Bets 30/04/2012

Cirrus was immense yesterday. There is talk of a clash with Frankel now! The ground is causing concerns for plenty of trainers. Rain, rain go away.

Chantilly 3.00 - Shareta is where I would start. Decent form behind Galikova, Beuna Vista  and Dandream and step back to 10f will help.

Total Staked £20.00, Total Returned £0.00

£20.00 Shareta 6/4 - LOSE

P&L @ 30/04/12:
£2,471.10
AntePost P&L @ 30/04/12:
£1,313.24
Total P&L @ 30/04/12:
£3,784.34

Bets 29/04/2012

Ha. The one race I called, I didn’t back. Lost everything else. I am going through a ROTTEN patch. No win in 20 bets. Thankfully I have and have said in all the blogs I need to lower stakes until I’m happy Flat season is fully big bang boom. Segal and I are both taking a bashing. Back to £20 staking today though.

Longchamp 1.30 – Keegsquaw looks like the conditions will suit to a tee.

Longchamp 2.40 - Cirrus Des Aigles is class and proven on this ground. Reliable Man will go close but yet to have a run this season. Giofra is definitely one to keep an eye on this season and may win this, but not yet proven on ground.

Ante Post Bets

£30.00 Big Bucks to be unbeaten 11/12 Season 3/1 - WIN £120.00

Today's Bets

£20.00 Cirrus Des Aigles 4/6 - WIN £33.33

£10.00 e/w Keegsquaw 4/1 - LOSE £0.00

P&L @ 29/04/12:
£2,491.10
AntePost P&L @ 29/04/12:
£1,313.24
Total P&L @ 29/04/12:
£3,804.34

Bets 28/04/2012

Glad I only put a few bob on a couple on accumulators yesterday. I admit I’ve lost my nerve a bit and am not staking as much as I normally do. I’m just waiting for the flat season to get fully underway. The jumps season is officially over today which means my Big Bucks 3/1 to remain unbeaten will come home today. There’s a lot or racing today and another common theme over the last few weeks is that I’m feeling slightly fragile after a night out last night. It really is not good on any level especially trying to study form. Nevertheless I’ll have a look at a few today, but again just the odds tenner bet.

Sandown 2.00 – Bourne looks a tasty price at 14/1. I would have expected the handicapper to drop him a few pounds after last couple of races, but they’re not daft. His form ahead of Smad Place is mint and yet again that Triumph Form proved again to be boss with Raya Star winning last week.

Sandown 2.35 – Segal has tipped Cornas at 16/1, but I’m not convinced. My head hurts.

Sandown 3.10 – Thought Deep Purple would have been backed, but got that totally wrong when put £15 on at 20/1. D’oh. Segal has tipped up Rare Bob and Roalco De Farges.

Sandown 3.45 – Just excited to watch this one. Poet loves this ground, but I think Colombian is the better horse.

Punchestown 3.50 – I back Raptor at 8/1 midweek before race was called off. Gutted is only 4/1 at the moment.

Right I’m going back to bed. Bad times.

Total Staked £55.00, Total Returned £0.00

Today's Bets

£5.00 Bourne 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Cornas 8/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Roalco De Farges 8/1 - PLACED £0.00

£10.00 Raptor 4/1 - LOSE £0.00

Ante Post Bets

£15.00 Deep Purple 20/1 - LOSE £0.00

P&L @ 28/04/12:
£2,497.77
AntePost P&L @ 28/04/12:
£1,223.24
Total P&L @ 28/04/12:
£3,721.01

Bets 27/04/2012

Punchestown 4.55 – First Lieutenant sets the form here, but over 3m. Doesn’t strike me as a 2m machine, but Kumbeshwar and Regal D’Estruval will set of quickly and will tire each other out leaving FL to swoop home. Menorah’s best form seems to come on Good/Soft ground so be interesting to see how he handles the Heavy going. He also destroyed Kumbeshwar previously.

Punchestown 5.30 – The Hurricane will throw down the gauntlet today.

Punchestown 6.05 – Felix Younger could make it an even more successful festival for Mullins and further enhance his 50% strike rate over last decade in this. Form on this type of ground and looks an improver. If Hughes and Martin’s horses were in better form I’d be looking at Lyreen Legend and Dedigout, but they are not, so I won’t. If Colour Squadron could jump better I’d be tempted.

Punchestown 6.40 – Tango Banbou will make all and he could well go too hard, but may also go so well that no one can catch him. He’d be rated about 136. I think his pace may well tire out Oscara Dara.

Sandown 4.20 – Tom Segal has tipped up Libranno.

I've only tapped up a couple of small accumulators today. Back in the game tomorrow.

Total Staked £10.00, Total Returned £0.00

£5.00 Hurricane Fly @ 4/11, First Lieutenant @ 5/2, Felix Yonger @ 9/4, Tango Banbou @ 11/1 N/A - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 Kid Suitor @ 5/2, Dubawi Gold @ 5/2, Hurricane Fly @ 4/11 N/A - LOSE £0.00

Bets 26/04/2012 - No Bets

Not sure I did very well yesterday (not checked yet). However, I'm short of time today and the weather is likely to force racing off. It'll no doubt cause a further difficult betting proposition as well, so I'm out. Back tomorrow...

6.10am update. Just sneaked a cheeky look at the RP. Tom Segal Pricewise has tipped up Get Me Out of Here and Bertie's Dream for the 5.30 Punchestown

Bets 25/04/2012

I mentioned 3 horses in the 4.55 @ Punchestown yesterday. I was hesitant to back Snap Tie purely due to lay off, but it’s not like me to stay away from a horse with that quality, despite a lay off, and previous bets will show that. The most frustrating part is then reading this about the two horses I did pick!!! “The complexion of the race changed dramatically when Ceol Rua, who was still travelling well at the time, lost her footing before the turn-in when she clipped heels with the winner. She slightly hampered her chasing stablemate Ballyhaunis, who was in the process of running a decent race following his 406-day absence.”

