C&D and Royal Delta is the top US horse so must have a chance.

Ante Post Bets
£15.00 e/w Mull of Killough 14/1 – PLACED £67.50 (GUTTED, so close!!!)

Today's Bets

£30.00 Sirius Prospect 5/2 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Falls of Lora 16/1 - LOSE

£10.00 e/w Reflect 16/1 - LOSE

£10.00 e/w Shamadarley 9/1 - LOSE

£10.00 e/w Captain Bertie 12/1 – PLACED £40.00

£15.00 e/w Fury 8/1 – PLACED £45.00

£15.00 e/w Charles Camion 14/1 WIN £292.50

£19.00 e/w Capponi 12/1 – PLACED £74.50

£15.00 e/w Just Past Andover 5/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Beaten Up 4/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Royal Delta 10/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Delegator 22/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Redvers 18/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Sole Power 8/1 – PLACED £45.00

£30.00 Rocket Man 5/2 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Mutahadee 15/2 – PLACED £43.13

£30.00 African Story 7/4 – WIN £82.50

£30.00 Opinion Poll 11/4 – WIN £96.00

£15.00 e/w Ambitious Dragon 4/1 - LOSE

£30.00 Primaeval 11/8 - WIN

£15.00 e/w Joy and Fun 7/1 – PLACED £39.94

£15.00 e/w Knight in Purple 6/1 – PLACED £35.62

£15.00 e/w Martimer 20/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Krypton Factor 10/1 – WIN £217.50

£15.00 e/w The Factor 5/1 - LOSE

Total Staked £758.00, Total Returned £1,150.44

P&L @ 31/03/12:

+£2899.80

AntePost P&L @ 31/03/12:

+£1092.24

Total P&L @ 31/03/12:

+£3992.04

Bets 30/12/2012

Following steam trains paid off yesterday! Red Ramesses was backed from 50’s to 25’s so I jumped on and got a nifty place. Ashva came in from 11/1 into 11/4 and managed to get on at 5/1. If I would have actually looked at the form I would have gone heavy early. Has form behind Belgian Bill and Carlton House!!! 11/1 – bookies got that wrong and got merked for it!!! My Bo Selecta Bet in Magic Show was placed at 20/1. Love it. On the downside I knew I’d regret backing Decoy without checking the race out. TWAT! I did make £130.00 so bov’d.

Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day. The Lincoln is the big race here in the UK, but it is also the Dubai World Cup where most of my money will be going. Doncaster tomorrow will be tough and will inevitably be some big price winners. For the big race I’ve had a dabble on Mull of Killough at 14/1. I have an eye on Mias Boy as well. There’s a lot of chat about high draw, low draw, centre draw and the ground staff have suggested the centre is quicker. The other chat seems to be about working out where the pace comes from. Very valid.

There’s a lot of average racing today so only one mediocre bet today.

Lingfield 2.50 – Red Somerset’s form line continues to be franked, so there’s no need to stop backing horses part of this chain. Daniel Thomas fits this bill today and let’s hope there are no chinks (cheese)

£30.00 Daniel Thomas 5/6 - LOSE

4.40pm....
Lingfield 5.05 - Galician. Could be a smash job. 7 out 12 horses he beat in previous race won subsequently...

£60.00 Galician 5/6 - LOSE

Total Staked £90.00, Total Returned £0.00

P&L @ 30/03/12:

+£2544.86

AntePost P&L @ 30/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 30/03/12:

+£3599.60

Bets 29/03/2012

Yesterday's Kempton meeting surely must have battered the bookies for an insignificant Wednesday evening. Every horse that won was backed all evening right until the off! I knew Spinning Ridge had a great chance and after watched it getting backed, was not disappointed. There was a supposed gamble yesterday, but really it was just another great publicity stunt by the bookies. Well done. You got me. Mug!

• Howyadoingnotsobad 9/2 – 4/1
• Foster's Road 16/1 – 7/1
• Bookiesindexdotnet 9/1 – 11/2
• Spinning Ridge 6/1 – 11/4
• Splendid Light 6/4 – 8/11
• Ducal 5/1 – 3/1
• Umph 25/1 – 12/1

Ffos Las 2.20 – There is no way I would ordinarily bet in a race like this, but seeing as my disciple has fully deserted me I’m going to have a proper bo selecta speculative punt. 17 lengths away from Swing Bowler but was definitely plugging on. Magic Show

Ffos Las 2.50 - Mission Complete got merked by a decent Knockando last time. McCoy is onboard and looks good value.

