BREEDER'S CUP 2011; COME FORTH GOLDIKOVA,CHURCHILL DOWNS



The Great Mare Goldikova  Will Be Walking Off To The Paddocks.

                                                                                                                                        
The 2011 Breeder's Cup is upon us and to be fair its all about one horse, Champion French Super-Mare Goldikova. She bids for an unprecedented fourth successive Breeder's Cup Mile tomorrow night and as one of my favourite horses of all time, I, as millions of others do,  hope she does win and win in style.

Even the Americans, who aren't too partial to the Europeans coming over and plundering their prize money, love this wonder horse, who will be retired after the race and off to the most eligible studs in the racing world.

Her form this season, some say isn't as good as past seasons, but its all about tomorrow night and that fourth history making win at the Breeder's Cup. Any horse that had won two Group 1 races and been touched off in another three by top notchers Canford Cliffs, Immortal Verse and Dream Ahead would be a stone cold certainty, but such is her reputation, some have doubts.

I say, she can't be beat, but that may be the heart ruling the head and by gaining stall 1 she should get a clear run, so there will be no excuses. I took 5-2, which looks a big price now and on a track that suits she will be very hard to beat, as its surely in the stars.

I have been hooked on The Breeder's Cup ever since living legend Lester Piggott came out of his enforced exile to win on Royal Academy for his old boss, Vincent O'Brien in 1990. The A-Z since reads Arazi-Zenyatta, who's individual come from last to first victories and near victory are both still fresh in the memory.

I love, (who doesn't) French fillies and this year again, there are a few who have massive chances and this Yankee yankee should hopefully reap dividends for some much needed funds. So for what its worth here's my fancies

1. ANNOUNCE; Filly & Mare Turf, Friday
This one looks sure to go really close as is a closer (as the Americans say) in her races and can finish with a late burst and nail this close home. Was beaten by Nahrain in France and takes that one on again here, but looked unlucky that day and should reverse the form. At around 5-1 looks a cast-iron each way chance and as long as the track stays quite quick should go very very close. Has some superb form in France with Sarafina and Champions Day winner Cirrus Des Aigles.

2.SARAFINA; Turf, Saturday
Looked unlucky to me in the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe finishing with good effect from a poor draw.This race will be run to suit and with her fine finishing kick can again take this close home. Is a fine-looking filly and the fact she runs on the Saturday against her male counterparts means she must be well fancied. There are niggling doubts about all her opposition and her form with the aforementioned Cirrus Des Aigles means the 5-2 looks good value. I thinks she can win well and take over the mantle, from Goldikova, as the Breeder's Cup pin-up.

3.GOLDIKOVA; Mile, Saturday
The wonder mare has to win, going for her fourth successive Breeder's Cup Mile, she will go very close. There is nothing wrong with her form this year and  I am hoping history will be made, shame this wasn't the very last race on the card, to give her the chance to close out the meeting with a heart warming victory. To me her only danger in the race is the improving Byword, but she's beaten that one before.

4.HAVRE DE GRACE; Classic, Saturday
The final leg of the yankee and hopefully with three winners in the bag this filly can  upset the two fancied ones Uncle Mo and So You Think. Uncle Mo may not stay the 1m2f trip and hasn't been a well horse either so is looked over and though So You Think is a very tough horse he has had some some strenuos races this season. He was just beaten by the horse who's name keeps cropping up, Cirrus Des Aigles on Champion's Day, but has never run on dirt, if he acts on it will surely go close, but again I will pass him over.
Havre de Grace has won her last two in Grade 1 company, the last one by over 8 lengths and but for a nose defeat would have won all of her last 6 races. hasn't got a great draw, but can hopefully emulate her sire Saint Liam, who won this very race in 2005. The fact connections run her in the Classic when there is easier pickings on the Filly & Mare's day on Friday means she is well fancied. At around 9-2 is a corking each way bet.

There you have it, hopefully a profit can be made, but win, lose or draw it will be a fitting send off for the great horse that is Goldikova, who can then go forth and multiply.

Happy punting,

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT 2011.GOLD CUP DAY

Gold Cup Day always envokes memories of the great Yeats, who won four Gold Cups and has been immortalised with a statue in the hallowed winner's enclosure.Luckily I was there to witness the great horse's fourth triumph and the reception he got that day was quite something. Today his stable's Fame And Glory bids to take over the mantle from his illustrious predecessor.It has to be taken on trust that this one will stay the gruelling two and a half mile trip.I think he will but if he does then the six-year old mare Fictional Account must finsh close up.This horse doesn't have much to find on her two efforts behind Fame And Glory and though obviously not as classy, the fact that her connections have entered her up here, must mean she has an outside chance.She promises to stay this trip, has won over Two miles at the course and won't mind any rain, so even though she has loads to find, a slog around here might just what she wants.Have backed her at 20's each way. I think either way The Gold cup will remain in Ireland.