Trifolium got collared on the flat by a decent Alderwood, Sizing grinded out a victory and Sir Des Champs survived a late scare when nearly fell at the last. I was bailed out by a Fatthui/Desai Sizing Europe/Real Dubh forecast @ 3/1, but I don’t include any syndicate punts in this blog. I stayed away from Segal’s tip but it would have doubled my money. So in all it was a decent forecast of the racing but a financial sham.

Looking ahead to the Bet365 Chase on Saturday @ Sandown I’ve got my eye on Deep Purple. Ran a blinder under Moloney there two races ago and is relatively fresh after not completing last two races. The weather forecast suggests it’s going to rain there over the next few days so the ground will turn up just right. I’ve thrown £15 on Betfair as is floating around 24/1 and maybe lay off, if he is still entered later in the week. No doubt will find out at next declarations he is not running.

Punchestown 4.55 – Sous Les Cieux was one of my strong fancies at Chelts but didn’t pull through. Blinkers on today. Will it do the trick? Hmm. I’m tempted to stay away, although maybe Bridgets Pet can tempt me at 9/1. Looks like the step up will definitely suit?

Epsom 3.55 – Tom Segal has picked out Ittirad. I prefer Dick Doughtywylie. Ha if I removed the last word…. 4 year olds do well in this. As do the favourites. I wonder if Segal’s horse will get battered in. It’s already as low as 5/1 in places when was 10/1 this morning.

Punchestown 6.40 – Tranquil Sea is the class act here, but at top weight may be vunerable? Mullins has a fantastic record in this race and Raptor although looks like he is a tad high in the weights loves it here and will love the ground. One to go close I hope.

Punchestown 5.30 (Gold Cup) – I’ve always been a fan of Rubi Light. I think the trip and ground will suit very well. Quel Esprit has been well supported so may have a saver on the forecast, else all about Rubi for me. A lot of the others will not appreciate the trip or ground. Follow The Plan looks a new horse with Cheekpieces and seems to be forgotten about. He dispatched a lot of good horses at Aintree although was beaten well by Quel Esprit before, but that was without the super pieces! Maybe there’s a tricast lurking in here…


Total Staked £40.00, Total Returned £0.00

£10.00 Bridgets Pet 9/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Dick Doughtywylie 11/2 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Ittirad 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Rubi Light 5/2 - NR £10.00

Bets 24/04/2012

Oh dear. Reckless betting yesterday. Time to get back on track with consistent staking. No more punting for the hell of it. No more punting on emotions. Punting back to square one, starting with Punchestown.

Punchestown 4.20 – Surely all about Alderwood and Trifolium. I don’t buy Alderwood’s form against Edgardo Sol and he is butters overt hurdles but it is hard to ignore the races he has won. Byrnes horses aren’t in the best of form but I still think Trifolium is the better horse. Has had enough time to recover from Cheltenham and has won here over 2m on heavy ground.

Punchestown 4.55 – Hmm. Big puzzle. All winners have been big boy double figures. I have my eye on a couple but the one that really interests me is Ceol Rua. Handicap debut and Mullins speaks highly of the horse. There’s been a lot of talk about Snap Tie and yes could be well handicapped but comes back on top weight on testing ground after a long time off. Can I back it? Balllyhaunis interests me as well, just clearly didn’t like it Cheltenham.

Punchestown 5.30 – This might be one to take Sizing Europe on with. He seems to tail off in after Cheltenham although his form now behind Finian’s is fantastic. Segal has tipped up Realt Dubh, but he was supposed to be running in the 3m race. China Rock might find this to sharp. Captain CB and Gauvain may not have the class and Big Zeb looks to be passed it. This brings me back to Sizing Europe.

Punchestown 6.40 – Cannot oppose Sir Des Champs here.

£30.00 Trifolium, Sir Des Champs, Sizing Europe Treble N/A - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Ballyhaunis 25/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Ceol Rua 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

Total Staked £90.00, Total Returned £0.00

P&L @ 24/04/12:
£2,587.77
AntePost P&L @ 24/04/12:
£1,238.24
Total P&L @ 24/04/12:
£3,826.01

Bets 23/04/2012

Have managed to stay away all day, and looking at the results, good move. That is until now. I wanted to back Basseterre on his last outing but was withdrawn. He pops up today at Windsor. Will probably have a half a ton on it taking no heed of managing my stakes. Silly child.

Windsor 6.25 - Basseterre. His form ahead of Scatter Dice suggests he has slipped in on a low mark and could be one to back for a few races until the handicapper catches up.

£50.00 Basseterre 2/1 - LOSE

Week 10: Update on Ban Jay Desai

Initial Pot: £1500.00. Total Staked: £14,781.28, Total Returned: £18,747.29  = Profit: £3,966.01

This time last year I was recovering from a weekend at the Scottish National, compliments of Coral and this year I’ve just about recovered from Desai Junior’s birthday. A striking hangover comparison but that’s not the only one. Solid returns at the Scottish National in the last 3 years, largely thanks to Merigo have made this a festival I look forward to every year. I would far rather be savouring the atmosphere in person but Ayr is a trek and a half especially if it’s not paid for!

