Saturday’s Final Word

Friday was a day of very few winning chances, although we did manage to find a couple at Limerick. Monalee fell when travelling into contention and Faugheen, was pulled up, this follow’s the sad loss of a couple of really nice horses on Thursday and we extend our thoughts to those connected with them. Like all thing’s we must look forward…. And onto today. With ONE all weather flat card and 3 NH Cards to look at, here is what myself and Charlie have found….

We head to Lingfield to start Saturday and the opening race at 11.50, is a class 4 6f Sprint, with Joegogo looking to make up for his last time out 5 & 3/4 length 5th when stepping up to Class 2 company in a Conditions race, following from winning 3 on the bounce in Nursery races, now back in that company and down to Class 4, can get his season back on track.

One who has been heading in the right direction is Dean Ivory’s Tropics(12.00) having spent much of the last couple of seasons on the turf and contesting in Listed class, has found life a lot easier down in Class 3 waters, the 9 year Old is the eldest in the race and had been heading in the right direction since switched to AW and dropped in class, with 7 – 4 – 2 before landing a Class 3 6f sprint at Wolverhampton from a mark of 88, the once rated 115 gelding, could still be well in on old form, although has not won 2 in a row since 2014, when winning off a mark of 94, before winning again from 100. Now rated 92 and if a going day, you never know…

Charlie – 3.30 Attain has won around here 5 times in the past and has placed 3rd on last two runs here. Should be thereabouts again and at 5-2 is nicely priced.

Now we move onto the 3 National Hunt Cards and start at Haydock, where the going is Heavy, as it is so often at this time of year…

Ravensdale(1.00) is a 3m PTP winner back in Ireland prior to joining Nigel Twiston Davies and is from the same connections as Bristol De Mai, with Daryl Jacobs on board. A 2 length runner up in a NH Flat race on UK debut over 1m 7f at Southwell in late October and made his hurdle debut at this course earlier this month, yet again the going was heavy but Ravensdale ran out a winner by 3/4’s of a length over 2m 2f in a class 3 novice Hurdle. This represents a step up down in class as well as trip, but with being a Course and going winner, he is expected to go well.

The 2.10 is a class 2, 3m 3f Handicap Chase and with the going on the deep side, I found West is the Edge, has had 2 runs over hurdles this term, both being non events really and now goes back chasing, on ground he seems to like with 5 wins and 2 places from 10 runs on heavy ground, while is a 4 time winner over 3m+. Last seen in this sphere beating Talk of the South by 8 lengths at Warwick over 3m 5f and was a class 3 winner back in March.

Charlie – 11.50 War Creation is out of Scorpion the same sire as Might Bite and looks an interesting runner for Nicky Henderson and at 100-30 could be a bit of value if the fav flops.

2.10 Lesson’s in Milan is another Henderson runner who looks to be on a winnable mark, has won on heavy going over hurdles, although was pulled up here back in November, a line can be drawn through that run as was first run for 9 months.

We now head to Newbury, just like Haydock, the going is Heavy….

Trainer Neil Mulholland runs Chirico Vallis(1.15) for owner JP McManus, who was brought over from Gordon Elliott in Ireland and has had 3 Chase outings so far for the connections. Winning on debut at Southwell by 8 lengths over 1m 7f before falling 4 out at Ludlow over 2m. Back on track at Bangor, in heavy conditions last time out, in what was a Match race, coming some 18 lengths clear of his rival. The return of Noel Fehily to the saddle will help cut out the jumping errors and if keeping them to a minimum, could land the odds here.

With stamina needed I think Kilbricken Storm(3.00) can land the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle, already a Grade 2 winner last time out over 3m at Cheltenham, albeit in a 4 horse race, winning by 2 & 3/4 lengths for trainer Colin Tizzard, a 2m winner by 26 lengths at Wincanton over 2m and this trip should be fine….

Charlie – 12.40 Royal Ruby has won at Southwell on hurdles debut and had a subsequent hurdle winner back in 3rd. Was then sent to Fakenham and upped in trip to 2m and was 3rd. Nicky Henderson has won this race 9 times in the last 10 renewals and Royal Ruby looks the most likely winner at 2-1

1.50 Brave Eagle – Has won twice over 1m 7f at Ludlow then at Fontwell over 2m 3f. Goes back up in distance and has been dropped 2lb by the handicapper and that could swing this race in his favor.

