ROYAL ASCOT: SATURDAY 23rd JUNE 2012. IT'S AUSTRALIA DAY TODAY,FOR SURE

The Aussies are raiding Royal Ascot and it is going to their day today, for sure.

The 'Wonder Mare from Down Under' BLACK CAVIAR is the star attraction today and it will be a very different atmosphere, than usual.

Those lads(and lasses) know how to have a good time and I expect there will be the odd one like my little mate above, sleeping it off, to be found somewhere.

The interest that the unbeaten Black Caviar has generated has been amazing and after Frankel got the meeting off to a flying start it's her turn to take centre stage.

She runs in the 3.45 Diamond Jubilee Stakes and will surely pick this lot up at any stage she likes, winning in a hack canter. Under three lengths is my guess, but that won't hide her superiority.

The place will erupt and I should imagine it will be a long time in subsiding.

We will see something special on a day where not just the supermare brings an antipodean feel to it.

The 3.05 Hardwicke Stakes contains the 1-2 from last year's Melbourne Cup and they will prove popular with the travelling hordes. The winner that day Dunaden will go close, but I fancy the second RED CADEAUX more. He was just touched off in that race and with this shorter distance in his favour, I think he may just prevail. He caught my eye staying on behind easy winner St. Nicholas Abbey at Epsom last time and this stiffer track will suit. He could be still improving and on a line through St Nick, has just as good a chance as favourite Sea Moon, yet is three times the price. Had a bit on at 9's each way with Ladbrokes and he will go well.

The 4.25 Wokingham Stakes is a massive field dash and the one I really like is MEDICEAN MAN. This one is trained by, would you believe, an Australian Jeremy Gask and those chaps know how to handle a sprinter. This one ran a blinder in Tuesday's Group 1 King's Stand finishing a close up fourth. A quick reappearance and an extra furlong could even bring about improvement, he will run well at around 14-1. His form with the highly progressive Mirza looks exceptional and I am sure the Aussies will be having a go at this one too.

His stablemate High Standing wouldn't be a total rag either and can go well for Mr Gask.

I really like the chances of those two above and I'm sure it's just a pure coincidence there are Aussie connections, but if you read an old blog of mine CHOISIR, SIR BOB & PLANT POTS you'll see it does work in mysterious ways.

The reception Black Caviar will receive if and when she wins will be something else, and it's going to be a long day for some of the Aussie boys. They had an early start with the Rugby and are going to be partying long into the night.

I have had a couple of each ways with The Cheka and Es Que Love who are both huge prices and should go well, but in all reality I just want to see Black Caviar put up an imperious display. She Will.

There will be plenty of caviar eaten by the toffs at Ascot today, but like those down to earth Aussie blokes I'm more of a cod roe man myself.

Happy late Australia Day.

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT: FRIDAY 22nd JUNE 2012. YOU NEED ASTROLOGY IN THIS GAME

Yesterday was a case of nearly so, firstly I put Wednesday instead of Thursday in the title, always proof read your blog, the lesson learned.

I fancied Godolphin to win a race they have a great record in, sadly I picked the race before they actually did it.

I fancied a Frankie flying leap at some stage, he duly obliged on the biggest stage, unbacked!

The final kick in teeth came when I fancied a William Haggas horse in the Hunt Cup, who had good form on Kempton's polytrack and would go close. He did, finishing 6th, however the winner was a William Haggas horse who had good form on Kempton's polytrack and bolted up, again unbacked.

Crystal ball was definitely a bit misty yesterday.

Anyway looking in the stars today ASTROLOGY must be worth a good bet. He was a gallant third in the Epsom Derby behind brilliant stablemate Camelot, and on that form looks sure to run well in the 3.05 King Edward VII Stakes.

He has to prove he stays this distance, but his performance on soft ground in Chester's Dee Stakes over a furlong and half shorter looked as if it would be no problem. If jockey Ryan Moore can hold onto him a bit longer and commit later I am sure he will win this. He looked the second best horse in the Derby and though this stiffer test will suit Derby fourth Thought Worthy better, he was readily brushed aside that day.

Shantaram could surprise as he is proven on soft ground and over the distance. He was just touched off by Derby third Main Sequence in the Lingfield Derby trial and can give Astrology most to do.

GATEWOOD really caught the eye last time at Epsom, travelling and winning as if he is potentially top class. If handling today's softer ground he can go really close in the 4.25 Wolferton Handicap.

With the Germans taking on Greece in the second Euro Quarter Final tonight and the winner awaiting England if they can get past the Italians, I am sure most people will be honorary Greeks tonight.

Athens would be a nice coincidence bet in the 5.00 Queen's Vase and should go close on the soft ground, however he was disappointing last time.

The clue for this race is in the title, and the one I like is Sir Michael Stoute's ESTIMATE. She is owned by The Queen and I am sure the trainer would like to give the old girl her own vase back, she did afterall give him a knighthood!

ESTIMATE though does have a really good chance, she won really well at Sandown last time on softish ground. That track is stiff enough and she looks as if this step up to two miles will really suit. Soft ground won't be a problem either as she is by Monsun and I can see her going really well, especially as she gets an nice 3lb allowance.

A nice treble today, will hopefully cheer me up before we see something really special tomorrow.

Happy punting

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT: THURSDAY 21st JUNE 2012. MORE GOLD FAME FOR GLORY

I was lucky to postioned perfectly up the rail at Epsom a couple of years ago and caught this snap of a watchful Aidan O'Brien casting an eye over FAME AND GLORY going down to the start of the Coronation. He duly done the business and has developed into one of my favourite horses.

He goes again today in The Gold Cup and even though there has been a lot of doubters this year, I see no reason to desert him. I have read that this race may be a stiffer test of stamina than last year and there are still doubts about him staying as well. The challengers are stronger and will be ridden to test the favourite.

However, there was a bigger field last year and he absolutely bolted up, looking high class all the way round. A smaller field today will suit even more and he holds most of his rivals on the form in the book, so looks a good bet to confirm that form.

