The usual Monday slim pickings, but I have backed two, usual small stakes:
NAP EW Tunkwa Lake 5.30N (taken 22-1) - had a couple of bets landed recently, highlighted in Sporting Life when having a first go in handicaps, with similar MO; three sub-par runs where they've been handled 'tenderly' to get low handicap mark, but signs of ability and good pedigree. (The winner of his 3 previous races are rated around a stone higher now.)
And as mentioned by GForce, Phoenix Star 8.30N - which has been inconsistent recently (poor!), but been backed today; its form at Newcastle is pretty good, anything like last run there back in March, or runs last year at the track, should put him right up there - the trainers last 2 runners both won, but this horse does have a rather worrying number of 2nd places on AW.
Backed to win at 4-1 (8-1 was available at some point), and EW double with Tunkwa Lake (4 places).
Many experts see Percy's Word as the biggest certainty of the day, in the Newton Abbot selling hurdle (3.30). As a 129-rated horse he's really slumming it at this level and has a good stone in hand of Blazer's Mill with the rest in a different parish. But let's not be too hasty. Olly Murphy once thought a fair bit of Blazer's who has already notched a win against the Skelton horse within living memory, and now is 8lb better off, not including the extra ten for the jockey's claim. And there's more. Blazer's best form has been when there is give in the ground whereas Percy's wouldn't be welcoming the recent rain. They currently bet 2/9 and 9/2 so you have the old-fashioned bet to nothing right there.
There's a short Elliot one should win at Perth but since we are close to start of month i'll go with a longer Hughes one at more of a price - Shes a Rocca in the 15.20
There are two odds-on Elliott favs at Perth and I think they are both vulnerable. But best to ignore me - I'm just in a oppose-the-favourite mood today. Having said that, I'll be disappointed if Jive King doesn't do the business at Brighton.
On Brian Hughes, there's an opinionated chap called Armado on TH who recently suggested Hughes was overrated, an unworthy champion and would get done by Sean Bowen for the title this year. I needed the Heimlich Manoeuvre after reading that.
Having previously selected it on here only for the horse to be a non-runner, I feel obligated to stick with Frank Ross Is Out in the 18.30 at Newcastle. It can‘t be my measly bet that’s forced the price in from 9s to 5s, can it?!
Frank Ross Is Out is out! He’s a non-runner once again. Even slimmer pickings left at this time of the day so I’ll take a punt on Cosa Sara in the 19.30 at Newcastle.
I notice a couple of Henry de Bromhead's horses are NRs at Galway - it must be an awful time, not just for the family, but those at the yard too. Hopefully, they can have a few days to deal with the initial impact of the tragic accident that Jack suffered.
Not sure Tunkwa Lake got the memo, Phoenix star a respectable 2nd.
Electress won 5/1
Huelgoat wins at 2/1
The Friday Man won the 14.25. Perth.8/13.
The usual Monday slim pickings, but I have backed two, usual small stakes:
NAP EW Tunkwa Lake 5.30N (taken 22-1) - had a couple of bets landed recently, highlighted in Sporting Life when having a first go in handicaps, with similar MO; three sub-par runs where they've been handled 'tenderly' to get low handicap mark, but signs of ability and good pedigree. (The winner of his 3 previous races are rated around a stone higher now.)
And as mentioned by GForce, Phoenix Star 8.30N - which has been inconsistent recently (poor!), but been backed today; its form at Newcastle is pretty good, anything like last run there back in March, or runs last year at the track, should put him right up there - the trainers last 2 runners both won, but this horse does have a rather worrying number of 2nd places on AW.
Backed to win at 4-1 (8-1 was available at some point), and EW double with Tunkwa Lake (4 places).
After a very enjoyable weekend I've zilch today
Nap Newc 2030 Phoenix Star
Nolton Cross in the 17:30 at Newcastle
Many experts see Percy's Word as the biggest certainty of the day, in the Newton Abbot selling hurdle (3.30). As a 129-rated horse he's really slumming it at this level and has a good stone in hand of Blazer's Mill with the rest in a different parish. But let's not be too hasty. Olly Murphy once thought a fair bit of Blazer's who has already notched a win against the Skelton horse within living memory, and now is 8lb better off, not including the extra ten for the jockey's claim. And there's more. Blazer's best form has been when there is give in the ground whereas Percy's wouldn't be welcoming the recent rain. They currently bet 2/9 and 9/2 so you have the old-fashioned bet to nothing right there.
There's a short Elliot one should win at Perth but since we are close to start of month i'll go with a longer Hughes one at more of a price - Shes a Rocca in the 15.20
Sunday Soldier - 19.45
Huelgoat. Newton Abbot 4.30
Regulator 1.00 Brighton is the nap,well done yesterdays winners.
Castletown 14:50 Perth Nap
Having previously selected it on here only for the horse to be a non-runner, I feel obligated to stick with Frank Ross Is Out in the 18.30 at Newcastle. It can‘t be my measly bet that’s forced the price in from 9s to 5s, can it?!
I notice a couple of Henry de Bromhead's horses are NRs at Galway - it must be an awful time, not just for the family, but those at the yard too. Hopefully, they can have a few days to deal with the initial impact of the tragic accident that Jack suffered.
Electress nap (15:40, Brighton)
Galway 5.45 - Beechroad Winnie
Class 6 hell at Brighton...lethal angel in the 4.15.
Brutal napping this month. I don't know what these guys are on.
My nap is the Elliott trained Perth raider 'The Friday Man' in the 14.15.