Camelot has been cut to Evens by Ladbrokes after a fairly uneventful set of Flat trials. If these trials represent future punting success, I’m screwed. Excelebration has probably been my only successful punt. The rematch with Frankel will be exciting. We have no idea how much he could have improved but can’t imagine anything hauling in the machine freak Frankel.

My profits are not going anywhere at the moment and it’s quite frustrating, but I’m not losing mega bucks so just need to keep at it. I wish the jumps were on for a while longer but let’s hope some favs can hack up at Punchestown. A lot of them look solid. My graph somewhat reflects a stock with potential when you look at some of the charting patterns. Toes and fingers crossed.

Bets 22/04/2012

FFS! Last week I called out that Caspar Netscher as a solid yardstick, but all the form around him flopped. Inevitably he hacked up yesterday! I was far too hungover to spot Noble Mission and Harris Tweed running. I also missed Captain Bertie. After his unlucky race in the Spring Mile I knew to back him in his next. Did I? No. Instead I backed three donkeys, two of which were Segals! I’m shocked he didn’t pick the Captain. I bet he is also fuming he didn’t stick with Auroras Encore in the Scottish National, although I’m sure he does not back each way. Thankfully the jumps season is still here and I’m picking winners all over the place. Raya Star at 10/1 was a steal and Merigo at 8/1 was just immense. Annoyingly none of the others came in, else my accumulator would have brought me in a few hundred quid.

Stratford 3.30 – Synthe Davis ran well in his last. With a 10lb and drop in trip will go well.

Stratford 4.00 – My Flora looks a step ahead of these lot although short enough.

Curragh 3.50 – Nephrite, should hack up. But I don’t even trust myself with the flat at the moment!

Curragh 4.20 – Excelebration. Hopefully enough said.

£15.00 Synthe Davis 4/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 My Flora 1/2 - WIN £22.50

£15.00 Exelebration 2/7 - WIN £19.29

£15.00 Nephrite 1/2 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Accumulator N/A - LOSE £0.00

Bets 21/04/2012

Started off well yesterday and then my bets just capitulated. I’m an iPhone down and severely hungover so not sure how well today will pan out. Let’s find out.

Ayr 2.50 – Raya Star is a horse I’ve followed all season and can’t quite work out why I’m being given 10/1. Clearly he didn’t like Chelts and clearly Edgardo Sol and Red Merlin are solid, but Raya looks like good place value .

Ayr 3.25 – I’ve already backed Merigo AntePost and Tom Segal has picked out Quentin Collonges.

Newbury 2.35 – I really like Best Terms. I’ve not done well so far on the flat but hoping this might start turning things around. The form lines are there, the trainer form is also on fire.

Newbury 3.10 – Has to be all about Bronterre. Surely surely. Form franked significantly.

Newbury 3.45 – Segal has backed Dubawi Sound and Heddwyn. Will keep an eye on Oriental Scot in the market but my head hurts too much to look through this!


Total Staked £140.00, Total Returned £228.75

£15.00 Best Terms 5/2 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Raya Start 10/1 - WIN £108.75

£30.00 Bronterre 4/6 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Merigo 8/1 - WIN £120.00

£7.50 e/w Heddwyn 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Oriental Scot 20/1 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Dubawi Sound 8/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Accumulator and Trebles N/A - LOSE £0.00

P&L @ 21/04/12:
£2,760.98
AntePost P&L @ 21/04/12:
£1,238.24
Total P&L @ 21/04/12:
£3,999.22

Bets 20/04/2012

Ah ah annihilation yesterday. I really should park the flat for a couple of weeks but just blindly back Hannon’s 3yr olds. There’s no way I’m taking these defeats badly and although it’s wavering my staking pattern it won’t be for long (I hope). Great Endeavour was put down yesterday but does not seem to be as big in the news as the National deaths. It’s another big loss to racing. Camelot was cut to 6/4 for the Guineas and is shortest with Ladbrokes. We know what this could mean…

Ayr 2.20 – Nicholls has won this 4 times in the last 10 years, but Ayr is McCain world. Lexi’s Boy is a proven decent horse at this level with C&D form as well. Although Dildar could massively improve will stick with the McCain horse.

Ayr 2.50 – Jim Goldie’s horses are running into form and Toshi looks a huge price at 14/1. He ran in this last year and looked like he was cruising until hit the last. That was off a mark of 16lb higher. 14/1 could be a steal, although the ground could turn against if it gets any softer.

Ayr 4.00 – I might be being optimistic but I Hear A Symphony looks another 14/1 shot wrongly priced. With Barry onboard and form behind Rubi Light last year, Tranquil Sea in last race, and Lambe boasting a £40 profit at Ayr, looks juicy.

Newbury 4.25 – Popular is highly regarded by Cecil and there this step up will definitely suit. Sister to Midday!

Newbury 4.55 – Wrotham Heath looked mighty mighty impressive

Total Staked £90.00, Total Returned £62.25

£15.00 Lexis Boy 11/10 - WIN £33.75

£7.50 e/w Toshi 14/1 - PLACED £28.50

£7.50 e/w I Hear A Symphony 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Popular 6/4 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Accumulator N/A - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Wrotham Heath 2/1 - LOSE £0.00

Bets 19/04/2012

Yesterday was a tad butters. The form lines I had banked on, didn’t deliver. It’s very difficult to assess the improvements horses go through over the winter from 2-3 year old so I really should be waiting a few weeks until I get tucked in. That’s never going to happen though. The market moves did well yesterday but again I can’t sit and watch them so have to punt on what I know…

Newmarket 3.00 – Chance taken with Alkazim with both horses in front winning at the weekend. I totally missed the form line of Light Heavy and the market move on him at the weekend. Don’t want to fall short this time if this form works out well.