Ffos Las 4.00 – Massini Sunset was a cheeky 16/1 winner for me in the last. Ground is against him this time and worth chancing with Harouet. He beat Tin Pot Man off the same mark here, and TPM won yesterday.

Ffos Las 4.30 – I backed Decoy last night blindly. Think I regret that now. 

Be back later for Kempton...So will be backing steamers blindly...

£15.00 e/w Mission Complete 4/1 - PLACED £27.00

£15.00 e/w Decoy 4/1 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Magic Show 20/1 - PLACED £75.00

£30.00 Harouet 2/1 - LOSE

£15.00 Red Ramesses 25/1 - PLACED £90.00

£15.00 e/w Ashva 5/1 - WIN £120.00

Total Staked £180.00, Total Returned £312.00

P&L @ 29/03/12:

+£2634.86

AntePost P&L @ 29/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 29/03/12:

+£3689.60

Bets 28/03/2012 - Evening Focus

I took a beating, bashing, merking yesterday. I need to calculate the exactos, but it's in the region of £250. Ouch. I will be back in the evening for my thoughts on Kempton, but for now, enjoy what is looking like the start of a beautiful day.

2.57pm - I spot an article on RP...
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/catalyze-befortyfour-john-balding-mckay-owned-horses-at-centre-of-mystery-gamble/1007035/top/

3.05pm BOOM

at the post

 loading

 Off and running

 Jake The Snake leads

 Riflessione lies second

 Waterloo Dock third

 Catalyze fourth

 Atlantic Beach in rear

 Jake The Snake leads

 Riflessione lies second

 Waterloo Dock third

 Waterloo Dock driven along

 into the straight

 Jake The Snake 4l clear

 Catalyze making headway

 Catalyze & Jake The Snake disputing

 Riflessione making headway

Catalyze edges ahead

 Riflessione into second

 Jake The Snake beaten in third

 Catalyze finding plenty

 Catalyze lands the gamble

5.05pm Damnit. Gamble failed. Oh well.

Kempton 7.10 - Spinning Ridge has won a few here and although Red Somerset beat him easy, must have a chance in a small field. Also beat Marvo who won recently.


Kempton 7.40 - Masai Moon ran well last time over C&D, and did have a good draw. There are some decent horses in this race, but 20/1 for Masai is worth a tickle


£30.00 Catalyze Evs - WIN £60.00
£30.00 Befortyfour 15/8 - LOSE
£30.00 e/w Spinning Ridge 5/1 - WIN £247.50
£15.00 e/w Masai Moon 20/1 - LOSE


Total Staked £150.00, Total Returned £307.50

P&L @ 28/03/12:

+£2502.86

AntePost P&L @ 28/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 28/03/12:

+£3557.60

Bets 27/03/2012

Red Somerset was an easy winner yesterday. The preview I gave on that race had to be no longer than two words; Red Somerset. I did get worried when it drifted to 11/8 from 8/11, but in the end worked in my favour! Shows the market often gets it wrong. On the other hand Purple Affair was evidently priced correctly, and the race got merked by a mischievous gamble (Emman Bee came in from 12/1 to 7/2). Totally missed that steamer! Prince Blue worked hard and was rewarded, but I was a bit disappointed by Land Hawk who had an easy path, but failed to do anything with it. Was a lousy day by 4.30p.m., so I had a coffee break, and found a steamer!!! Came in from 25/1 to 9/2; Not my choice! Came 2^nd, gutted! Oh well, I only got on it @ 5/1! I then tried to chase some losses and backed Lisahane Bog. Whoops. £150 lost yesterday, so let’s hope I fair better today!

Hereford 2.10 – Nicholls is back amongst the winners and Plenty Pocket who I backed on Boxing Day owes me after his mega flop. This will be the last time I back him though, especially at these odds. I can’t see anything else I’d back.

Hereford 2.40 – Nothing suggests Grandioso will appreciate step up in trip, although ground may help. McCoy didn’t bother racing Family Tree after a mistake and will hopefully be good enough to land this

Hereford 3.10 – Topaze Collonges has been tried and tired over longer trips and looks on a low mark.

