OCTOBER 2008 rac n ISSUE 50 £2.70g AHEAD It’s our Guide to 50th the new issue! jumps season WIN share in a horse

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+ Heineken Cup in sport! inside this issue 05 WIN A DAVID PARRY RACING ADDRESS FOR ALL CLUB MEMBERSHIP 14 CORRESPONDENCE Get your hands on a 10% lease share in a Office 113 promising young hurdler! Imperial Court 06 FENMAN Exchange Street East He’s had his first day at the races since Liverpool L2 3AB Harold Wilson was the Prime Minister UK 10 PICKS FROM THE PADDOCK Please use email if at all Andrew Ayres with yet more horses that possible to contact us can pay their way Tel: 0845 638 0704 14 FERDY MURPHY INTERVIEW Paul Ferguson met the north’s leading Internet site jumps trainer and he talks us through his www.racingahead.net General email prospects for the winter [email protected] 18 TRAVELLING THE TURF Publisher Simon Nott goes all Bollywood on us Anne Grøndahl Editor 20 TIMEFORM GLOBAL Stephen Mullen RANKINGS Kieran Packman with the pecking order Advertising enquiries according to the form gurus Graham Wright on 22 IN THE STICKS 0845 638 0704 or email Jeremy Grayson’s latest report as he spots [email protected] top prospects for the winter 20 Editorial contributors 26 PAUL FERGUSON’S JUMPS Andrew Ayres ANTE-POST GUIDE Malcolm Boyle Our master of the form book takes his first Graham Buddry look at the major prizes of the winter game Joe Conboy 32 IRISH NATIONAL HUNT Mervyn Coulson SEASON PREVIEW Fenman Tony Keenan with all you need to know Paul Ferguson Peter Hunt 36 IRISH FLAT REPORT Tony Keenan We list the targets of the major players in Jeremy Grayson Ireland’s Flat scene Steve Hughes 34 TRAVELLING THE TURF Frank Mummery Simon Nott gets lost in the middle of a Simon Nott pop concert at Sandown and Ascot Colin Phillips 38 WESTCOUNTRY WIRE Dave Renham The mole brings us the latest whispers Peter Webb 40 DAYS AT THE RACES Photographs Colin Phillips had a day out at Hereford PA Photos 42 SYSTEMS SPOT Subscriptions and back David Renham with some methods that issue queries make the most of favourites 0845 638 0704 [email protected] 44 YESTERDAY’S HEROES Subs rates: UK £28 per 12 Graham Buddry remembers when racing issues clubs were born in the early nineties Back issues: £4 each 46 NEWMARKET STATS Newstrade distribution Malcolm Boyle’s Champions Day pointers Advantage 50 ON THE EXCHANGES Printed by Warners (Midlands) 52 RACING CLUB NEWS Opinions in Racing Ahead 54 WIN MEMBERSHIPS TO are those of the contributors CARRY ON RACING! and not necessarily the We’ve got five great prizes worth £99 views of Racing Ahead Ltd. each to give away! 57 SPORTS BETTING ISSN: 1743-551X Racing Ahead 3 Starter’s Orders

Joe Conboy kicks off our 50th edition with his monthly report on horses that caught the eye for clock-watchers

EDITOR’S LETTER Sir Mark can start off 50 issues - thanks to our Autumn double you all! THE autumn double is still a for the totesport Cesarewitch a on October 5. Clock On has no popular bet with punters so I fortnight later. speed figures to dispute this WHEN we were first planning will have a dabble! The seven-year-old stayer has and, going by my eyes, Alain de the new racing magazine Sir Mark Prescott’s MASTER been raced over hurdles as well Royer-Dupre’s unbeaten three- that was to become Racing OF ARTS (66) has the look of as the Flat and his last start year-old filly looks a superstar. Ahead back in 2003, issue 50 a stable handicap snip in the on the level was at Newmarket But, from a ‘value’ seemed a long way off! Totesport.com Cambridgeshire last year, when he won this race. perspective, we can side with But here we are, we have at Newmarket on October 3. His form on the Flat has six GETAWAY at around the 8-1 made it through the birth, the The three-year-old son wins from his last 10 runs, mark. difficult early years and we of Swain has collected the which suggests his class. Trainer Andre Fabre does are now standing firmly on our prizemoney in his last five Leg Spinner should be fit and well in France’s premier prize own two feet. starts, albeit at a lower level. ready to defend this. Johnny and this five-year-old, who We receive a lot of nice Three of the wins have been Murtagh was in the saddle 12 ran fourth to Dylan Thomas in letters telling us how much on the all-weather but the months ago, so take the hint if last year’s event, is in winning you look forward to getting ground was soft at a mile on form. the magazine each month. the other two. This true stayer That makes the late nights He is rated only 99, so he “Leg Spinner has the won a Group 2 putting Racing Ahead together gets into this valuable prize off class to defend his race at Deauville worthwhile. an attractive weight. at the end of We are glad to be a small Master Of Arts’ shrewd Cesarewitch crown” August. part in your enjoyment of trainer knows the horse, which That track, like racing and we have always has been scoring with plenty in Longchamp, is tried to listen to our readers. hand, has more to give. He is he rides again. right handed and he strides So if you have any worth a wager at around 12-1. Like Master Of Arts he is much better going that way. suggestions to make the next He has been well beaten Like Prescott, Irish trainer generally 12-1. 50 issues of Racing Ahead as According to the betting, by Soldier Of Fortune and Tony Martin knows what it strong as the last 50, we are Zarkava only has to go into the Youmzain at left-handed takes to capture the bookies’ always interested to hear your stalls to win the Prix de l’Arc courses this season but he can cash. thoughts. de Triomphe at Longchamp get his revenge now. As a result, try LEG SPINNER This month’s magazine is firmly centred on the new National Hunt season and Paul Noticeboard Ferguson has been his usual busy self. WE have had a few queries So I am afraid we cannot That works out at only £1.55 about Racing Ahead Weekend help with the questions. But rest which is about the price of half He’s been to see Ferdy newspaper from people keen to assured that Paul, Andrew, Tony a bitter in pubs these days, or at Murphy to compile an know why people like Andrew Keenan, Steve Hughes, Joe and least half a Guinness! informative stable tour, plus Ayres, Joe Conboy and Paul the rest are all key members But you’ll have to act quickly he’s taken his first look at the Ferguson no longer write of the magazine team and will because the offer runs out at the championship columns in the paper. continue to appear in these end of October. races. As of the start of September, pages. From that date, you will only Long-standing readers will we at Racing Ahead Ltd, the nTIME for a blatant advert now get 12 issues for £28, which is know how good Paul is and publishers of this magazine, but it is does help to save money still great value by the way. his opinions are always worth do not have any direct link to in these tight times. So if you are a new reader reading. Racing Ahead Weekend. Our subscription special offer or an existing subscriber who You’ll have to forgive us It is published by a separate detailed on page 49 allows wants to renew, now’s the time mentioning the Festival in company who have their own you to subscribe to 18 issues of to take advantage of this great October — it is our golden editorial team. Racing Ahead for just £28. offer. jubilee after all!

4 Racing Ahead WIN a 10% share in Luzenie trained by Ferdy Murphy! Racing Ahead has teamed up How to enter with David Parry Racing to There are three easy ways to offer this brilliant prize! be in with a chance of winning We’ve got a 10% lease share this great prize. in Luzenie to give away. 1. Go to www. The DPRP Luzenie partnership DavidParryRacing.com and is managed by David Parry enter your full contact details Racing Partnerships who have and answer to the question. enjoyed huge success with Aces 2. Email david@ Four, Nine De Sivola, Lucky DavidParryRacing.com with Nellerie, Pakineo Des Pictons your full contact details and and others. answer to the question The lease will run from Nov 3. Write to DPRP Ltd, 21 1st 2008 – April 30th 2009 and Cheshire St, Audlem CW3 0AH our prize winner will receive with your full contact details & n7.5% of all prize money won answer to the question by Luzenie in this period. Question: Who trains Luzenie? n An owners badge for entry end of the lease, an alternative Luzcadou who won eight races Please indicate if you do to races each time she runs prize will be provided. at the end of the 1990s. not wish to receive further n Regular newsletters Luzenie is a 5yo hurdler At the lease termination date, information about David Parry n Password protected access in training with Ferdy Murphy. all ownership rights return to Racing or any other companies. to owners section of website She will need soft ground and DPRP Ltd. It is a short term lease Closing date October 20. nStable visits a trip. She is a full sister to and does not involve any change Winner announced online at n If Luzenie is sold before the the excellent staying chaser in ownership of Luzenie. www.DavidParryRacing.com

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Racing Ahead 5 Fenman

Things have changed a little at the races since our methods man was a regular but you can still find a pointer to profit Ladies’ Night left little to the Fenman imagination ... sadly experienced a situation Through the years he Market Rasen’s August meeting, a few weeks ago that last progressed and took promotions unfortunately for us I did not Ioccurred some 40 years ending with managerial realise it was a special Ladies’ ago. I attended a race meeting! qualifications. I have gone Night, but later! The reason for this was more into this at length for I’m sure My grandson has a leaning important than that which had many of you will agree with towards photography and has brought about my disinclination my thoughts on the present just won his local newspaper’s to attend such venues. situation in education. competition for all age groups. I must add here that is It is not a question of winners As regards photography he has something which my friends, and losers for we all have the concerned himself with still life knowing of my tremendous ability to succeed at our own and scenic views. I contacted the racecourse interest in the sport, find level and be respected for it. He presented my wife and I authorities and gave details extremely hard to believe. with a wonderful of our reason to attend and Perhaps a short lead-up to the “I have had many a calendar of they were very helpful and event may not be out of place. views, gave permission for him to My son left home at 18 years of winner from Bowen & one for each extend his experience in this age, some 40 years ago. month, including way, photography in such Unfortunately for my wife and he didn’t disappoint” one of St Paul’s circumstances is very much a I his ability meant that he had to taken from an press prerogative. take up a situation in London, angle I have never They suggested the County and as a consequence we have We must get away from seen before. A night shot, but Stand which would give access not had the pleasure of his and this wartime convoy concept, using the handrail of a walkway to all parts of the course. The his family’s company for more whereby the whole must proceed to rest his camera, it gives the £20 entrance fee each was not than a few occasions each year. at the rate of the slowest. Some impression of a road leading to too much of a shock. My son had At school he showed a strong lead, others follow but none are the Cathedral. It would make an booked a table in the restaurant inclination to geography and more important than another. excellent poster I am sure. which one can hold for the whole mapping. Passing his exams We are all important in our My suggestion of a coming meeting. enabled him to be accepted for a respective sphere. Market Rasen meeting to This was an advantage as position as a cartographer with a My youngest grandson was enhance his portfolio with some there were many steps to the Government department. the reason for our attendance at action shots appealed greatly. actual county stand and which Get Fenman’s daily fancies 61 WINNING NAPS SO FAR THIS FLAT SEASON! Calls cost £1 per minute, mobile CALL 0906 739 2828 phones vary 5% OF PROFIT GOES TO REHAB CENTRE IN LANCASHIRE

6 Racing Ahead Sights at Market Rasen on Fenman’s day out. Pictures by Tom Underwood

Happy in their walk, noticing all around them as opposed to others who gave the impression that they were wishing they were at home in their stables! Only fit and happy horses could have run their races as they did. Kirby’s Vic was the least extended coming home comfortably. Markington on the other hand must have been supremely fit. At the end of 2m6f he worried the favourite Wild Tonto out of victory in the final stride with only a neck between them, both giving their all quite readily. It was not all about horses though for it was Ladies’ Night, where the form took much less finding, leaving little to the imagination! I was reliably informed by someone much younger than I, that the expression to describe the view is “to let it all hang out”. On the younger ones it certainly did not, seemingly going in the opposite direction... from ground level appeared with Markington at 15-2 who This I found to be most but oh... the older ones... have to have no seats. If this is so had the crowd roaring as until informative, to experience at they heard of Sir Isaac Newton’s perhaps such as those at football the last stride Wild Toto, the 7-4 it at such close quarter was thesis on the Law of Gravity or matches might be incorporated. favourite had it all sewn up. revealing. I would not attempt have they not realised that there There were TVs in the restaurant A round trip of nearly 300 as to do the professionals on TV is beauty in every stage of life! showing the races but that is not miles, confidence to put up his to suggest possible winners on On the whole then in our quite the same as live action. 5lb claiming apprentice in a their looks and demeanour as various ways it could be called a I am sure this will be the valuable handicap was another they walk by, but having made successful venture. Perhaps my precurser of other visits for the boost for my suggestion that one’s selections in whatever way wife and I will go again in the action is in full view as is the these riders deserve notice in one does it can perhaps suggest not too distant future...on an backgrop of the Lincolnshire such events. to you whether you should ordinary raceday. countryside. The course itself is The write up could not be more increas your stake. But just a closing thought. actually slightly lower than the explicit. “Markington has been Looking at Kirby’s Vic and What a lot the young generation standing area, for the most part, freshened up on the Flat since Markington walk by in their miss . . . the girls never knowing as as a consequence one is able his last outing over hurdles in respective races one could see the thrill of being courted or the to view all the action. Why have April and has done enough to their superb state of fitness. boys the excitement of courting. we not been for so long? suggest that the slip down the Knowing that we would not ratings over hurdles will see him Fenman casts his eagle eye in the parade ring have time for form study, and in profit with a big run.” I suppose one must have a bet, A 16-1 shot in the betting I made a couple of selections forecast would have put many beforehand. One had noly to off. Perhaps the trainer, as most consult the stats box in a racing do, knew his horse better than paper to discover Nigel Twiston- the scribes! Davies’ and Peter Bowen’s Not to be denied, Twiston- records at all courses and Davies obliged with Kirby’s Vic showing a profit to boot. Why at 5-2 having travelled a fair look elsewhere? distance to carry his penalty at I have had many a good priced this course where his trainer has winner from Peter here and he a success rate above that of his was not to disappoint again, yearly total. Being a TV addict specialising as he does in the for my racing, there is usually valuable handicaps. no opportunity to view the He took the main handicap contestants in the parade ring.