And finally we are off to Taunton, the going is Soft…..

Trainer Paul Nicholls has a fine record at his local course and has a good chance in landing the Novice Handicap Chase at 1.25 with Silent Steps, a runner up on chase debut over C/D by 3/4’s of a length last time out and was also a runner here on final Hurdle run to the smart prospect Comely on season return. Now heading out with first time Cheek pieces, hoping to spark the much need improvement to land in the winners enclosure on the second time of asking….

The race of the day has to be the 3.15 Mares’ Class 1 Listed 2m Hurdle, with some fine runners on the card, this looks to be a cracking race, with local trainer Paul Nicholls sending his facile last time out winner from 4 days ago If You Say So, Nicholls has won this race twice in the last 3 season’s including last year, If You Say So only ran on Boxing day and won with plenty in hand in a class 4 2m Novice Hurdle at Wincanton, but comes up against front running Maria’s Benefit, who is fresh from winning a Ludlow Class 2, 2m Hurdle by 7 lengths. Another last time out winner comes from Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson’s Stable and is owned by The Queen, Sunshade won with plenty in hand too, well 14 lengths over 2m 2f in a Class 4 Novice Hurdle at Market Rasen. All 3 are stepping up in class, All 3 are last time out winners and ALL 3 are in with a chance, as long as this doesn’t come to soon for If You Say So. Maria’s Benefit like’s to front run and may have this race sown up with a furlong to go, unless they can keep pace with her, but that said Sunshade is unexposed and is unbeaten in 3 runs…. And I cannot pick the winner…. But I dare say that these 3 will be in the mix at the end.

Rich had a question for Nicky Henderson that appeared on his Stan James blog you can read that below.

All we ask is that everyone comes home safe  and that racing is the winner! 

 

Thanks for your support this year and let’s look forward to the New Year with plenty of decent horses to look forward to and many winners to find…

All the Best – Charlie and Rich 

Final Word – Friday’s Thoughts

AS we head towards a New Year, our Boxing Day edition of Final Word brought you no less than 6 winners, 3 each from myself and Charlie… WE have had a few days away to spend time with our families and now return with a look at Friday’s racing in England and Ireland.

Were start with the ONLY All Weather meeting at Southwell before we get into the National Hunt fixtures….

Satchville Flyer(3.00) has been running over 7f and 1m recently and now drops back to 6f under Fran Berry, having been a 5 length runner up at this course. His last win over this trip was at Chepstow in July from a mark of 72, although his last 6f AW win was at Kempton back in May 2015, now well under that mark and could go well. While one at the other end of the spectrum is Dream Magic(3.30) who won at Wolverhampton over 1m 4f when stepping up from 1m. The 3YO Gelding won by 8 lengths and runs today under a penalty, keeping the same Pilot in Andrew Mullins….

Charlie – 3.30 – Although Rich has already mentioned Dream Magic in this race, my preference is for Star Ascending who’s previous two runs here have been 1st then 2nd both over today’s distance and at 11-4 seems a fair price.

Now, that is all from the AW flat sphere, we can get our teeth into the NH Cards and we start with the only NH Card in England at Doncaster, where the going is Good to Soft, Soft in places and they hold an Inspection at 7am….

In the opening race , the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, we see Cubswin(12.25) who won on Hurdle debut , before finishing 3rd of 8 when running under a penalty at Ludlow. Finished runner Up last time out at Fakenham to Gin and Tonic, when beaten by a neck although closing at the line, which was a handicap debut. Another looking to improve is Copain De Classe(1.30) for Paul Nicholls, who is a duel class 4 hurdle winning, when switched to chasing at Ascot last time out, finishing 3rd behind Benatar, who has since won twice, including a Grade 2 Chase at Ascot last time out.

Charlie – 2.05 High Jinx was fairly useful on the flat and makes hurdles debut here look very interesting for T D Easterby and at 5-1 could be a bit of value if fav doesn’t perform well.

WE now head across the sea to Ireland, where the Leopardstown Christmas Festival is in full swing …..