Hereford 4.40 – Earth Planet has done me over a couple of times, but no disgrace behind Hold on Julio or Battlecry. Scotsbrook Cloud is one of the apparent dangers on chase debut and the other Bruslini is justified favourite, but I’ll go with Earth Planet again, for the last time!

Market Rasen 2.20 – I backed Katchmore who won comfortably last week so no reason not to back Osgood who finished behind him last time out.

Market Rasen 2.50 – I ploughed into Presenting Ace  a few weeks back, only to be disappointed and seeing as I’ve backed two other horses today who’ve let me down previously do I go for a third? Not sure! Royal Entourage on the other hand still looks unexposed

Southwell 2.30 – Mataajir was 6/1 last night. Is now around 2/1. Hard to ignore that, even if there are a few others I like the look. Dunseverick has been backed in from 16/1 – 9/2 as well! Hmmm

Southwell 3.30 – Be very surprised if anything buzzed past First in Command after easy easy win last time

Southwell 4.30 – Will be a cracking race, but can’t pick a winner here.

Southwell 5.30 – Flying Pickets. I saw Samasana’s name and considered it having followed for a while. Think he needs a break and will stick with Pickets!

£15.00 e/w Osgood 9/2 - LOSE

£30.00 Royal Entourage 6/4 - PLACED

£30.00 First in Command 10/11 - WIN £57.27

£30.00 Mataajir 2/1 - PLACED

£30.00 Flying Pickets 15/8 - PLACED

£30.00 Topaze Collonges 4/1 - LOSE

£30.00 Earth Planet 2/1 - PLACED

£30.00 Plenty Pocket 15/8  - LOSE

£30.00 Family Three 5/2  - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Accumulator - LOSE

Total Staked £300.00, Total Returned £57.27

P&L @ 27/03/12:

+£2345.36

AntePost P&L @ 27/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 27/03/12:

+£3400.10

Bets 26/03/2012

Royal Ascot tickets booked, Aintree weekend planned, Arc conversations in motion, now to fund these lavish trips...

Lingfield 2.15 – Red Somerset

Lingfield 2.45 – Purple Affair is going to relish the extra furlong. Although technically up 6lb with no claimer 8/1 is too big. Sudden Wish also came storming home over 7 furlongs and is the likely worthy favourite especially with Bailey’s horses running well. Not too many here who will like the trip, so might be a big price forecast.

Lingfield 3.15 – Celtic Charlie has done well over C&D but I’ll chance with Land Hawk. Looked unlucky in his last race and I think will reverse placings Prince Blue.

Lingfield 4.15 – Absa Lutte is in good form and does like it here. The interesting one has to be Chevise, but is in such bad form would take a brave man to back it. He has had Queally, Turner and Da Silva onboard the last 3 races, so must be decent. Will the 7lb claim bring him storming back?

Towcester 4.30 – Chac Du Cadran has decent enough formlines and course form to be a justified favourite. Down in class as well. 

£60.00 Red Somerset 6/5 - WIN £132.00
£15.00 e/w Purple Affair 8/1 - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Sudden Wish 3/1 - PLACED £24.00
£5.00 r f/c PA, SW - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Land Hawk 4/1 - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Absa Lutte 9/2 - LOSE
£30.00 Chac Du Chadran 9/4 - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Accumulator - LOSE
£30.00 Doubles - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Not My Choice 5/1 - PLACED £33.75
£30.00 Lisahane Bog 9/4 - LOSE

Total Staked £340.00, Total Returned £189.75

P&L @ 26/03/12:

+£2588.09

AntePost P&L @ 26/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 26/03/12:

+£3642.83

Week 6: Update on Ban Jay Desai

Total Staked £8,174.03, Total Returned £11,967.95 = Profit £3,793.08 (46.4% Return)

The epitome of an average punting week. Had a few write offs, but all were limited, and a few cheeky wins to level it out, so a £4 loss this week! Segal cost me £120, but I can’t stay mad at him and with Flat racing back I’m far too excited to worry about a few lost pounds. O’Brien started the season poorly again and anyone who backed any of his horses yesterday needs a history lesson. He will pay you back in a few weeks time - let him warm up. The most interesting aspect about his losses were the number of races Joseph was on board. I wonder whether Joseph O’Brien is an interesting price for the Irish Flat Jockeys Title. The Racing Post Pundits have convinced me it is!