I am hoping money comes for the others and his price drifts out to a nice bit of 6-4. I will be surprised if he is beaten and really hope he goes onto to win this for a second year running.

Of the others Colour Vision's form doesn't look good enough, I'm not sure Saddlers Rock will relish this stamina sapping trip and Opinion Poll has been soundly beaten more than once. The rest don't look good enough.

Expect FAME AND GLORY to prove the apple of his trainer's eye again.

As for yesterday, I thought Farhh ran a cracker to be placed and may have been really unlucky as he didn't get a great start but stayed on strongly for my place bet. There is a lot more to come from that horse.

Joviality landed a tidy punt and she was put up from my eyecatchers from Epsom;

http://horseracingtavern/2012/06/epsom-derby-2012-review-eyecatchers-tips/

Another of those goes today in the Ribbledsale at 3.05 and KAILANI must have a little each way chance back on this more conventional track after finishing down the field in the Epsom Oaks. She has to improve to turn the form around with a lot of these but the Godolphin stable have a great record in this. Five winners in the past and a couple of places mean their best fillies come here and my confidence will grow if the rain keeps coming, as she does prefer a bit of ease in the ground.

The rest of the card looks terribly hard and the Britannia Stakes at 4.25 is another one mile cavalry charge. KAHRUMAN looks sure to run well despite top weight and looks unexposed enough to be still improving. Ran well in Listed company last time and did win a Kempton maiden on the polytrack the time before, that normally indicates they'll like Ascot's terrain. His trainer William Haggas has two seconds yesterday and this one can go close today. His biggest danger may be Irish raider Piri Wango, with Frankie Dettori an eyecatching booking. We need to see that flying dismount at some stage this week!

Anyway thats enough for now, happy punting and good luck.

Randy.

ROYAL ASCOT; WEDNESDAY 20th JUNE 2012. FRANKIE'S TURN

Well Frankel delivered in some style yesterday and all the superlatives heaped on him are truly justified. The highest rating given to a flat horse and we did indeed something special. A true champion, and he will go on to be one of the legends of the sport, mentioned in the same breath as all the greats.

Another legend though has been finding it tough recently and folllowing yesterday's special happenings he will be determined to get his name back up in lights.

Frankie Dettori and Royal Ascot go together like peaches and cream and the thought of him having no winners does seem unbelievable. His nose has been put out of joint by his boss, Sheikh Mohammed using the younger jockeys more frequently and he will be determined to show everyone that famous flying leap once more.

Today he rides FARHH in the 3.45 Prince of Wales Stakes and I think he's got a lively chance. He has to improve massively on what he's shown so far as he was only winning handicaps up to now, but I think there is improvement to come. He has the top notch So You Think and The Queen's Carlton House to beat, but looks worth a decent each way punt.

Frankie reeled in So You Think in last year's race onboard the sadly departed Rewilding and I think he'll be trying to execute the same thing today. Carlton House seems a bit fragile to me and may not back up his recent win, though he is top class.

A lot of the others prefer softer ground and this unbeaten 4 year old may shock a few here today. I know he's fancied as he's around 8-1 and has been nibbled at.

After yestrday's poor punting day today's races look twice as hard and the big fields look unfathomable.

JOVIALITY however in the 3.05 Windsor Forest caught my eye at Epsom last time where she ran 2nd to Clinical despite hating that rollercoater track. Expect her to turn that form around today and is a good each way price. She ran 6th in last year's Group 1 Coronation Stakes not beaten far. The drying gound will suit and I can see her  running a big race.

The Royal Hunt Cup at 4.25 is a mile long cavalry charge and is devilishly hard, but one at 18-1 at Corals catches the eye. MULL OF KILLOUGH was just touched off in the Lincoln at Doncaster and proved a big field straight mile suits. He was disappointing last time on soft ground, but back on better ground and after a little break can go well here. Another each way poke.

An each way patent on the above three looks a good shout. Thats three each way singles, three each way doubles and an each way treble if your not sure.

Hopefully we can recoup yesterday's losses.

As for the Euro's, you have to start believing, England CAN win this tournament. My 15-1 Betfred voucher keeps telling me so.

Happy punting

Randy.

ROYAL ASCOT; TUESDAY 19th JUNE 2012. GET READY TO WITNESS SOMETHING SPECIAL!

I managed to snare this picture back in 2010 of a young two-year-old colt who simply demolished his rivals in The Royal Lodge at Ascot. I knew then he was a decent animal, but little did I realise what I had seen that day. Fast forward nearly two years and that magnificent beast finishing his race in splendid isolation is the mighty and undefeated Frankel.

The greatest five days of flat racing anywhere in the world kicks off with The Queen Anne Stakes and what better way to launch the high class action with a top notch Group 1 race featuring the best horse in the world. All the words bandied about in the press, on-line, on the news and everywhere else cannot do this horse any real justice.

Sadly due to other less interesting commitments I cannot make it to Royal Ascot today to soak up the atmosphere, anticipation and then sheer joy to watch a real champion. Everyone lucky enough to be at the course WILL witness something special as Frankel will surely win with great authority.

He is "The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of The World" and will blast away his opponents and land his 11th straight victory, but at deserved ridiculously short odds is a no bet. The problem with trying to find an each way bet is you may be interested in other events instead of just enjoying a master at work. I would rather watch Frankel put in an awesome performance than be casting my eye back to the rest of the field fighting for scraps and trying to nick a place.

His nearest rival Excelebration is a top class Group 1 winning animal in his own right and in any other era would probably be the best horse around, but he has been firmly put in his place no less than four times by "The Champ". He has been beaten by a combined total of over fifteen lengths, including last time in the Lockinge at Newbury by an easy looking five. It is frightening to think that Frankel will come on for that run.