Newmarket 3.35 – Sirius Prospect won me some decent wedges in handicap races last year but failed to deliver one first start this season. One of my favourite horses is Genki and see no reason to oppose him on last year’s win in this race and form behind Dream Ahead. Segal has backed Elusivity.

Newmarket 4.10 – I backed Most Improved for the 2k Guineas at 25/1 and I’m not sure I want to veer away from him. The favourites do well in this race. Danger might be Forgotten Hero. (UPDATE: Most Improved NR)

Newmarket 4.45 – Ransom Note may struggle to shove of the penalty and I’ll stick with another one of my fav horses in Twice Over, but Segal has tipped Ransom Note up. He has done so in previous years, so may be an emotional attachment here!

£15.00 Genki 3/1 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Alkazim 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Ransom Note 6/1 - LOSE £0.00

£7.50 e/w Forgotten Hero 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 Most Improved 5/4 - NR £15.00

£15.00 Twice Over 11/8 - PLACED £0.00

£7.50 e/w Elusivity 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

P&L @ 19/04/12:
£2,799.98
AntePost P&L @ 19/04/12:
£1,138.24
Total P&L @ 19/04/12:
£3,938.22

Bets18/04/2012

Nicely done yesterday. £10 free bet slapped on Sea Saffron @ 7/1. SP was 3/1 which is always an added bonus. Shame I dropped my stakes to £10. Clearly breaking my own Golden Rules to my own detriment; £140 detriment that is. I’m sticking with £20 a pop for a couple of weeks until the flat season has fully kicked off and form lines begin to emerge.

Newmarket 1.50 – If either Qannaas or Periphery are heavily backed may be worth latching on else so many unknowns in this race.

Newmarket 3.00 - Seems to be early money for Valbchek. May well be justified, but he has beaten jack all so have no idea what is is like hard ridden. If this was over 8f Samitar would take this, but it's over 6f so Balty Boys has to be my bet here. Hills always do well early on in the season and in his last race he finished behind Crusade and Reply and beat Casper Netscher. He ran down one side on his own, and I'll back on it being disadvantageous and for him to come out on top today with that form line.

Newmarket 3.35 - Bannock looks a ridiculous price at 16/1, but is top weight. He has had no races to suit and I think this might suit him. Zumbi may well be the one to beat, but my bet in this will be Redact. I'm banking on Casper Netscher being a solid yardstick as in the previous race. If I could spend all day looking I would bet race by race...

Newmarket 4.10 - Tom Segal Pricewise has tipped up Lily's Angel. Can't say I'm convinced. If you look purely at form Regal Realm's beating of Gamilati when fresh is a winner.

Newmarket 4.45 - I backed Perennial at 9/4 last night. Jungle Beat has not beat anything yet. Perennial's form ahead of Encke and step up in trip is a winner for me.

Newmarket 5.55 - Gatepost is top of the weights justifiably, but may well prove a class above and am hoping will go well fresh. Top Cop also looks interesting back down to 6f, but is next highest in the weights. I think that this might go wrong, may have picked the best horses in the race, but not necessarily best weighted. We'll soon find out.

Cheltenham 2.00 - Bold Chief is well handicapped here and as long he takes to Cheltenham, which is so often the end for many could take this quite easily.

Total Staked £160.00, Total Returned £80.00

£10.00 e/w Redact 7/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Bannock 14/1 - PLACED £45.00

£10.00 e/w Gatepost 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Top Cop 7/1 - LOSE £0.00

£20.00 Bold Chief 10/3 - LOSE £0.00

£20.00 Perennial 9/4 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Lily's Angel 10/1 - PLACED £35.00

£10.00 e/w Balty Boys 5/1 - LOSE £0.00

Bets 17/04/2012

Wow I got lucky with one of my old boys Timocracy yesterday. Bailed me out of a hole towards the end of the day @ 12/1 and also earned me a £10 free bet at Exeter 3.30. I shall not be betting in minor novice events on the flat anymore unless there is a real fancy.

3.30 Exeter – With my free bet I’m going to back Sea Saffron despite being out of the handicap. Fairoak Lad and Spring Moon may well be better but this is a free bet, so whatever.

I don’t have the luxury of time today to look at anything else…

£10.00 Sea Saffron 7/1 - WIN £80.00

P&L @ 17/04/12:
£2,969.98
AntePost P&L @ 17/04/12:
£1,138.24
Total P&L @ 17/04/12:
£4,108.22

Week 9: Update on Ban Jay Desai

Initial Pot: £1500.00. Total Staked: £14,121.28, Total Returned: £18,132.00  = Profit: £4,010.72

URGH! After breaking through the 4k ceiling I genuinely believed I would hack through to 5k. Reality loomed across the horizon as I had 4 losing days on the trot. Aintree produced some wonderful moments but with it brought further controversy about the National. It’s never pleasant to witness the death of an animal but need we forget the two heart attacks on the football pitch, deaths on the ski slope, brain injuries caused by head trauma. I’m sure there are some measures we can take to make it safer, but it will be at the expense of a great spectacle. This is a continuous argument that will continue rage for a while yet. Interesting that the increased whipping rules that were brought in, were, with the threat of jockey striking and the realisation that it fundamentally changed the way races panned out, somewhat reversed. Whatever the outcome, let’s just pray it’s common ground and common sense.