Camelot’s doubt for the Guineas was inevitable. Ladbrokes and Coral’s prices few weeks/months ago would have told you that as we know about their connections with Ballydole. New Approach’s baby Dawn Approach hacked up and his babies might be worth looking out for this season!

Just three big jump events left @ Aintree, Ayr and Punchestown and then it’s all about the Flat! I can’t wait, and although there was no stand out 2 year old last year, there are some very exciting prospects, and one point which was cemented on Champions Day last year, is it is all about the class horses in the bigger races. It sounds obvious, but if it was that obvious we’d all be minted. Don’t be clever and try to take class on. It often pays off, but in the long term, nah, it really does not.

Bets 24/03/2012 - 25/03/2012

Been AWOL from racing this weekend. Reason? Alcohol. Enough said. What a glorious weekend. I still had a few bets, mainly from Tom Segal's pot, all of which lost!

Summary 24/03 - 25/03: Total Staked £410.00, Total Returned £306.72

P&L @ 25/03/12:

+£2738.24

AntePost P&L @ 25/03/12:

+£1054.74

Total P&L @ 25/03/12:

+£3793.08

Bets 23/03/2012

Heeding someone’s advice is often egotistically difficult, especially when it involves your money. Not heeding your own advice is just daft; split personality springs to mind. “Must be something wrong with Stanley Bridge”, yet I still back it. There was definitely something wrong with him! £30.00 chucked. “Forecast with Get It On”, yet I didn’t back it. £15.00 opportunity lost. It all adds up! Anyway, back to my genius. Massini Sunset bolted up by 22 lengths at 16/1! Jay Desai! Ended the day £160 in the black. Nice. The flat returns tomorrow, but had some unfortunate news about Harbour watch. Doesn’t look good for Newmarket, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

Newbury 2.40 – Calusa Caldera won this last year and had a rubbish race prior to that, just like he did in his last. I’m a fan of last year’s C&D winners on similar marks even if it looks a forlorn hope!

Lingfield 3.00 – Drawnfrompast should merk Hinton Admiral again.

£15.00 e/w Calusa Caldera 20/1 - LOSE
£30.00 Drawnfromthepast 7/4 - LOSE

Total Staked £60.00, Total Returned £0.00

Bets 22/03/2012

Since I started this blog, 3 times I have written how I have not had much time to research these fine animal races. Each time I've fallen into a pit when I have backed herds of elephants. Yesterday was no exception, except this time, I fell head first. Total Whitewash.

On another note George Osborne yesterday announced a 20% tax at point of consumption on gaming machines for companies based outside the UK. I wonder who will be impacted by this? Normally I call myself a twat for doing something daft, but George, this one’s for you. TWAT. For the sake of an estimated £200m, really? The betting money circle where value is even across events, will be quelled into an oval where bookies will need to increase their margins in other sports to counter balance the 20% loss on machines. This could potentially mean we get less value on the Gee Gees...

Chepstow 3.10 – Massini Sunset is on an interesting mark, running off the same mark as his last race when he really would have loved a few extra furlongs. Down in grade today, so worth looking at. There are a fair few others who have a goodish case, but looks wide open and at 12/1, is worth a pop.

Chepstow 3.45 – Relax will hopefully continue to progress and shrug off another 10lb. Won last race by 30 lengths without having to do much.

Chepstow 4.20 – Not a race should be getting involved in really, but Kathleens Pride will return here fitter and might have some place value. There are some good form lines behind other horses, notably Simple Ben, but this is another wide open one and always worth a flutter on a bigger outsider.

Chepstow 5.25 – Hobbs NFH bandwagon. Turanjo Bello does look to have a chance here, but a lot of unknowns and wonder whether 9/2 is value? The favourite Diggers Mate’s form has not worked out so def worth taking on.

Carlisle 3.00 – Must be something up with Stanley Bridge if he is 3/1. Would have expected him to be shorted looking at the way he bolted up in his last though could be argued Claude Carter should win on weight reversal with Stanley

Carlisle 5.10 – Man of Principles can make all again and hack up.