We have an interesting UK Raider, with Phil Kirby sending Lady Buttons(1.20) who was last seen at Bangor winning a 2m 1f Listed Chase by 1 & 3/4’s lengths from Dusky Legend. Now back over hurdles and stepping up to Grade 3. Runner up in a Class 1 Listed contest at Wetherby to La Bague Au Roi by 2 lengths, who has since won again, when beating Irish Raider Jer’s Girl at Kempton in a Listed contest.

Monalee(1.55) will be looking to build on chase debut success when stepping up to Grade 1, Henry De Bromhead’s charge made an exciting chase debut for the former Albert Bartlett runner up, when winning by 6 lengths from Any Second Now. Now she comes up against  some decent chasers, with Shattered Love( 3 wins & 1 RU spot from 4 chase starts) Rathviden(4 wins & 2 RU from 8 chase starts) and Jury Duty( 2 wins 1 RU spot from 3 chase starts) will be looking to stop the novice making it to the winners enclosure.

And at 2.30, we have Faugheen the Machine, who’s only career defeat came at the hands of the late Nichols Canyon, with last two wins by 16 & 15 lengths respectively. The question is how far will be winning margin be??

Charlie –Jury Duty has won 2 chases from 3, although they were over 2m 6f the extra yardage shouldn’t be a problem here and will give the fav something to think about and at 9-1 is worth an Eachway play.

Now we head to Limerick for the final card of the day, with Willie Mullins looking to win the same race he won last season with Bernie Des Dieux, this season sends Kate Appleby Shoes(1.00) who makes season return and starts life in a Beginners Chase, having won 2 of her 4 hurdle starts and was last seen back in April pulling up in the Grade B Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. The Grade 3 winning mare, will be looking to make a positive start in this sphere.

While Fabulous Saga(2.10) will be looking to add to the Grade 3 Stayers victory from last time out at Cork, when winning by what seemed half the track, but was just 70 lengths. with Danny Mullins retained for the ride, although Mr Mullins also saddles maiden hurdle winner Ainsi Va La Vie, a 2m 7f winner at Thurles last time in a double pronged attack.

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That’s all for today folks, we will see what the next few days brings and if we like anything enough, then you will be sure to see us again….

All the Best – Charlie & Rich

Boxing Day – Final Word

Merry Christmas to you all from Charlie and Myself, we hope we find you all well and in a festive mood. WE would also like to thank you all for your support, from the good days to the not so great to the darn right awful days, that I am sure everyone has had during the last 12 months. We are humbled by the 11,781 views of our blog this year, that is a incredible amount, Thank you all so very much.

With so much going on around Christmas, we thought that we should put out a Final Word early, so that we can all enjoy the few days with our families…. So let’s crack on.

All eyes will be on the King George at Kempton, so it’s only natural that we start at Kempton…. WE have already delivered a King George special for 3 Furlongs Out and it will be published by us, very soon….

Kempton

Rich – The opener (12.45) is a Class 2 Novice Hurdle, run over 2 miles and features The Cap Fits, who has only suffered ONE defeat and that was to Lalor, at Aintree in the Grade 2 Bumper. Winner of TWO NH Flat races prior to that defeat in April and has won both Hurdle starts to date, including a 2 mile, Class 4 Novice Hurdle at Bangor last time out, when beating Solomon Gold by 3 & 1/4 lengths, Solomon has franked the form by winning last month by 11 lengths. The Milan Gelding does have to give 3Lb away to the field though, but I think he is going the right way and should have enough to take this race.

At 1.55, we have the Kauto Star Novice Chase, which is a Grade 1 Class 1 race, run over 3 miles. Kauto Star’s Trainer was Paul Nicholls, who saddles Black Corton, who by relative terms is still a novice, despite having started in this sphere back in June of this year and has run 8 times to date. Was a runner up last time out, which was only the second time since going chasing, having won the other 6 starts, two of which were at Cheltenham, over 3m. That defeat, came with a drop back in trip to 2m 7f and was only by 3/4’s of length to Elegant Escape at Newbury. Now returned to 3 miles and will be looking to make it 7 wins from 9 runs and land the Kauto trophy for trainer Paul Nicholls.

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Charlie – 1.55 Although Rich has gone for Black Corton in this race, my preference is for Ballyoptic although 4 length behind Black Corton last time out at Cheltenham, mainly due to errors in jumping. If getting a clear passage and rectifying errors of previous race, could easily turn the tables here and I fully expect these two to fight it out in a closer finish this time around. I will definitely have a small bet on the Reverse Forecast just as an interest.