Racing Ahead 7 Fenman’s first article for us appeared in issue 4 How it all began back in September 2004. Here it is again . . . "XPSEGSPNUIF XJTF Fenman, of the Boston Target series, has been watching - and tipping - winners for more than 60 years 6563&FWFOUTIBWFDBTUUIFJSTIBEPXTCFGPSF0XOFST  USBJOFSTBOETVDDFTTGVMQVOUFSTBSFBMMXFMMBXBSFPGIPX USVUIGVMBSFUIPTFXPSETѮ FZEPPGDPVSTFBQQMZFRVBMMZ XFMMUPUIFMJWFTPGBMMPGVT BOEJGPOMZTPNFPGVTIBE MPPLFEBMJUUMFEFFQFSJOUPUIPTFTIBEPXT QFSIBQTPVS 'MJWFTXPVMEIBWFUBLFOBEJĒFSFOUDPVSTF *XBTCPSOJOUIF"QSJMPG BOE*BNUPMEEFMBZFENZFOUSZCZ UISFFEBZTTPBTOPUUPIBWFCFFOBGPPMBMMPGNZMJGF KVTUTPNFPGJU .ZNBUFSOBMHSBOEGBUIFSXIPVOGPSUVOBUFMZ*OFWFSTBX IPX*XJTI Fenman doing ‘his two’ as a boy *IBE XBTBOPĒTUSFFUCPPLNBLFS)FIBEASVOOFSTXIPCSPVHIU CFUUJOHTMJQTUPIJTGSPOUSPPNBOEXIPQBJEPVUBOZXJOOJOHTGPS SFUVSOUPUIFWBSJPVTMVDLZQVOUFST"MMRVJUFJMMFHBMJOUIPTFEBZT BOJNBMXJUIBTFOTFPGIVNPVSUPNBUDI*OUIPTFQSFTDIPPMZFBST BMUIPVHIUIFMPDBMA#JMMXFSF*VOEFSTUBOETPNFPGIJTDVTUPNFST  *DPVMEPOMZSFBDIQBSUXBZVQUIPTFMFHT CVUTQFOUBHSFBUUJNF IFQSPCBCMZQBJEUIFNêSTUQBTUIFQPTUJOBOFĒPSUUPLFFQPOUIFJS XBTIJOHBOEDPNJOHUIBUNBTTPGXIJUFIBJSBUUIFCPUUPN SJHIUTJEF .BOZBUJNFXPVMEIFMPXFSIJTIFBEBOEBNJENVDIMBVHIUFS )FXBTKVTUPOFPGNZATIBEPXTѮ FPUIFSXBTNZQBUFSOBMVODMF  XPVMEOV[[MFNFIFBEPWFSIFFMT"MUIPVHIIFIBEUPESBXBDBSUGPS XIPJOEVMHFEJOIJTIPCCZCZPXOJOHUSPUUJOHTUBCMFT.ZGBUIFS IBZNBLJOHBOEPUIFSUBTLT IFIBEUIBUBJSBCPVUIJNUIBUFOTVSFIF IBEUPQBZUIFEFCUTPGBOPUIFSVODMFBOEPGDPVSTFXBTEFBEBHBJOTU XBTUIFNBTUFSPGUIFTUBCMFTJOUIFFZFTPGUIFZPVOHAUSPUUFSTBOE CFUUJOH"OFWFOEFFQFSATIBEPXXIJDINFBOUUIBUNZJOUFSFTUJO PGDPVSTFNZVODMFBOEIJTHSPPN MBUFSZFBSTIBEUPCFLFQUWFSZNVDIVOEFSXSBQT 8IFOOPUJOIBSOFTTBOEQFSIBQTJOIJTAêFMEIFXPVMECF *TVQQPTF*DPVMETBZUIBU*IBEQSJWJMFHFEDIJMEIPPEEVSJOHUIPTF CSPVHIUJOUPUIFTUBCMFTPOUIFPDDBTJPOTXIFOUIFAZPVOHTUFSTXFSF EFQSFTTFEZFBSTPGUIFMBUFUXFOUJFTBOEFBSMZUIJSUJFTBTNZGBUIFSBOE NJTCFIBWJOHѮ FZPOMZIBEUPIFBSUIFDMJQDMPQPGUIPTFCJHIPPWFT IJTCSPUIFSTXFSFBMMTVDDFTTGVMCVTJOFTTNFO.ZJOUFSFTUJOIPSTFT UPRVJFUFOEPXO)FIBEPGDPVSTFIJTPXOTUBMMBUUIFFOEPGUIF CFHBOMPOHCFGPSFNZTDIPPMEBZT GPSUIBUQBSUJDVMBSVODMFVTFEUP FODMPTFECVJMEJOHGPSIFXBTOFWFSMFѫPVUJOUIFFMFNFOUTEVSJOH DPMMFDUNFJOUIFTVNNFSNPOUITBOE*TQFOUNBOZIBQQZEBZTBUIJT UIFOJHIU*NVTUIBWFCFFOUFOPSFMFWFOXIFO*XBTUPMEUIBUIF TUBCMFT IBEEJFEBOECFFOCVSJFEJOIJTAêFMEVOEFSUIFUSFFTXIFSFIFVTFE 8IFOIFXBTFOHBHFEJOQBQFSXPSL *XBTQVUJOUPUIFDBSFGVM UPTUBOETIPVMEUIFTVNNFSEBZTIBWFCFFOUPPIPUBOEIFXBTOPU IBOETPGIJTIFBEHSPPN6OEFSIJTXBUDIGVMFZF*AEJENZUXPѮF XPSLJOH AUXPXFSFUIFGSPOUMFHTPGUIFNPTUHFOUMFBOEVOEFSTUBOEJOHXPSL Ѯ PTFXFSFUIFATIBEPXTUIBULJOEMFENZJOUFSFTUJOIPSTFTBOE IPSTFUIFSFNVTUFWFSIBWFCFFO/PUBIVHFTJSF CVUBNBHOJêDFOU FWFOUVBMMZSBDJOHUIBUEFWFMPQFETMPXMZPWFSUIFZFBSTVOUJMBTB IPCCZJUCFDBNFWFSZNVDIBQBSUPGNZMJGFUIBU*XJTIIBECFDPNF TPBTNZPDDVQBUJPO *WPMVOUFFSFEGPSBJSDSFXJOFBSMZ CVUXBTSFKFDUFEBTCFJOH TMJHIUMZDPMPVSCMJOEѮ FZXFSFHFUUJOHDIPPTZJOUIBUZFBSBOETPJU XBTUIFBSNZBOEUSBJOJOHBTBOJOGBOUSZTJHOBMMFS)BWJOHQSPWFE TMJHIUMZBEFQUXJUIXPSET*XBTUSBOTGFSSFEUP()24PVUI&BTU "TJB$PNNBOEBOETPIBEBAHPPEXBS0ĒEVUZIPVSTXFSFTQFOU EFWJTJOHTZTUFNTGSPNUIF%BJMZ&YQSFTTJOTUFBEPGMFTTDPOWJWJBM QBTUJNFTJOUIF4FSHFBOUT.FTT .ZêBODFUIFO NZXJGFOPX XFNFUBUZFBSTPGBHF VTFE UPTFOENFUIFSBDJOHQBHFXIFOFWFSUIFTQPSUUPPLQMBDF8F FYDIBOHFEPWFSMFUUFST3FUVSOJOHIPNF NBSSJBHFXBTNPTU JNQPSUBOUBOETP*UPPLBOZPMEKPCUPHFUTPNFNPOFZUPHFUIFS 5XFOUZZFBSTPOBOEUIFIPCCZTUJMMIPMEJOHBOBCJEJOHJOUFSFTU* XSPUFNZMPDBMFEJUPSPGUIFDPVOUZOFXTQBQFSBOETVHHFTUFEBSBDJOH DPMVNO BOETPCFHBOXJUIUIF-JODPMOXJOOFS#&//0764BU JO)BWJOHOPTUBCMFDPOUBDUTBOEêOJTIJOHGPVSUJNFTJO UIFQSJ[FNPOFZPGUIFPME4QPSUJOH$ISPOJDMFT/BQT5BCMFBOETUJMM XSJUJOHNVTUCFTPNFTPSUPGBSFDPSE 'VUVSFFWFOUTDFSUBJOMZEJEDBTUUIFJSTIBEPXTCFGPSFGPSNF Fenman, who was declared overall champion in the Racing "OEBXPSEGSPNUIFXJTF UIPTFATIBEPXTXJMMMJHIUFOVQZPVS Chronicle naps competition before the paper’s sad demise QSFTFOUXIFOBQQMJFEUPUIFOFWFSFOEJOHUBTLPGêOEJOHXJOOFST 3"$*/(")&"%4FQUFNCFS 

8 Racing Ahead WATCHING RACEHORSES THE RACING RETIREMENT PLAN ALWAYS BACK WINNERS SIX SECRETS OF WINNING WITHOUT THINKING GEOFFREY HUTSON BERNARD HIBBERT STEWART SIMPSON SUCCESSFUL BETTORS NICK MORDIN £18.95 ID Code: 2161 £10.00 ID Code: 2327 £9.99 ID Code: 481 FRANK R. SCATONI £13.95 ID Code: 1855 What to look for in a horse’s Details of seven winning systems A classic title with a well-earned £19.95 £16.95 ID Code: 2428 The indispensable guide to horse behaviour to determine its which the author himself uses on following amongst lovers of 6FDWRQLLGHQWLÀHVVL[NH\TXDOLWLHV race betting systems from the winning chances - a classic a daily basis successful systems shared by consistent winners undisputed master of them all

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Andrew Ayres continues his tireless tour of the country’s parade rings looking for horses good enough to make one of Britain’s most sought-after notebooks Palavacini looks a star in the making

NEWMARKET August 22 (good-firm) from a speedy family and this pulled hard before sticking on 7f 2yo Maiden (Class 4) round-barrelled colt certainly bravely to finish third. Delegator and Palavacini pulled has a sprinter’s physique. Mark Johnston’s colt still clear and look well above average Sharply away, he led his rivals looked green when opening his PALAVICINI has plenty of a merry dance until headed account at Brighton a fortnight scope and attracted support close home and is nailed on to later and should continue to behind the smart odds-on win a similar event. progress. favourite Delegator. SANDOWN August 29 (good) RA JUNIOR has plenty of Ethaara (blue silks) Green early on, Palavicini flew 7f 2yo Maiden (Class 4) scope and attracted support at home to snatch second and is a This featured some promising long odds. Forced wide after smart middle-distance colt in colts and is a race to note running green, he produced a sharp burst of speed to lead and could turn out the best the making. SOUTER POINT looked a of these in time. He’s a smart shade backward in his coat and two-out before getting tired GOODWOOD August 23 (good-soft) prospect. 7f 2yo Fillies Group 3 (Class 1) and fading into fourth. KEMPTON September 3 (standard) Ordinary Group 3 and only the “Fantasia could give Losses will be 7f Maiden (Class 5) winner should be followed recouped. Ordinary maiden FANTASIA is not the biggest Rainbow Views a race 7f 2yo Maiden CADRE outclassed his rivals but she’s strengthened since in the Fillies’ Mile” (Class 4) in the paddock and swooped her winning debut and landed Another late to score impressively. this prestigious event cosily. smart maiden He’s entitled to improve for She’ll improve over farther, ran green for much of the race. that will produce plenty of this return from a 334-day has a good attitude and could However, he came home best winners break and could develop into a give Rainbow Views a race if of all to finish second and will ITHBAAT is a leggy, athletic Listed class performer. sent to Ascot for the Fillies’ be a different proposition next colt who looked a shade LINGFIELD September 5 (standard) Mile. time. green. John Gosden’s bay was 1m2f 3yo Handicap (Class 3) GREAT LEIGHS August 27 (standard) LIBERATION was full of repeatedly hampered before Competitive contest that was 1m 2yo Maiden (Class 4) himself in the paddock and staying on well to finish fourth turned into a procession Fair maiden for the track CRACKENTORP is a scopey, WORTH A KING’S looked late developing type who fitter than when disappointing attracted plenty of support on debut and attracted plenty against the short priced of support. favourite Sortita. Soon on the backfoot after Always travelling best, he being hampered at the start, quickened clear in fine style he stayed on strongly to finish and is clearly thriving. There’s a third and is much better than big handicap in this unexposed the bare form suggests. gelding. LINGFIELD August 28 (standard) 7f 3yo Handicap (Class 6) 6f 2yo Maiden (Class 4) Modest handicap Ordinary maiden were the front BILLBERRY looked in great two pulled clear order and won this weak event MASTER LIGHTFOOT is without coming off the bridle. Fantasia 10 Racing Ahead A-Z OF PADDOCK POSITIVES FOR OCTOBER Billberry Cadre Crackentorp Ethaara Evasive Fantasia First Queen Headline Act Howdigo Imperial Fling Ithbaat La De Two Liberation Master Lightfoot Palavicini Ra Junior Signor Peltro Souter Point Worth A King’s

Many congratulations to the team at Racing Ahead magazine on reaching issue number 50!

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“Headline Act ran green on debut and looks nailed on to win races in time”

He’s been raised 13lb as a result tough looking filly who caught turning for home. LA DE TWO looked green and of this emphatic success, but the eye staying on to finish fifth He’ll repay that kindness and was soon on the backfoot after remains unexposed after just after being badly positioned be hard to beat next time. a slow start. five starts and can strike again turning for home. SANDOWN September 11 (soft) However, he’s bred to stay from a mark of 67. She’s qualified for nurseries 1m2f Handicap (Class 3) and flew home to finish an eye- KEMPTON September 6 (standard) now and will be placed to Run-of-the-mill handicap catching second. 7f Handicap (Class 4) advantage by the canny Luca HOWDIGO went into the He’ll improve massively and is Well contested event Cumani. notebook when placed over a smart middle-distance colt in ETHAARA has started to KEMPTON September 10 (standard) 1m4f at Goodwood in late July the making. thrive physically and performed 7f 2yo Maiden (Class 5) and looked in great shape again IMPERIAL FLING wasn’t as miracles to win this after being Hot maiden where the front here. forward as some of his rivals badly positioned turning for three pulled nine lengths clear However, this drop in trip but travelled strongly for much home. EVASIVE has bags of scope exposed the colt’s lack of pace of the race before getting tired She’s been left on a handy but looked green and proved and he had to settle for third. as lack of condition told. mark (81) after this game win difficult to load. Howdigo is still well treated He’s better than the bare result suggests and one to bear and must be supported next He’s probably walking a and deserves another chance in mind. time. tightrope mentally and Ryan over farther. 1m 2yo Maiden (Class 4) LINGFIELD September 9 (standard) Moore (pictured) wasn’t overly DONCASTER September 12 (soft) 7f 2yo Fillies’ Maiden (Class 5) hard on the colt, pushing out 1m 2yo Maiden (Class 4) Fair maiden run in a slower time than division one Ordinary maiden with hands and heels to finish Solid maiden with plenty of well FIRST QUEEN is a butty, third after being badly placed bred newcomers on show HEADLINE ACT looked green in the paddock and showed definite signs of inexperience once underway. PANTHER RACING He did well to finish third and is nailed on to win races over this trip and beyond. CLUB GOODWOOD September 13 (soft) In conjunction with the very successful 7f Handicap (Class 2) CENTRAL LINE racing information service Ordinary handicap that produced a messy finish TRAINERS SIGNOR PELTRO is in great nick at the moment and looked james ewart desperately unlucky after being hemmed in as the pace chris grant quickened. He came home strongly to finish second and is alan swinbank weighted to win a similar event before the Flat season ends. 7 QUALITY HORSES