Fontwell 3.55 – Current Event will hopefully not follow the fate of recent Nicholls horses. He had a winner yesterday so may have turned a corner. Maybe a cheeky forecast with Get It On

Kempton 6.00 – Red Somerset is running well and can run off same mark. Weighted to stay ahead of Moynahan and although has only won in sellers will definitely go close

£15.00 e/w Massini Sunset 12/1 - WIN £318.00 (BPG @ 16/1) :)

£15.00 e/w Simply Ben 13/2 - PLACED £39.38

£30.00 Relax 11/10 - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Kathleens Pride 16/1 - PLACED £75.00

£30.00 Current Event 4/5 - WIN £54.00

£30.00 Stanley Bridge 3/1 - LOSE

£30.00 Man of Principles 9/4 - LOSE

£30.00 Red Somerset Evs - LOSE

£15.00 e/w Turanjo Bello 9/2 - PLACED £28.50

£30.00 Doubles - LOSE

£10.00 e/w Accumulator LOSE

Total Staked £320.00, Total Returned £514.88

P&L @ 22/03/12:

+£2784.74

AntePost P&L @ 22/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 22/03/12:

+£3836.36

Bets 21/03/2012

I had a serious case of bottlejobitivus yesterday. Fear of losing the dollar pushed me down the insurebet routes and pulled me away from maximum bets. Was it costly? Of course(ish)! Would have made another £12.50 on Katchmore and £25.00 on Reve Du Jour instead of covering other horses I was scared about. Big girl! The Henderson horse was pants, and Newport Arch looked like he had a chance coming round the bend, but I’ll take 2^nd and my money back. Not much time today so I’ll stick to Haydock…

Haydock 2.10 – Atherstone Hill, despite the RP comments I think will appreciate drop back with his 7lb claimer on board. Dancing Art looks like he’ll stay and will go well. Looks like a forecast on the cards.

Haydock 2.40 – Donald McCain seems to have a number of his horses ahead of the handicapper and think Star in flight could be another. The problem is Timesawastin who is going to take him on up front. I can’t work out what will happen. This might open it up for others?

Haydock 4.25 – Bold Sir Brian is the key to this race. Has some decent form lines and is most certainly progressive. Absolutely have to fear Tiger O’Toole who is on a nifty mark and in good form. 

£30.00 Dancing Art 2/1 - LOSE
£5.00 f/c A. Hill, Dancing Art - LOSE
£30.00 Star in Flight 5/2 - LOSE
£30.00 Bold Sir Brian 4/1 - LOSE
£5.00 f/c Tiger O'Toole - LOSE
£10.00 e/w Accumulator - LOSE

Total Staked £120.00, Total Returned £0.00

P&L @ 21/03/12:

+£2649.86

AntePost P&L @ 21/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 21/03/12:

+£3701.48

Micro Chelts 2012 Review

The Field of Dreams 2012 served up some moments to remember. The Big 6 favourites were not to be, but hey, that’s why it was 200/1 when I took the prices in January! Hurricane Fly was disappointing. Long Run was less disappointing. Sizing Europe was unlucky. Quevega was immense, but beat nothing. Big Bucks delivered. Sprinter Sacre was scary – wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW.

Sprinter Sacre is the only one I’d bank on again next year, but I also think it’s an insult that Long Run is 10/1 for the Gold Cup next year. Are you having a laugh. £100 e/w slapped. (Hmm maybe I’m emotionally attached!) Sir Des Champs and Bobs Worth were magnificent but can’t possibly be shorter than Long Run. I really hope Henderson considers a jockey switch though. The Racing Post boys have tipped up Zarkandar, Peddlers Cross, Finians Rainbow, Cinders and Ashes and Long Run for various Cheltenham races next year, but with 360 days to go there is no point, says the boy who has just poked £200 on Long Run.

I cannot believe what Hunt Ball has achieved. This horse must be on magic. Last April this horse was a donkey. In November he was rated 69. Today, 142! WTF! Seriously! Went off favourite for 7 races, won 6 and then won the Pulteney by 8 lengths with top weight! WTF! Seriously! Albertas Run must also get a mention. J O’Neill had a solid Cheltenham and Albertas could easily have pulled off the hatrick, but no one was to emulate Henderson this year. This year was his, and well done to the fella who landed a cool million with a £50 Henderson accumulator.