3.40 – Dashing Oscar -Has won last two hurdles races over 2m 3f at Fontwell and Bangor when leading from the front, goes up in distance to 2m 5f and in a slightly tougher race, although still looks progressive enough to cope with the challenge, especially as there is more than one front runner in this race, with Nicky Henderson sending Take To Heart who has won twice when being prominently placed from the start. Again I fully expect these two to fight it out in a close finish.

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Rich – WE now head over the Irish sea, as Leopardstown and Limerick, both hold NH Meeting’s  and we start at Leopardstown, where at 2.20 Footpad, will be contesting a Grade 1 Class 1 Novice Chase over 2miles 1 furlong. Willie Mullins will be hoping that after a very eye catching chase debut, the former Graded hurdler can get the better of Death Duty. Footpad won on chase debut at Navan by 11 lengths in a Class 1 Beginners Chase and showed a nice turn of hoof as well as a fine round of Jumping. Death Duty, is by far the most experienced of the two market leaders and has already landed a Grade 3 before a Grade 1 win last time out, both were won over a slightly further distance, which could be an advantage to Footpad. It would not be a surprise to see these two fighting out the finish.

Charlie – 2.55 Blast of Koeman impressive victory last time out at Leopardstown over 2m when beating Robin Des Mana by 2 and 3/4 length. Looks progressive enough to go well again now entering Handicap Chase territory for first time.

Rich – Over at Limerick, we have an interesting 2m 4f Hurdle at 1.05, which features Discorama, not a name known to many, but Apple’s Jade and Shakira are and Discorama share’s the same sire as the Apples Fillies’ in Sadler Maker. Already a winner over hurdles when beating the well fancied Blow By Blow over 2m 2f last time out, who has since won a Class 1 Maiden Hurdle and should get the better of Ex Patriot, who has been very disappointing so far this season.

Charlie – 1.40 – Shower Cross looks interesting in this race being out of the family of Grand National winner Royal Athlete and being trained by John J Walsh who’s horses tend to do well. Jock claims 5lb and that should make things easier in this race and it could outrun it’s 10-1 price.

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Rich – Back over to England we head, or Wolverhampton to be precise for an All Weather meeting….

And despite finishing 7th of 7 last time out Gulliver(2.50) can add to the 3 wins from earlier in the last few weeks. A C/D winner in October at the start of winning the 3 in a row, when landing a 6f handicap here and also landed a 7f handicap in class 2 at Lingfield before finishing last, now drops back to 6f and has an inside draw along with top female jockey Jo Gordon on board. With TWO wins in a Row, Dutiful Son(3.25) is looking to land a Hatrick, having won a 7f Lingfield handicap prior to winning a Class 6 Seller there too. Now back in a Handicap, with Luke Morris on board and able to run from the same mark of 71 but the danger could come from another Hatrick seeker in Rapid Ranger!

Charlie – 1.10 – King Kevin tipped this horse last 3 times and it’s won 2 and placed 2nd in the latest race at Newcastle, I’m keeping the faith again and being a course and distance winner ticks all the right boxes to go in again.

2.50 -Again I’m going against Rich’s selection Gulliver with Intisaab who was a fair 2nd at Kempton last time out to Double Up and could reverse that form in this race and another close finish between those two looks likely.

3.25 – Fire Diamond has won 3 times around here although was a poor 6th last time out at Chelmsford. That run can be forgiven as its more suited to Tapeta nowadays.

 

That concludes our Boxing Day Final Word… Merry Christmas to you all, thanks for your support and we will see you soon.

Remember to only bet what you can afford, if not just watch the top class racing, with your feet up!

Best Wishes – Charlie & Rich

Arse Awards 2017

 

Arse Award Trophy

With 2017 coming to an end, with your usual award’s we decided, well truth be told Rich decided that we should do our own, so here we go –

National Hunt Horse of 2017 –

Sizing John and Robbie Power

Rich – Sizing John had always been runner up to Douvan, but without Douvan became a superstar for Jessica Harrington, duel Gold Cup winner and will only improve.