Just Punchestown and the Scottish Grand National to consider from a jumps perspective, before we plough into the flat season! Will Frankel run again? Will Black Caviar rock up to Ascot? Who will be the dark horses? Will the Goodolphin team dominate proceedings or will it be the Ballydole team? So many more questions will soon be answered…

Bets 16/04/2012

Mixed day yesterday. I knew Dabirsim wouldn’t find it easy. However if you watch the race Soumillon really jockeyed up. Forestor hacked up. Furner’s Green hacked up. Famous name won, but didn’t back it. D’oh. And the market called out Light Heavy well. Liking the feel of my Top Irish Jockey J O’Brien now. He seems to be getting a lot of rides! Still available at 3/1!

Windsor 2.00 – Will Hannon win this again with Meringue Pie? Market seems to think it will be Baddilini, but I’ll probably stick to Hannon’s horse.

Windsor 2.30 – A strong looking favourite. Serene’s Oasis’ previous form (excluding last race) may bring a test.

Windsor 3.00 – Do we continue to favourite back with Priestely’s Reward? Can’t see any form lines I like or know of!

Windsor 3.30 – Same again for Rosslyn Castle?

Windsor 4.00 – Same again for Falkland?

Windsor 5.00 – Style and Panache has C&D form and on a goodish mark. At a bigger price Sulis Minerva could go close on this mark.

Windsor 5.30 – Terrible of me, but I saw Timocracy and I was sold.

I really should not have bet on any of the above. Think this week will be a quite week waiting for form lines to develop.

£10.00 Falkland 4/5 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Rosslyn Castle 5/4 - WIN £22.50

£10.00 Priestly's Reward 9/4 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 Impel 13/8 - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Timocracy 12/1 - WIN £85.00

£5.00 e/w Sulis Minerva 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Style and Panache 6/1 - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 Serene Oasis 6/1 - LOSE £0.00

Total Staked £80.00, Total Returned £107.50

Bets 15/04/2012

Phenomenal performance from Neptune Collonges yesterday and it really is a big hats of to Nicholls. The form of his horses post Cheltenham has been nothing short of extraordinary and it further emphasises the importance of keeping an eye on trainer form. I didn’t let my uncertainty phase me yesterday and Simonsig, Sprinter Scare and Oscar Whisky all prevailed in a nice treble. The absence of Ruby on Chapoturgen may well have been his downfall. He was cruising but found little to late of the bridle and one wonders whether it was the handler (I do). Re. the national I had 3 big hopes in Ballabriggs, Killyglen and Cappa Bleu. The first came 6^th, so if I had have been smart and backed it with BetVictor who paid out 6 places I would have doubled my money (I wasn't so I didn't). Killyglen was scats, but Cappa Bleu was my moment of minor glory and put me in the red. I also went in on On His Own, Shakalakaboomboom, Weird Al and Neptune! I can’t take credit or jeers for any of the 3 latter. Thank you Jess [BIG SMILEY FACE]. Tom Segal Pricewise continues to lose me more money, but again I’ll stand by him!

I can’t help but feel sorry for O’Neill. Sunnyhillboy pipped on the line and Synchronised who was put down. An unlucky tragedy. Also, I saw I how nervous the owner of According To Pete was before the race. Can’t imagine how she felt when he was put down. Condolences.

Away from Aintree, Talwar banished any concerns I had about the AW surface and I called the forecast but didn’t put the bet on. The flat season is really going to kick off now and I’m uber excited. I am very anxious about the prospect of not seeing Frankel run again. I’ve only seen him race 3 times in the flesh, but I want more, I need more!!!

Longchamp 3.10 – Many people will immediately bank on Dabirsim here. I’m not convinced it will be as easy as that. It all depends on who has progressed the most over winter. Sounds obvious but Sofast would have had Dabirsim with a bit further, which is what they have now, plus he’ll have the rail this time if he wants it. Dragon Pulse was closely matched with Power and Parish Hall. So there is no way this is as straight forward.

Leapardstown 2.25 – Lots of unknowns. The only one with match fitness could be good enough; Forester.

Leopardstown 2.55 – I like the look of Akeed Wafi but Furner’s Green has had a run this season and Ladbrokes are short on this. Any O’brien horse Ladbrokes are the shortest on is always a telling sign (well more often than not)

Leopardstown 3.25 – Famous Name has won this two years in a row. It won’t be as easy this year with Sharestan knocking around.

Leopardstown 4.35 – David Livingston would have been my choice had it not been for the market shouting out for Light Heavy. Ladbrokes are again the shortest on the Ballydole horse. Hmmm.

Total Staked £90.00, Total Returned £107.28

£30.00 Furner's Green 4/6 - WIN £50.00

£30.00 David Livingston 7/4 - LOSE £0.00

£30.00 Forester 10/11 - WIN £57.28

Bets 14/04/2012 - The Grand National!

The class horse won Race 1, Race 2, Race 3 yesterday. I admit. I got scared after losing so much on Day 1. Emotions took over and I definitely lost out on a couple of hundred bob. And then I tried to catch up with Fingal Bay! Oh well. It’s a similar story here today with Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre but there’s no value in them. It’s going to be an enthralling battle between Henderson and Nicholls for the title and I just don’t know which was it will go! Should have listened to Bazza yesterday. He said Finians would stay and love it. I just didn’t believe it from what I had seen. Only took some small loses today and have Peter Bowen and my hero Always Waining to thank. It’s not a day to throw lots of money in. Should enjoy it! J

Aintree 1.45 – Hard to get away from Simonsig, but not value.

Aintree 2.15 – Again impossible to get away from the Beast that is Sprinter Sacre. Absolutely no value here unless you pull the forecast out, but won’t entertain that idea.

Aintree 2.50 – This should be the race of the day. Rock on Ruby ran poorly here last year after a blinder at Chelts so be keen to take him on here. Although ROR and Zarkandar are two of my favourite horses I’ve always been a bigger fan of Oscar Whisky. He just didn’t stay last time. He won this last year and is a better horse this year. I hope Thousand Stars does not pull it out the bag, but with a good ride OW can use his pace at the right time to kill this off.