What a Royal Ascot it has been so far, the first day it was a case of what might have been. My fancies on the opening day, Goldikova and Zigato, were close, but not close enough.Goldikova's jockey Olivier Peslier carried 2lbs extra, but was only beaten a length and Zigato was held up so far back, staying on strongly in the end to grab a fast finishing fourth. a case of one jockey overweight and one jockey over waits! Never mind, watch out for Zigato, well bred, proven at Ascot a definite Gold Cup horse in the making. Frankel though was the highlight and though only just holding on, is still unbeaten and rates a monster. 

So You Think on Wednesday being reeled in late by Frankie Dettori  on Rewilding, was a great race to watch, but Frankie's use of the whip, won him the prize, but earnt him a ban. its hard to weigh up whats right, the win will go down in history, but the ban won't worry the multi-millionnaire jockey. A case of winning is all that matters.

My Day Three fancies

2.30 Bannoch

3.05 Rumh

3.45 Fame And Glory 

  Fictional Account EW  

Good Luck & Happy Punting.

ROYAL ASCOT 2011.LET BATTLE COMMENCE.

The highlight of the flat season is nearly upon us and I for one, can not remember a more eagerly awaited festival. This year's meeting has all the hallmarks of being one of the best ever, there seems something for everyone. The opening day, with three Group 1's as the opening three races, whets the appetite in tremendous fashion, especially the very first race of the whole meeting, The Queen Anne Stakes over a mile.
There are some great punting oppurtunities and with a bit of discipline, hopefully a profit to boot. With any luck we can get day one off to a flyer.

My best bets for tomorrow are;

2.30 Queen Anne Stakes(Group 1)1 Mile Straight.

What a battle royal this promises to be. The more I look at the race, the more I think the French super-mare GOLDIKOVA will take the world of beating. Her win on her seasonal debut in the Prix d'Ispahan shows she remains extremely tough to beat.The form of that race has been boosted by the victories of Byword & Cirrus Des Aigles over the last two days and if any rain gets into the ground, I think it will inconvenience her less  than chief rival Canford Cliffs.
Some experts are pointing out that Canford Cliffs is better than Paco Boy, from the same stable, and that one ran Goldikova so close in this race last year, but the form of that race looked far stronger than Canford Cliff's victory in the St James's Palace Stakes on the same day over the same course and distance.
The way Goldikova quickened and took lengths out of a genuine Group 1 field was mightily impressive and this was backed up by the clock, as the time was much faster too.
I can see Cape Blanco taking this field along early and if Goldikova can get first run can nail that one close home, leaving Canford Cliff's just a bit too much to do.The 3lb she gets from her main market rival might just be enough for her to hold on for a narrow victory.
13-8 with Hills looks value for a 5pts Win Nap.

3.05 King's Stand Stakes(Group 1)5f

This race looks as open as any race at the whole meeting and is devilishly hard to predict.Any number of horses can take this and how the race will pan out is anyone's guess, however one that catches my eye at a ridiculous price is STONE OF FOLCA. This one ran twice at last year's Royal Ascot finishing a close 4th as a 2yo in both races. Trainer John Best really does know the time of day with his sprinters and will surely have this one primed to run a big race tomorrow. Stone Of Folca, won an egg and spoon race on his seasonal debut at Folkestone and followed that up with a decent effort in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, when finishing 9th behind the well fancied Sole Power. He finished well that day after missing the break and the return to this much stiffer track will surely suit and he can finish a lot closer to Sole power this time. Theres no way he's a 50-1 shot and 3-y-o's have a pretty decent record in this race from not a lot of runners.Hopefully this one can hit the frame, staying on late.
1pt ew on STONE OF FOLCA at 50-1, with a little saver on GROUP THERAPY, who was a staying on 5th in that Temple Stakes and is a course & distance winner too.