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12 Racing Ahead A real must for jumps fans! PAUL FERGUSON’S JUMPERS TO FOLLOW 2008-2009 – ONLY £9.95! LAST SEASON’S WINNERS: – Won Sandown handicap (9/4), – 5 wins inc Arkle (6/1) & Maghull (6/4) Game Spirit (7/4) and Queen Mother Chase (3/1) – won Greatwood (5/1) and AIG (10/3) “ISN’T THAT LUCKY – 10/1 winner at Sandown – 7/1 winner of Ballymore Properties SILVERBURN – Grade 1 Scilly Isles winner OEDIPE – 20/1 winner at meeting TAZBAR – Grade 2s at Donny (10/3) and Haydock (5/4) – 4 wins RSA (4/1) & Reynoldstown (9/2) KHYBER KIM (7/1), SCOTSIRISH (8/1), FOOTY FACTS SENTRY DUTY – 7/1 winner at Doncaster (9/1), GONEBEYONDRECALL (6/1) and many more! ORDER YOUR COPY DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER IN TIME FOR THE NEW SEASON SEND A CHEQUE FOR £9.95 PAYABLE TO THE RACING INSIDER TO: The Racing Insider, PO Box 98, Liverpool L9 1WY Name...... Address...... Postcode ...... Tel/email...... YOUR JUMPERS TO FOLLOW BOOK WILL BE POSTED OUT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER Ferdy Murphy

Paul Ferguson takes a trip to Yorkshire to meet a trainer who’s becoming a familiar face at jumping’s top table A stable that’s high on quality and quantity this season hen you send Of the more established a horse to names in the yard, L’Antartique be trained at looked on good terms with WFerdy Murphy’s himself. Wynbury Stables not only Having been fortunate enough would you be leaving your prized to visit Wynbury Stables on a possession in the hands of a number of occasions, the eight- multiple year-old looked as well as I have winning trainer, but you would ever seen him. The athletic also be booking your ticket to individual has had an operation a most enjoyable owner’s open since last seen on track. day and barbecue. Despite being only seven, The journey to North Yorkshire New Alco falls in to the stable was made worthwhile for me by stalwart category and Murphy the tasty hog roast, which was is aiming him at the Hennessy served up after around 100 Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury horses were paraded. The novice chase squad also in November. Pulled-up in All joking aside (though I includes the likes of Blackpool the contest last year, Murphy rarely joke about food), the Billy, Master Builder, Poker De believes New Alco was at his set up at the West Witton best when base is tremendous and eight “Nine Sivola is rightly winning on his Cheltenham Festival winners reappearance would testify to this. known as the best at Carlisle last term, so he will The trainer enjoyed another maiden in training” head straight to highly satisfactory season last Berkshire first term, with the highlights the time out where success Sivola and Supreme Builder, he is likely to clash with Gold of L’Antatartique and Naiad Du who are all expected to leave Cup winner . Misselot’s victory in the Coral previous form behind when As well as a strong novice Cup. faced with the larger obstacles, chase team, the likes of Pakineo Murphy, who welcomed while dual National runner- Des Pictons, The Hollinwell and over 150 on his Open Day, has up Nine De Sivola is back in Big Burrows (all of whom seem plenty to look forward to in the training. to be very well regarded) head coming months and he again Having finished second in the the squad of novice hurdlers, has his sights set on the Festival Irish and Scottish Nationals having shaped well in bumpers next March. during April 2007 he is rightly last season. The trainer seems to hold described as “the best maiden Murphy also had sounded a particular strong hand in in the country” and his trainer most positive about an un-raced the novice chase division, in is targeting either the Royal & pair Catch Bob and Carrick which Kalahari King, who is SunAlliance Chase, or the four- Star. The former really caught to be aimed at the Arkle, and mile National Hunt Chase, a my eye during the parade and the aforementioned Naiad Du race in which he fell prior to his Murphy implied that stable Misselot head the team. National exploits. , , was most

14 Racing Ahead L’Antartique (right)

impressed with him when he first sat on him. The trainer said “he looks a very nice horse, a gorgeous looking horse.” Of Carrick Star he sounded almost equally as excited “I think he’s quite nice and I’m happy with him.” Aside from the striking Catch Bob, one horse that really stood out to me, both in the parade and just the way he simply held himself in his box, was an un- named son of Karinga Bay who will carry the famous green, yellow and white silks of Trevor Hemmings in bumpers this season. Again, Murphy clearly thinks he has another smart prospect on his hands “the Karinga Bay four-year-old looks an absolute gorgeous horse and will probably have a couple of runs in bumpers at the back end before we put him away.” Here, Murphy has selected several of his string for Racing Ahead readers to follow: Aces Four We’re going to play it by ear with him, speak with the owners and see how he comes along. If he looks like he is going to come to good early we’ll go for the and the King George and, if not, we’ll wait and go to Cheltenham or Aintree. Bedlam Boy I got him from Nicky Richards and he’s had a couple of good runs in him, he was third to Tidal Bay at Aintree. He hasn’t had that many runs, hasn’t got many miles on the clock so we’re looking forward to him. He’ll go straight over fences. Beggars Cap We’ll probably stay two miles for the time being over fences; he jumps fantastic. We hope he’ll make it up in to that two mile handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, the one that changes it’s name every year, it used to be the old Grand Annual – that would be the race for him. Big Burrows He looks a nice sort, who has done a lot of schooling and he

Racing Ahead 15 Pakineo Des Pictons so we took our time with him “Kalahari King wants good He could be anything and he’ll and it paid off when he won a go straight over hurdles now. couple of races last season. He’s ground and the Arkle is his There was no point killing him just going to take time. last year (only had one run) and The Duke’s Speech long-term target” we wouldn’t be running him on We concentrate on chasing firm ground, none of the horses with him and I think he’ll get it here are really firm ground right. He had some really good jumps well. He’ll go straight to do it, better off trying a trip horses, most of them want to runs in handicap hurdles, so over hurdles and McCoy (who later in the season and he would get their toe in. We’ll probably I think he will get it right and rode him in a bumper at Ayr) have needed the run a bit, but start him off over two-and- he’ll do plenty of schooling. said to start over two miles. he did stop quick at two-and-a- a-half miles and in time he’d He would want good ground He’s a big, big, big horse and a half so that would worry you a probably want three miles. and might make up in to a nice chaser in time. I wouldn’t run little bit. That’s why we stepped Poker De Sivola sort. The Hollinwell him on fast ground, he wants back then and didn’t push him. Going to go novice chasing to get his toe in. He’s best fresh and we may start and I can’t wait for him to go I love him and think he’s going to be a top-class horse, I think Blackpool Billy off somewhere like Haydock, over fences, I think he’s a nice he’s going to be brilliant. He’s He’ll go novice chasing when Ayr, those types of tracks. sort. He’s schooled well, jumps going straight over hurdles, soft ground and a trip will be Noir Et Vert brilliant. He wants a real trip, probably starting over two-and- ideal for him. He’s done plenty He wants fast ground, better three miles plus on any ground, of schooling and jumps well. a-half but we’ll see at the time, the ground the better and he’ll makes no difference to him he it’s sometimes hard to get in to He’s a nice horse. start in a three-and-a-quarter handles it all. Kalahari King these races. I wouldn’t run him mile chase at Cheltenham. We’ll Supreme Builder on firm ground, he’d want to get Goes novice chasing and we’ll get on earlier with him this year Again, goes novice chasing his toe in as he’s a big horse. start him off over two miles and than what we have done. and he’s a grand sort, tough as Three Mirrors see where we go from there. I was saving him for the nails. He’ll stay a trip, ground Might start off somewhere like He’ll probably go for the Paddy Scottish National last season doesn’t seem to make any Ayr or Haydock, one of those Power, we did give him a feeler and the owners wanted to run difference to him, he’s run on tracks. He wants good ground at Cheltenham over 2m5f and at Cheltenham. He had a hard fast ground and he’s run on soft and the Arkle would be the we felt that was OK for him. ground, doesn’t seem to hinder target. race at Cheltenham when he Tidal Fury him in any way. L’Antartique wasn’t ready for it. He jumps Two-and-a-half-miles on fantastic and I think in time he He’s just a nice horse, just We’ll start him back around soft ground, the heavier the will be grand. taken time to grow in to himself Christmas time I would think ground the better I think for and then we’d be looking at him. Won at Haydock last year the again as the Aces Four and the heavier the better, flat tracks like Newbury will suit. end of season target. We may Won £250,000 in France over try him over further again, hurdles and rated 130 over we ran him over three in the fences, which is a good mark. Leopardstown race (Lexus Watch My Back Chase) and maybe that was the wrong thing to do at the time. Got him along with Bedlam He should be alright over three Boy and he won his bumper miles, but whether he would first time out (also won a novice be alright over three at the top hurdle). He looks a nice sort. level is another thing. FERDY’S FAVOURITE (trainer’s pick): Master Builder “The one horse I’d pick for He’s going to go novice the season would probably chasing, three miles on soft Pakineo Des Pictons. I love The ground and tough tracks will Hollinwell but I’m not going suit him. He won on good to kill him this year. I think ground (over hurdles), but I Pakineo will go all the way.” think he’ll come in to his own FERGIE’S FAVOURITE (reporter’s on soft ground. pick): Naiad Du Misselot Though I think both Kalahari Novice chasing, plenty of King and Naiad Du Misselot will make up in to very smart novice options with him and the chasers, I have long been of the Jewson at the Festival maybe, opinion that Noir Et Vert has a races like that. We tried three big prize in him and this could miles early last season and be his year. I have a feeling the maybe it was the wrong time

16 Racing Ahead seven-year-old will end up as a Grand National horse one day, so I was pleased when Ferdy told me he definitely jumps well enough to make up in to an Aintree horse. A-Z Aces Four Bedlam Boy Beggars Cap Big Burrows Blackpool Billy Kalahari King L’Antartique Master Builder Naiad Du Misselot Noir Et Vert Pakineo Des Pictons Poker De Sivola Supreme Builder The Duke’s Speech The Hollinwell Three Mirrors Naaid De Misselot (left) Tidal Fury in winning form Watch My Back at Cheltenham THE TIPPING LEGENDS tŚLJŝƐĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞƚĂůŬŝŶŐĂďŽƵƚƚŚŝƐƟƉƉŝŶŐƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ͍ WƌŽďĂďůLJďĞĐĂƵƐĞǁĞĂƌĞŽǀĞƌϰϬϬƉŽŝŶƚƐŝŶƉƌŽĮƚĨƌŽŵƌĂĐŝŶŐ͊ ŶĚƚŚĞĂǀĞƌĂŐĞƉƌŝĐĞŽĨŽƵƌǁŝŶŶĞƌƐŝƐϴͬϭ͊ Subscribe now and join us...don’t miss the boat ǁǁǁ͘ƟƉƉŝŶŐůĞŐĞŶĚƐ͘ĐŽŵ tĞƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĂƐĞƌǀŝĐĞǁĞĂƌĞǀĞƌLJ͕ǀĞƌLJƉƌŽƵĚŽĨ KƵƌƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞƌƐƌĂƚĞƵƐǀĞƌLJŚŝŐŚůLJ͊ WůĞĂƐĞƐĞĞŽƵƌƚĞƐƟŵŽŶŝĂůƐƉĂŐĞ >ĞƚKƵƌdŝƉƐŽƚŚĞdĂůŬŝŶŐ THE TIPPING LEGENDS

Racing Ahead 17 Travelling the turf

Simon Nott has had all the joys of Bollywood, been soaked to the skin and seen some layers paying out for once Clever money on top as bookies take a hit for a change here had been plenty of layers are now hedging into the Goodwood members seemed to rain before Goodwood’s exchanges and though the days know what that phrase meant! Tuesday meeting. The of having an opinion and backing There was fun and games on the going was officially soft it with cash are not gone. track as well as in the ring when Tbut the swathe of non-runners There was an example of this Excusez Moi became mulish and slow times suggested that it in the next. One flamboyant going down to, or rather trying may have been more testing. rails layer has a low opinion of a not to go down to the start. Poor The crowd was sparse for what certain jockey, so much so that jockey Liam Jones had a bad he will go over the odds (and the enough time getting the beast to was a low-key meeting by the betting a sixth the odds a place exchanges) to get his mounts the post only then to suffer the course’s standards but those that on the race. in the book. I won’t mention indignity of his breaches falling were there appeared to share Assuming each-way punters the jockey or the horse because down when he got there, then to the opinion that She’s So Pretty would have given the swerve to that just wouldn’t be fair — the top it all his mount was last. was something to bet on in the those layers they must have got jockey’s mum might read this. opener. The books who priced the money in the race. Which But the name was bandied Effigy burns the books up 7-2 soon revised that opinion Salisbury hosted an eight-race was just as well for them because around as the layer goaded and priced accordingly. There was card on Thursday and attracted the full force of favourite power punters into backing the also good support for Optimus a decent crowd in the process as was about to come down and hit combination. The price in the ring from 20-1 into 12-1. The latter with Goodwood there was a bit of them right in the hods. proved to be the shrewd money a stick-on in the Cityscape was the first one to but neither won, that accolade “The full force of opener as Effigy clobber them, all the rage at 11- went to 11-1 shot Fort Churchill was punted from 10f and duly obliged. ‘I don’t like but Optimus did manage to bag favourite power hit 3-1 into 5-2f. This races where they win that easy, the place money. time the money there’s no excitement’ joked one Lady Rusty was the subject them in the hods” was well-placed winning punter as he collected of some shrewd support in the with the gamble a sizeable chunk of readies. The next. One bookmaker’s floorman only having to be bookmaker did force a little smile, was around 10-1, he went 14-1. reported to his boss that there pushed out to win. after all it was still early days. He was hardly knocked over for was ‘clever money’ for the I mentioned to one established Serious Attitude was backed the price but did inform me that filly after spotting some lively Westcountry book that it wasn’t from 13-2 into 9-2jf in the next he took about £600 each-way operators going in for her on the the best of starts. He gave me a and did some damage to many a out of the horse. At the furlong rails. ‘Why do you call it clever grin and replied that it was only book. That was pretty bad but at money?’ asked a nearby punter. pole he must have been nervous, fair that had a losing day because the price not many layers would The floorman cast him a but at the line he was proved they were long overdue one. So have stood the horse for the Bank courtesy glance but didn’t have correct and kept the money. Not the game’s not gone then. Of but it was the next time to indulge in any further satisfied that he had won off of That losing day looked might race that hit the ring for six. dialogue. A few minutes later, the punters he couldn’t help a still be a long way off when Intense was backed from 2-1 just after Lady Rusty won the little triumphant dig proclaiming Fanditha sprang a 14-1 surprise into 11-8f for the second division race with some ease the floorman that any other jockey would have in the maiden beating the 4-7 of the maiden fillies’ stakes. approached the curious punter, finished in the frame. hotpot Bouvardia. The bookmaker There were 13 runners with some winked and said ‘That’s why.’ The same bookmaker was in I spoke to may well have been good yards represented so some The popular opinion in some full swing for the next, his board stoical about the prospect of firms decided that it was time to quarters is that the ring has lost emblazoned with the legend a losing day but several of his stick their chests out and take on all of its bookmakers and with it ‘Spend your social security brethren were doing their best the punters. That was a very big the characters. It is true that most money here’ though few of the to ensure that it didn’t happen mistake especially when the word

