Today's Racing - 31/01/2014

Plenty of racing to look forward to today despite Chepstow having abandoned early due to a waterlogged track. We have jumps racing from Catterick, where going is currently described as Soft (Heavy in places). And we have four all-weather cards from Dundalk (IRE), Lingfield, Wolverhampton, and the 'bumpers for jumpers card at Kempton (Going; Standard-Slow (Good-Soft)).

A few Non-Runners so far and they are;

Night of the Realm - Kempton 13:50

Shirley Vanessa     - Lingfield 14:00

Plan Again             - Kempton 15:30
Shine In Time        - Kempton 15:50

Master Cardor Visa - Kempton 16:40

Vaitsev                  - Wolverhampton 17:20



And, regarding the weather once again, there's been an update HRI Racing (@HRI_Racing), who have Tweeted; 'Fairyhouse (tomorrow), Heavy, Soft-Heavy in places. Will continue to monitor situation. Forecast; Heavy rain today, showers tomorrow'.

Ffos Las are also set to inspect at 7:30am Saturday morning, for their card, which includes the Welsh Champion Hurdle and the West Wales National.


Check back soon for more updates and latest. Have a nice day.

Classy Certify Back, And Winning!

The classy filly Certify returned to the track with another win in the Cape Verdi Group 2 at Meydan. 
Held to the rear most of the way, until making her move up the outside with 400-500 metres to the post. Battled with L'Amour De Ma Vie eventually winning by 3/4 lengths, maintaining her unbeaten record.

Over 350 Entries For Novice Hurdles At Cheltenham Festival

There have been over 350 entries for the Novice Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival this year.


Willie Mullins has a massive 64 entries, with favourites for 3 of the 4 Grade 1 novice hurdles at Cheltenham, with Vautour (Supreme), Faugheen (Neptune), and Ivan Gronzy (Triumph Hurdle). 

There are 104 entries for the Neptune, 102 for the Supreme, 81 for the Albert Bartlett, and 65 for the Triumph Hurdle.

How Many More Abandonments!

Once again I'm posting about the bad weather and the racing casualties brought with it. Today saw Thursday's meeting at Towcester abandoned, and Friday's Chepstow meeting also abandoned, both due to waterlogging on the track. 

There will be a 7:30am inspection Thursday morning, for the days meeting at Wincanton, where going is currently described as Heavy (soft in places).

More heavy rain forecast up and down the country, especially on Friday, and more abandonments could happen yet. 


Away from the depressing weather news, and a look towards the £1 million Grand National, where there's been a sharp increase in entries, attracting 115 entries, the most since 2009.
Willie Mullins has the most entries, with eight, while Nicky Henderson could run Hennessy Gold Cup winner Triolo D'Alene, along the brilliant Long Run and Hunt Ball



And the news on Defy Logic wasn't good, as it emerged his campaign was over, after breaking a blood vessel in the Irish Arkle. 
Paul Nolan says it was the best decision, to give him plenty of time to recover. And went onto say, 'We'll look forward to next season with him now.'


Join me again soon for more news, tips and stats, and also follow me on Twitter @JamesHarvey87

Grand National Winner Auroras Encore Forced Into Retirement

On Tuesday, Sue Smith revealed to the Racing Post that Grand National winner Auroras Encore has suffered an injury which has ruled him out of another crack at the race and forced him into retirement.

On the day that entries closed for the Aintree showpiece, she announced that the 12-year-old had hurt himself when warming up for a second tilt at the contest at Doncaster last Saturday.

The chaser, who gave Yorkshire its first victory in the National for half a century when scoring at 66-1 last April, underwent an operation to have screws inserted in his leg. 

"He got an injury during the Sky Bet Chase," Smith said. "He got a fracture to the off-fore at some stage. That's racing. He won't race again as he is 12 now and this is quite a serious thing."

Just Kempton To Look Towards......Wednesday's Racing

With all jumps meetings cancelled for today due to bad weather, we have only Kempton in the evening to look towards. 
So, I have a few stats and tips for the all-weather at Kempton....