Aintree 3.25 – Chapoturgen is so well handicapped and the form of his last race is working out so so well.

Aintree 4.15 – It’s lottery time. I’m going to throw some tricasts in for banter, but you need a good prominent/front runner proven over these fences. I have backed far too many horses over the last few weeks! Luckily they are all still running! Ante Post wise I have already back Cappa Bleu @ 16/1, Giles Cross @ 25/1, Killyglen (NAP), On His Own and Ballabriggs! WHOOPS! So I cannot back anything else, but Segal has picked Becauseicouldntsee and Rare Bob. I wouldn’t ordinarily back them but I feel I have no choice. I also have the free Treacle bet. Killyglen has the right family, solid weight, great form and has performed well here.

Lingfield 3.05 – I like Talwar in this although worried about the AW trip. Prince Alzain should be the only danger.

Antepost Bets:

£10.00 e/w Cappa Bleu 16/1 - PLACED £50.00

£25.00 e/w Cappa Bleu 16/1 - PLACED £125.00

£20.00 e/w Giles Cross 25/1 - LOSE £0.00

£20.50 Nicholls Top Trainer 2/1 - WIN £61.50
£15.00 e/w Ballabriggs 14/1 - LOSE £0.00
£15.00 e/w Own His Own 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

Today's Bets:
£10.00 e/w Killyglen 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w On His Own 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£30.00 Treble Oscar Whisky, Simonsig, Sprinter Sacre N/A - WIN £168.75

£30.00 Oscar Whisky 9/4 - WIN £97.50

£30.00 Treble Simonsig, Zarkandar, Chapoturgen N/A - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Neptune Collonges 33/1 - WIN £216.25

£5.00 e/w Weird Al 50/1 - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Shakalakaboomboom  12/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Prohibition 6/1 - PLACED £25.00

£20.00 Lots of Tricasts N/A - LOSE £0.00

£20.00 Chapoturgen 9/4 - LOSE £0.00

£20.00 Talwar 11/10 - WIN £42.00

£7.50 e/w E/W Acc Oscar, Chapoturgen, Ballabriggs N/A - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Becauseicouldntsee 20/1 - LOSE £0.00

£5.00 e/w Rare Bob 50/1 - LOSE £0.00

Total Staked £465.50, Total Returned £786.00

P&L @ 14/04/12:
£2,855.20
AntePost P&L @ 14/04/12:
£1,138.24
Total P&L @ 14/04/12:
£3,993.44

Bets 13/04/2012 - Aintree Day 2

£300 odd quid down yesterday. Chasing the big accumulator win was the biggest lost and my nervous feelings translated into a financial travesty. Actually that’s a tad harsh; perhaps blip is more appropriate? 5 minutes before the off, Grumeti was backed hard into favouritism and won. Cloudy Lane came in from 8/1 to 4/1 close to the off and won. I called out Cloudy Lane in blog, but I tried to be clever (D'oh). Menorah came from 5/1 to 3/1 and won. Edgardo Sol again solidified at the top of the market just before the off and won. If only I didn’t work and could sit and watch the markets!!! I did feel nervous about my selections yesterday and in the end, nerves justified. Let’s all hope for a better day today, else I’ll be looking at my antepost bets in the national to bail me out!!! At least I got one thing right. Nicholls is FLYING. I plopped on at 2/1 for Nicholls to be top jumps trainer and 3/1 for Bucks to remain unbeaten all season, so have a bit more coming back to me. Now which Henderson horses do we take on…

Aintree 2.00 – Darlan and Prospect Wells are both class acts. The ex-flat horses usually do well in this race and with Nicholls flying may be worth siding with the latter. Let’s have a coffee break at 1.55 and see who to side with. Tom Segal Pricewise has picked Vulcanite.

Aintree 2.30 – Silviniaco Conti has let me down on a number of occasions and Join Together doesn’t seem to perform at this time of year. I like Champion Court’s chances. Solid and reliable but I have to admit am worried about the distance. Hmm tougher than originally thought!

Aintree 3.05 – Finian’s Rainbow is not going to stay. Kauto Stone has yet to convince. KKing has probably had his time. If the ground dries out then Albertas Run may be the one to side with but the clerks are going to water 4-6mm. I used to be a big Poquelin fan, but not sure any more. That only really leaves me with Pure Faith 100/1 which I can’t take and Wishfull Thinking who I’m a big fan off despite being so frustratingly inconsistent! 12/1 a tad big.

Aintree 3.40 – Previous year’s contenders do well in this. I was immediately drawn to Gonebeyondrecall on this basis. Tom Segal Pricewise has tipped up as well at 16/1. I’m always a big fan of Peter Bowen at this festival as well and was the main reason had a blinder last year at Aintree. Always Waining in on for the hatrick but is up 6lb this time. Frankie Figg might go well. Segal has also tipped an old favourite of mine; Little Josh.

Aintree 4.15 – I absolutely bum Fingal Bay and I want it to win and go on to bigger, greater things. The two outsiders I have lined up. Ballyrock 16/1 1 length behind Fingal Bay, McCoy up. The other is Netminder 125/1. He would have beaten Brindini’s Breeze and battered opposition by 23lenghts in the next. Yes BB has probably progressed a lot more, but hey it’s worth a punt.

Aintree 4.50 – I’ll let the market choose this one. Coffee 4.45 anyone? Bourne might be an obvious choice,  but I have my eye on Dare Me. Doesn’t like at Chelts obviously. Back to a better track where he is competing with the likes of Sire De Grugy and Devil To Pay

Aintree 5.25 – I landed this race with Tempest River last year at 33/1. No big outsiders for me this time. I like this look of the hard working favourite Call Me a Star.