18 Racing Ahead An Elvis lookalike was spotted at Kempton

The winner had been 9-2 so appeared that the off-course firm wasn’t a particularly good result knew more than their on-course for a sodden and practically comrades, the jolly won easily. deserted ring. Deserted at least The already decent crowd were by punters but the books were swelled by what appeared to be standing their ground probably several ‘stag’ groups. A guy from thinking it would be wetter to try one such group was having a bet to leave than stay. with a rails layer, the layer looked The resilience of the layers was up, then to my surprise and rewarded when they got another somewhat embarrassment he favourite beaten in the next called out to me, ‘Eh Simon, look when Grand Vizier won at 8-1 at this bloke, doesn’t he look like (from 11-1) with the well-backed Elvis Costello.’ 11-10f Cave Lion back in third. To be fair the bookie was right, The result that they had all been but I wasn’t sure if likening the waiting from came in the last chap to the warbler of ‘Oliver’s when Mohawk Star belied odds Army’ would go down too well, so of 20-1 to pip Moonshine Beach I took the coward’s way out and the 3-1f by a nose on the line. mumbled about not having the It’s normally only right glasses. when Kempton Park takes centre There were three horses really stage but basked in the limelight backed in the race, two of them on Saturday when keeping the fought out the finish. Captain racing show on the road. With Ramius won the race from his every other meeting submerged 15-8jf Ashram, though only after the already excellent card was surviving a stewards enquiry. The heralded by most ensuring the winner probably cost the runner- press room was full and the ‘comfortably’ appears in the post up the race but it kept it anyway. Hooray for Bollywood sandwiches devoured before you race analysis. Kempton’s Friday night theme There was another short one in could say ‘they are going down Things didn’t stop there. Just was ‘Bollywood’. There were a handicap backed by the offices, Like A Woman was bet from 9-2 for the first’. stilt-walkers in Indian attire, an this time Ethaara supported from into 7-2jf and got home by a neck The bookmakers that had Indian themed band-dj and tasty 11-4 into 2-1f. Once again the under Hayley Turner, the layers been betting on Friday were still titbits of curry flavoured chick on-course books took on the off- were too busy grumbling and drying out but were warmed up peas being offered around. course money and once again the peering into their bags for readies by the first winning favourite Rocket Rob won the first off-course money was too sharp to have their hearts melted by when Elnawin landed the opener under Jamie Spencer at 15-8f but this time only by a neck. her beaming smile this time. having been backed from 7-4 into which needless to say wasn’t a There was a desperate finish and The favourite didn’t win the 6-4 helped in by the offices. great start for the ring. Spencer a nose in the next race. Precision next, but only because it wouldn’t ‘I hate this place’ grumbled go into the stalls. Bold Argument notched up a double in the next one bookmaker to nobody in Break got up on the line to foil a won at 11-2 minus a rule four. when Crowded House landed a particular as he got bundles of gamble on Barrowdale who had Most layers that were still there gamble having been supported soggy readies together to pay a been backed from 16-1 right into for the last were pretty pleased from 10-3 into 11-4jf with ease. growing queue of winners. 10-1. it was nearly over so they could Then the rain started. ‘Do He liked it better in the next His backers must have been draw a line under a terrible day. they have monsoons at this when 16-1 shot Hattan sprang gutted as most people thought It was just about to get a lot time of year in Mumbai?’ asked a surprise. ‘Pay Pay’ shouted that he had just held on in the worse for the ring, helped along one bookmaker. I was quite one rails layer who blatantly had photo and traded as short as 1-10 by the off-course firms who were impressed that he knew that nobody to pay at all but spare on the exchanges. Not everyone no doubt looking at bad losses Mumbai was the indeed the a thought for the boards layer was miffed though as the winner in multiples given the plethora home of Bollywood but couldn’t betting in a very poor position had also been backed from 7-1 of winning favourites. They got answer his question though did who ran into a £2000-£100 each- into 5-1. stuck into Frankie Dettori’s make the observation that if they way the winner. The concluding handicap was mount Regal Flush backing the do it’s probably warmer. There was a 16-runneralso the subject of off-course duo from 6-4 into 11-10f before The punters that did brave the handicap to get stuck into next, attention, this time the office lads winning accordingly. torrents appeared were sweet on Premio Loco was only 5-2 to land left it behind when Pediment (9- After the last favourite won the chances of Adorn, at 5-6f but the race and that price was soon 4 from 7-2) could only manage with ease I thought I’d venture did justify their support under demolished by one off-course fourth behind 9-2 shot Amure. A over to the Westcountry book so Ryan Moore. firm determined to smash the result at last for the layers? happy to accept a losing day that It was another popular jockey’s price off of the boards. Well this is a tale of mainly woe he considered due. I had only turn in the next when Frankie The layers seemed keen to take this month so I have to relate gotten halfway to his joint when Dettori won on 10-3 shot on a shortish one in a big field that the winner had been backed I copped a look that said it all so I Moonlife getting the better of 6- but eventually had to capitulate from 11-2, I didn’t have the heart turned on my heel. 4f Say No Now by half a length. and the price tumbled to 2-1f. It or nerve to ask.

Racing Ahead 19 Timeform Rankings

Kieran Packman looks back at a difficult month for the sport and ahead to the big end-of-season showdowns Weather playing havoc with racing’s brightest stars ith the prestigious unbeaten French filly Zarkava, This valuable victory for the tender is the Coronation Cup York Ebor meeting now rated 129p by Timeform. Freddie Head-trained filly adds winner Soldier of Fortune. Wlost to the elements Already established as the best further lustre to Zarkava’s The latter has been out just in August, racing fans will three-year-old filly in Europe, Arc credentials, as she readily twice so far this season and have been hoping that adverse she potentially had more to brushed aside Goldikova earlier would seem to have been held weather conditions would sub- fear from the step up to twelve in the season. back for an autumn campaign, side in September, but, sadly, furlongs than the opposition Goldikova, now rated 123, his runaway success in last that’s not proved the case so in the Prix Vermeille, but came herself has options in the year’s Irish Derby suggesting far. through with flying colours. Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at he’s in his element on testing The Irish Champion Stakes at With her effectiveness at Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup. ground, conditions he’s yet to Leopardstown was supposed the trip now proven, in a well- She could cross swords with encounter since. to see the eagerly anticipat- run race at that, she looks in a Henrythenavigator for a re- As ever, the Queen Elizabeth ed rematch between Duke of strong position to end the long match at either of those desti- II Stakes over a mile at Ascot Marmalade and New Approach, losing run of fillies (particularly nations, although should soft looks sure to attract a qual- the former having come out from the classic generation) in ground prevail at Ascot it may ity field and we could see on top when landing his fifth the Arc. be that the latter will head Group One success on the trot Ravens Pass renew rivalry with It’s worth pointing out, straight to the Breeders’ Cup. Henrythenavigator. in the rerouted International Which race Stakes at Newmarket the previ- There is also the potential for “Filly Zarkava is in Henrythenavigator French raiders, with Tamayuz ous month, but as it was Duke turns up in is of Marmalade failed to take up (impressive winner of the Prix a strong position unclear, though Jacques Le Marois and rated his engagement on account of connections have the prevailing testing condi- 126), Darjina, Natagora and for the Arc” inferred that, the aforementioned Goldikova tions. should Duke of all possibles. In the event, the ground Marmalade go to wasn’t as gruelling as was In winning the Irish Leger though, that she’s unlikely to the Arc, a tilt at the Classic for feared and New Approach was by thirteen lengths, Septimus be able to afford to lose as much the dual-Guineas winner isn’t no more than workmanlike in confirmed himself as the best ground at the start in the Arc as out of the question. landing the odds from 50/1- European stayer in training she did in the Vermeille (softer If Henrythenavigator con- chance Traffic Guard, his odds with a performance as good as test the Breeders’ Cup Classic for the Arc lengthening in some conditions would also make it any he had put up previously, he could face two of America’s places after a performance rat- more difficult to make up the producing a dominant winning leading dirt horses, namely the ed by Timeform as 7lb below deficit). performance on his return from current leader of the Timeform his Derby form. Hopefully Alain Royer-Dupre a break of 2½ months. Global Rankings, Curlin, as Duke of Marmalade, currently will have ironed out that kink He is still young for a stayer well as Kentucky Derby and Timeform’s leading turf horse by the first Sunday in October. and could well be top dog in Preakness winner Big Brown. in the world, could reportedly Also across the channel, one this division for a number of next take in a conditions race on O’Brien top-notcher who did Elsewhere, the Breeders’ Cup years to come. He looks a likely the polytrack at Great Leighs, take his chance on soft ground Turf could feature the likes of type for the Melbourne Cup (for with an eye on the Breeders’ was Henrythenavigator, van- 2006 winner Red Rocks and which he shortened as favour- Cup Classic, rather than head quished for the first time this Dermot Weld’s Winchester, ite), though under top weight for the Longchamp showpiece. season when only fifth be- winner of the Grade 1 he’ll have little if anything in Of course, one horse firmly hind Goldikova in the Prix du Secretariat Stakes at Arlington hand of the other European on course for the Arc is the Moulin. last time. One interesting con- contenders on ratings.

20 Racing Ahead Culrin tops the rankings

Timeform Global Rankings 134 CURLIN S M Asmussen, USA 133 DUKE OF MARMALADE A P O’Brien, Ireland 132 BIG BROWN R E Dutrow jnr, USA 132§PAPAL BULL Sir Michael Stoute, GB 131 HENRYTHENAVIGATOR A P O’Brien, Ireland 131 NEW APPROACH J S Bolger, Ireland 131 SACRED KINGDOM P F Yiu, 130 RAVEN’S PASS J H M Gosden, GB 130 SEPTIMUS A P O’Brien, Ireland 130 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE A P O’Brien, Ireland 130 TARTAN BEARER Sir Michael Stoute, GB 130 WEEKEND HUSSLER R McDonald, Aus 130 YOUMZAIN M R Channon, GB

For further Timeform information go to www.timeform.com

Racing Ahead 21 David Pipe has lots to smile about with Brousse In The Sticks En Feux

Despite the weather, Jeremy Grayson has still seen some performances of note in between the showers Brousse the latest in the Pipe line of French imports MARKET RASEN, August 30th (good, 2m4f Handicap Chase (Class 3) assignment proving enough of a good to firm places) It was around this time last stamina test for LAST FLIGHT 2m3.5f Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) year that Jonjo O’Neill got on her hurdles bow were always For all that the going might enough improvement out of going to be slim. An early have been a touch livelier than rookie chaser Fier Normand mistake killed off what hopes ideal, BROUSSE EN FEUX’s for him to creep into the big connections may have had, but merely workmanlike victory 2m6.5f handicap here at the she popped round adequately over a 23lb inferior rival from a end of September (rebranded as enough thereafter, and she can largely out-of-form yard looked the “Prelude” Chase this year), be confidently expected to leave like that of a mare with almost in which he ran a huge race her soundly-beaten sixth today nothing more left in hand over to finish second. Stablemate well behind her once stepped the handicapper as a hurdler. NELSON’S SPICE has a broadly up to 2m6f or further. The potential to make a mark similar profile, and a facile 2m6f Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) over fences at a young age is victory in today’s feature contest A change of scenery has made certainly there, though, half- might just get him a place off a all the difference with INDIAN brother Boisnoir having been low weight, and a mark in the PIPE DREAM, who emerged a Grade 1 4yo chase winner at early 120s, in the same race. from the packed midfield at Auteuil several years ago, and Already a chase winner over the two-thirds distance to land this the Pipe yard can usually be “Prelude” course and distance, biggest staying handicap hurdle relied upon to find its novice prize of the chasers a winning opening. “The Open meeting summer and 3m1f Handicap Chase (Class 4) run up his Any number of training is a realistic target for hat-trick for setbacks have restricted David Pipe in BRUMOUS to just six starts Indian Pipe Dream” the process. from around October onwards – including this one – since A switch back in the last few years, so it winning a 3m Leicester novices’ to the Flat for would not surprise if PERLY chase 19 months ago, but and on far softer going than the Cesarewitch, for which his SPENCER proved a bit better a plunge from 15-2 to 9-2 today’s at that, the Presenting rating of 95 already guarantees than his onepaced 10l second indicated many believed he 7yo jumps soundly for such an him a run, seems likely to be here in the fullness of time. It would make count a mark inexperienced chaser; and as a his next assignment. He still still represented a career-best that had dropped 18lb in the horse more content to sit just looks to have at least one more effort, though, the combination interim. He was another for off the pace than make it, he decent staying handicap hurdle of a first-time tongue tie, a whom the going was just that may be able to pick up some or in him after that, however, and drop back in trip from three bit quick (he has won fresh, all of the pieces if a destructive whilst talk is probably miles and more assertive riding so the 200-day absence wasn’t battle for the lead occurs. fanciful at this stage of the tactics than hitherto all playing necessarily a concern), and NEWTON ABBOT, August 31st (good, season, something over 2m5f+ their part. A sound surface also the Oliver Sherwood yard is good to soft places) at Cheltenham’s Open meeting looks to be a prerequisite. probably a few weeks away from 2m3f Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) could be a realistic target. HEREFORD, September 3rd (good) really getting going judged on Out of a 1m6f winner, and SEDGEFIELD, September 2nd 2m4f Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) previous autumns’ evidence, so with win and place form at (hdles: good to firm, chase: good) For a yard that gets its share it is fair to hope he can step up up to a galloping 2m2f on the 2m4f Novices’ Hcap Chase (Class 5) of well-supported runners on his well held fifth here in the Flat herself, including on firm George Moore’s jumps string (and winners), Jim Best’s coming weeks. and heavy, the chances of this has tended to get into its stride THURSDAY’S KNIGHT was