What made that performance even more impressive was the fact Frankel had an injury scare prior to the race, had missed some work and was meeting his rival who had the benefit of a previous run. He handed him a thorough beating and Aidan O'Brien's colt must be sick of the sight of his nemesis. His heart will sink once he eye-balls the mighty one in the parade ring, at the start or even in the race. He looks booked for second and is the safe and predictable each way punt, but the value is drying up. If he doesn't fancy it there could be a bit of value elsewhere if you have to have a punt.

Strong Suit is a two time Royal Ascot winner but is making his seasonal debut here. He also has to prove he stays a mile and on softish ground on this stiff track it may be just asking a bit too much. He will run well, but will surely come on for the run. His class though will probably see him into third place.

Worthadd likes to run up near the pace, but will get swallowed up once the big guns get going late on.

Side Glance has decent Ascot form, but doesn't look good enough.

Bullet Train and Windsor Castle are the pacemakers and will give way once their jobs are done.

The Mahmood Al Zarooni trained ex-Aussie Helmet looks interesting at a huge price and though he hasn't shown much this year, is a three time Group 1 winner back in his native homeland.Any ground seems to suit as does the mile trip and he may surprise a few as his owner Sheik Mohammed has landed this race many times in the past. Even Aidan O'Brien has collected this prize in the past with an Australian import Haradasun. He can't win, but may be a bit of value especially if Excelebration or Strong Suit underperform, highly unlikely, but worth a second glance.

The rest surely don't look good enough and to be honest, just watch the race and take in a once in a lifetime peformer, who is rightly being lauded as the best in the world by some distance. The perfect curtain raiser to some of the finest horseracing you will want to see.

There is however some value to be had in the other races and I like the look of SPIRIT QUARTZ in the Group 1 King's Stand at 2.30. This race is going to be a total lottery as there will be over 20 runners going lickety-spit over the minimum distance of 5 furlongs. My selection will need luck in running, but is a Group 3 winner in Italy over 6 furlongs on ground with cut. He seems a consistent sort and travels well in his races. He has caught the eye a couple of times this season including last time when just touched off at Haydock carrying a big weight.

He also ran well in the Temple Stakes at Haydock when a few lengths behind the well fancied Bated Breath. He has ground to make up on that one, but can surely get closer to him on this stiffer track. He is also nearly five times the price too and the booking of Frankie Dettori, who rides Ascot better than most is another positive. Looks cracking value at around 25-1. His trainer Robert Cowell won this race last year with Prohibit and that one one can go well too, he could be worth a saver at around 16-1.

The next race is the St. James Palace Stakes and there is another one who really grabs my attention. BORN TO SEA is hardly an original choice, but I can't believe he is still trading at around the 10-1 mark. Frankel has taken over the mantle, but Born to Sea's older half brother Sea The Stars was just as exciting, winning all the top races from the 2000 Guineas to The Arc, via The Epsom Derby in a vintage year back in 2009.

Now Born To Sea is nowhere in that league, but he is slowly getting the hang of things and looks as if this race will finally see him land a big pot. He looked above average as a juvenile, before disappointing on his last run as a 2-year-old. He was found to be lame and is surely being nursed along this year for a second half of the season campaign.

His first run this year in the 2000 Guineas was disappointing but he did finish well clear of today's favourite Power in that contest. Power turned the form around in the Irish 2000 guineas, but Born To Sea's run was very eyecatching. He had first time headgear on that day and seemed to be travelling sweetly before coming home in fine fashion to be a never dangerous fifth.

He was ridden by Kevin Manning then, but is re-united with the excellent Johnny Murtagh, who has ridden the colt in all his other runs and knows him well. It is interesting John Oxx his trainer sends him over for this and there aren't many better riders of Ascot than Mr.Murtagh. I really like his chances of improving again from that run and finishing in front of Power this time. He is certainly a value each way punt and I reckon his price will shorten all day.

The rest of the card doesn't really interest me for betting purposes but from my Epsom eyecatchers

http://horseracingtavern.com/2012/06/epsom-derby-2012-review-eyecatchers-tips/

HEAVY METAL in the 4.25 Coventry Stakes is worth a second look at a massive price. He was somewhat unlucky at Epsom and this is a huge step up in grade. He is a hardened and tough type though, from the Mark Johnston yard and will be battling on when a few have cried enough. He might lack the class of the O'Brien, Bolger and Hannon horses, but will run well.

Hopefully once we have witnessed the Frankel procession we can settle down, enjoy the races and make a profit.

Good luck and Happy Punting.

Randy.

INVESTEC DERBY DAY;Saturday 2nd June 2012

Well that went pretty well, yesterday. I am just recovering now. Missed the Morning Line, so don't know what all the goss is, so am a bit blind.

Will be at a wedding at the out-laws and might not even get to see the racing today, but will be having my twitter on at the back of the church to keep me informed.

Today we could see something special and in Camelot we could be seeing a star. He will probably bolt up but to me is way too short a price for me to be backing. I know a few people who have fancy prices at 20s and so on, who think its in the bag, but is it that simple?

Here's my thoughts, for what its worth and I reckon its worth taking on Camelot with his stablemate Astrology.The fact that Aiden O'Brien runs this one after taking out all his other runners means he should not be underestimated. He surely cannot be running him as a pacemaker as he would have left one of the rags in to blast off in front.I am coming round to thinking that they fancy this one.
He is by Galilieo so will appreciate this trip and better ground and though he has to improve I am sure he will. He won easily last time despite soft ground and will come on a ton for that run. He is definitely the each way value against the hotpot and though  I would love to see Camelot go and be a worldbeater, I just have a little doubt. He won the 2000 guineas, but not in as taking fashion as you would like to see in an odds on shot here. He will probably win but is definitely no value.

Take Astrology to emulate his dad and nick one back from Camelot's dad Montjeu, who has been the daddy in the race in recent years.

The Epsom Dash is a real spectacle and a speculative punt is Stone Of Folca. He goes well really fresh, likes 5 furlongs on fast ground and is trained by a man who knows how to handle top notch sprinters. Backed him at 33s earlier in the week so hopefully he can nick a place.