3.45 ST.JAMES'S PALACE STAKES(GROUP 1)1 Mile Round

This is all about one horse FRANKEL, who is head and shoulders above this field. A course and distance winner when smashing the oppo in last season's Royal Lodge, he should have no problem beating this field up.The form of all his races have been boosted, including that Royal Lodge, where Treasure Beach who was beaten miles, nearly won this year's Epsom Derby. This year's efforts were boosted too, by Greenham 2nd Excelebration, winning the German 2000 Guineas and the English 2000 Guineas vanquished finishing 1st and 2nd in the Irish version. That performance by Frankel in the 2000 Guineas was simply awesome and with proven track form can break the hearts of these, Dubawi Gold and Excelebration should fill the places.
We're not going to get rich backing this on at long odds on, but just watching should be exciting enough.
2pts double with Goldikova looks a good bet.

5.00 ASCOT STAKES (Handicap) 2 Miles 4f

ZIGATO looks a great bet here.Already a course winner over 2 miles on his 2nd run this season when all he looked like was a progressive stayer in the making. Has been kept relatively fresh for this and as a close relative to the smart filly Sariska could be potentially a top notch prospect himself. Looks a cracking bet at around 5-1 as should hit the frame at least and rates a bet to nothing. 1 pt ew.

Hopefully there are a couple of nice winners in these and let the battle commence.

Happy Punting.

Randy.

2011:POTENTIALLY BEST FLAT SEASON EVER -MY TEN TO FOLLOW

To me the 2011 Flat season, really has the makings of one of the best ever and the Qipco 2000 Guineas marks the start of the quality stuff.
With some seriously good three-year-olds, from last season kept in training as older horses, taking on some potentially top notch ones this year, there should be some magical clashes later in the season when the young pretenders take on the older brigade.
With the 2011 Flat Totesport Ten To Follow Competition about to start this weekend with the Guineas meeting at Newmarket, its time to air my own particurlar fancies. Every year I have a pop at this comp and the value for money, for a season's long entertainment you will find very hard to beat. I have also set up our own version of the competition, which will give some of South London's finest bar stool tipsters a bit of fun throughout the season and ultimate bragging rights.

So here goes, my ten to go to war with and with all my hopes and dreams pinned on, are as follows;

1.FRANKEL(pictured above) a 3-y-o colt trained by Henry Cecil.
Not original but was top class last season as a 2-y-o and wrapped up a stellar season by taking the Dewhurst in convincing style.This followed his demolition job at Ascot at the QEII meeting, which marked him down as something special. There have been many of these spectacular 2-y-o's that have flattered to deceive and not delivered the goods at three, but I definitely think that this horse is not one of those.He has come out and won the Greenham this season, despite still looking green, in need of the race and having his pacemaker fail to set a strong enough pace for him to settle. The fact he still won marks him down as the real deal, he will come on stacks for that run and surely looks head and shoulders above his rivals for the 2000 Guineas. Trained by the master Henry Cecil, who rates him one of his best ever, he can mop up some top races before he clashes with his elders later in the season. I am not sure that he is an Epsom Derby horse, but that won't stop him winning some big pots this season.

2.WORKFORCE(left) a 4-y-o colt trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

A Derby and Arc winner, kept in training as a 4-y-o by a trainer who has a magic touch of improving horses as they get older is a must have selection. Shown here bravely battling on to win the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, he can only get better as he ages and given his physical scope for improvement can win some top races this season. Though in the same ownership as Frankel I hope they meet in races like the Eclipse or King George later in the season. That would be a sight to behold.Will be trained to defend his Arc crown in the Autumn.  

3.MISTY FOR ME(below) a 3-y-o filly trained by A.O'Brien 

Was twice a Group 1 winner last season in the Moyglare on quick ground and the Prix Marcel Boussac on very soft ground, showing herself as very adaptable. Definitely one to watch this season and should run very well in the 1000 Guineas this weekend.Whether she will be ready first time up, is one thing, but she should go close as all she did was improve last backend. Beat the smart Helleborine on her final start last year and with her normally slow starting stable in good form early this season has got a real chance in the fillies classic. Could develop into an Oaks filly, either here or in Ireland.

4.RODERIC O'CONNOR a 3-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
There was no shame in finishing 2nd to Frankel in last season's Dewhurst as he did pull clear of the third that day and wasn't beaten too far. Went on to win a Group 1 in France after that run, despite hanging all the way to the line.Can only improve this year and though should run well in the 2000 Guineas where he should finish in the first three, I think 1m2f plus will be his trip. Like his chance in the Epsom Derby as looks more likely than Frankel to be suited by that course as he is not overly big.

5.SEVILLE a 3-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
Ran a cracker to finish 2nd to Casamento in last season's Racing Post, where he stayed on really well over the mile trip that day. Bred to stay middle distances, I think this one can go really well in either the English or Irish Derby's, but actually fancy him to develop into a serious St Leger horse later in the season.