Top Flat Jockey's at Kempton;

Jim Crowley     16% Strike-Rate   131-845
Adam Kirby      16% Strike-Rate   118-748
Jaime Spencer  19% Strike-Rate    50-259


Top Flat Trainers at Kempton;

Ralph Beckett    22% Strike-Rate    56-253
Andrew Balding 15% Strike-Rate    55-366
Sir M Prescott Bt 16% Strike-Rate   25-154
Kevin Ryan        20% Strike-Rate    18-90
James Bethell    18% Strike-Rate      4-22


A Couple To Look At.....

17:50 - Fleetwoodsands; has 5 wins from 27 over this distance (7f) and has Sean Levey on-board, who has a strike-rate of 19% over the last fortnight. Currently 4/1 at Paddy Power (from 6/1)

18:50 - Maggie Pink; has a strike-rate of 38% over the distance (7f), and is 2 from 2 on the course at Kempton, course-distance winner. Currently 7/1 with William Hill......Possible Each-Way bet.


A Few Significant Early Positive Movers....

16:50 - Guardi 12/1 (from 16/1)
17:50 - Fleetwoodsands 4/1 (from 6/1)
18:50 - Smokethatthunders 7/2 (from 4/1)
18:50 - Corporal Maddox 13/2 (from 10/1)
19:50 - Alumina 9/4 (from 3/1)
20:20 - Examiner 5/4 (from 13/8)

For that's about it, but please check back soon

Racing Latest - Ruby Walsh Talks Annie Power and Big Bucks

RUBY WALSH TALKS ANNIE POWER AND BIG BUCKS

Ruby Walsh admits that Annie Power's exuberance may be an issue if she was to run in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March at the Cheltenham Festival. 
She stretched her unbeaten record to 10 wins on Saturday at Doncaster, but was very keen before the race.
Walsh told Racing UK, 'She was more on her toes at Doncaster than she has been any other day, but she's always been highly strung. So going three miles over Cheltenham would be a worry.'

Walsh also spoke about Big Buck's, and says he wouldn't have ridden him any differently in last Saturdays Cleeve Hudlre, after new jockey, Sam Twiston-Davies, came under some criticism for taking up the running a mile from home. 
Writing on his blog, Walsh said, 'Things didn't go to script for Big Buck's comeback, but in my eyes he got beat because of race rustiness. He hadn't run in 14 months, and if you stoppped the race a few strides after the last, you'd think he was all over the winner. He doesn't appear to have lost any of his sparkle, and looked like he was going to pull away up the hill.' Read the whole blog post on PaddyPower.com


LATEST WEATHER PROBLEMS

And, once again, the weather is playing its part on race abandonments, with Leicester having to call their meeting off on Wednesday, due to a waterlogged track. The easy-call was made at 15:45 today following inspection.
Clerk of the course, Jimmy Stevenson said, 'We needed a wrong forecast. I knew the rain was around. The forecast is for rain this evening. And no let-up tomorrow.'

Newcastle's meeting tomorrow is also off due to waterlogging.

There is also an inspection at Chepstow tomorrow, for Friday's meeting. Currently described as Heavy, with waterlogging in places. 

A Look At The All-Weather Card From Southwell On Tuesday

UK racing once again effected by the weather tomorrow (Tuesday), with Lingfield already abandoned, and Taunton due an inspection at 7am Tuesday morning. There is also racing on the all-weather at Southwell, which I'll focus on in this post.


Early Positive Movers in the Market (Southwell (AW)

13:20 - Mediterranean Sea       5/2 (from 7/2)
13:50 - Take The Lead             5/2 (from 11/4)
13:50 - Laughing Back             5/2 (from 11/4)
15:50 - Victorian Number         4/1 (from 7/1)
15:50 - Dandarrell                   4/1 (from 7/2)
16:20 - Stun Gun                   15/8 (from 5/2)
16:20 - Beachwood Bay           4/1 (from 6/1)


Joe Fanning, who ran a four-timer at Wolverhampton on Monday has 4 rides at Southwell, including Ferdy (20/1) in the 4:20, and Thatchmaster in the 3:20.
Fanning also has an impressive record at Southwell, with a strike-rate of 22% with most wins for a flat jockey at the course; 81-370.

Certify Set To Return, Latest Weather Casualties, Cheltenham Festival and More....Latest News

CERTIFY SET TO RETURN AT MEYDAN

Certify, one of 22 Godolphin horses suspended from racing for six months last year, is set to return to action, and Charlie Appleby believes the filly will be competitive when she returns from almost 500 days off the track, in the Group 2 Cape Verdi Stakes at Meydan on Thursday. 
Appleby, who took over Moulton Paddocks in July, warns that Certify will be better for the run, but is excited to be getting her back on the track.