Anyway, got to go have to polish my shoes.

Go on Astrology spoil the party, I've seen it in the stars.

Yours

Randy

INVESTEC OAKS DAY; Friday 1st June 2012.

Pinch, Punch it's the first of the month, but it's the goings on at Epsom that will be first in my thoughts today. Two of the best day's racing of the year are run at my local track today and tomorrow and if I can ease my workload, will definitely be diving up there this afternoon for a looksie.

It's always difficult to persuade the wife, it's all professional, especially as my annual visit coincides with Ladies Day, but this year it is.

One client is in the Marquee on Tattenham Corner and I provide them with my view on each race, a sort of mark your card for them to follow and hopefully we can nail a few winners too. Have managed to make a profit for them for the last three years so this year the pressure  really is on, but am sure I'll be blagging a few beers off them later.

Another oppurtunity has arisen to provide some notes and thoughts on the eyecatchers at the meeting and again I assure you it's not the ladies, that they are after. What's going to win next time is the aim and hopefully I can make a note of some future profitable punts for the likes of Royal Ascot. 

Finding winners lately has been a bit of a task and at Epsom it's no easier, but it's all part of the challenge to test your mettle and much more rewarding, when you do nail one or two.
Epsom is a unique test and not every horse will act around this idiosynchratic track, as it's all about being balanced and having the right blend of speed and stamina.
It's always good to look for animals that have performed well around here before and are targeted at certain races again. Form around similar tracks like Brighton and Lingfield is no bad thing either.

So here goes, here's the rundown of what the boys in the tent will be getting. I'll be lauded or in hiding come the end of the day.

1.40 Princess Elizabeth Stakes Group 3 Fillies & Mares 1m 1/2 f

Very difficult start to the day but the one I like is CLINICAL, she was 3rd in this race last year and looks like she has been aimed at it again. Had some great form last season but looked a big baby to me, sure to have strenghtened up over the winter and the fact connections kept her in training as a 4-year-old is interesting. She won a Listed race last year and could have been packed off to the paddocks. Trainer's horses are running well too and if one man can lay a horse out after a long break to win it's Sir Mark Prescott. Each way claim.

2.15 Investec Wealth and Investment Handicap 1m 2f

With Kieren Fallon making the effort to ride at near his lowest riding weight it's always worth a look at his mount. BORUG ran really well last year without winning and has had three runs already this year without success. However his last run caught the eye when a staying on sixth of twenty at Newmarket and if kept a bit handier this time can keep on late for a place at the very least. Has cheekpieces back on and with Fallon booked, who rides Epsom well, all looks in place for a big run. Resurge won this race last year and should go well again, but I do like Borug.

2.50 Investec Diomed Stakes Group 3 1m 1/2f

Old boy Mac Love is a favourite of mine as he landed this at 14-1 in 2009 and was tipped up too, however at 11 must be on the wain. Favourite Worthadd will be tough to beat, but the one I will be having a punt on is DANCE AND DANCE. He won a handicap over course and distance here last season and looks sure to go close to landing this prize despite the rise in grade. Has had a couple of runs this season and looks ready to strike, the fact Ryan Moore has been booked is eyecatching too as he has ridden Marcret the last twice, but jumps on the selection here. Could still be improving and with course form will run well again, giving the favourite most to do. Will back him each way and in a forecast with the favourite.

3.25 Investec Mile Handicap 1m 1/2f

Again Kieren Fallon is riding off a low weight and Prince Jock shouldn't be ignored, but the one I really like is HIGHLAND KNIGHT. Was second in this very race last year so we know he handles the course no problem and looks as if he's been laid out to go close again. Backed him for the Spring Cup but he didn't like the soft ground and a return to better ground can see him improve from that run and must have a great chance of hitting the frame again. His biggest danger could be his owner's other horse Norse Blues, who has won around Epsom before and is worth a little saver, with man of the moment James Doyle booked.

4.05 Investec Oaks Group 1 1m 4f

The highlight of the day and I think the winner will come from the Lingfield Oaks Trial run last month. The winner that day VOW won really well despite running as green as grass and will have come on a ton for that run. She may have problems coping with this track but looks really high class to me and with Johnny Murtagh onboard will go close. He rides Epsom better than most, and if he can settle Vow early doors, her proven stamina and turn of foot will see her bolt up.She has to improve to trouble some of her rivals, but I have doubts about most of them. Maybe may have problems staying this far, The Fugue's form has a few holes in it and Kissed may not like the good ground. The biggest danger and each way play has to be COLIMA. She was second to Vow at Lingfield in that trial, which is always a good indicator for this race. She caught my eye travelling really well and stayed on strongly when jockey Jim Crowley asked her to get involved. She has a very similar profile to Ralph Beckett's Look Here who was second in the same race and went on to win this one. Sure to stay this trip, will hopefully improve for tackling better ground and has a jockey oboard who rides Epsom really well. Hopefully these two will battle it out, with Kailani staying on late for third.

4.50 Investec Surrey Stakes Listed Race 7f

You have to respect a three time course and distance winner and thats exactly what PRODUCER is. Rattled up a hat-trick here last year and looks cherry ripe to land this prize with a run under his belt. Ran over two furlongs further in a Listed race at Newmarket(form working out well) last time, the drop back to 7f is sure to benefit and a better showing is expected. Has to improve on figures and Fallen For You must be a danger, but this one's profile screams plot-up job and course form is worth it's weight in gold around here. Should go close.

5.25 Investec Asset Management Handicap 7f

The getting out of jail stakes and if I haven't nailed a winner or two, will be long gone before the lynch mob catch up with me. However have to have a poke as it's all part of the fun. A devilishly difficult race and my best advice would be keep your winnings in your pocket, but if you have to have a punt MY SHARONA might be worth a tiny bit on each way. She has only a 7 furlong good to firm win to her name and thats what she'll get here. Has to improve on all ratings but caught my eye running behind a winning punt at Epsom last month.That race was a poor handicap on soft ground over a longer trip than this but she gave the winner that day a load of weight. However she showed a good attitude once headed to cling on for second place and the drop back in trip on better ground will surely help.  As I said before, course form!