Lessons Learnt (Briefly)

•          Henderson and O’Neill taught me that trainer form is crucial. I knew this, but never really paid attention over the four days.
•          Many of these horses reminded me of the significance of Course and Distance form, but more significantly Festival Form, when the Spring horses come out to play.
•          Ante Post Bets without Non Runner Non Bet – Uber risky
•          Form lines. Check the below out… Recognise any winners (at big prices as well!!!)  On this note, Fingal Bay who beat Simonsig must be one to keep an eye on now. Hoping we get to see him at Aintree hack up. Fingers crossed.

Horses I’ll be following more closely (all fairly obvious) are Sprinter Sacre, Darlan, Sir Des Champs, Bobs Worth, Zarkandar and Boston Bob. 

Cheltenham = £3,200 profit. Bring on Aintree!!!

Bets 20/03/2012

Destroyer Deployed had to work extremely hard to grind out that win yesterday, but thankfully he obliged even though Danna Hill did give him something to think about! (Another forecast missed). Asterales looked beat from the start, and Casual Mover was a daft bet. Followed the market without checking anything. Post examination revealed no decent C&D form. Twat. Chilli Green out ran his price in a tough field, so job well done. The RP has put some Ante-Post bets for Chelts 2013, but will discuss in Chelts round up later today.

Exeter 3.00 – Katchmore looked decent on his debut and his penalty is negated by the claimer. Can’t write Henderson horses of at Exeter and certainly not when the stable are in this form so Buckie Boy must be considered. Dream Performance is interesting, but I think that the other 2 will front run and not be caught.

Southwell 2.20 – Percythepinto will go close here. Not sure what to make of Always Eager, so maybe look to back the former for top 2 places.

Southwell 3.20 – Reve Du Jour has been crying for step up in trip and again will go close here. Can’t assess Ghost train as has no C&D form so the 2 place game might be worth a dabble.

Southwell 3.50 – Trans Sonic looks the obvious choice back in a Seller, but check out Polurrian, second behind Cinders and Ashes (a long way more than 6lenghts behind) could be a price at 12/1

Southwell 4.20 – Reve Du Jour’s performance at 3.20 could play a part in this race but Belle Ophelia should take this. Ishiamiracle is racing with 16lb difference against Belle, but not sure it’ll be enough.

Southwell 4.50 – I’ve followed Newport Arch over last few races and keen on him again. Will depend on O’Connell staying close to leaders though and will need to be ridden earlier as prefers an extra furlong

£20.00 Katchmore11/8 - WIN £47.50
£5.00 e/w Buckie Boy 8/1 - LOSE
£30.00 Percythepinto (2 places) 5/6 - LOSE
£30.00 Reve Du Jour (2 places Insurebet) 15/8 - WIN £86.25
£20.00 Trans Sonic 8/13 - LOSE
£10.00 Polurrian (3 places Insurebet) 9/1 - LOSE
£30.00 Bella Ophelia 4/7 - LOSE
£15.00 Newport Arch 5/1 - PLACED £30.00
£15.00 e/w Accumulator - LOSE

Total Staked £210.00, Total Returned £196.06

P&L @ 20/03/12:

+£2769.86

AntePost P&L @ 20/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 20/03/12:

+£3821.48

Bets 19/03/2012

Kempton 3.50 - Huge market move on Casual Mover

Southwell 4.00 - Destroyer Deployed looks huge at 5/2. Has some serious form lines, and return to this trip and ground will do it for me against average opposition. Danna Hill may give him something to think about

Kempton 4.20  - Asterales could be the answer on C&D form but needs to be ridden up with pace

Kempton 4.50 - Chilli Green has a decent time over C&D and will take my chance at 10/1

£30.00 Casual Mover 11/8 - LOSE
£30.00 Destroyer Deployed 5/2 - WIN £105.00
£30.00 Asterales 15/8 - LOSE
£15.00 e/w Chilli Green 10/1 - PLACED £52.50

Total Staked £120.00, Total Returned £157.50

P&L @ 19/03/12:

+£2783.80

AntePost P&L @ 19/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 19/03/12:

+£3835.42

Week 5: Update on Ban Jay Desai

Total Staked £6,994.03, Total Returned £10,791.95 = Profit £3,797.92 (54.3% Return)