3.58pm Coffee Break update - Hmm the favs have cleaned up! Didn't back any of them. Oh dear. Get in Peter Bowen. I heart you. Hobbs' horses are going all guns. Fingal Bay lump job?

£2.50 e/w Pure Faith 100/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Always Waining 11/1 - WIN £236.25

£15.00 e/w Frankie Figg 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Netminder 125/1 - LOSE £0.00

£10.00 e/w Vulcanite 12/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Little Josh 10/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Ballyrock 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Gonebeyondrecall 16/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Dare Me 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Wishfull Thinking 12/1 - PLACED £51.00

£15.00 e/w Bourne 6/1 - LOSE £0.00

£30.00 Call Me a Star 3/1 - LOSE £0.00

£12.50 e/w E/W Acc and Trebles: Call Me A Star, Dare Me, Fingal Bay, Gonebeyondrecall, Wishfull Thinking, Prospect Wells N/A - PLACED £18.37

£10.00 e/w E/W Acc Darlan, Silvin Conti, Albertas Run, Fingal Bay N/A - PLACED £38.68

£30.00 Fingal Bay 6/4 - LOSE £0.00

P&L @ 13/04/12:

£2,580.70

AntePost P&L @ 13/04/12:

£1,092.24

Total P&L @ 13/04/12:

£3,672.94

Bets 12/04/2012 - Aintree Day 1

Solar Spirit saved my bacon yesterday, although it’s now 3 losing days in a row. Need a big bounce back today and let’s hope Aintree can help me out! Ordinarily I would say avoid horses who had a hard race at Cheltenham, but this year they’ve had an extra week of rest and I’m hoping that will make all the difference. Henderson horses are still running to their mark, but Nicholls is definitely on his A-Game at the moment.

Aintree 2.00 – I just don’t see the point in taking on Big Bucks. You won’t make big bucks from backing him unless you pick out the forecast. I don’t think it is that obvious though. We could well see a Nicholls 123 here today though. Smad Place is the obvious danger to the latter two.

Aintree 2.30 – Countrywide Flame took me by surprise in the Triumph so is an obvious contender, but I’m all over Pearl Swan here. French breds do well. Was left with too much to do in Triumph and Nicholls was not firing, but he is now. Does not have to give 3lb to Grumeti this time when pretty much a dead heat. Segal has tipped Gottany O’s. He will set a strong pace which will suit Countrywide Flame.

Aintree 3.05 – Medermit doesn’t look like staying, Diamond Harry is on the decline and not sure the wind op worked out. Hunt Ball is a phenomenon and actually front runner do extremely well in this so should go close for a place. Does he have the class to win? Not sure. We will find out today. Riverside Theatre is worthy favourite, but is the trip right? Judging by his Ascot raves probably won’t be a problem. I might stay away from this but if pressed I’d take Hunt Ball.

Aintree 3.40 – This is ridiculous. At level weights you have to look towards to top rated or do you? I was drawn to Cloudy Lane but looking at previous races the value surely lies with The Polomoche who had to concede weight to Cloudy Lane in their last battle. Polo then battered simple opposition but at least comes here in good form. The other to consider might be Island Life who trounced 130ish rated horses in the last.

Aintree 4.15 – Can’t have Tanks For That at top weight as much as I heart him and as much as I heart Nicholls like at Chelts I can’t back any of his chasers here although he is FLYING. I’ve nearly convinced myself that Silk Drum is a huge price @ 11/1. He won this last year (easily) 5lb lower and comes here is good form like the trainer. Lost to Tara Royal by 13 odds lengths but there is a 15lb reversal now. Segal has backed Free World

Aintree 4.50 – I really can’t call this. I love Ferof but is a constant disappointment. PR, CB and Menorah could all win this. No Each Way Value so I am out.

Aintree 5.25 – Could easily get carried away in this, but there’s only one horse I have my eye on and I thought would go close at Chelts…Spirit River. 14/1. Will easily outrun that.

In terms of an Accumulator, no point putting Bucks in, but something with Pearl Swan, Hunt Ball, Island Life, Spirit River, Silk Drum might break the bank.

Lunchtime update...Pearl Swan is a NR :( Thrown another Accumulator in with Countrywide Flame, What A Friend, Spirit River, Free World, Pepite Rose, Island Life

6.00pm update... Ouch. The market spoke massively today, and not for any of my babies. Couple of cheeky ones a Wolves then...Munsarim 15/8 and Corvette 4/1

£15.00 e/w Pearl Swan 9/2 - NR £30.00

£15.00 e/w Gullinbursti 9/2 - NR £30.00

£15.00 e/w Hunt Ball 11/2 - PLACED £33.00

£15.00 e/w Gottany O's 33/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Free World 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Silk Drum 11/1 - LOSE £0.00

£38.75 Big Bucks 2/9 - WIN £47.37

£15.00 e/w Spirit River 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w The Polomoche 12/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Island Life 14/1 - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w Countrywide Flame 5/1 - PLACED £30.94

£65.00 e/w Doubles, Trebles, E/W Acc, IL, SR, PS, HB, SD N/A - LOSE £0.00

£15.00 e/w E/w Accumulator HF, BB, LR, SE, Que, SS N/A - LOSE £0.00

£30.00 Munsarim 15/8 - WIN £86.25

£15.00 e/w Corvette 4/1 - LOSE £0.00

Total Staked £558.75, Total Returned £257.56

P&L @ 12/04/12:
£2,636.40
AntePost P&L @ 12/04/12:
£1,092.24
Total P&L @ 12/04/12:
£3,728.64

Bets 11/04/2012

Total annihilation yesterday. Where did I go wrong? Easy. Backed horses who had fairly tough races at Cheltenham and do not know anywhere near enough about Irish form. Lesson learnt. I’m lowering my stakes today, so have pennies left for the start of Aintree tomorrow.