22 Racing Ahead FONTWELL, September 7th (good) the start of last month. Much 2m2.5f Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle encouragement will have been (Class 4) derived from HATTON ROCK The worry ahead of- only her second runner since COLORADO BLUE’s hurdling the move - putting up his best debut was that he wouldn’t ever performance over jumps be as fresh as his main rivals, in finishing third here, despite having been on the go on the some late jumps out to the right Flat first for Roger Charlton that suggested a Taunton or and then for current handler Ludlow might suit better. Keep Charlie Longsdon since April. him, and the yard as a whole, in However, it was more likely a mind in the coming weeks. combination of the extended UTTOXETER, September 10th trip, and a potentially very (hurdles: good to soft, chase: soft, useful hurdling recruit in the heavy places) winner Woolfall Treasure (an 2m4f Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) 11lb superior animal on the level PREDICTIVE was offloaded at his best), that contributed by Paul Nicholls pretty quickly, to his 18l second rather than but he has looked far from a lost fatigue. He wouldn’t appeal cause in four runs at this track on softer going from what we for his current owner, prominent already know about him, but a Uttoxeter race sponsor Peter novices’ hurdle of comparable Douglas and trainer Donald quality to this on today’s sort McCain. Much the best of the of surface and over a trip closer unpenalised runners in the to 2m should suit him down to race, he probably didn’t achieve the ground. quite as much on this occasion 2m4f Claiming Hurdle (Class 5) as when a staying-on second The 6,000gns purchase of over two furlongs further here subsequent multiple winner in May (again on good to soft); William Butler earlier this and with some better novices summer reminded us that Evan starting to appear, this 113- Williams remains an astute rated performer will be of more purchaser of other people’s cast- interest if turned out over that offs. There may be some merit longer trip in a 0-120 handicap in monitoring POSTMASTER’s instead next time. progress hereafter, then, 2m4.5f Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) following the £8,000 claiming The fall of SHANNON FALLS of him from Roger Ingram four flights from home meant after his fourth place finish in there was no winner for new this contest. Utterly exposed trainer Nick Mitchell with as a Flat performer, this was his first runner since leaving friendless enough (pushed out and consistency into ALECIA conversely only his fourth try Robert and Sally Alner, but to 9-1) ahead of this first run since her arrival from Andrew over hurdles, and a mark in the the grey Turgeon filly was still in four months. His faltering Balding, and her second here to low 100s at the time of writing in the process of running a effort late on confirmed the this summer’s prolific novices’ doesn’t look murderous by any nice race at the time of her impression given at Worcester hurdler Winter Star represented means should his attentions departure. She was entitled in May that 2m4f is beyond her third podium finish from be turned to handicapping to have been as keen as she him, even on a sound surface, as many hurdles starts for the from now on. He seemed to was early on, having not seen but he still had around a dozen Upper Lambourn handler. enjoy Plumpton’s uphill finish a racecourse for 10 months, rivals well behind him here A literal reading by the on his debut over timber last and connections have little and he doesn’t look bereft of assessor of her 12l proximity November, and he’d rate a fair option but to go the handicap ability. to a 23lb superior rival here hope in a small 2m contest back route with her as she won both Doubtless these clever could put her on a seriously there. hurdles and chases in France connections will find an outlet unappealing handicap mark, so 2m2.5f Handicap Chase (Class 5) as a 3yo. However, she proved for him soon enough, and a 2m- a return to the slightly easier It will be interesting to see as able to win on good going as 2m2f seller may be a bit closer world of mares’ novices should what further improvement on heavy during that previous to his optimum race conditions be considered – maybe back Heather Dalton can elicit career with Guillaume Macaire, than this was. down at the minimum trip, from her string this autumn and that versatility alone 2m4f Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) where her front-running tactics following a move from should help her find something Brendan Powell has been arguably stand a better chance Shropshire to Eddie Creighton’s this autumn whichever way the able to instil greater form of bearing fruit. former yard in East Garston at weather goes.

Racing Ahead 23 Picture of the month

24 Racing Ahead Sir Michael Stoute and Frankie Dettori celebrate after Stoute won his first St Leger with Conduit

Racing Ahead 25 Ante-post guide

Paul Ferguson has been going through the form books to get an early edge over the bookies for the ‘big four’ Get a head start on the jump season’s championship races ith the new Cee Bee in the closing stages. available could look a huge National Hunt With the tighter track in his price, but clearly all was not season upon us, favour at Liverpool, he put up a right with him during and after we’ll start our hugely impressive performance, last season’s contest he needs W slamming to prove his wellbeing before I ante-post coverage by taking an early look at the four feature winner, Celestial Halo, barely can consider backing him. contests at the Cheltenham coming off the bridle. He is Osana finished runner-up to Festival in March — the open to plenty of improvement Sizing Europe in the Greatwood , the Queen when he returns and I think Hurdle last November, Mother Champion Chase, the he will be a major player in the before beating in the World Hurdle and, of course, leading 2m contests this term. boylesports.com International the Gold Cup. However, quite whether he Hurdle under an enterprising Champion Hurdle appeals as a ‘value bet’ at this ride. All four markets for the stage is another matter, being He was getting 4lb for Katchit just one point bigger than a feature races are headed by last that day and the form was proven Champion. I’d like to see season’s winners, with Katchit reversed on level terms in the him hold his own against his a 6-1 shot to land back-to- big one, but Osana still ran an elders when he returns before I back Champion Hurdles. Alan absolute blinder, battling back consider backing him. improvement over Katchit, as King’s diminutive five-year-old after the last having looked like fading at well as having the new kids on defied the statistics to land the block to contend with. the Champion in March and “I’d like Binocular to one stage. He As well as owning Binocular, the gutsy and more likeable went on to J P McManus has another of individual loves Cheltenham. prove his worth against finish second at Aintree, those new kids on his hands A hugely impressive winner his elders before a bet” when in the shape of Punchestown of the Triumph Hurdle at the saw out the winner Jered who has long been 2007 Festival, he is five from 2m4f trip held in high regard by trainer six at the track, with his only Greatwood and AIG winner slightly better and, while he . defeat coming at the hands of Sizing Europe was sent off won only once from four starts He only won once from his Osana last December. the 2-1 market leader for the last season, he did very little first four attempts over hurdles, He relishes a truly run race and Champion in March, but was wrong. but began to improve rapidly hurdles extremely efficiently virtually pulled up on the run I really hoped that he would after the turn of the year, and he is a worthy market in, having looked all over the go chasing this season, as he winning his last three starts. leader at this early stage. winner coming down the hill. looks a high-class 2m chaser The hat-trick was completed Binocular comes next in The Irish challenger looked a in the making and he has Arkle in the Grade 1 vcbet.com the betting at 7-1 and Nicky hurdler who could go right to written all over him. But, David Champion Novice Hurdle at the Henderson’s Aintree winner the top when disposing of dual Pipe told me during the summer Punchestown Festival, where needs to match the exploits of Champion in the that a decision had not been he showed a fine turn of foot Katchit by defying the horrific AIG Europe Champion Hurdle made and I’m now starting to under Tony McCoy. statistic of five-year-olds in the at Leopardstown last January think connections will give The Champion Jockey may Champion Hurdle. The French and it could be too early to be him another chance to prove well have to chose between him import travelled really well in the writing him off. himself top-class over timber. and Binocular at some stage in Supreme Novices’ last season If he returns to his best in He is currently a 12-1 shot and the coming months and if the only to be surpassed by Captain the months ahead the 10-1 needs to find a few pounds decision were up to me, I would

26 Racing Ahead ’s runner appeared to pinch the race under a tremendous ride and, following the retirement of and the announcement that the Irishman will be riding for the Seven Barrows handler this season, the partnership is likely to be renewed. Geraghty was also aboard in the Champion when he also finished in front of when the pair finished third and fourth, respectively. Both need to show further improvement when they return, with the division looking stronger this season, and of the pair would look most likely to head in the right direction. He is still only five and has won twice on the Flat since his Punchestown Grade 1. Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo is Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls’ second four-year-old in the top 12 of the Champion Hurdle market. He was given a beautiful ride by to defeat Franchoek at the Festival, but was then easily put in his place by Binocular at Aintree. Connections may believe he could reverse form on a stiffer choose Nicky Henderson’s Champion Hurdle contender, is expected to go chasing, with track such as Cheltenham and charge at this stage. yet he seems to have a few the Arkle the aim, and the latter therefore would think the 20-1 The bookmakers don’t seem bows to fire this season starting is only a three-year-old who is makes some appeal. But, being to be taking any chances with with Pierrot Lunaire who is currently trained on the Flat by a stayer on the Flat (2nd in the Jered at only 14-1 and that yet another from last season’s Aidan O’Brien. Melrose Stakes at York over comment also applies to Fred bunch of crack juveniles and is He finished third in a Group 1m6f before finishing seventh Winter winner Crack Away Jack. another 14-1 chance. 3 at Goodwood when last seen to Lucarno in the St Leger) I Emma Lavelle’s four-year-old After bustling up Binocular and he holds an entry in the think he has a big future over was well beaten by Binocular at in the Adonis at Kempton in Group 1 Champion Stakes at further as a hurdler. Ascot in January, but won both February, he was deliberately Newmarket later this month. He is due to start off in the subsequent starts including the saved for Aintree’s Grade 2 Top Obviously he would make a ‘Fighting Fifth’ at Newcastle at closing event on the opening Novices’ Hurdle and he put up a very exciting recruit to hurdles the end of November and if he day of the Cheltenham Festival. hugely impressive performance, and the fact he is a gelding is beaten there, Nicholls may Ridden by for putting Blue Bajan to the sword (reportedly may have gone for decide to step him up in trip. the first time that day, he was by 14 lengths. the Derby had he not been) He could be open to plenty of held up plumb last and relished As with Binocular, he looks as would lead you to believe his improvement once stepped up coming off the past pace to though tight tracks will suit and future lies over jumps, but even in trip and he could well develop score impressively. He now has it will be interesting to see which if he does go hurdling, he is in to a World Hurdle type. If not, to step up and he may also need of the pair develop physically young enough to be aimed at the 2m4f could to improve to confirm form with Cheltenham being a more the Triumph Hurdle. be his end of season target. with runner-up, Ashkazar, who demanding course. First and second in the ACC Yet another four-year-old was ridden up with the pace The other two at the same Bank Champion Hurdle at Ashkazar comes next at 25-1 and was conceding 2lb to the price are Captain Cee Bee and Punchestown in April, Punjabi and he is yet another who looks winner. Hebridean but there has to be and 2007 Champion Hurdler best on a speedier track. Races Paul Nicholls, by his own serious doubts about either Sublimity, come next in the such as the admission has yet to train a real making the contest. The former betting both at 16-1. and the Kingwell at Wincanton

Racing Ahead 27 Master Minded

“Rippling Ring is interesting and could well develop into a Champion Hurdler contender”

could be on his agenda and, Katchit (who is a worthy market over 2m4f at Aintree and 2m5f if he improves physically, he leader), he doesn’t scream out at Cheltenham in December. undoubtedly has the natural as great value. Of the bigger A truly run 2m does look like ability to take a hand come priced horses Rippling Ring it suits Tidal Bay too, but quite March. is most interesting and could whether he has the pace to live Eight horses are on the 33-1 well develop in to a Champion with Master Minded is another mark with Blue Bajan arguably Hurdle contender if he lands a matter. If he were mine, I’d be the most interesting, following big handicap in the first half of campaigning over further, with a hugely impressive win in the season. the trips ranging between 2m4f Haydock’s Swinton Hurdle in Queen Mother Champion Chase and an easy 3m. May. Prior to that, however, he Master Minded was a most There doesn’t look any great was well beaten at Cheltenham impressive winner of the strength in depth in this and Aintree and therefore has Champion Chase in March and, division however and, as the plenty of ground to make up on despite being beaten over 2m4f old saying goes, “you should Binocular and Pierrot Lunaire. at Aintree the following month, never be afraid of one horse” so Of the remainder the most he is going to be extremely hard Howard Johnson and Graham interesting for me is another to beat over the minimum trip Wylie may opt for one season Paul Nicholls trained horse, this season. over the minimum trip. the lightly raced Rippling Ring He is likely to be aimed at the Paul Nicholls is also who can be backed at 40-1. Tingle Creek in December and responsible for the next two in He finished one place in front the Game Spirit in February en the market, both of whom can of Blue Bajan in the Supreme route to defending his crown, be backed at 16-1, and was travelling as well as but at 5-4 he can’t be viewed and Takeroc. anything coming down the hill. upon as a serious ante-post The former was a short priced He eventually faded in to fifth, proposition. favourite for the Champion pulling muscles between his His Aintree conqueror Voy Chase after he beat Voy Por Por Ustedes and leading novice Ustedes in the Tingle Creek, front two legs, an injury that paydays for him this term, be it Tidal Bay come next at 6-1, but but never looked the same prevented him running again. over fences or hurdles. horse afterwards, A classy Flat horse in South Nicholls has stated he may Africa, he was an impressive “Glencove Marina despite winning at the Punchestown send Takeroc to Ireland to avoid winner on his hurdling debut at Master Minded and it would be Doncaster and is likely to start looked a natural over Festival. Of the pair, the grey no surprise to me if he were the campaign off in handicap Takeroc has more the biggest threat to his stable- company, possibly in the fences in Ireland” improvement mate come next March, unless Greatwood at Cheltenham in in him and is an of course his owner wants to November. both are far from certain to be interesting sort for the coming aim at the Ryanair having won Though he has plenty to find aimed at this race. The former months. A winner of both chase over 2m4f in France. with the principals, if he were is now likely to be campaigned starts in France, he routed It is hard to get too excited to win a race like that he would over further, starting in the three rivals on his British debut about any of the other no doubt shorten considerably at the end of at Sandown in March before bigger priced horses, with for the Champion (as Sizing this month and then the King giving Tidal Bay a scare at the exception of Glencove Europe did last year). Nicholls George on Boxing Day. Aintree. Marina (25-1) who looked an said Rippling Ring took time It appears as though the He looked to have the Arkle absolute natural when making to acclimatise when arriving Ryanair Chase will be his winner in trouble turning in and it two from two over fences at in Britain last season and he Festival goal. Those same races may have gone for home a tad Leopardstown in January. expects plenty of improvement could be on the agenda of Arkle too soon. His only subsequent The son of Spectrum then this term, as do I. winner Tidal Bay, who also won start came in the Scottish met with a setback that made Conclusion at Aintree’s Grand National Champion Hurdle, in which he him miss the remainder of the Binocular appeals as the most meeting. was held on to for longer, but season and we have yet to hear likely type from last season’s Prior to the Spring Festivals, he failed to peg back outsider whether he will be fit for the classy crop of juveniles, but he had been far from fluent Border Castle. He travelled new campaign. being just one point bigger over fences and his best early really well on this occasion and He also has the option of than the current Champion season performances came there are sure to be plenty of racing over further, with that