LATEST WEATHER

The latest casualty to the bad weather, see's Wednesday's meeting at Ludlow abandoned due to waterlogging on the track. 
Taunton's meeting tomorrow is subject to a 7am inspection in the morning.


FOX HUNTER CHASE FANCY, BESHABAR, RETIRED

And now for a couple of retirements announced today, with Beshabar, winner of the 2011 Scottish Grand National, and a leading fancy at the Cheltenham, in the Fox Hunter Chase, has been retired due to a minor set-back. Injuries have kept the 12 year old off since November 2011, where finishing 5th in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
And, the other retirement sees Marco Botti-trained Jakkalberry retired due to a set-back. Botti said, 'He returned back from exercise this morning a little sore, and exploratory tests have told us it is time to call it a day with him. He is fine in himself, and in great spirits, but it would be unfair to keep persevering with him.'


AN EARLY LOOK TOWARDS CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Finally on the latest news, we now have some prices in for Top Jockey's and Trainers for the Cheltenham Festival. Paddy Power have opened with Willie Mullins at 4/9 to take top trainer, with Nicky Henderson 7/2 and Paul Nicholls 9/2.
As for the Jockey's, there's no surprise as Ruby Walsh is 4/7 favourite, having been top jockey 5, out of the last 6 years. Barry Geraghty 7/2 and A P McCoy 6/1.


For now, that's about it, but do join me again soon for more news, tips and stats.

Ayr Passes Inspection

According to Sky Sports, Ayr passes inspection this morning and racing goes ahead. Going is Heavy.

Check my selections for Ayr in an earlier post, and also my post on stats for todays' racing.

The Funny Side Of Racing....

I still watch this video in shock, at what an unbelievably funny and crazy finish it was.......Enjoy the video from Fontwell, 26th December 2013

Early Positives For Monday's Cards

A quick look then at the positive movers in the market at this early stage. Prices from Paddy Power

Ayr - 13:45       Fog Patches            4/1 (from 7/1)
Ayr - 14:50       Hellorboston         11/4 (from 10/3)
Ayr - 15:20       Jim Bowie              7/2  (from 9/2)
Ayr - 15:50       Ancient Times        9/1  (from 16/1)
                         W Six Times          6/1  (from 8/1)


W'hampton - 14:40  Consistant        7/1 (from 4/1)
Rose Garnet  10/1  (from 12/1)
W'hampton - 16:40   Sir Charlie Kunz 10/11 (from 5/4)
W'hampton - 17:10   Doldrums         7/2 (from 4/1)
W'hampton - 17:40   Smalljohn         7/2 (from 5/1)
Funky Cold Medina   4/1 (from 6/1)

My Monday Selections

I have a few selections for Monday's racing at Ayr, providing it passes a 7:30am inspection, with Going described as Heavy, and further rainfall forecast.

Ayr 12:45 - Layla Joan                     8/13

Ayr 13:45 - Samson Collonges EW    6/1 (from 7/1) 

Danger; Fog Patches 4/1 (from 7/1)

Ayr 14:50 - City of Doral EW             8/1

Ayr 15:20 - And The Man                  3/1

Essential Stats For Wolverhampton (AW)

Some essential stats for Monday's all-weather meeting at Wolverhampton, to get you ahead of the game.....

Top Jockey's - Win Strike-Rate Record on the Flat at Wolverhampton




Adam Kirby   - 117-628 (19%)

Joe Fanning  - 112-684 (16%)
R. Kingscote -   72-453 (16%)
J. Spencer    -   66-339 (19%)
Mr S Walker  -    8-29   (28%)



Top Trainers - Win Strike-Rate Record on the Flat at Wolverhampton

Mark Johnston -    85-467 (18%)
Marco Botti      -    70-326 (21%)
T. Dascombe   -    58-313 (19%)
K. Dalgleish     -    36-210 (17%)
Sir M Prescott Bt - 28-144 (19%)
James Tate      -    26-116 (22%)
Johnny Farrelly-      2-5     (40%)


On-Fire In The Last Fortnight

Jockey's;