 

Altior and Nico De Boinville

Charlie – Altior had an incredible season after being undefeated over hurdles, Altior continued the winning mentality when taking to fences and ended the season with 6 wins over fences from 6 contested.

 

National Hunt Jockey of 2017 – 

Rich – Robbie Power –

Robbie Power

simply Fantastic in Guiding Sizing John to glory last season.

 

Charlie – Nico De Boinville –

Nico De Boinville

Nico has been onboard Altioir for 3 of his chase wins and is a really talented horseman for Nicky Henderson to have.

 

National Hunt Trainer of 2017 –

Nicky Henderson

Rich – Nicky Henderson – went from losing Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig to having another couple of superstars in Whisper and Might Bite, deserved to be Champion Trainer.

Colin Tizzard

Charlie – Colin Tizzard – this may come as a surprise considering I tipped Nicky Henderson to regain his title, I decided that the trainer that impressed me the most was Colin Tizzard,he has done a fabulous job considering he has a smaller pool of horse’s.

 

National Hunt race of 2017 –

Rich – Cheltenham Gold Cup – Seeing Sizing John go past Djakadam and cruise up the hill, was simply magical

Charlie –Bet365 celebration chase at Sandown – seeing Altior beat Special Tiara by 8 length was a breathtaking way to sign off for the year.

 Loss of 2017 – 

Rich – Many Clouds – Absolutely devastated, my personal favourite horse

Charlie – Have to agree with Rich on Many Clouds, it was an unfortunate way to go, beating Thistlecrack and then collapsing after the race. Many Clouds was a special animal and we don’t see many like that in a lifetime.

 

Many Clouds beating Thistlecrack

 

Flat Horse of 2017 – 

Enable

Rich – Enable – Simply by far the stand out horse of the flat season, culminating in winning the Arc

Charlie – with Rich already giving Enable the horse of the year, I thought id give you two that impressed me, first one is Stradivarius who won the Queens Vase and the Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes. The 2nd is Monarchs Glen who won the EBF Stallions Foundation Stakes (Listed) and the Darley Club Stakes.

Flat Jockey of 2017

Rich – Frankie Dettori – Simply back to his best, age is no boundary

Charlie – Frankie Dettori has been fantastic this season for John Gosden long may it continue.

Flat Trainer of 2017 – 

Rich – Charlie Appleby

Charlie Appleby

– His record with 2YO on debut was stunning, hitting 50% SR at one point during the season and landing a winner at the Breeders Cup was thoroughly deserved from a fine season.

Charlie – 

John Gosden and Frankie Dettori

John Gosden has to take this accolade as Enable is a machine and a credit to all connections, coupled with Frankie Dettori is a match made in heaven.

 

Flat Race of 2017 –

Rich- Enable winning the Irish Oaks by 5 1/2 lengths

Charlie -Enable winning the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe from Cloth Of Stars who was 2 and 1/2 length further back in 2nd.

 

Racing Highlight of 2017

Rich – Meeting and Interviewing Frankie Dettori

Frankie Dettori and Rich Williams

Charlie – I have 2 Racing related highlights for 2017 first one was a trip to Hamilton racecourse where Rich supplied the winners to make it a memorable day out. The 2nd one is Racing coming home to where it should be on ITV, and the inclusion of Matt Chapman, Ed Chamberlain ,Richard Hoiles and Ollie Bell have all helped bring racing to a younger audience whilst keeping it entertaining at the same time.

ITV Racing Team

 

And that concludes our 2017 Awards ….. Thanks for popping by in 2017….

 

 

 

Final Word – Tuesday

Well Monday was interesting wasn’t it, odds on shots getting beat right left and centre, then another odd’s on fav refusing to race….. Oh the delights of racing. It’s also been a sad few days with the passing of a couple of cracking horses and our thoughts go to the trainers, stable staff and connections at this time. There are a lot of lower class races at the mot, along with the weather conditions and as we head into Christmas, it the reason why there has not been a Peoples Nap for a while, but do not fret folks, it’s around and soon when I think I have more than 3 or 4 to choose from, I will unleash it!

I have 3 tomorrow, yes enough for a PN but I do like to have more than 3 to choose from and yes I am trying to find slightly bigger odds than evens…..

My only NH horse runs at Catterick, where the going is Good to Soft.