28 Racing Ahead that rival at Aintree in April, to go close at Punchestown, he remains the horse to beat and though he is as low as 10-1 in this division, but it should for this with VC (generally a 16s be remembered that he will be shot) it is far from certain that 10 come Festival time and it he will remain over hurdles. is surely only a matter of time He has always been regarded before the years catch up with as a top-class chasing prospect this true hurdling great. and he made his seasonal debut Kasbah Bliss finished runner- in a Grade 1 novice chase last up in the World Hurdle, having season. previously won Haydock’s After running a massive race Rendlesham, and being only and falling late on, he unseated six, he looks the obvious young a couple of weeks improver. later, which meant connections He was not seen after brought him back to hurdles. Cheltenham, but has raced I would be surprised if they twice on the Flat in France didn’t give fencing another try during August, winning a 2m and if he were to win first time handicap last time. Francois out, this race could well be off Doumen’s runners are always the agenda. well respected in England and Albert Bartlett winner it would not be a surprise to Nenuphar Collonges is next best see him land one of the leading at 20-1 and he had previously staying hurdles in the coming won at the track in a Grade 2 months, but he doesn’t exactly last December. scream value at just 5-1. He could be another who ’s Blazing Bailey is reverts to chasing, as he was a 7-1 shot and he finished only last seen over fences winning fourth in last season’s renewal, off a lowly mark of 127 at so has ground to make up on Uttoxeter in March 2007 and both Inglis Drever and Kasbah he would look attractively Bliss. handicapped over fences. Alan As previously mentioned, he King will obviously place him to reversed form with the former best effect and, without being at Liverpool, where the first disrespectful, I’m not quite sure impressive Leopardstown win thing to do in this instance. time blinkers worked a treat he has the class to land a World coming over 2m5f, but Willie Takeroc appeals as the most and they also had the desired Hurdle so handicap chases Mullins was considering the likely improver and could be effect at Punchestown three could be the route for him. Arkle before injury kicked in. the main threat to his stable- weeks later, when he completed As well as Elusive Dream, Paul If he returns, he could well companion come next March, a Grade 1 double. Nicholls has Mobaasher (20- have the Irish 2m – 2m4f so 16-1 appeals as a fair price at He is another who is bound 1) and Celestial Halo (25-1) as chase division at his mercy this stage – I’d rather be backing to be thereabouts in the staying possibles for this. The former and become a real ‘springer’ in him at 4-1 to get a place, rather events this term. needs to improve, having won the Champion Chase market, than Master Minded to win at One of last season’s leading a 3m handicap at the track in though I’d like to see him back 5-4, at this very early stage. staying novices Elusive Dream April, but he is still only five on the track before considering World Hurdle comes next at 14-1 and he has and probably hasn’t reached his backing him. After an emotional third a similar profile to that of Inglis peak. Conclusion success in this race from Inglis Drever, as he was also a smart The latter of course won Master Minded will be Drever in March, it is hardly Flat performer for Sir Mark the Triumph Hurdle and as I extremely difficult to beat all surprising that the bookmakers Prescott. pointed out in my Champion season and, if he remains injury have Howard Johnson’s stable He relishes decent ground Hurdle preview, I think he free, will probably be odds on to star as the 4-1 favourite. and rounded off a fruitful first could be open to any amount of record back-to-back Champion Despite his rising years, the campaign as a hurdler with improvement once stepped up Chase victories in March. nine-year-old looked better than victories at Aintree and over an to 2m4f and beyond. But, taking 5-4 about a horse ever last term, winning his first extended 2m5f at Cheltenham. The Galileo gelding, who some five months before a race three starts and his five-length The step up to 3m could bring finished third to Irish Derby and is very risky. You then have defeat of Blazing Bailey in the about further improvement and Coronation Cup winner Soldier to think whether or not it is at Cheltenham it will be interesting to see how Of Fortune in the Chester Vase worth trying to find an each- in January was arguably the he takes the step up in class. just last May, is due to start off way alternative and, with the staying performance of the Kazal finished third in this race his campaign in Newcastle’s division lacking any strength season. last term, but flopped behind ‘Fighting Fifth’ at the end of in depth, this may not be a bad Though he was beaten by Blazing Bailey when expected November and I’m half hoping

Racing Ahead 29 Takeroc

“Inglis Drever is getting on in years and now is the time to think about taking him on”

he is beaten for pace, so bookmakers seem to have – he unless the ground was riding connections up him trip. A race is currently not quoted in any on the quick side (something like the 2m5f lists for this. that is almost certain never to at Cheltenham in December Nicky Henderson’s classy happen at future Cheltenham could prove ideal and he could French Flat performer Festivals, due to excessive then be right in the thick of the impressively won his first two watering with horses’ welfare World Hurdle market. starts over timber, only to at stake) it is hard to envisage a There is of course always the flop badly at the Cheltenham reversal in form. chance that he will win the Festival when favourite for the The son of Presenting is again ‘Fighting Fifth’ and prove quick Ballymore Properties. He will likely to begin his campaign in enough to race over 2m – I’m probably start off in handicap the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup sure Mr Nicholls knows a little company, but could still make at Newbury in November when bit more about the horse than up in to a high-class staying he will have to concede lumps of me! hurdler. weight to all of his opponents. Of the remainder, Aintree Conclusion Described as being on the winner Pettifour (25-1) is to Inglis Drever is getting on in fat side still by his trainer in be given a chance to develop in years so it could be time to take September, this could prove to a World Hurdle candidate, him on, with Kasbah Bliss and his toughest test of the season, while the likes of Fiveforthree, Blazing Bailey looking the most as he is then likely to frighten Venalmar, Trafford Lad, obvious pair to step up to the away the opposition in races completed Forpadydeplasterer and Theplate. But, at the prices, neither such as the Lexus and AON a famous 1-2-3 for Nicholls Tother One (all smart novice makes great ante-post appeal. Chases. in the Gold Cup in March and hurdlers last term) are all likely Of those at bigger prices, As low as 4-6 with some he went on to land his second to go novice chasing. Celestial Halo is one to monitor major firms, Denman is a best successive Punchestown This quintet should be kept a very closely. priced 11-10 with Paddy Power Guinness Gold Cup. Currently close eye on if remaining over Should he be beaten at and Sporting Bet, but again, a 12-1 chance for next year’s timber. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Newcastle in November and like Master Minded, it can Gold Cup, it is again difficult Pettifour is three from three prove very to believe he could overturn over timber and remains open “A turnaround in the costly backing Denman, or for to plenty of improvement and, a horse ante- that matter, so he seems plenty while he looks an embryonic Gold Cup form is very post at those short enough. chaser, he deserves a chance sort of odds. That is not to say that they against the proven top stayers. hard to imagine” Kauto Star grey won’t continue to pay his Another to note if remaining is second best way during the coming months over timber is Tazbar (25-1) in most lists, and I’m sure Nicholls will place who looked the pick of last Paul Nicholls subsequently with his price varying from 4-1 him to best advantage. season’s staying novices at one indicates that he will be stepped to 7-1 (with Ladbrokes). At this Arkle winner and last season’s stage, but had his bubble burst up trip, the 25-1 would be very stage he is again likely to pose leading 2m novice chaser Tidal behind Pettfour at Aintree and tempting. the biggest threat to Denman, Bay is the first non Paul Nicholls was subsequently only runner- Gold Cup but, having watched the Gold trained horse in the market and up to Lodge Lane at Perth. Unbeaten now in nine chase Cup re-run on a number of is 20-1 for Gold Cup glory. I have long been a huge fan starts Denman looks another occasions, a turnaround in form The seven-year-old has yet to of this horse however and he rock-solid ante-post favourite seems hard to imagine. race beyond 2m5f and, though should not be written off just for Champion Trainer Paul He will have big race he promises to be better over yet. Again, he looks as though Nicholls and, like Master opportunities earlier in the 3m, his stamina has to be his long-term future lies over Minded, you can only imagine season when he is likely to be proven. fences, but he won three from him shortening as the season hard to beat in the King George There has to be a chance that five over hurdles last season goes on, assuming he remains and the and it Howard Johnson will give Tidal and also deserves a crack at the free of injury. would not be inconceivable Bay a chance to prove he has better stayers when he returns. He beat stable-companion to think connections may opt the pace to cope with the best Finally, Aigle D’Or is another Kauto Star by seven lengths for the Ryanair Chase, should two-milers and, should he stick who should not be forgotten, in last season’s Gold Cup and, Denman continue to look him up in trip, an easy 3m such despite the fact that the difficult to beat. as the King George and then

30 Racing Ahead Gold Cup shake up. Again, his bookmakers, but be sure to keep connections must be tempted an eye on him when he returns by the thought of taking on a in the coming weeks. not fully wound-up Denman in Conclusion receipt of plenty of weight in the Denman is going to be very Hennessy – there is every chance hard to beat if remaining fully the Hennessy could be a classic fit, but he makes little ante- renewal this year. post appeal at odds around the The other 33-1 shots are Our Evens. Vic who will be aimed at the Of the bigger priced horses, Ryanair Chase, Exotic Dancer, Snowy Morning would appeal as My Way De Solzen who seemed the one most likely to shorten to lose the plot last term, during the months ahead. Mossbank who could also be Round-Up and October’s Advice: aimed at the Ryanair Chase, and The two hurdle races look Grand National winner Comply more wide open than the Or Die who is another set to kick chases at this stage and, while off his campaign in Newbury’s the bookmakers seem to have Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. World Hurdle market sorted Of this quintet, Exotic Dancer (with the most likely successors would be the most interesting if to Inglis Drever towards the bouncing back to his best, but head of the betting), there is an he didn’t run up to form in last interesting sort at a big price in season’s Gold Cup or behind Our the Champion Hurdle market. Vic and Kauto Star at Aintree. The That horse is RIPPLING RING application of blinkers, or some who is worth a small each-way sort of headgear, could bring interest at 40-1. He clearly has a about a change in fortunes. fair bit to find, but he is a much the 2m5f Ryanair Chase could he will probably have to bustle Of the remainder of those bigger price than the bunch of be more suitable targets. up the Gold Cup winner on his quoted Snowy Morning (40-1) juveniles who have to follow Glencove Marina (25-1) is a reappearance. Nicholls seems to is arguably the pick. The Grand Katchit in overcoming the age similar sort, though you have to hold this French five-year-old in National third went on to finish stat, and should he go and win a add to the mix that he missed high regard and it would not be second to Neptune Collonges at race like the Greatwood Hurdle the end of last season through a surprise to see him in the Gold Punchestown and finally began to he would shorten considerably. injury. He did look a high-class Cup field come next March. get his jumping together towards With Master Minded and novice last term and is bred to Royal & SunAlliance winner the end of the season. He could Denman short, but both looking get a trip, but he is not devoid Albertas Run finished only well be the leading Irish hope for rock-solid, you have to decide of pace and could third to Big Buck’s at Liverpool the Gold Cup in March. whether there is any each-way start him off over shorter trips but shows his best form at One final horse to note is value in the Queen Mother and when he returns to full fitness. Cheltenham, winning both chase the fragile, but hugely talented Gold Cup markets. With the lack It must be noted, however, starts at the track. Money Trix. Nicky Richards’ of strength in depth in the 2m that both the 2m and the 3m He was an impressive winner grey won his only chase start chase division, the Champion chase divisions in Ireland lack a at the Festival, but there has at Newcastle last season, when Chase appeals more from an real superstar at present and this to be a suspicion that was a returning from a long lay-off, and each-way point of view. is potentially the most exciting weak renewal and he will need Richards confirmed to me during The horse that stands out is prospect – it is very much hoped to improve when he returns. the summer that everything was another Paul Nicholls’ inmate, he retains all of his ability. He, too, could start off in the well with his lightly-raced eight- TAKEROC, who could well be Eight horses come next on 33-1 Hennessy, as connections must year-old. the main danger to stablemate and this group includes another be tempted to take on Denman A soft ground specialist, he is Master Minded. Backing him at Paul Nicholls trained horse in the off a lowly weight. likely to start off in a graduation 16-1 now means we’ll have him at 4-1 for a place and I wouldn’t shape of Big Buck’s who looked Albertas Run beat Air Force chase up north. The handicappers be at all surprised if he were far from straightforward in the One in the Reynoldstown at assessment will then determine around 4-1 to win the race in early part of last season. Ascot in February and Charlie whether connections opt to five months time. Twice a winner at Newbury, he Mann’s chestnut disappointed in head down the handicap route, RIPPLING RING looked a different proposition fifth behind the same rival at the or whether they are forced in to Champion Hurdle when stepped up to 3m at Aintree Festival. open company, but his trainer Half-point e-way at 40-1 (Stan in April and he impressively took The apple of his trainer’s eye, holds him in the highest regard James, Bet Direct, Sporting) the Grade 2 Mildmay Novices’ Air Force One went on to land and, given his fragile limbs, if he TAKEROC Chase. He is set to take on a Grade 1 at Punchestown in is fit come March he could well be Queen Mother Champion Chase stable-mate Denman off 10 April and he is yet another who allowed to take his chance in the Half-point e-way at 16-1 (Stan stone in the Hennessy and, if he looks in need of a couple of stone Gold Cup. James, Bet Direct, Tote, Boyles) is to become a Gold Cup possible, improvement to get in to the He isn’t even quoted by any

Racing Ahead 31 We’ll be seeing a bit less of Barry Geraghty Irish jumps preview in Ireland this season

Tony Keenan continues our countdown to the national hunt season with his preview of the action in Ireland Get your woolies on, the proper action is about to kick-off ost racing fans look as retaining the JP McManus- ebbed away up the final hill and ahead to the winter owned rides while Geraghty will was again seen to great effect with a lot more do most of his riding at the big aboard Tasman at the Galway optimism than Saturday fixtures, similar to the Races. Myour average citizen; rather than understanding that currently The 8yo has won four of his 23 lament the loss of long evenings, exists between Paul Nicholls and starts which is hardly a blinding summer holidays and sunny Ruby Walsh. strike-rate but is unbeaten in days, we eagerly await the return This represents a positive move three starts with Geraghty up of our jumping heroes. for Geraghty at a point when his and his bold jumping was cleverly This is especially the case in career could go either way as he’s used by the jockey to put the Ireland where national hunt been in the wilderness lately, with more suspect fencing of his rivals racing continues to fixate the his number of winners dropping to the test at Ballybrit. interest of the racing public much steadily from 109 in 2003 to 48 In Geraghty’s absence, Davy more than its flat equivalent. For last term. Russell can be expected to pick whatever reason, flat racing just He’s also been without a up a few more rides though he’s doesn’t do it for the Irish racing position at a major yard with hardly been missing out in the public and with the notable his role at the Harrington stable numbers game recently; the 28- exceptions of the Galway Races becoming more unclear by the year-old jock has become the – an institution of its own – and month; the trainer seems content hired gun in the Irish weigh-room, at Punchestown when he ran the Derby fixture, most Irish the jockey of perennial champion Ruby Walsh summer meetings are relatively “Geraghty remains one choice for the to five winners in the jockeys’ poorly attended. smaller trainer race. Conversely, and seemingly of the leading lights of when they’ve Among the younger jockeys, illogically for anyone who got one ready. there are a number of names associates a day at the races with the weighing-room” An amazing to watch out for this winter. fine weather, the best attended 53 individual Robbie McNamara, a 3lb claimer cards in Ireland are often staged trainers attached to the Weld yard, has at wet and windswept tracks to rely on the likes of Andrew combined to give him a total of shown himself a very capable like Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Leigh and Robbie Power who, 126 winners last season, with no rider on many occasions, not Navan, Naas and Punchestown while decent jockeys in their own single yard supplying more than least aboard Majestic Concorde between October and April. right, couldn’t touch an in-form 11 winners. in the GPT at Galway. One jockey who we won’t see Geraghty. Russell’s emergence as top- Brother to Andrew McNamara, as much of around these venues Though he’s had a few critics, level pilot was confirmed at he is of a similar tall build and in 2008-9 is Barry Geraghty as Geraghty remains one of the Cheltenham, though it took a may encounter weight problems news emerged in mid-August leading lights of the weigh- while for his class to shine through in the future but if the youngster that the Meath man, in tandem room for me and his main gifts as he endured a nightmare in the can keep them under control he with Tony McCoy, will take up – strength in the saddle and an first two days. has as big future. the role of stable jockey to Nicky unerringly positive riding style – A bumper Friday card brought Another claimer with links to Henderson. have continued to be in evidence better news though as he Dermot Weld is Mikey O’Connor, My understanding of the recently. recorded a double aboard Naiad though his more immediate arrangement is that McCoy He galvanised the keen- Du Misselot and Tiger Cry, ties are with the Colm Murphy will ride the majority of Seven going Finger Onthe Pulse to showing great mental toughness stable. Barrows runners around the Cheltenham success in the in the process and his ascendance For a jockey with a 5lb allowance, gaffs during mid-week as well Jewson as that horse’s stamina to the top table was confirmed O’Connor is exceptionally strong