Joe Doyle           -    4-17 (24%)
Shane Kelly        -    9-32 (28%)
Stephen Craine   -    3-11 (27%)
Joe Fanning        -  10-45 (22%)
Richard Kingscote -  5-23 (22%)
Sean Levey         -    5-25 (20%)
Jaime Spencer    -    8-28 (29%)
George Chaloner -    3-14 (21%)

Trainers;

Shaun Harris      -    5-9   (56%)
David Simcock   -    8-19 (42%)
Mark Johnston   -    9-20 (45%)
Tom Dascombe -    3-12 (25%)
Richard Fahey   -    6-25 (24%)
D. M. Loughnane -  4-8   (50%)
Keith Dalgleish  -    3-10 (30%)
Phil McEntee     -     4-10 (40%)

Ayr Hopeful Monday's Racing Will Go Ahead

With Plumpton already fallen victim to the weather, all hope falls on Ayr's 7:30am inspection to get some UK jumps racing on Monday.
Going at the course is already described as 'Heavy', with further rainfall expected. Clerk of the course, Emma Marley, said on Sunday, 'The forecast looks reasonable tomorrow so once the morning goes we should be okay. We're raceable at present, with no standing water. We're on relatively fresh ground and the track has coped well to this stage.'


There is also an inspection at noon on Monday for Ludlow's meeting on Wednesday, with waterlogging in places and further rain expected. 

Another Grade 1 Victory For Hurricane Fly

Hurricane Fly won his eigth consecutive race at Leopardstown and his fourth consecutive BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle as he beat off the challenge from Our Conor. Hurricane fly matched Istabraq's record of 4 straight wins of the race. 
Mullins said, 'That was a huge relief. I was so disappointed coming off the gallops this week. I was saying to myself, 'Is the dream over with him, and has he had enough?''


In other news from today's racing, Trifolium gave a brilliant display to take the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown. Favourite Defy Logic was found to have broken a blood vessel in the race, and finished fifth. William Hill subsequently slashed the price of Trifolium in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham Festival to 8/1 (from 25/1).


Check back soon for more news, tips, and stats

Sunday's Tips

Hurricane Fly

UK racing sees action from Leopardstown, Sedgefield and the all-weather at Wolverhampton today, with racing at Fontwell abandoned. A great days racing in Ireland as Leopardstown hosts two Grade 1 races; the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase, featuring the likes of Defy Logic (who I do like, and would tip in this race), Mozoltov and Felix Yonger, and also the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle which features the battle between Hurricane Fly (4/7), Jezki (100/30) and Our Conor (4/1), with Captain Cee Bee the 100/1 outsider. 

A few significant early positive movers in the market (PaddyPower) at this stage include;

Leopardstown 14:00 - Treat Yourself     15/8 from 2/1
Leopardstown 15:10 - Moonshine Lad     5/1 from 6/1
Leopardstown 15:40 - Wrong Turn        10/3 from 5/1

Sedgefield       14:10 - Comeback Colin   4/1 from 5/1
Sedgefield       14:45 - Tranquil Sea        9/4 from 5/2
                              - Shadows Lengthen 6/1 from 8/1
Sedgefield       15:50 - Prince Blackthorn 5/2 from 3/1

W'hampton     14:20 - Colourbearer    15/2 from 10/1
W'hampton     15:30 - Rocky Rebel       7/2 from 13/2
W'hampton     16:00 - Lilac Tree         11/4 from 7/2


My Selections;

Sedgefield 13:10 - Oscar Tanner

Sedgefield 13:40 - Swaton Typhoon

Sedgefield 14:10 - Mixologist 2/1 - (with Forty Crown possible EW 13/2 from 8/1)

Join me again soon for more tips, news, stats and more, good luck with today's selections. Watch all today's UK racing on At The Races.

Shock As 66/1 Shot Knockara Beau Wins Cleeve Hurdle

There was no dream comeback for Big Bucks, returning after 420 days off due to injury, as Knockara Beau (66/1) won the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle, beating At Fishers Cross by a shoulder, with Big Bucks finishing in third.

After the race, trainer Paul Nicholls said he was happy with Big Bucks, and once again, said he would come on from this race. 