Halcyon Days(2.50) returned last season finishing 3rd on first run back before going onto win 6 from 9 other chases last term, a model of consistency for Rebecca Menzies. Returned this season to finish runner up, by one length over 2m at Ayr in late October and will be looking to add to the tally of 6…..

Sadly nothing at Fakenham caught my eye, so we now head to the beach or Southwell, on the AW as we know it!!!

Mach One(1.00) form for last 5 runs reads 3/2/1/2/1 and was a winner at Chelmsford on the AW in early November before being beaten over C/D by a nose a couple of weeks later. Returned here just 8 days ago to land  a 1m class 5 contest from Muqarred(re opposing again) by 1 & 1/2 lengths and runs under a penalty today

Another who I think will run a big race at Southwell is Tricky Dicky(2.00) Yes I do love a good namesake, but that is not the reason I mention him. Having won 2 from 3 over C/D(6f) and having been beaten a length over C/D last time out by Mujassam(yep, re opposing again today) but Tricky Dicky now has a 3Lb swing in his favour with Mujassam, turned out under a penalty….

That’s all for today folks, keep your eyes open for our King George Unravelled, which will be published on the lead up to the big race on Boxing day, also you may be interested that we will also be publishing some of the Interviews that I have been lucky enough to have this year…. So keep them peeled!

Remember these are just my thought’s I am sharing and form NO PART of either Peoples Nap, Rich or Charlie’s Profit and Loss… They are just thought’s shared, hopefully for the greater good.

Thanks for popping by folks and All the Best – Rich

 

Back to Basics…… Final Word

Hi folks, sorry for the brief break…… Firstly I caught a nasty virus that knocked me for 6( a bit like Steve Smith has with England’s bowling attack)from which I am now recovering from and to top it all off, we had a loss of broad band for 36 hours. It has finally returned and I am well enough to be able to provide another edition of Final Word. So lets start in Wales at Ffos Las…..

Oxwich Bay(1.00) has plenty of experience, despite still being a maiden. Has been runner up on 3 hurdle starts since debut back last December. Now steps up in trip an extra 4 furlongs to try and gain that elusive first win over hurdles…..

While Tornado in Milan(2.40) looks to add another class 3 hurdle to his tally, now rated just TWO higher than when winning over hurdles back in February at Wincanton(2m 3f)and has been running in class 3 chase contests, with the ground being on the heavy side and having 4 wins and 2 runner up spots in these conditions, Milan could be the way to go.

While down at Plumpton, another NH card is held and Knocknanuss(12.20) who is a consistent gelding having finished runner up and winner in NH Flat races in Ireland prior to joining Gary Moore. Won on stable debut over C/D back in May before returning under a penalty to finish an 11 length runner up. Has to carry top weight in this contest too in this Novice hurdle, but should go well…. Next we have a Class dropper….. Delire D’estruval(1.20) who finished forth on UK debut(2m 4f, also today’s distance) at Aintree before winning a Class 1 Listed contest at Haydock on bottomless ground by a neck, although the race has yielded only ONE winner(class 4 novice hurdle) it was a Listed race, now stepping back up in trip and carrying a penalty, down in class on better ground, should see more from this French import

And Finally, I managed to find ONE on the AW at Wolverhampton(not a great card too be honest) and it comes in the 3.10 with A Sure Welcome, who since returning from a break and dropping from 7f to 6f, has seemingly been sparked into life. Winning on drop back over C/D by 1/2 a length before finishing Runner up, under a penalty earlier this month, has a chance in a mixed field, as the pace of both contests was quite hot…..

Thanks for popping by folks…. Let’s keep our finger’s crossed

All the Best – Rich 

Final Word – Friday Edition

The two I found at Chelmsford didn’t really do themselves justice, with Pactolus finishing 4th and You’re Cool, also finishing outside the places despite being well placed. As I mentioned yesterday I am just trying to back to normal and that is why there has been no People’s Nap, but I imagine it may well return sooner rather than later!

Although, I did have some good news, which was I have won a MUG from The All Weather Championships on Twitter, for successfully picking the winner of the 6.15 yesterday at Chelmsford!

Cheltenham have a card today, but all I really thought  have a little inkling about was Sizing Tennessee, who if he can sort out his jumping, could be a decent NH horse.