Not a bad week, hey? Ha, who am I kidding? It was an immense week! I can only thank my balls for not sticking to my disciplined staking rules. I massacred those rules by lumping on a few times, coming up with ridiculous accumulators and backing multiple horses in one race. Thankfully it did not backfire! It easily could have, but that my friends, is punting. The risk remuneration this time was bountiful. It was nearly a PB, but I had a slightly better week over Aintree last year and with that looming large I’m readying the artillery. I’m going to write a Chelts review and note some ones to follow tomorrow. I noted Rubi Light and Zarakandar last year and with the latter, I quickly latched on to following a large herd of the Triumph race. Those notes were fruitful. The ones that did not ripen were Beautiful Sound, De Boitron and Long Run. The latter was definitely my biggest flop. The last two days have also been a reckless flop.

Channel 4, 4 the next 4 years now have exclusive rights to the Grand National and Royal Ascot which is a touch. No offense to the BBC but C4 coverage of racing is far better from a punters perspective. Admittedly, beyond betting, BBC do have more to offer, including heaps of racing memoirs but no doubt the switch is all about the money, money, money.

Last thing to note: Top Offer was heavily backed for the 2,000 Guineas. Bookies reported informed bets filtering through. Immediate reaction was to slash prices from 14/1 to 8/1. I inevitably tucked into the gamble and the RP this morning informs me they’ll take the Frankel route to the Guineas via the Greenham. Exciting. 

Bets 18/03/2012

9/1 looks big for Shinrock Paddy Navan 4.35

£25.00 e/w Shinrock Paddy 9/1 - LOSE

Total Staked £50.00, Total Returned £0.00

P&L @ 18/03/12:

+£2746.30

AntePost P&L @ 18/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 18/03/12:

+£3797.92

Bets 17/03/2012

Boom! Old Boy! Smashed it! Mint! JayDesai! Jockey Jockey Jockey! All terms I used yesterday after £2.50 e/w yielded £2,500. (Technically was a £100 bet with treble lines, but bov’d). This could have turned out to be an expensive date for Marissa Miller had any of the other three horses won/placed as well, but she escaped a pounding (this time). I am not close to a court order yet, but now I have flowing liquid capital, all favourites and steamers will be pummelled her way; I’m aroused at the prospect. Cheltenham cracked up to be everything I wanted it to be and more. Even without the accumulator I still surpassed £800 over the four days! I’ve always been biased towards Nicholls and still am but I’ve said it a few times this week, Henderson, you king konged this week. Hero. Legend. O’Neill SMASHED IT as well. I got Long Run wrong so I’ll take a step down, but I got Synchronised right so I’ll take a step back up. I’ll reflect further in the weekly update. I want to tuck into Meydan today but I’ll veer away and bask in glory a bit longer before I burn wads of sheets . A few want to tickle today though…

Kempton 3.25 – There are a number of trainers we should all be keep an eye on over next week after outstanding performances at Cheltenham. Pipe is one of them, especially in handicaps. Henderson is obviously the another. Ashbrittle looks a good bet to reverse form with Oscar Prairie today. He would have won by about 7 lengths last time round, but the 6lb weight reversal + 3lb claimer could do the trick. I wouldn’t fancy Bears Affair ordinarily but with Hendo/Barry combo on fire, who knows – not convinced though. Aachen is supposedly well handicapped but I can’t work that out myself so will pass over.

Newcastle 2.35 – Red Merlin’s price indicates he is ready for his return and will trounce his opposition if he improves from last year. Into Wain is interesting with a 10lb claimer,  but not sure will have enough for McCain/Jason

Uttoxeter 2.10 -  I backed Luggers Hall last night at 9/2. Very unfortunate in previous race and can make amends today.

Uttoxeter 3.20 – Segal has backed Mohi Rahrere and Mohayer. Won’t look elsewhere.

£25.00 e/w Mohi Rahrere 16/1 - LOSE
£25.00 e/w Mohayer 16/1 - LOSE
£25.00 e/w Luggers Hall 9/2 - LOSE
£25.00 e/w Red Merlin 5/2 - WIN £175.00
£25.00 e/w Ashbrittle 11/2 - LOSE
£12.50 e/w Acc - LOSE

Total Staked £275.00, Total Returned £175.00

P&L @ 17/03/12:

+£2796.30

AntePost P&L @ 17/03/12:

+£1051.62

Total P&L @ 17/03/12:

+£3847.92