Anyway there you have it, hopefully a tidy profit to play up tomorrow on Derby Day.

Good luck and happy punting.

Randy.

THE 2012 GRAND NATIONAL;DAY OF LEGEND

The greatest steeplechase race of the year is here and for around ten minutes around 4.15pm there is no need to be anywhere else other than in front of the telly, thats if your not there, that is.

The Grand National is under pressure from all angles and whilst there are a lot of issues to deal with, it is surely the greatest spectacle in racing. Last year was a bad year for the race with horses sadly killed and the bad press, but no stone has been left unturned to make the race as safe as possible. Enjoy it for what it is, ten minutes of drama, dreams, excitement, pleasure and hope, hope you might win a few bob.

I have loved the National ever since 1977, when one of my dad's mates put a bet on for me. I gave him £2 of my paper round money to put on his choice and watched the race with the whole family. His selection was the legendary Red Rum and when the great horse roared in to win the race for the third time, the buzz was amazing. The £20 winnings bought a hell of lot of subbuteo teams,most notably Liverpool & Barcelona, the grandstand & floodlights and I have been hooked ever since.

The once a year punters will be out in force, the old grannies will be clogging up the tills in the bookies and old mates will be coming out of the woodwork looking for tips.

The race is like no other and whilst it is a lottery and you need a lot of luck, it has fallen to the classier types in recent years. This year's Gold Cup winner Synchronised has got a great chance, as has last year's winner Ballabriggs and both will go close, but picking either one of those is too easy.

I like to find one with a story, so for what its worth heres my three against the field.

1.PLANET OF SOUND;10yo Trainer P.Hobbs
Three years ago at Aintree I had the first five winners on the first day of the Aintree meeting and was in line for the jackpot and placepot. The final leg was Planet Of Sound. The favourite fell at the first and this one was cruising along, I was watching it in the Corals in the town with a couple of old boys  and they were of the opinion I had it in the bag. Planet Of Sound hit the front and I nearly had a coronary, however he hit the last fence and faded into third.
I had the placepot up which paid £79, but the agony of how close I was, was when the jackpot dividend came up......£20K and change.
Phil the ex-jockey in the bookies laughed and said
"You'll have a long white beard down to your knees, before you get that close again!"
Needed that comment, it was like a knife into my gutted gut!
Anyway this horse has a serious chance, is a Grade 1 winner has been laid out for the race, has run two good trials in the Hennessy and King George and the stable is flying. Likes a flat track on goodish ground and if getting into a nice rythymn will go close and pay me back, its karma I tell you.

2.ALWAYS RIGHT 10yo Trainer J.Wade
This one has been a long term fancy of mine for the race after he ran a blinder in last year's Scottish National when beaten only a length into 3rd. Showed he had the stamina as that trip was over 4 miles and is a strong fancy. Has since been disappointing since, but has had a little operation to help his breathing and if that works he has a major chance. Looks like hes been laid out for the race too and can go close. Always Waining won The Topham over the big fences yesterday, what price the double?
Also when it comes to National, I'd like to think I am ....always right.

3.RARE BOB 10yo trainer Dessie Hughes
This one has a great chance despite his silly odds.Have had a bit on at 40's and when he drifted to 50's had to have a little more. Has run well at Aintree before and looks to have the right profile for the race. Has won a Grade 1, has been placed in an Irish Grand National, has hammered the fancied Organisedconfusion in the past, is the right age and looks like hes been laid out for the race. Caught the eye last time when staying on nicely and would have given the one time favourite for this race Prince de Beauchene a fright at last year's meeting but for unseating late on. Trainer Dessie Hughes has gone close in the past and is due a change of fortune. Whether he will stay well enough to win is one thing, but he will give us a good spin for our money. Likes to race up with the pace so hopefully can keep out of trouble and who knows what may happen on the second circuit. The final piece of the jigsaw is that hes the only one of the field I have captured in action and Tom Segal, Mr Pricewise, has tipped him up too....great minds and all that!

The legendary late Ginger McCain, trainer of Red Rum and father of Ballabriggs trainer Donald holds court in 2010. This year's Grand National meeting won't be the same without him. It's somewhat ironic it's the Beebs final coverage.

Calgary Bay is another fancy, but you can have ten stabs at this race and not back the winner.

Enjoy the spectacle, hopefully both human and equine participants return home safely, a new legend will be borne. 

May the horse be with you.

Randy.

Free Tips on Olbg.com http://goo.gl/fsLNa

AND BREATH.......................ITS ALL OVER!THANK GOD!

Thank God it's all over! A desperate day punting today, but it was always going to be a bookies day.

The festival is over and I for one thank the lord that wallet, marriage and liver just about have made it through a week of massive over indulgence.

I have spent my whole working life fitting and working in toilets and to have OLBG back up mine and other  tipster's judgements by putting up their views in the khazi's at the Cheltenham Festival was absolute genius. The thought of geezers reading your thoughts on the races whilst holding their old boy will live with me for a long, long time. The fact that 8 out of 10 tips were landed tells you there are some seriously knowledgable tipsters on Olbg.com, anyone can share in this and its all for free. Even made The Belfast Telegraph!

I had been tipping Rock On Ruby up to anyone who would listen for at least a couple of months and when he bolted up in the Champion Hurdle I was chuffed to bits. However the one who paid for the whole week was Alfie Sherrin who I'd backed at 40's, 33's, 25's and 14's, the fact I was on the winning post and got a wave from winning jockey Richie McLernon made it the most amazing bet I think I have ever had! This pic will be a framed shot one day!
Its been great to catch up with fellow @OLBG members and I for one can't wait to see the promo video, I hope too much of my ad-libbing doesn't end up on the cutting room floor!