32 Racing Ahead Brave Right has been his standard bearer and the 8yo has been a model of consistency – winning five of his 21 starts including the valuable Ballymore Anniversary Hurdle and placing in a number of top handicaps such as the Pierse Hurdle and Galway Plate. Brave Right typifies the way Whitmore trains his horses; they all seem tough, consistent and progressive and it would be no surprise to see an animal like Glacial Promise step up to the mark and continue the yard’s good run. Perhaps the most new development to the Trainers Championship is Paul Nicholls’ recent claim that he will make a concerted effort to win titles on both sides of the Irish Sea, a threat that must worry the home contingent as the Ditcheat handler was eighth in last season’s race with over €420,000 in prize- money despite having just seven runners here all year. His chasers dominated the Grade 1 races in Ireland with Denman, Neptune Collonges, Taranis and Twist Magic all winning top-level contests and the fact that Oslot landed the Galway Plate in impressive fashion suggests that Nicholls is in a finish and few will out-battle trainer who excels with different handler’s season followed a unlikely to confine his raids to him if he’s got the right horse types of horses, whether it be similar pattern to previous years: pattern races. under him in a close one. in extracting wins from old unstoppable before Christmas, Of the three remaining Grade Of the others, Andrew stagers like Adamant Approach patchy afterwards. 1 chases run in Ireland last term, Thornton and Mark Bolger are or winning Grade 1 races at the Between September and The Listener won two – the worth keeping an eye on. Cheltenham Festival, year-in December, he registered 55 John Durkan and the Hennessy The former has ridden just year-out. winners and was hitting the – while only Mansony registered seven winners in his short career He rarely plots one up for a mark 22% of the time while in a win for the home team at but he’s already impressed me handicap but in winning four of the next four months he had just the Leopardstown Christmas with his ultra-positive while the the five handicap chases at the 17 winners, with his strike-rate meeting. latter, attached to the Harrington Punchestown Festival, Mullins dropping below 10%. The Irish staying chaser yard, has never been shy about showed he’s no mug in that Meade trains his horses to peak cupboard looks particularly bare getting on about his business sphere either. early in the season and there is at present with only one Irish- early in the race. Much of Mullins’ success is certainly money to be made by trained horse among the top ten On the training front, Willie down the pipeline of high-class following his yard pre-Christmas in the Gold Cup betting at the Mullins became horses that pass through but I’d be very wary about time of writing. Trainer for the second time at his yard each year but it is the continuing that support into That horse is Glencove Marina Punchestown and given the trainer’s skill that has owners the New Year and especially at and he took up the mantle of conveyor belt of talent that sending him such horses and with Cheltenham where only Nicanor the ‘Great White Hope’ of Irish exists at Closutton, it would be the likes of Cousin Vinny likely to has won for him in recent times. chasing when he obliterated no surprise to see him retain his uphold his strong position in this No outstanding young trainer subsequent Cheltenham title this season and perhaps even department, we can expect the stands out among the current winner Finger Onthe Pulse at develop a Paul Nicholls-esque winning run to continue. crop but I’ve been increasingly Leopardstown last February. domination in his homeland. The man Mullins usurped at the impressed with the way Leonard Willie Mullins’ charge is At the risk of stating the head of the trainers’ league was Whitmore has managed his small supremely talented but is coming obvious, Mullins is a brilliant Noel Meade and the Castletown string of late. back from an injury and may

Racing Ahead 33 Nicanor

“It looks a bleak story in the 2m division with the Irish well below the standard of Master Minded”

not even see a racetrack this including a pair of Grade 2s. A on him immense potential last season so I’d wait for further big galloping type, he looks the season and he is the one horse information on his wellbeing ideal type for fences but I’d also I’d consider at standout bet for before considering an ante-post keep an eye on Chasing Cars, the Cheltenham at this early stage. bet. horse he narrowly defeated to Officially the best hurdler in It’s a similarly bleak story in land the second of his big wins at training last season, he is proven the 2m division with the likes of Fairyhouse. at the track and while he has Mansony and Schindlers Hunt ’s 6yo had injury problems, the double looking well below the standard gelding had looked a talented figure prices currently available set by Master Minded. type in bumpers before taking a certainly compensate for those The fact that two of Ireland’s while to find his feet over hurdles doubts. top 2m chases, the Tied Cottage but he proved a revelation as The 2m hurdling scene isn’t and the Newlands, went the way soon as more positive tactics at its strongest just now with of glorified handicappers Don’t were adopted. looking spent force Be Bitin and Maralan confirms His style of racing should be and I suspect Sublimity may the paucity of talent in this even better suited to chasing and struggle now that he’s been sphere at present. he’s an intriguing prospect if he transferred to the new yard of Thankfully the outlook on the can translate his hurdles form to Robbie Hennessy. novice scene is a lot brighter and the fences. may have said a sweep of the first four places in One of the more interesting that training horses just means the Ballymore Properties suggests stories in the summer despatches galloping them up a hill twice a that Ireland has plenty of decent was J.P. McManus’ decision to day but I suspect there’s more to staying chasing prospects. send Supreme Novices winner it than that and John Carr did an The runner-up Venalmar is Captain Cee Bee over fences. excellent job in his handling of possibly the most interesting, He’s a fascinating recruit but the 2007 Champion Hurdler. not least because he’s trained one has to question why he is Sublimity was a problem horse by , a past master taking this route – surely it is and Carr was placed him expertly, with young chasers who trained more to do with his owner having always seeming able to get him to the minute ready for the big to win the Gold Cup in 2006. “Sizing Europe stays day and it will be The winner Fiveforthree is of quite an ask to course of interest but I can’t say over hurdles rather expect a rookie I’m too enthused about Willie trainer to do the Mullins’ decision to run him twice than go chasing” same. at the Punchestown Festival. The loss of his A number of horses, not stable star is least Mullins’ own Davenport harsh on Carr and in a cruel footnote to the story Milenium and , both Binocular and Jered ready it’s worth remembering that the have left their careers behind by for a Champion Hurdle, rather Maynooth trainer said he didn’t running back so quickly at that than any innate scope he has for see any notable upturn in the meeting and I’d want to see how chasing? number of horses in his care Fiveforthree has gotten over his Captain Cee Bee is coming late following that big win in 2007. exertions before backing him. to chasing at eight and is totally Let’s hope a change in fortunes Either way, Mullins is blessed American-bred and all the ability comes his way soon because he with a very strong hand in this in the world won’t be any good to certainly deserves it. division with Cooldine looking him if he hasn’t got the aptitude With Blazing Bailey leading an excellent prospect. for this game. home Refinement in the big 3- The initial plan was to go A smart hurdler who won’t be going chasing in 2008-9 is Sizing mile Hurdle at Punchestown, the chasing with him last season The primary interest in this Europe who despite noises to Irish staying division looks weak but connections changed their division may well prove to be the contrary will remain over hurdles and while Kazal and Sweet Kiln mind and decided to put him continued participation of Hardy this season. are tough and admirable, their over hurdles, a decision that Eustace and the return of Brave It seems a very wise move as limitations at the top level have was handsomely rewarded when Inca, two old warriors who have the 6yo never really delivered been well exposed by now. he won five races on the bounce fought many a battle.

34 Racing Ahead The novice scene could well be weight. Over shorter trips, dominated by Cousin Vinny who Finger Onthe Pulse has to be of achieved the unprecedented by interest and Tom Taaffe’s 7yo landing a Champion Bumper could have the Paddy Power as an double. early target. The most impressive aspect A winner over course-and- of his Punchestown win was distance in the Jewson, he is the way he improved lengths extremely well-suited by going beyond the horses he’d beaten left-handed and the only horses at Cheltenham and he is a very to beat him that way around are exciting prospect. Grade 1 winners Iktitaf, Nicanor Zaarito was the big Irish fancy and Glencove Marina. for the Cheltenham race before For handicap chases on right- finishing a slightly unlucky handed tracks, watch out for third but I’m not convinced he’s Brave Right who ran a cracker in the best novice prospect; the the Galway Plate before failing vibes leading up to the Festival to see out the final couple of suggested he was a real ‘now furlongs. rather than later’ horse and his A return to two and a half miles weak physique may not stand up will suit him well but remember to the rigours of hurdling. he needs to go clockwise – he’s You knew it had to be a slow never won in 8 starts left-handed news week when our papers were but is yet to miss out on the four filled with ‘Hebridean goes for in 13 starts right-handed. the Champion Hurdle Shocker’ Over hurdles, Clounreask is in the middle of the summer one to watch out for. and realistically I can’t see Aidan Eric McNamara does very O’Brien getting too agitated well with his handicappers and over a training the gelding for this one landed what was an Cheltenham. exceptional maiden hurdle for the That said, he is a 112-rated flat venue when winning at Wexford horse and has proven his ability last October. to handle ‘summer soft’ ground His subsequent run at Limerick so his progress will be worth is easily forgiven as the ground watching. was against him but he bounced One horse that has already back with a good run in late proven himself a decent novice is August and should be able to win , trained by Willie off 110. Mullins. Joanna Morgan’s Raise Your The 4yo followed up an easy Heart continues to look a well- win at Punchestown in May with two excellent runs at Auteuil and treated horse if he can learn to with his novice status still intact, settle better in his race while the he sets a good standard. best piece of handicap hurdle Dermot Weld’s Endless form around last season was Intrigue is another decent type without doubt the Pierse Hurdle. with some good bumper form The winners of the Ballymore and while even the best summer Anniversary Hurdle, the County novices generally can’t cut it Hurdle and the Galway Hurdle when the real jumpers return in all emerged from the first six in winter, Caim Hill, who has won the Leopardstown race and it is his last four starts could be an perhaps the seventh Deutschland exception. who is of most immediate Among the handicappers, I’d be interest. keen to keep Hear The Echo on Willie Mullins’ 5yo spent the my side for the Grand National. spring running over the wrong The Gigginstown-owned gelding trip and has now dropped to a With their speed on the wane, necessarily mean they’ve now got won the Irish equivalent in mark of 121 which is the same as it’s like that both will be upped more stamina) there should be March and that race has been the his last winning mark. in trip this season and while I’m ample opportunities for further key Aintree trial in recent years. His figures (flat and jumps) not convinced that either truly success in races over intermediate He blitzed his opposition on soft ground or worse read: stays 3m (they may have got trips like the Hatton’s Grace and there and is the type get into 411227 and he is certainly on a slower with age but this doesn’t the . the Liverpool race with a decent mark that can be exploited.

Racing Ahead 35 Irish Flat report

After setting the scene for the new jumps season, Tony Keenan now turns his attentions to the Irish Flat stars Duke looks ready to conquer America after brilliant season utumn is the surface should be right up his Listen/You’resothrilling culmination of the flat street and the Danehill colt can Possible Target: Sun Chariot Stakes racing calendar; the confirm himself the best turf (Newmarket, October 4th) horses that have fought horse in the world before retiring When high-class juvenile fillies throughA the spring and summer to stud. disappear for much of their 3yo will either have their supremacy Henrythenavigator season, the obvious inclination confirmed or be usurped by new Possible Targets: QE II Stakes is to suspect the worst but the heroes of the hour. Over the next (Ascot, September 27th), Breeders reappearance of You’resothrilling few weeks, these 10 Irish-trained Cup Mile (Santa Anita, 25th) and Listen, fourth and fifth horses look sure to be involved in Henrythenavigator was behind Lush Lashes in the Matron the hero-making process of this dominant in the early part of Stakes, was very encouraging Duke Of Marmalade time of year and this is my take the season in landing a quartet and Aidan O’Brien has plenty to on what we can expect. of Group 1 wins but the bubble look forward to with the pair this recent win the Irish Champion Duke Of Marmalade seemed to burst in the Moulin autumn. Stakes. Possible Target: Breeders Cup Turf last time and he’s one I’d keen Both were very smart at two, Beating Traffic Guard by less (Santa Anita, October 25th) to be against for the rest of the You’resothrilling winning the than a length isn’t form to get For a horse that had won just year. Cherry Hinton and Listen taking carried away with but it’s worth one race (and that a Curragh He needs to hear his hooves the Fillies Mile at Ascot; the remembering that New Approach maiden at odds of 4-6) prior to rattle and the ground was former is likely to prove best at did nothing easily as a juvenile 2008, ‘The Duke’ hasn’t had a bad a mile while and he’s a type that just keeps year winning five times at Group “New Approach will be the latter may winning rather than winning 1 level. well need 10f impressively. Some have questioned what he a major player in France and beyond to If the formbook is to be has really achieved in beating the show her best. believed, Zarkava is going to take likes of Phoenix Tower and Papal if he gets the weather” Ballydoyle the world of beating in the Arc Bull with seemingly little in hand have done well but testing ground would bring but you can’t crib his toughness to get these New Approach into the equation. and consistency and my strong understandably put forward horses back to the racetrack and He is almost totally ground suspicion is that he’s an idle type as a reason for his defeat at it will be interesting to see if they dependant and looked as if he that does nothing in front. Longchamp but his 3yo rivals, remain in training at four. were running on hot coals in the As such, he doesn’t bottom in particular Raven’s Pass, have New Approach Juddmonte and he will be a major himself out by winning a race by been getting progressively closer Possible Target: Arc De Triomphe player in France if the weather a wide margin and can maintain a to him as the season’s gone on (Longchamp, October 5th) turns things in his favour. high level of form and he should and he may not be improving at New Approach has probably Rip Van Winkle add to his quintet of top level this point. had more column inches written Possible Targets: Prix Jean- victories before the year’s end. He also faces the prospect of about him than any horse in Luc Lagardere (Longchamp, Following his late defection facing the very smart French pair training this season, with his October 5th), Dewhurst Stakes from the Irish Champion Stakes, Tamayuz and Goldikova (who ‘on-again, off-again’ Derby saga (Newmarket, October 18th) the Arc was mooted as a potential beat Henry comprehensively providing the story of the year. Form students will want to target but with the ground in in the Moulin) and I strongly Whatever your feelings about have their laying claws into Rip France likely to be on the slow suspect that the Gallic duo his trainer’s PR skills, the 3yo Van Winkle when he next runs as side the Breeders Cup Turf could will be fighting for the title of remains a hugely talented animal, the form of his first two outings Champion Miler rather than the be a more suitable option. 12f though that talent was not has worked out poorly but the dual Guineas winner. on what is likely to be a sound particularly evident in his most visual impression created has