Latest UK Racing News on Hurricane Fly and Big Bucks

HURRICANE FLY LATE SCARE

Willie Mullins has admitted that Hurricane Fly had trained poorly this week and the cause was said to be a bruised foot, as he bids to win yet another Grade 1 race at Leopardstown this Sunday.
Mullins said, 'He seems fine since, so we'll see how he goes. We could have taken the easy option, and not run, but this is the Irish Champion Hurdle. Sometimes athletes carry bits of injuries going into games, and we're happy to let him take his chance.'

Hurricane Fly is currently odds-on favourite at 4/7


BIG BUCKS WELL PREPARED

Big Bucks makes his long-awaited return in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, and Paul Nicholls believes he has taken every precaution with his preparation on the 11 year old, who has been off for 420 days. 
Nicholls said, 'Rose Loxton, who rides him out everyday, tells me he feels no different than before. And I'll be honest, I hope and think he'll win the Cleeve Hurdle. But don't get me wrong, he will improve for the run, win, lose or draw.'


Big Bucks is currently EVEN money favourite

Early Positive Movers For Friday's Racing

A fair few race meetings tomorrow (Friday) in the UK, including Huntingdon and Doncaster amongst others. A few early movers for you to look at......

HUNTINGDON;

12:50 - Ghost Of A Smile   15/2 from 10/1
13:50 - Generous Ransom   3/1 from 4/1
14:55 - Caroles Destrier      5/2 from 7/2
16:00 - Theatrebar              9/2 from 13/2


DONCASTER;

13:10 - Easydoesit          15/2 from 10/1
13:40 - Pearl Castle        15/2 from 10/1
            I Got Power        16/1 from 25/1
14:10 - Victor Hewgo      13/8 from 2/1


That's it for now, please do check back soon for stats, tips, news and much more. Good Luck 

A Few Stats for Thursday's Racing at Warwick

Just a quick post with a few statistics for Thursday's racing at Warwick, to hopefully help you pick a few winners out. 

Top Jockey's; 

A P McCoy                         14 from 69 (20% strike-rate)

Richard Johnson              13 from 61 (21% strike-rate)

Paddy Brennan                12 from 64 (19% strike-rate) (£1 stake profit of +65)  

Jason Maguire                    7 from 36 (19% strike-rate)

Top Trainers; 

David Pipe                         13 from 52 (25% strike-rate)

N Twiston-Davies             17 from 115 (15%strike-rate) (£1 stake profit of +20)

Brendan Powell                  5 from 19 (26% strike-rate)

Sheena West                       3 from 10 (30% strike-rate)

Charlie Mann                       6 from 28 (21% strike-rate)

Donald McCain                    3 from 14 (21% strike-rate)

31% - The number of HANDICAPS won by FAVOURITES at Warwick

38% - The number of NON-HANDICAPS won by FAVOURITES at Warwick

ON FIRE IN THE LAST FORTNIGHT.......

Jockey's; 

Aidan Coleman                    6 from 29 (21% strike-rate)

Tom Scudamore                  4 from 20 (20% strike-rate)

S Twiston-Davies                5 from 26 (19% strike-rate)

A P McCoy                          12 from 39 (31% strike-rate)

Paddy Brennan                   5 from 15 (33% strike-rate)

Richard Johnson                 8 from 25 (32% strike-rate)

Leighton Aspell                    6 from 17 (35% strike-rate)

Trainers;

John Ferguson                    2 from 4 (50% strike-rate)

David Pipe                           5 from 29 (17% strike-rate)

N Twiston-Davies               4 from 26 (15% strike-rate)

Tom George                        4 from 20 (20% strike-rate)

Robert Walford                   2 from 7   (29% strike-rate)

Donald McCain                     9 from 36 (25% strike-rate)

Venetia Williams                  7 from 47 (15% strike-rate)

Philip Hobbs                       10 from 27 (37% strike-rate)

And that's all from this post, with a few vital stats for today's racing at Warwick. Good luck with all your bets, and do check back soon for more stats, tips and news.

Thursday's Racing

Thursday we have UK racing from Fakenham, Gowran Park, Warwick, and all-weather from Southwell and in the evening, Kempton.  