Anyway well done to Olbg for sponsoring the Mares Hurdle on Tuesday and well done to all the members who have got involved in the spirit of the festival. Olbg even manage to donate a few bob to worthwhile charities and give out real cash prizes. Get involved because it's a great community spirit and in this day and age, getting something for nothing is rare old treat!

Good Luck and roll on next year! Please re-tweet to fellow members. All photos on http://randyrann.foliopic.com are up for sale for a small fee and for every pic sold I will make a donation to Olbg's chosen charity.

Yours very tired and emotional

Randy Rann

FESTIVAL FEVER REACHES FEVER PITCH!

There is only sometimes of the year when whatever your bag is takes over all rational thoughts in your mind and mine is here. I know that to many The Cheltenham Festival means absolutely nothing, but a quarter of million punters will make their way to the natural amphitheatre in The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, that is Cheltenham racecourse.

Ever since I made my first visit in 1998 I have made it a point to get back there for at least one day of the festival, to enjoy a day's racing that I don't believe is equalled anywhere else in the world. I am sure even The Melbourne Cup in November, the race that stops a nation, would be hard pushed to rival this gig for atmosphere.

Much to the detriment to the rest of the national hunt season all roads lead to these magical four days and I for one am good for nothing during this week except trying to earn my weeks wages by punting my way through the devilishly hard races. However more often than not I have just about survived with wallet, marriage and liver intact and if that happens this year, I will take it now.

I would suggest to anyone who has never attended a day at this special meeting is to do it at least once, the atmosphere, the noise, the entertainment is second to none. These four days are truly the equine Olympics and every owner, trainer, jockey, stable lad or lass goes there with the sole wish to end up in the hallowed winner's enclosure. That's what makes this meeting great for a punter, you know anything you back, no matter at what odds, is busting a gut to gain immortality as a Cheltenham Festival winner.

The thousands of Irishmen who make their annual pilgrimage here only add to the mix and when the tapes go up on Tuesday at about 1.30pm to signal the start of the Supreme Novice Hurdle, the roar may even be heard back in their homeland. Without them it just wouldn't be the same, must have Irish blood in my pedigree somewhere!

I will be there to experience this and it will be great to meet up with old friends and have the "craic."


This year see's the inaugural running of The Olbg sponsored Mare's race and well done to Olbg.com for backing a race here. I was lucky enough to land their Cheltenham tipster challenge in 2011 and a more than handy £500 came my way, which was much appreciated.
Anyone can enter the tipping challenge and have a crack at it, it's all free. Check them out on twitter at @Olbg or http://www.olbg.com and register, it's easy.

My list of ante-post bets is as long as my arm and some are great, some are good, some are bad and some are in the bin already, but there is definitely some big wins in there I am sure.
Check them out on http://goo.gl/fsLNa.

For what it's worth here's a few golden rules I stick too and that I try my best to follow, it will help you survive, what can be a marathon nightmare, if you lose your discipline.

1. Don't listen to hype. The rumours that fly around are normally Chinese Whispers from people who have heard it third or fourth hand.Back your own judgement and don't change your mind.
2.Back more than one in a race, if you land a winner at this meeting you will be doing well and sometimes there is value to be had with a couple, at decent odds running for you.
3.Don't punt in every race, you need to survive for four days and if you chase too hard too early it could be game over. As the great Kenny Rogers once sang " You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run." He was talking about cards but those wise words will serve you well here.
4.Look for runners with past festival form, it's a unique test here and horses who run well at previous festivals, do so time and time again.
5.Back a coincidence name if it means something to you, because the formbook can get turned on it's head here. Last year I nailed the Cheltenham Bumper winner because his name was Cheltenian and I had no other view on the race. It won at the very nice odds of 14-1.
6..Enjoy the experience, punting is meant to be fun and can be seriously satisfying if you land a winner, but it's just as important to leave with happy memories.

Anyway heres a few fancies for day one, Tuesday 13th March.

1.30 WILLIAM HILL SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE
Usually there is a short priced favourite here, normally a banker that will get the punters off to a flyer or fill the bookies satchels. However this year is the most open race in years and the two I like are Steps to Freedom and GALLILEO'S CHOICE. The first named is a course and distance winner and looks laid out for this, but hasn't run for 123 days. It may be the plan, but I can't help thinking he would have run at least once this year. Normally horses that have had a cotton wool approach to this meeting have been stuffed. It's a tough place to come and win if your not 110% fit, but his trainer has done it before and he should go close.GALLILEO'S CHOICE was a better rated flat horse than Steps To Freedom and had better form, he once chased home Fame And Glory, the multi Group 1 and Ascot Gold Cup winner. He also nearly landed a Grade 1 race in Ireland on soft ground and the quicker conditions will surely suit this classy sort. He has had a recent run and has the right profile, could be good value at around 8-1.His trainer is a master but has only had 1 festival winner, he is surely due one.


2.05 RACING POST ARKLE CHASE
The dogs and their wives have been barking that Sprinter Sacre is the next Pegasus and it's hard to disagree on what he has shown this season. He has bolted up on the bridle on flatter tracks and does look something special. However he got beat up the hill here last year and is so exuberant he may not get up that hill again.He hasn't jumped a fence around Cheltenham and though he could have jumped this field silly, I can't see him being that far clear of AL FEROF, that that one hasn't at least got a chance of outstaying him up the hill after jumping the last. The fact that the bookie Paddy Power will refund all losing bets if Sprinter Sacre wins gives you hope for AL FEROF as they rarely get it wrong when they take one on. Cousin Vinny, Dunguib & Cue Card were three shorties who were beaten after Paddy Power had took them on. I have been all over this one all season and tipped him up at 10s on Olbg and have backed him each way at 10's,8's,5's and 11-4 so he could make or break my start to this years battle with the bookies. Connections really rate this one and whilst the likes of Peddler's Cross have been scared off by Sprinter Sacre they are not afraid to take him on. Ran a decent race in The Grade 1 Victor Chandler last time against the older and smart Somersby and Finian's Rainbow. Jockey Ruby Walsh gave him a good sighter that day and never knocked him about, so I am sure there is more to come from this one, who can win. Has experience of the Cheltenham fences, has finished 2nd & 1st at the last 2 festivals and is a definite finisher up that hill. Has been punted off the boards and trades at around 5-2, which to me is still a fair price.