Doncaster hold a nice card too, with Don Lami(12.25)  a PTP 3m winner with Colin Bowe before joining Anthony Honeyball. A winner on rules debut in a Class 6 NH Flat race over 2m 1f at Fontwell by 6 lengths, with the front two 20 lengths clear of 3rd and runs in a 3m novice hurdle.

From one with very little NH experience, to one with a wealth of experience, Alvarado(2.10) a solid performer in Graded races for Fergal O’Brien, drops to Class 3 having spent last season contesting in higher classes and finishing 4th in last season’s Ayr Grand National. This is the second run of the season, having finished 3rd on season return.

A final thought from Doncaster is Huntsman Son(2.45) who was a 6 length runner up to Who’s My Jockey, after almost a year away from the race track in early November before heading to Market Rasen earlier this month to land a 15 length victory, turned out under a penalty, with Huntsman due to go up another 8LB more after this race.

With a couple of evening AW fixtures at Dundalk(Ire) and Chelmsford again in the UK, so I took a look at both….. Nothing really caught my eye at Dundalk, so we head straight to Chelmsford.…

Progressive Jazz(6.15) has had two runner up spots on the AW last two runs, latterly beaten a neck at Wolverhampton over 1m 1f in mid November and now steps up to 1m 2f looking to break the maiden tag…. And finally, a nice debutant from Charlie Appleby, who had some stunning form with 2YO debutants during the flat season and sends out Dubawi Filly Crown Walk(6.45) Just one to keep an eye on…..

Hopefully today will be better than yesterday and we thank you for popping by.

All the Best – Rich

Final Word – Late Edition

After a few days away, I thought it would be nice to look at the AW card at Chelmsford this evening. Charlie is on an extended break, but could be back for Cheltenham at the end of the week, he will see how things pan out and if there is anything that tickles his fancy(ohhhh Matron)

AS for myself, I needed a break, as I was just going through the motions and it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate after a bit of bad news, that affected me more than I had realised. I am slowly getting there and these are the first steps back. Please be gentle!

Anyway, as I was saying, so I took a look at all the cards, but with Warwick and Newcastle off and the fact, my pc decided to update yesterday, I have missed one race at Taunton already. WE all know about Top Notch, who should win quite easily, so that is where I will leave that. Back to Chelmsford it is then folks….

7.15 – Handicap – Class 2 – 1m 

Pactolus – Had certainly been heading in the right direction since August – 4th/ 3rd/ 2nd(when beaten at this course over 1m 2f by a head) in early November. Headed to Wolverhampton, in this class to land a 1m 1f contest by a neck from Mount Tahan, while in 3rd was Battle of Marathon, who dropped to Class 3, when beating Emenem, who has also since won….. Has a indifferent draw today and the drop back in trip, but we will see what happens……

Another I like, which is a favourite of mine is You’re Cool(7.45) runs in a 5f Class 4 handicap, on the back of a couple of back to back C/D wins, latterly in a class 4 race earlier this month, winning by a short head  from Gorgeous Noora, who has since won, while 3rd place Menelik, went to Dundalk and landed a contest……

WE would like to thank you all for your support and patience, we know it can be frustrating and sometimes thing’s don’t pan out the way you expect or hope, much the same as thing’s in life….. But we will be back to full tilt soon and be stronger for our experience.

All the Best – Rich 

Charlie and Final Word

Sadly there is no PN again today, partly due to weather and partly due to the inspection at Southwell (although I am sure it will be fine) Today it’s all down to Charlie and Final Word(which wasn’t bad yesterday!) So here is Charlie with his selections and I will catch you for Final Word –

Cheers Rich, With Southwell passing it’s early inspection, my selections will be from there although won’t be counted towards my profit/loss as I’m not 100% on their chances, anyway please find those listed below.

Southwell

1.30 –Magnetic Boundary -Was 2nd here almost a fortnight ago when making debut, should be open to further progress with that run under the belt and could take this race to gain first victory.

Win Advised

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2.00 –Good Time Ahead -Has placed 3rd and won here last two starts over 1m 4f. Goes up in trip here to 1m 6f 21y but hopefully that will bring further improvement.

Win Advised

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2.30 –Abraj Dubai -Won by some 8 length here 25 days ago, and makes handicap debut here off a workable mark and could go in again.