6.CANFORD CLIFFS a 4-y-o colt trained by R.Hannon
What a top notch miler this one was last season and added to the way jockey Richard Hughes rides him, is as good a traveller in a race, that I can remember.Will surely win a decent prize this season and races like the Lockinge and the Sussex Stakes are his for the taking.

7.GOLDIKOVA a 6-y-o mare trained by F.Head
Admirable French mare who won some really top races last season, this year will be geared up much the same, with all roads leading to another Breeder's Cup bid. Can shine at Royal Ascot and Longchamp in what could be her final season before heading off to the paddocks to stud.

8.LILY OF THE VALLEY a 4-y-o filly trained by J.C.Rouget
Top class French filly last season which included a stylish win in the Group 1 Prix De l'Opera getting up late to win easier than the winning margin showed. Her style of running tells me she should stay 1m4f and this one can land some nice races in her native France before coming over for Royal Ascot. Can clean up against her own sex.

9.SO YOU THINK a 5-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
Aussie superstar who ran an absolute cracker to finish 3rd in the Melbourne Cup last year over the 2 mile trip. However his best trip could be 1m2f, a distance he hasn't been beaten over yet. Bought by connections out of Australian legend Bart Cummings' stable to run in Europe, he must be a strong fancy to win some top class Group 1 races. Trainer Aidan O'Brien has excelled with Aussie imports in the past such as Haradasun and Starspangledbanner.

10.WIGMORE HALL a 4-y-o gelding trained by M.Bell
A real definite improver and can progress into an established Group 1 performer. Started this season in great fashion winning a Group 2 in Meydan and even though the 3rd that day Presvis has turned the form around in a Group 1 since, I think Wigmore Hall was unlucky in running that day.Due to run in Sha Tin in a Group 1 on Sunday and can hopefully run well before running in some top class races in Europe this summer.Can see this one catching out a few of the established stars and get better and better as he gets older.

RESERVE: SNOW FAIRY a 4-y-o filly trained by E.Dunlop
Would have made the original ten but has suffered an injury which will keep her out until Royal Ascot at least in June. A tough filly who won four Group 1's in four different countries last season,she is likely to improve with age and will be one to keep on the right side later in the season. Her performances last year mark her down as an exceptional talent and she can follow in the hoofprints of the great Ouija Board who was also trained by Ed Dunlop. We can sub her in in July.

So there you have it, a finer team I doubt you will see! Well thats what I always feel before the comp starts,anyway! I am sure these will pay their way and hope to make a profit out of them, but whatever happens, it will be interesting to see how they perform. This is surely my year.
You can follow my tips on the great Olbg tipping site, where there are real cash prizes on offer for free, as well as a great community feel to the website. Just google Olbg and sign up.
Also if you like the photos, please check them out on my website Randy Rann's Racing Images (http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/).

Good luck and enjoy the races.

Randy Rann.

RITES OF SPRING:THE SPRING DOUBLE

Now that the dust has firmly settled from the fantastic spectacle that is The Cheltenham Festival, the next aspect of "The Rites Of Spring" fall squarely on the shoulders of The Lincoln and The Grand National.

To me The Lincoln, run at Doncaster marks the real start of the flat season and The Grand National marks the end of the jumps, a handover period if you like.

Being an old school punter I can never resist an ante-post poke on both, just for the fun of it.
Fresh from a wonderful Cheltenham punting, one I'm sure will not be repeated for a very long time.
Right from the minute the kind Carol from Racing Uk rang me to tell I'd won two club tickets, Stan James VIP badges and free car parking for the opening day of The Festival, in an online competition I couldn't remember entering, I knew there were strange things afoot.
The ante-post bets posted (http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/) showed an amazing profit of 122.50 points to stakes asdvised.
The Thursday saw the punt shown on the slip landed, which paid for my week off, and I hope all three of those backed that day run again at the Aintree meeting, as I think they can all win again.
The real icing on the cake, however was landing the Olbg Cheltenham Festival Tipping Competition, with a level stakes profit of +£59.80p over the four days, not bad considering I tipped a horse in every race.
For free tips and the chance to win some prizes on the friendly Olbg site, wannabe tipsters should click on (http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/?tx126897)
Anyway, you can't rest on your laurels in this game and a fall normally follows such success so back to the matter in hand of trying to land The Spring Double.

First up is The William Hill Lincoln Handicap on Saturday 2nd April, run over the straight mile at Doncaster which is like a calvary charge from the off.