2.40 JLT SPECIALITY HANDICAP CHASE
This race is a very competitive handicap and a case can be made for many of these but one that really catches my eye is TULLAMORE DEW. I have backed this one at the last 2 Cheltenham Festivals and he hasn't let me down finishing placed both times. Ran a screamer last time when he nearly reeled in the smart Massini's Maguire to finish a very close 2nd. This 3m 1/2 furlong trip will surely suit and he can stay on again for a place at the very least. Have backed him at 14-1 and he must go close. The final tick in his strong fancy box is whilst in Australia recently, my wife's cousin's husband pulled out a vintage bottle of Tullamore Dew his dad gave him. The bottle apparently dates back from 1968, the year I was born! Had to back him after that!

3.20 STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE
The highlight of day one and this one looks like Hurricane Fly's race to lose. He won so well last year that he looks sure to take this if anywhere near that level again. Has only run once this season and could not have been anymore impressive when landing The Irish Champion Hurdle. Will go off a very short price but deserves to do so. The one doubt I have is that it wasn't a great race last year and he basically beat three stayers in Peddler's Cross, Oscar's Whisky and Thousand Stars. Also big outsider Clerk's Choice was too close up too, so not sure the form is that special. Should win and worth a win bet, but the one who really catches my eye at the prices is ROCK ON RUBY. His trainer really wants to win this race and puts up a strong challenge to the favourite and this one looks his best prospect, in my opinion. I put this one up on Olbg at 20-1 and had a little each way on it then. I backed it again at 14's and again today at 12's. I can't believe he is a bigger price than stablemate Zarkander on a form line through Raya Star (who will go well later in the week). Also nearly caught Binocular last time at Kempton and this return to Cheltenham will surely see him improve and go very close to beating Binocular, who is over half his price.Nearly won The Neptune last year over 2m 5f here at the Cheltenham festival and was dead unlucky to be nutted on the line. That race has always been a decent trial for The Champion Hurdle the following year with past winners Istabraq and Hardy Eustace going on to land the big one as well as 2010 winner Peddler's Cross going close last year.Apart from pushing Binocular close last time ROCK ON RUBY bolted up in the Gerry Fielden at Newbury under a welter burden. Clearly on the upgrade, connections are sweet on him and he should be nearer 6-1 in my book. Might have to back him again!

Hopefully these four will get me off to a decent start and get me in the running for the Olbg tipster prize for the second year in a row.

The rest of the card doesn't really float my boat but these should go well

4.00 GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY
Last year's winner SIZING AUSTRALIA looks an each way punt to nothing at around 5s.

4.40 OLBG MARES HURDLE
Quevega will win. Chased home hopefully by KELLS BELLE and KENTFORD GREY LADY for each way money.

5.15 PULTENEY LAND INVESTMENTS HANDICAP HURDLE
Too hard for me, will do a Kenny Rogers and go to The Centaur for a pint and a dance!

So there you have it, first day sorted.

Let battle commence

Happy punting

Randy.

Follow on Twitter @Randy_Rann. Please Re-Tweet this if you like it.














    

AMAZING GREYS

With the spectacle that is the all encompassing Cheltenham Festival less than two months away, and festival  fever gripping everyone who is involved or in love with horse racing, I thought it was time to have a review  of  my ante-post portfolio.In addition, I have gone through a lot of the races to try and unearth a few gems as there is nothing better than going into the battle that is Cheltenham with a few favourable vouchers burning a hole in your pocket. What struck me this year is the number of grey horses with outstanding chances in tons of the races. Whilst this may not be unusual, I really can't believe there have been so many of the housewife's favourites featuring so prominently at the top of so many markets. The sight of those grey ghosts charging up the hill a la One Man, Desert Orchid, Rooster Booster,Detroit City et al is a joy to see. Here we go through a seemingly endless list of great white hopes.

           AL FEROF.(Trained by Paul Nicholls, a 7-y-o gelding.) 

This novice is so well thought off he is set to take on more experienced rivals in today's Victor Chandler Chase and will surely go very close. The Arkle against fellow novices looks the safest option but if he bolts up in Ascot's big race, then connections will surely think of going for The Queen Mother Champion Chase. Has blinding festival form as was 2nd in the Bumper, two years ago before going on to land last year's Supreme. I'd rather see him go for the Arkle as he'll surely have a better chance in that, but the stable obviously think they have something special here.Whether he can beat the likes of Finians's Rainbow today remains to be seen, but this is a very smart horse. 

GRANDS CRUS(Martin Pipe 7yo gelding) Here's another novice who may take on the big boys in this years Gold Cup. Is a most progressive sort who has taken to jumping fences well and looks sure to run well at the festival. Would rather see him run in the RSA Chase this year, where he would be the likely favourite, but with not much strength in depth in the Gold Cup its understandable connections are thinking of a crack at the big one. Was a good 2nd in last year's World Hurdle behind the legendary Big Bucks and at one stage was travelling so well I thought he may even win. This one is high class. We'll see him next week at Cheltenham and that will tell us more.

DIVERS (Ferdy Murphy, 8yo gelding) Is obviously a spring horse with a preference for good ground.Should get those conditions in March. Won the Centenary at last year's festival and will run well wherever he goes this year. Ran a cracker in the Paddy Power Chase on ground softer than ideal before disappointingly unseating in the Spinal Research Handicap back at Cheltenham. Will be freshened up and may go for the Byrne Plate or Ryanair over a course and distance that will suit.Having Graham Lee back in the saddle will be a bonus. 