Catterick 2.30 – Not a race one should get involved in, but typically I am. If the ground suits then Copperwood will go very close with a claimer onboard. MJ’s horses are flying so 8/1 is tempting. I’ll have a saver on Solar Spirit.

Catterick 5.00 – Boucher Garcon ran a blinder on Saturday in a decent time and should be tough to beat. At bigger prices Lucky Dan and Luscivious as well worth a shot.

Nottingham 2.40 – Wow. Triple Aspect, Jonny Mudball and Dinkum Diamond. I heart all three. I’m not sure Triple will like the ground, and not sure Jonny will like the trip though there is a 9lb difference which might turn it. Hmm.

Nottingham 3.40 – Tough race to call. On the ground basis I’m going with Parlour Games. Dettori/Zaroooooooni combo as well.

Nottingham 4.10 – Speculative punt based on Stats. Run of The Day 33/1, with visor on at the bottom of the weights could spring a surprise.

Nottingham 4.40 – Bevis Marks has been let in here lightly on handicap debut. 17/2 is too big.

Nottingham 5.10 – Robemaker is the class horse in this race, but it is another darnit handicap and Oriental Scot might pip him again. Mawaakef was not too far away from Casemento in his earlier days and is therefore another on a dangerous mark.

I might have a look at Kempton later today. I am gutted Basseterre is not running as picked him up at 11/4 last night and was 6/4 this morning. Anyway…

£7.50 e/w Solar Spirit 10/1 - Win £108.75

£7.50 e/w Cooperwood 8/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Lucky Dan 20/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Luscivious 14/1 - Lose £0.00

£15.00 Boucher Garcon 9/4 - Win £48.75

£15.00 Dinkum Diamond 2/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Run of The Day 33/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Parlour Games 11/2 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Bevis Marks 17/2 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Robe Maker 5/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Mawaakef 10/1 - Lose £0.00

£7.50 e/w Oriental Scot 8/1 - Lose £0.00

P&L @ 11/04/12:
£2,937.59
AntePost P&L @ 11/04/12:
£1,092.24
Total P&L @ 11/04/12:
£4,029.83

Bets 10/04/2012

Fairyhouse 4.00 – At the weights you have to go Edeymi

Fairyhouse 4.30 – Shop DJ looks another solid favourite

Fairyhouse 5.30 – As long as Bellvano has recovered from Chelts he’ll go close. Nearest The Pin interests me

Fairyhouse 6.30 – Our Victoria has some solid form behind her. Ignoring the RP comments today!

Fairyhouse 7.00 – Salsify won this last year. May be tired from Chelts, but looks good enough to me


Total staked £180.00, Total Returned £0.00! EKK

Week 8: Update on Ban Jay Desai

Total Staked £12,277.03 Total Returned £16,479.36 = Profit £4,202.33 (34.2% Return) 

Finally surpassed £4,000. Next target is £5,000. I have an inaugural feeling that Aintree will be the killer arrow, to this once aloof destination. I am only being restrained by one lady so far and I shredded a few further threads from her on Saturday, but, until I up the ante I can’t see her banishing me from Planet Punting. Seemed a lot easier with Coral, though I was not trying then! This week all revolves around Aintree, but not the big race itself; that’s a lottery.

The Master’s was good fun to watch and my “I know nothing about golf” punting attempts were not the worst bets. Tiger was probably the lamest. Bo Van Pelt scored an unbelievable last round and Hunter Mahan didn’t disgrace. Arsenal’s victory was the highlight outside racing. Saturday though, was another pinch of fine selections. I still can’t believe that a horse which lost by a few lengths to Krypton Factor who won a G1 £774k race @ the Dubai World Cup, ridden by J Murtagh was allowed to go off at 10/1! Well, just glad I did not miss it. Today again, proved the market should not sway your opinion. How could the market not see that the Fourth of June was well handicapped. The drifting price did put a seed of doubt in my write up but I quelled any weed growth. 

My other weakness was exposed today. RacingPost comments. They are just someone’s opinion. I need to get over them. The Irish Grand National winner today was quoted as a "surprise winner". Why? He beat Start Me Up and Four Commanders at level weight in previous race (see below) but I got put off by “No worries about the trip, falls down in plenty of other areas though”. Oh well, lesson learnt.

			HORSE/SP	AGE	WGT	TRAINER/JOCKEY	OR	TS	RPR	RATED
«	1		Lion Na Bearnai (IRE) 50/1	10	11-3	Thomas Gibney	108	74	139		»
						A P Thornton
			Prominent, challenged and on terms when slightly hampered 2 out, soon led, headed and dropped to 3rd run-in, ran on gamely to regain lead near finish
«	2	¾	Four Commanders (IRE) 7/2	6	11-3 p	M F Morris	135	73	138		»
						D N Russell
			Prominent, slight mistake 4 out, challenged from before last, on terms and every chance run-in, headed near finish (op 9/2)
«	3	nse	Start Me Up (IRE) 7/2	8	11-3	C F Swan	130	73	138		»
						R Walsh
			Waited with, slight mistake 3rd, bad mistake 6 out, closed from 4 out, 4th before straight, got to the front under pressure run-in, headed near finish (op 7/2 tchd 4/1)