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. 

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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 

MY 2011-2012 TOTESPORT TEN TO FOLLOW

The National Hunt season has been underway for some time now but, what has gone before hasn't added up to a hill of beans and the real start is The Paddy Power meeting which has just got underway at the mecca that is Cheltenham and as ever all roads lead to The Festival back there in March. The Totesport Ten To follow kicked off too, which tells you the significance of this meeting,and now the real big guns come out to play. As per usual there are hundreds of lists of ten flying about and as I have entered this comp every single National Hunt season the following ten are the ones all dreams are pinned on. With a guaranteed prize of a cool quarter of a million quid up for grabs and the ten grand prizes along the way, enjoy the ride to all who have entered and please leave your comments.

So here goes, hopefully this ten, some not original but guaranteed heavy points scorers will lead to a healthy profit as well as Cheltenham 2012 Festival Glory.

AL FEROF(left); 6yo Paul Nicholls. This horse has been to the last two Cheltenham festivals finishing 2nd in the Bumper and 1st in the Supreme Novices. All he did in that win in March was stay, and with the switch to fences can come back next year to have a crack at the Arkle.The ability to stay further than the bare 2 miles has always been handy in races like the Arkle and the fact that championship pace suits, he  will develop into a strong contender.Will be intriguing to see how he fares on Sunday and has the likes of Peddlers Cross and Menorah to deal with, but I reckon he'll prove best of the lot.

   

HURRICANE FLY(above); 7yo Willie Mullins. The reigning Champion Hurdler and though there will be plenty of new challengers like Spirit Son, Oscars Wells and The Real Article, they will all have to improve massively to trouble "The Fly". Won with something in hand last March and can mop up the bonus races in Ireland before coming back and defending his title.

DIVERS (left); 7yo Ferdy Murphy. I saw this one win the Centenary at The Festival back in March and with his connections thought straight away, plot up Paddy Power Chase.Trainer Ferdy Murphy produced L'Antartique to do the same double and has a good chance to do it again with Divers. Is a 7yo second season chaser, a course and distance winner with a low weight and looks the ideal sort for the race. Travelled well off the pace back in March before winning, in my opinion, with a bit in hand. Ran a poor race on his seasonal debut at Carlisle, but surely will come on a ton for that and on better ground has a cracking each way chance in The Paddy Power Chase, despite drifting in the market.

FIRST LIEUTENANT;6yo Mouse Morris. Won the Neptune at The Festival and all he did was stay on strongly up the Cheltenham hill. I had backed Rock On Ruby in that race and thought he had it won, but this one, after looking in trouble, roared up the stiff finish and nabbed the prize on the line. Will be the right age in March to be a strong contender for the 3m RSA Chase. Trainer is getting plenty of experience into him and he definitely looks a chaser to follow.

HIDDEN CYCLONE;6yo J.Hanlon. Was only beaten once as a hurdler, finishing a close 3rd in a Grade 1 in Ireland behind First Lieutenant and Zaidpour, and that is smart form. Trainer reckons this one could be a Gold Cup horse of the future and the switch to chasing will surely bring out more improvement. To me, he too could develop into a RSA Chase horse himself.

AITEEN THIRTYTHREE; 7yo Paul Nicholls. This one has Hennessy Gold Cup written all over him and have already backed him at 10-1 for that race. Loves Newbury and with a satisfactory comeback run under his belt behind the smart Somersby, looks to have a big shout back at that track in a couple of weeks. Didn't like Cheltenham in last season's RSA and a flatter track seems to suit better. Could run well at Aintree too.

CAPTAIN CHRIS; 7yo Philip Hobbs. The world is this ones oyster and he has so many options, tripwise. He can go anywhere and win. Seems to prefer right handed tracks and a trip, but still managed to win the Arkle last season and can build on that this year to become a major presence within the chasing division. Could develop into a Gold Cup horse and a run in the King George at Kempton will tell us more. Could even take the Ryanair over 2m5f if connections don't fancy a crack at the big one this season. Should have won on seasonal debut at Exeter this season, but unluckily jockey Richard Johnson unseated, however the leap he made at the last told you he had loads left in the tank.

FINIANS RAINBOW;8yo Nicky Henderson. Lovely big scopy chaser and chased home Captain Chris in last season's Arkle after looking all over the winner at one point. Looks to be a real star in the 2mile Championship races this year and can go well in races like The Tingle Creek at Sandown and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The last two, pick themselves as they surely have no peers.

LONG RUN;6yo Nicky Henderson. Won the King George and the greatest Gold Cup I can remember last season and all this as such a young horse. Can win both again this year as his main rivals Kauto Star and Denman are too long in the tooth to trouble him now. If he stays clear of injury he will be at the top of the tree for a long time to come and will end up a "Legend". 

BIG BUCKS; 8yo Paul Nicholls. Legendary status already hangs around this one's neck and all roads lead back to Cheltenham for a crack at The World Hurdle. Will surely win that for the fourth time before either going chasing or coming back for a fifth one. One of my favourites of all time, it is unbelievable to think he is only eight and if he stays sweet will again prove himself unbeatable.

There you have it a fine list of horses and one that will take some beating. Enjoy the season and happy punting.

Randy.

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.