BABY MIX (Tom George 4yo gelding) Have backed this one at 8-1 for the Triumph Hurdle on the strength of his win back in December where he beat the well regarded Hinterland very easily. What impressed that day was the way he travelled and jumped, he looks the one to beat. Will hopefully run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle trial race at Cheltenham next week and if he wins that nicely, 8s will look value.

BARBATOS (Ian Williams 5yo gelding) was very impressed with this ones win last time where he came away very strongly from a decent enough field at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Has ground to make up on the very smart Fingal Bay, but has a lot of scope and can improve back on good ground. Around 16-1 for the Neptune Hurdle is cracking each way value, as long as he turns up for that race. Trainer rates this horse highly.

SIMONSIG ( Nicky Henderson, 5yo gelding.) Was 2nd to Fingal Bay on bad ground at Sandown last time not beaten far and was in turn, miles clear of Barbatos, back in 3rd. Has good form on good ground and is a point to point winner so looks to have plenty of stamina, a trait that is often required to land the Supreme Novice Hurdle. Around 14s for that and hopefully he'll take up that option, as I have backed it! Been a bit of talking horse and will be good each way value wherever he goes.

The Pertemps Hurdle is often won by a progressive staying type and the two who catch my eye so far are OUR FATHER (David Pipe 6yo gelding) and SIVOLA DE SIVOLA (Tom George 6yo gelding). Our Father hasn't finished out of the first two in all four outings and has some nice bits of form carrying big weights. Looks sure to run well, as will Sivola de Sivola who is also improving at a rapid rate of knots.

 Apparently been working well and wasn't beaten too far at last years festival behind Bob's Worth. 

GREAT ENDEAVOUR (David Pipe 8yo gelding) Won the Paddy Power Chase very impressively this season, before disappointing the next two times. However both of those could be excused as he probably didn't stay in the Hennessy and then was hampered next time at Cheltenham. Has good festival form as won the Byrne Plate gamely in 2010 and would have been placed last year but for a late fall in the Spinal Research. A fast run 2m5f on goodish ground looks ideal and the Ryanair could be his target for which he is around 14s. Like his chances if freshened up for a spring campaign. 

THOUSAND STARS (Willie Mullins 7yo gelding) This one ran a cracker to be 4th behind classy stablemate Hurricane Fly in last season's Champion Hurdle, getting a bit outpaced before staying on late. won the County Hurdle in 2010 so is another who likes the festival in March. Stays further and is very consistent and I would like to see him run in the World Hurdle, where reigning champ Big Bucks can't be opposed, but at 10-1 with William Hills is blinding each way value.

ZAYNAR (Nick Williams 7yo gelding) This one has been called a few names in the past, but a change of scenery seems to rejuvenated him and Nick Williams has done wonders with this horse. Won the Triumph Hurdle really impressively and was placed in a Champion Hurdle too, so likes the festival in March.Cut no ice in last season's World Hurdle, but the switch to fences seems to have improved him. Won a good novice chase at Ascot last time and the 3rd and 4th in that race have won races since. Part owner Victor Chandler would surely like him to win on his big day at Ascot and if he goes well could be a lively one for Cheltenham.

A couple of others out today at Ascot who have caught my eye are KENTFORD GREY LADY(Emma Lavelle 6yo Mare) and SMAD PLACE (Alan King 5yo gelding) and both have great chances today. The mare has been mightily impressive in two wins this season and is a short priced favourite to enhance her reputation today. A win will see her shorten up for the Mare's race at the festival , she's around 16s at the moment and she could be the best of the English against the Irish hotpots. Smad Place has massive potential as a chaser and will probably need the run, but keep an eye on this one as he is still young enough to develop into a top notcher. Hasn't run since last season's festival but looks sure to run well in an open race today especially as the step up in trip looks sure to suit.

The final one is a bit of a dark one, or a more ghostly white to be precise but I have to include him on this list. Many will scoff but NACARAT (Tom George 11yo gelding) is a rather interesting entry in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. I fancied him for last year's Ryanair but he bypassed Cheltenham as the track doesn't play to his strengths, however a fast run 2 mile championship race will be the more exhilerating if this bold jumping grey is bowling along in front. He will probably run at Kempton first in the old Racing Post Chase, but I would love to see him run at Cheltenham on ground that is likely to suit. Hoping he may hold on for a place is wishful thinking, but who can forget One Man taking the Queen Mum after disappointing in the Gold Cup or the great Desert Orchid battling to Gold Cup success on a track that didn't play to his strengths. The ghosts of Cheltenham's past may well be re-lived through some of these and I'm sure a few bob each way on these will return a profit.

All comments gladly received.

Yours grey-tfully

Randy. 

Free tips are on olbg.com and all ante-posts are on http://goo.gl/fsLNa

If you like the photos please have a look at http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/

MONDAY 23rd JANUARY 2011, Weekend's Report

What a nice weekend. The greys didn't let us down with Smad Place the highlight with a 7-1 win. Al Ferof ran as well as expected in the Victor Chandler and now heads to Cheltenham a major player for the Arkle. Kentford Grey Lady I thought was a bit unlucky in 2nd and is still a nice each way poke for the festival wherever she turns up. Zaynar ran well for a long way before finishing 4th and is another who could still go well at the festival.

Yet another grey to add to the list is CHAMPAGNE FEVER (Willie Mullins 5yo gelding) who was very impressive in winning the flat race at Fairyhouse yesterday. Whether he is ready for the hurly burly of the Cheltenham Bumper yet is one thing, but if he turns up there should run well as has massive potential. 

A couple more to mention are both from Alan King's yard. MEDERMIT (8yo gelding) & WALKON (7yo gelding) as both of these have excellent Cheltenham form. Medermit might need a step up in trip to 3 miles and not sure what race he could go for but maybe the Ryanair over 2m5f will suit as it takes some getting. Walkon was disappointing last time but back on good ground at the festival will definitely run a big race. Was 2nd to Zaynar in a Truimph Hurdle once.

One thing for sure is I'm looking forward to Cheltenham in March and am counting down the days.

Randy