Well Handicapped? Change of Luck Needed.

Thursday 30^th January

Wincanton 2.10 Shantou Magic 1PT WIN  9/2 Stan James 

Highly thought of by his trainer as evidenced when finishing 4^th in the Grade 1 Challow hurdle over the Christamas period, following two wins in ordinary novice hurdles. He makes his handicap debut today off an attractive mark of 138 and has been already been backed.

Early One At Towcester

Towcester 1.10 Milord 1PT WIN  5/6 Stan James

Milord finds himself on a confidence boosting mission today after two falls in four runs this season, but his form when fourth in the Fred Winter at the festival is head and shoulders above his opponents here. I assume a clear round will be his priority, but with the booking of Jason Maguire he should have enough class to win this at I expect him to start shorter than his current price(Two lengths clear at the last and in command when coming down - Luck is really out at the moment) 

YTD Running Total -5.10PTS 

Long Wait Till Last At Haydock

Saturday 18^th January 2014

Haydock 3.50 Straidnahanna 1PT WIN  11/4 Various .

Has run well in three novice hurdles this season and come up against the likes of Oscar Rock on debut and Racing Pulse most recently. Ran well over these obstacles in November and in receipt of 6lbs from the Woof who is tongue tied for the first time should go very close. (2nd 7/4JF heavily backed and shortheaded on the line - hard to take)

YTD Running Total -4.10PTS 

One For Warwick

Saturday 11^th January 2014

Warwick 1.55 Sew On Target 1PT WIN  4/1 Paddy Power

Been running well from the front in much more competitive handicaps at Cheltenham. Has won on the ground and this represents a big drop in class.(Unplaced 5/1 - unable to dominate and soon beaten after two out - disappointing effort)

YTD Running Total -3.10PTS

One at Doncaster

Wednesday 8^th January 2014

Doncaster 3.20 Dardanella 1PT WIN  7/2 Various 

Winner of bumper and mares novice hurdle she looks well handicapped off 112 for her handicap debut in this mares event.  Stable remains in good form and her profile looks more progressive than the favourite Queen Spud. (3rd 7/2 - looked to have a chance 3 out but readily left behind, may need further.)

YTD Running Total -2.10PTS

One For Today

Thursday 2^nd January 2014

Huntington  12.10 Gunner Fifteen 1PT WIN  3/1 Various .
Easy winner of a bumper(runner up won yesterday), was heavily backed for hurdles debut when running too free over 2 1/2miles and Chepstow (winner won at Cheltenham yesterday).  Non runner in a much more competitive race than this at Kempton on Boxing Day. Looks a two horse race with odds on Fav to beat and in receipt of 7lbs should go close. (Pulled Up 9/4 - Terrible run, held up and never got into contention. The Stewards considered the running of GUNNER FIFTEEN (IRE), ridden by Noel Fehily and trained by Fergal O’Brien, which was pulled up. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. They ordered GUNNER FIFTEEN (IRE) to be routine tested).

YTD Running Total -1.10PTS

Happy New Year

Wednesday 1^st January 2014

Cheltenham 12.10 Ballyalton 1PT WIN@9/4 Various 

Ballyalton was visually very impressive at the last Cheltenham meeting at a trip short of his best.  Racing Pulse is a big danger based on his impressive performance at Newcastle, but I think Ballyalton will have too much class and speed for him over this trip.
4TH 3/1(drifted in market, not able to quicken going to last, disappointing run)

Cheltenham 2.30 Double Ross 1PT WIN@2/1 Various 

I expect him to be able to defy the 7lb increase for a victory in a much more competitive race here at the last meeting, where he had the race won from the top of the hill.  Stable amongst winners again yesterday.
1ST 11/8F rule 4 (well backed, always in control, comfortable) 1.9PT Profit

Catterick 3.25 Five in a Row 1PT WIN@10/11Bet 365

Winner of a point and a bumper (second has won twice since). He was highly tried on hurdle debut behind Ballyalton and Oscar Rock. This represents a drop in class and the step up in distance is also a plus.
2ND 10/11F (disappointing in a slow tactical affair).

YTD running total -0.10PTS