So first, an early look at the goings;

Fakenham – Going; Soft (Going Stick; 5.3) Fresh ground all the way around on hurdle course

Gowran Park - Going; Soft - Heavy

Warwick - Going; Chase Course - Soft (Heavy in places) 6.0 and Hurdle Course - Heavy (Soft in places) 5.4

Southwell - Going; Standard

Kempton - Going; Standard

And now a quick look into the Positives and Negatives in the market, at this early stage (prices from PaddyPower.com)……

Positives;

Fakenham 13:30         Kodicil                      13/8 from 2/1

Fakenham 14:30         Galway Jack             13/2 from 8/1

Warwick 14:20           Saints and Sinners     4/1 from 11/2

Warwick 14:50           Dreams of Milan         5/1 from 6/1

Southwell 14:10         Bapak Bangsawan      2/1 from 5/2

Southwell 14:40         Aqua Ardens             15/8 from 9/4

Negatives;

My Tips

And now we’ll have a look at a couple of my selections for today's racing (Thursday).

Fakenham 14:00    County Zen (Each-Way)   10/1 

Fakenham 14:30    That's The Deal (Each-Way)   10/1

Fakenham 14:30    Presented   2/1

Southwell (AW) 13:40   Precariously Good   

Southwell (AW) 14:40   Aqua Ardens        15/8

For now that’s it, good luck with your selections today. Check back soon for results and analysis, news and more tips. 

Sprinter Sacre Passes Latest Challenge

Sprinter Sacre Latest

Sprinter Sacre was said to have come through a piece of exercise 'with flying colours, as he continued his road to a comeback at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard.
The hope is that Sprinter Sacre can defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in March, at Cheltenham.
Henderson said, ''Everything went well this morning. He was very good, the results were very good and it left us all delighted''



Dettori Grabs Double On Return

Frankie Dettori marked his return from injury with a double at Lingfield today. He described winning on his comeback ride as a ''fairytale''. Dettori now jets off to Dubai to link up with the owners Mshawish at Meydan.


Check back soon for more news, tips, stats and much more. Thanks for taking the time to read my posts.

Boston Bob Latest

Boston Bob Set For Cheltenham

Boston Bob looks all set for the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday after being taken out of the frame for the Galmoy Hurdle on Thursday. Trainer Willie Mullins withdrew the nine-year-old, from the Gowran Park Grade Two at the final declaration stage and now relies on Zaidpour and Bishopsfurze.

"Boston Bob is possibly going to Cheltenham, now. He's in good form," said Mullins.  

Frankie's Back

Frankie Dettori is said to be excited to be back, as he sets himself for a return to action at Lingfield today, after fracturing his ankle in October. The three-times champion jockey has three booked rides at the Surrey track after the accident going down to the start of a race at Nottingham.
Dettori said: "I've had three and a half months off and I'm ready to start. I'm looking forward to it.''

And boy was he ready, getting a winner on Eco Warrior at 8/1 in his first race.  

Alan King Latest

Trainer Alan King could have runners for the first time since New Year’s Day this week after extensive tests on his horses came back positive. Talking to Racing Post, King said, “I’m pleased to report that last week’s test results brought some good news. The results did not come back 100 per cent so we still have a little way to go, but there was a marked improvement and we have definitely taken a step in the right direction.''

Racing Racing Racing!

So yesterday was a slightly disappointing day with only a couple of odds-on favourites coming in for me, LEGACY GOLD and BASINGSTOKE, and another favourite, IVY PORT (SP 7/4F). A couple of disappointments included LUV U WHATEVER at Southwell,who appeared to find the 6lbs rise and a hard-run race last time out just too much to handle. 

Well, onto some racing today, and we have meetings from Catterick, Fairyhouse, Southwell, and all-weather action from Lingfield, and later this evening, Kempton.

Catterick - Going; Soft (Going Stick; Hurdle; 6.1 and Chase 5.7)

Fairyhouse - Going; Soft-Heavy (inside course)

Southwell - Going; Heavy (Going Stick; 5.7) Both bends have been moved to fresh ground where possible

Lingfield - Going; Standard

Kempton - Going; Standard


For now that's it, I'm just going to look through the cards and see if I can pick any winners today, and I'll post them soon, so do check back later

21/01/2014 - A Look at Today's Racing

Today we have UK racing from Leicester (Precautionary inspection at 8am Tuesday), Wetherby (Precautionary inspection at 8am Tuesday), and all-weather action at Southwell.  