I like the look of GUNNER LINDLEY trained by Barry Hills, who likes to start the season with a few winners at the meeting. His string is in pretty good form and if this one gets in he must have a major chance off such a low weight. One of my favourite horses from last season he showed progressive form winning on his last start after a narrow defeat on his previous run in decent handicaps. He looks sure to improve as a 4 year old and though fitness has to be taken on trust, the form of the stable is a real positive. At the time of writing Gunner Lindley needs 5 to come out of the race to ensure he gets in and if he does, he rates a cracking ew bet at around 14-1. His trainer will always be linked with the Lincoln as this is the race that set him up with the proceeds of Frankincense's win in 1968.

A week after this we have The Grand National run over a gruelling four and a half miles at Aintree and you need a huge amount of luck just to get round in this race. A special type of horse wins the Grand National and lately classier types have won their fair share, the ability to jump and proven stamina are a must, as is a good level of form, even if you have to dig a bit to find it.

This year I do like the enigmatic TIDAL BAY at around 40-1. He is just the quirky type who could take to these unique fences and run a big race. He is likely to drop himself out and leave himself a lot to do, but with the really long run-in here, after the last, it might just suit him. He was classy enough to win an Arkle and has decent form around Aintree too, a bit of cut in the ground wouldn't go amiss either and if anywhere near the leaders approaching the last, he could reel them in late on. He ran pretty well in this year's Gold Cup again flying at the death, this extended trip, might just be what he's been looking for. Despite looking a dodgy jumper at times he has never fallen and if on a going day 40-1 looks too big a price.

Another one I like at a massive price is David Pipe's FAASEL @ 100-1. I just hope he gets into the race as he needs a few above him to come out. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham in the Kim Muir and that staying chase was always considered a good trial for The Grand National itself. He stayed on pretty well behind his well punted on stablemate Junior in that race and looks an out galloper to me. He is the right age at 10 years old and boasts some pretty good form around Aintree, he even managed to win a Grade 1 Novice

Hurdle in the past. Another one who has been questioned in the past but is a pretty safe ride and might surprise a few. Only had 2 runs this season and come here a fresh horse, I'm hoping he's been plotted up for this! 

The great AP McCoy(right) celebrating his historic win in the 2010 Grand National in the winner's enclosure onboard Don't Push It, who will follow in his footsteps this year?

Happy Punting and Good Luck

Randy.

Ashes Post Mortem.

AussieCorey said...
Randy another nice blog mate, but lets be fairdinkum here,last time you guys were here you were thumped 5-0.
Even your travelling fans were cheering for the Aussies by the end of it. My prediction for this series is 4-1 to our guys. The 1 being a token gesture because you blokes atually thought you could beat us on home soil and we will have felt sorry for you, it's the Australian Way! Plus we don't lose at home mate.
So far to say that if you guys win, I will fly over there and walk nude through Piccadilly Circus with the English Flag draped around my shoulders!
Let the battle begin
Quote AussieCorey:23 November 2010 12:58.

Will AussieCorey deliver on his pledge?

The problem with predictions are that they have a nasty habit of turning round and biting you right on the arse.
Back in November I posted my predictions on the forthcoming Ashes series and my hope to make £500.00.
Sadly I failed in that quest, however I still made a profit, a tidy +£52.50 pts to be precise.
The selections that delivered were the 1st test draw(25pts @ 14/5) and the England series win(30pts @ 7/4).
My fancy of Jonathan Trott as top England bat, went close finishing a respectable second to run machine Cookie Monster, who amazingly had the series of a lifetime with his 766 runs.
Seems somewhat incredible now that some so called experts were calling for his head before this tour!
Top Man and future Captain Cook, I applaud you.
My fancy of Broad or Swann for top England bowler went west with Broad's injury, but Swanny went well with 15 wickets however the ever more reliable Jimmy Anderson, a man who couldn't bowl in Aussie conditions,took the honours with a very impressive haul of 24. A certain ghost has been firmly laid to rest.
Top Aussie Bat prediction of Captain Ricky Ponting was way off the mark as sadly Punter was never ever at the races!
My 2-1 England series prediction was close but sadly no cigar. Even on the final, final day, I had a glimmer of a result, hoping beyond hope that some Aussie may do a Cook or Trott and bat for hours. Failing that it would piss down all day and wash out the final day's play.
To be truthful, either scenario would have been a true injustice, such was England's dominance and I think even 3-1 flattered Australia.
My great Aussie mate, posted his comments in response to that November blog and his blind faith has to be admired, however making statements, such as "If you guys win, I will walk nude in Piccadilly Circus with an English flag draped around my shouders!" are just pure quality and will lead to a lifetime of ribbing.
I have sent him a nice memento so he will never forget his bold statements, hopefully it won't be filed in the bin!
All in all it was a great Ashes series and the fact England were so far ahead makes it even sweeter, however it wasn't long ago when English cricket was as dire as the Aussies are now.
So whilst we revel in the glory, lets not too carried away, it's the English way!
Enjoy
Randy.