Win Advised

.Well that’s my thoughts on Monday’s runners, Good Luck if following and please remember to keep stakes small so it doesn’t hurt your pocket. I will hand you over to Rich for The Final Word.

Final Word –

This part of the blog was quite successful yesterday, with Un De Sceaux, Shattered Love, Anthenean all winning before  Sizing John, Djakadam and Sub Lieutenant all came home(In the correct order!)  This doesn’t happen very often, but when it does it is nice! Anyway that was yesterday and it has passed, so we look forward to Southwell(AW)

I don’t often check sectional times but the FOUR I found have decent times…. Rock on Bertie(12.30) was beaten in a blanket finish last time out at Newcastle, beaten by a head, with the front 3 clear of 4th place by 2 & 1/2 lengths, another run like that may well be enough to take the Nursery.

While I am not really sure what to make of On The Warpath(1.30) having finished runner up at Lingfield by a head having been run down in the final strides to winning over 7f or C/D by 2 & 3/4 lengths, having sprung from the gates and left them all behind with 2f to go. Luke Morris literally spent more time checking how far back they were than ahead, it was just hands & heels stuff. Now has a penalty but speed from gate and allowed to front run, could leave them again!

Abraj Dubai(2.30) was an impressive 8 length winner over C/D on debut and now starts life in Handicap’s from a mark of 80, having been given a forceful hands and heels ride to keep her up to her work, while winning comfortably.

And Finally … Medici Moon(3.00) is 2 wins and 2 places on the AW, with both wins coming at this course, including over C/D last month, when winning by 1 & 1/4 lengths and has Luke Morris on board like last time!

Thanks for popping by folks

Remember to only bet what you can afford, if not just watch

All the Best – Charlie & Rich

Final Word Special – Irish Edition

Due to Huntingdon being cancelled with the laying snow and freezing temperatures, Charlie has taken the day off and while there is no PN today due to the prices of what I found yesterday, I thought why waste my effort. I decided to give you all I found in a Final Word Special – Irish Edition

The meetings at Cork and Punchestown have some cracking races on the cards and a few Graded contests, so lets start in Cork, where the going is soft to heavy. Anthenean(1.15) is looking to build on the 3rd place on hurdles debut last month, when only down 1/2 a length, with the front 4, some 6 lengths clear of the rest. Already a NHF winner over 2m at Punchestown, today’s going should be no issue.

Moyross(1.50) will be hoping for success in the Grade 3 Stayers hurdle, having won both starts by over 2 lengths and was a C/D winner back in mid October.

2.20 is the Hilly Way Chase, a Grade 2 contest, which see’s the seasonal return of Un De Sceaux, who was last seen finishing runner up to Fox Norton in the Punchestown Champion Chase in April, if all is well Un De Sceaux is the class in the race although Ballyoisin, who was runner up to Disko last time out could give Un De Sceaux something to think about!

and the final note from Cork is Shattered Love(2.50) running in the Mares’ Novice Chase(G3) who was runner up last month in a Grade 2 Novice Chase contest to Jury Duty, beaten by 3/4’s of a length, with that form being enhanced by 3rd place Presenting Percy winning since and now Shattered Love drops in Grade.

We will now take the trip to Punchestown, where the going is the same as Cork, soft to heavy…  Kicking us off here is Roaring Bull(12.30) who will be looking to improve from his 3rd place finish to Sharjah last month, in a slowly run contest which Roaring made a mistake two fences out and that was the end of his challenge. The Milan gelding will have no issues with the going, having already been a NH Flat race C/D winner and with the likely hood of a touch more pace, should come into his own.

Punchestown Chase(2.05) see’s the seasonal return of Sizing John and Djakadam renewing their battle…. With Sizing John beating Djakadam when they were both seen last season in the Punchestown Gold Cup by a short head. Although I possibly don’t need to remind you about Sizing John’s form, when not racing against Douvan, I will – 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1, this dates back to November 2014. Djakadam won this race last season from Outlander, before going on to finish 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup(to Sizing John) and runner up here. Sub Lieutenant also races today, who was also placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and could follow this pair home, if stepping up from his two previous starts this term…..

All in all, it is a cracking day’s racing from Ireland. Please remember these are just my thought’s and are not selections. 

Enjoy the racing today folks

All the best – Rich