So first, a look at the goings;

Leicester – Going; Hurdle Course - Heavy (Soft in places on back-straight) Chase Course - Soft (Good-Soft in places on back-straight. Heavy on flat course crossings)

Wetherby - Going; Soft (Heavy in places) Going Stick; Chase 4.8, Hurdle 4.6

Southwell (AW) - Going; Standard

A quick look into the Positives and Negatives in the market (prices from PaddyPower.com)……

Positives;

Wetherby 12:50         Sharney Sike             11/4 from 7/2

Wetherby 13:55         Green Wizard             11/2 from 8/1

Wetherby 15:05         Mighty Mobb                9/4 from 11/4

Leicester  13:40         Thedreamstillalive       7/2 from 9/2

Southwell 13:00         Columbian Roulette    2/1 from 11/4

Negatives;

My Tips

And now we’ll have a look at my selections for today, which include the jumps racing from Leicester and the all-weather at Southwell.

Leicester 15:55    Detour Ahead (Each-Way)   6/1 

Southwell 13:00   Columbian Roulette   2/1

Southwell 14:40   Luv U Whatever        3/1 (from 9/2)

For now that’s it, good luck with your selections today. Check back soon for results and analysis, news and more tips. 

Rock On Ruby Set For Doncaster

Connections of Rock On Ruby are keen to take their chances at Doncaster this Saturday, in the Racing Post Lightening Novices' Chase.
Trainer, Harry Fry is said to be happy with conditions at Doncaster currently, and is hoping the ground doesn't change too much from now to then. 

Latest Racing News 20/01/2014

Frankie Dettori has 3 booked rides at Lingfield on Wednesday as he makes a comeback from the broken ankle he suffered in October. 



Champagne Fever and Grade One winner Don Cossack are the headline acts among nine entries for the boylesports.com Killiney Novice Chase at Leapordstown on Saturday.


Big Buck's comes through schooling session ahead of return to racing in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday, under new jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.


Unioniste 1 of 25 entries in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

All-Weather Monday

Not a lot of UK racing, just the all-weather action to look forward to tomorrow (Monday), at Southwell and Wolverhampton, as the jumps from Bangor has been abandoned. 
I do like the look of a couple of horses at Southwell, which have moved positively in the market at this early stage. They include GRANDAD MAC in the 1:05 5/2 from 11/4 and SHORT SHRIFT in the 1:35 9/4 from 5/2.

More significant positive movers include;

DORBACK         - Wolverhampton 2:30 - 7/1 from 12/1
KATMAI RIVER - Wolverhampton 4:30 - 4/1 from 11/2

Boston Bob Set For Galmoy Hurdle

The 9-year old is set for the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran on Thursday following his smooth victory at Punchestown last month, and is building up to a possible challenge in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Latest Racing News 19/01/2014

Somersby is set to take a weeks break before connections decide where to go with him, after unseating rider Dominic Elsworth at the fifth in the Clarence House Chase.
Channon said, 'He seems fine enough but will have an easy time this week and let him settle down before we make a decision as to our next move.'


Hidden Cyclone remains in contention for two races at the Cheltenham Festival in March, folling seccond-place finish at Ascot. Trainer Shark Hanlon is considering either the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase.


Philip Fenton is refusing to look too far ahead with Dunguib following the 11 year olds return to racing at Naas on Saturday.


Cappa Bleu could return to action next season to have a third try at the Crabbie's Grand National according to trainer Evan Williams.

Sire De Grugy Wins Clarence House Chase

Sire De Grugy continued his domination of the two-mile division in the absense of superstar Sprinter Sacre with a superb display in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot today.

Winner of the Tingle Creek and the Desert Orchid on his last two starts, Gary Moore's stable-star was sent out 5/4 favourite to add a second Grade One event to his impressive career so far. 

Sire De Grugy, who  travelled well and jumped superbly at times, took over the lead in company with Hidden Cyclone on the bend leading to the home-straight, and after seeing off this Irish rival, galloped clear to win by an impressive 11 lengths.

There was no emotional triumph for Somersby who unseated jockey, Dominic Elseworth with the race barely halfway.

Later, Jamie Moore commented 'This is all about the horse - some of the jumps he put in were spectacular. He was magic today, all credit to the horse.'

Sire De Grugy now best price 3-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with Sprinter Sacre still odds-on favourite.