ASHES BANTER.....& MAKING A MONKEY! Tues 23rd November,2010.

Three Wise Men, Messrs Gatting, Hughes & Emburey.

After a stellar cricketing week, I am all fired up for the forthcoming Ashes battle and the banter that comes from having great mates in the land of Oz. Also I love punting on the series and the aim is to make a monkey, £500.00 to you, if you're not too familiar with South London chat!
With the Brisbane Test fast approaching I have finalised my punts and have put my money down. Hopefully a few of these can hit the jackpot.
Back to last week first though, a late invite from fellow Seveno cricketer, Clive Kirk, to attend a dinner in the historic Lord's Long Room was too good a one to turn down, despite the missus rolling her eyes! Another night on p**s, were here exact remarks.
A great evening was had, chaired by Simon "The Analyst" Hughes and with cricket legends Mike Gatting & John Emburey as guest speakers.
We got a great insight into the last successful tour, Down Under, from ex-skipper Mike Gatting and last man to lead a victorious England Ashes team there. It was even suggested he was thinking of food when Shane Warne's wonder ball did for him.
The following night was Seveno Cricket Club's awards night. It wasn't quite as prestigious an affair as the Lord's do, but the upstairs of The Phoenix in Denmark Hill was still a pleasant enough setting and no less enjoyable.
No cricketing awards for yours truly, but the book "The Art Of Captaincy," by Mike Brearley for quote of the year was gratefully accepted.
All of this, though was just warm up to the main event, The Ashes.
The banter with my Australian pals, has been a bit one-sided at the moment, there's not much coming back, telling me their confidence is very low.
The best I've had so far is,"We don't lose at home to you bums!"thanks Corey, for that bit of insight.
I am looking forward to the forthcoming, battle on the Internet, nearly as much as being awake at silly hours watching the action live.
Anyway, back to making some money.
The following predictions and reasons are a great way of making watching the matches more enjoyable, or painful depending how they are going. However, as the ads go, "It matters more when you've got money on it."

So here goes

First Test
Neither team is going to fancy getting off to a loss and a very tight affair is the forecast. Whoever wins the toss will probably bat first and try and rack up a big score, putting their opponents under huge pressure, thus forcing a rearguard action.
I fancy the draw at 14-5 with William Hills.
Stake 25pts

Correct Score
I fancy a couple of draws in this closely fought series, especially as there may even be a few wet days. This means three results to share and I can't see either team winning 3-0, so a 2-1 looks the right call. I think that this England team is the most prepared team to head south in recent times and look a well oiled machine to me. Even the peripheral players have been putting in decent performances. So for me its England, just.
England 2-1 at 10-1 with Corals.
Stake 20pts

Top Aussie Bat
Ricky Ponting is not going to want to go down in history, as losing three Ashes series. I fancy him to bat as if his life depends on it. With so many injuries and selection issues, he looks like the only top order batsman who will definitely play all five tests.
7-2 with william Hills looks fair.
Stake 30pts

Top England Bat
Ian Bell looks good value, but with Jonathan Trott coming in at three and very apt at batting for long periods of time, I like his odds of 9-2 with Ladbrokes.
He has shown great grit & determination in making some big scores in Test Cricket and is even respected by the Aussies, no mean feat in itself.
Stake 20pts

Top England Bowler
I like Stuart Broad's odds of 7-2 generally (4-1 with Victor Chandler's). He has wound the Aussies up and will probably play in all five tests as the main strike bowler and can take his wickets in clusters. Graeme Swann is worth a saver at 5-4 too, as you can get your stake back from your Broad bet, if he takes bundles of wickets.
Stake 10pts each Broad/Swann.

Series Betting
England at a best priced 7-4, looks a good call, as you'll still make a profit on the series bet if they win the series but not 2-1.
Stake 30pts.

So there you have it, hopefully some of these calls can hit the mark and make a profit, or more likely, they'll make a monkey out of me.

Let Battle Commence.

Yours

Randy.