36 Racing Ahead has been brought about by a by the runner-up Youmzain at number of factors – some minor Saint-Cloud and hasn’t been seen setbacks, the abandonment of since. the Ebor Meeting and the desire With both Macarthur and to keep him and Yeats apart – but Getaway flopping subsequently, he made up for lost time when the value of the Epsom form is landing his first Group 1 in the questionable and the fact he even Irish St. Leger by amazing 13l. ran there in the first place hardly That form confirms my belief confirms his status as a star; his that he’s the champion stayer trainer rarely sends anything in waiting for 2009 but the other than stayers of the future Melbourne Cup is on the agenda like Yeats, Scorpion and Septimus in the meantime and he looks a for that race these days. major player if arriving Down Aidan O’Brien suggested he Under in the same form. would run in the Preis Van Baden His shortened domestic season in September and even though can only be viewed as a positive he missed that, the idea that he in the light of a tilt at Australia’s would run in a continental Group banner race and though he will 1 is hardly a ringing endorsement have plenty of weight, that’s of his abilities. because he’s a classy performer. To me, Soldier Of Fortune Shimah will need the mud hock-deep to Possible Target: Cheveley Park win the Arc, and even with the Stakes (Newmarket, October 3rd) ground in his favour, an absence Shimah made a spectacular of over 3 months is not ideal for start to her career at the Curragh what will be one of the hottest in June when landing a pair of races of the season. 6f events by an aggregate of 7l Stage Manager in impressive fashion and her Possible Target: Cesarewitch reappearance when second in the (Newmarket, October 18th) Moyglare wasn’t shabby either. With a flat mark of just 73, been striking and sometimes Early indications are that John The lack of a recent run may there’s every chance Stage you just have to go with your gut Oxx’s 2yo will finish up at the well have told on that occasion Manager won’t make the cut for feeling. upper end of the talent spectrum and her breeding (by Storm the second leg of the Autumn The Galileo colt has been ridden as he improved plenty from his Cat and related to a number of Double but either way he’s one to like a really good horse on both debut to land a hot maiden at sprinters) suggests that the 7f on keep on side in the final months his starts and possesses a push- Leopardstown last time. soft ground would have stretched of the season as the 6yo is on a button acceleration that was in The second and fourth have won her stamina. mark that can be exploited to win evidence in the Tyros Stakes at subsequently and Sea The Stars She looks a real 2yo type and a big staying handicap. Leopardstown. beat them with plenty in hand, given that opportunities for 3yo An improved performer He’s at the head of the betting travelling sweetly throughout sprinters are notoriously thin over hurdles this summer, for next year’s Guineas and Derby though still looking that he’d on the ground, connections will Tony Martin’s gelding was an but he may prove best over 10f in improve for experience. be keen to win a group race with impressive winner of a Galway time and races like the Eclipse The National Stakes had been her this season. Cutting back to handicap hurdle that saw his and Irish Champion Stakes could mooted as his next target but 6f in Cheveley Park is unlikely to hurdles mark rise to 125 and be on his agenda next term. connections have decided to hold be a negative and a sound surface while that sets his flat rating in This season he’s likely to be off for the Beresford Stakes where would also be an advantage for a obvious relief, he’s also got some aimed at one of the backend the mile trip should be right up filly with a smart turn-of-foot. smart form on the level too. Group 1s and a decent surface his street as he looks a middle- Soldier Of Fortune His third place run behind appears important to him; Aidan distance horse of the future. Possible Target: Arc De Triomphe Queen Althea and Power Of O’Brien has been keen to avoid Septimus (Longchamp, October 5th) Future (beaten 3-4l and given testing ground with him. Possible Target: Melbourne Cup The jury was still out in relation plenty to do) has worked out Sea The Stars (Flemington, November 4th) to Soldier Of Fortune at the start well with the winner having Possible Target: Beresford Stakes It must be difficult to place to of the season: is he a bona fide won a valuable amateur riders’ (Curragh, September 28th) the two best stayers in Europe top-rank performer or simply handicap since and now rated Sea The Stars lacks nothing in when both are in the same stable a very talented mud-lark, the 11lbs higher and the second breeding with all seven of his but Aidan O’Brien has done an only horse that really handled having risen 16lbs in the weights. siblings having earned black excellent job in keeping Yeats the heavy ground at the Curragh A sound surface is important to type; some of those are much and Septimus apart in 2008 when he won the Irish Derby? His Stage Manager – all 4 of his wins better than others, with their and the pair have both enjoyed two starts in 2008 have proved have come on surfaces described abilities ranging from dual Derby unbeaten seasons at the time inconclusive in this regard; a as good or faster – but granted his winner Galileo down to the of writing. Septimus has been good winner of the Coronation conditions, he will be hard to stop quirky Cherry Hinton. lightly raced this term which Cup at Epsom, he was beaten when stamina is at a premium.

Racing Ahead 37 Days at the races

Colin Phillips has a decent day out at Hereford, where the weather was decidely on the traditional side for a jumps card Braving the ‘breeze’ to enjoy a day of summer jumping an a meeting held Paddington. There are no buses eateries: Silks Restaurant at the beginning of to the course, which is a fair old where a table for the day, with September be termed hike from the station, but there a window seat and an excellent C‘summer jumping’? are taxis waiting outside and view of the racing, a three- Can the weather we’ve been it cost me £7, including tip, to course lunch and afternoon tea having in August and early make the journey. will set you back £45 (£60 if you Has Harry just heard that September be called summer? Northern Racing have taken want to make sure and book a pint of Wye Valley is only Whatever, Hereford was the decision to make the course the package in advance), The two nicker in the Merton? the venue and the date was into just the one enclosure, and Winning Post for a sit-down hot September 3rd. admission to all parts will cost meal, dish of the day, Chili Con failures from the flat, but a In the days leading up to the you £14 midweek and £17 at Carne at £5.95 and The Paddock number of them had the size visit, the weather we had been weekends. Bar for the usual bar-snacks. for the jumping-game; Auction experiencing in south Wales, The course is nicely laid out, Butty Bach, a burnished Belle, Blush Tone and Xaravella with only one dry day in about the parade rings, winners’ gold premium ale, full bodied, all had scope. a fortnight, make that two, I enclosure and weighing smooth and satisfying, produced Miss Mactango seemed to be managed to mow our lawn twice, room tucked away compactly by the excellent Wye Valley the only one not liking the wind, had been atrocious. behind the stands. The stands Brewery, with an A.B.V of 4.5%, she was very fresh, bucking and So, I was amazed that when I themselves don’t give the is available in both The Winning kicking her way around the pre- checked the expected going at Post and Paddock parade ring, she quietened down Hereford, a couple of days before Bar, can’t tell you after being saddled. Surprisingly, the meeting was due to take “I was amazed to see about Silks, didn’t to me at least, Orbital Orchid place, the word “FIRM” appeared the word ‘firm’ in the go in there! (for was heading the market at 7-2, in the description. those who are with only Auction Belle, of the This had disappeared by the pre-meeting going” interested in such three that I had picked out, day of the meeting, and the things, Simon?... attracting any money at 11-2. official going was given as I only had the one There was some very erratic “GOOD”. Being the disbeliever greatest of views; they could do half, new image). jumping on show, the favourite that I am, I still had my doubts, with being higher and stepped Time to have a look at the and Auction Belle, among but a quick walk down the final more steeply, especially as there horses. The weather forecast, others, were very novicey. furlong revealed an excellent was no big-screen in attendance. when I checked before leaving The race was won, nicely, by cover of grass (no surprise there There are nice grassy areas in home, was for light showers and Kijivu, who had already been then!), but the amazing thing front of the stands that are ideal a gentle breeze from the west. placed over obstacles, and that was, that the grass was dry, my for picnics and allow you a close- They had the first part right but experience seemed to make the shoes confirming that fact. up view of the racing. If you like the “breeze” made me think that difference, as I didn’t notice her If you are thinking of being near to the action, you can Hurricane Gustav had lost his make any mistakes. She was visiting “The Classic Country get an excellent and very close- sense of direction. returned at 11-2 after being Racecourse”, this is how they up view of the last hurdle. High winds and fillies, the supported from 7-1. I don’t describe themselves with a There is a long horse-walk first race was a juvenile hurdle think there were any horses to sign above the weighing room, which allows you every confined to those of the gentler be taken out of this. it is accessible by train in just opportunity to see how the gender (hah), can be a dangerous A very competitive 17-runner horses are behaving exiting the cocktail but in fairness the over an hour from Cardiff, 90 handicap hurdle over 2m 4f. was paddock and, of course, on their whole bunch of them behaved minutes from Birmingham, two next up and I struggled for a return after the race. quite well. I was expecting to hours from Manchester but the paddock-pick and decided it was There are three classes of see a collection of whippet-like best part of three hours from a race best left alone.

40 Racing Ahead alright, if just a touch hesitantly, The winner of the race, Faith until he ran right into the And Reason, owned by the bottom of the seventh fence and charismatic Barney Curley, decanted his rider. didn’t seem the most popular The race resulted in more joy of winners; his return to the for the McManus/O’Neill/McCoy winner’s enclosure was met with supporters, as Different Class rather muted applause. (does anyone remember a horse Perhaps punters had played of the same name, and owned up their McCoy winnings on by someone called Gregory Peck, the well-backed Edgefour, who running in the Grand National didn’t run well and was pulled up many moons ago?) held off the at the last. challenge of Rousseau (winner We had a bumper to close of this race last year) by a length the card and as one Harry and change, at the very nice Findlay had a runner and was in odds of 17-2. attendance, it was no surprise The next was what the course to see it trading around the even commentator, Iain MacKenzie, money mark. referred to as the feature event, not really sure why, unless he Harry was in The Winning Post was angling for a free Jaguar earlier in the day, and was just from the sponsors, ‘Hatfields about to start on his chilli, when Jaguar Worcester’! I asked him, “is this horse, Adeus It was a novice hurdle over Ayrton, the next Denman?” he 2m 4f with a strong favourite in wasn’t sure of that, but he said Charlie Mann’s, Stellenbosch, that if the horse handled the who was trading around even preliminaries alright he would money. probably win. Followers of the champion that his saddle had slipped. I wasn’t taken with him in the He looked the part in the jockey would have been happy I thought the auctioneer, at paddock and went instead for paddock, where, as usual with with the result, a winner at 4-1 the subsequent sale, must have the rather exposed Winter Star a bumper field, there were all for Charge It, owned by JP Mc had his tongue in his cheek from the Evan Williams yard. shapes and sizes, but I’m not Manus, trained by Jonjo O’Neill. as he described the horse as This 8yo was having his eighth sure that he looked the 140,000 The champ recovered after losing having won the race easily, but run since early July, he has been guineas part. his iron at the first, and then Nick Shutts thought that it was very consistent, winning three Talking about shapes and sizes, surviving a blunder at the last, worth spending 6,000 guineas to and being placed in the rest, Ossie’s Star was very big, very the horse running on well to win acquire him. but still looked the best of this backward and very fresh. The comfortably by six lengths. There were 14 runners for the bunch. favourite was held up at the back The third was another handicap chase over 2m 3f. and With the favourite never and was a bit keen but made impossible event, a selling again there were no standouts getting into the race, the result headway towards the leaders as handicap chase, and an unusual in the paddock. Eventually, after was never really in doubt after they left the back straight, but race to see these days, with, some deliberation, I went for Winter Star took up the running any chance he had was probably again, 17 runners. Definitely Meet The Legend, trained by after the third and went on to lost, when he stumbled and lost not a betting opportunity for Nick Williams, a legend himself win easily by 12 lengths at 9-2. his momentum. me. I didn’t bother to make with chasers, who was available Charlie Mann was called to the He recovered to take second any paddock notes, I didn’t feel at 15-2. Stewards’ Room after the race, place 2f out, but could never get there was a lot of point, most Went up into the stands to presumably to give some sort of to the runaway winner, Silver of them being very exposed and watch the race and found myself explanation for Stellenbosch’s Kate, the excitement caused moderate. Perhaps the exception standing next to Mr Williams’ poor run. to the connections by this win to that was Flying Jody a 9yo assistant-trainer, now there’s a Another mission impossible who was only making his 14th coincidence. I congratulated her if you were trying to find the suggests she wasn’t un-backed. appearance and his first for on the horse’s appearance and winner of the 16-runner novices The favourite will obviously Henry Daly. we fell into conversation. handicap hurdle. Mattaking, improve for the run and another The market seemed to seize on It seems the horse has had who, if you remember, caught who might be made a note of, is those facts and sent him off the problems with his jumping and my eye on my visit to Worcester the well-bred (for the jumping 4-1 favourite. They collected, but she was just hoping for a clear last month, again looked a game) third, Knockiterra Lass, they were very lucky. Glimmer round. Things didn’t go right, picture, and again I was sucked who was staying on well at the Of Light had the race won as even before the off there was a in. Jimmy McCarthy made a lot finish. he jumped the second last but problem with a broken stirrup, a of use of him, too much in my Taxi back to town, popped into he unseated his rider at that “bollocking” due for opinion, leading and then going Bar 28 of the Merton Hotel just obstacle, one wag suggested that there, I was told. clear three out, but he was done in time for ‘happy-hour’ and a the jockey had been blown off They eventually got that sorted with two out and faded back into pint of Wye Valley Bitter for £2, by the wind, but it came to light and the horse was jumping fifth. now that’s what I call value.

Racing Ahead 41 Super stats

David Renham with some of his excellent methods for making the most of favourites Keep a keen eye on your portfolio lthough I have never done for many years, which been a fan of backing essentially spreads the risk. favourites on a regular We all have seen successful Abasis, I am sure many racing systems go through bad people do. Why people regularly runs, and hence this approach back favourites is probably down is designed that if a system or to the fact that by backing them systems are going through a they will pick more winners than losing spell, then hopefully the by using most other methods. other systems will balance out Keep an eye on those big-field Unfortunately, very few people the results. races at Newmarket seem to be able to make money Most punters prefer a out of backing horses that head smoother ride with their betting 14 systems in the portfolio and I around 8%, one has to remember the market. This could be down – they don’t want major ups and am working on the others as we that all profits are quoted to to the fact that the majority downs. Well, they are happy with speak. For this article I will share starting price – something that of punters find it difficult to the “ups” of course! The portfolio a selection of them with you: most punters should be able to distinguish easily between a approach should give punters System 1 – 2yo debutants from “beat” in this age of SP+, Betfair favourite that is good value this smoother ride with shorter Newmarket maidens and Betfair SP. compared to one of poor value. losing runs. This consistency is The rules are thus: As I stated earlier, it is difficult to To gain an “edge” when betting, important IMO for the mental 1 Favourites produce big returns on favourites you need to obtain value odds for side of betting. purely due to market forces. the selection you are backing In this article my aim is to try 2 2nd lifetime start 3 Ran in 2yo maiden at Newmarket For the record a horse qualifies – this is true regardless of price, and find systems that could be regardless of age – indeed over and if you can get 11-8 about a placed in a portfolio of systems on debut (with 8 or more runners) The results have been as20% of the qualifiers were 3yos horse whose true chance is even for favourites in flat racing. who had just the one start as a money, then you have obtained I am hoping that combining follows: Bets 1109 2yo (at Newmarket). that necessary value. favourite systems within a System 2 - 2yo nurseries Over the past few years I have portfolio means the “ride” will Wins 525 The rules: become much more interested be smooth with a high strike rate Strike Rate 47.3% 1 Favourites in 2yo nurseries in racing systems and system coupled with short losing runs. Profit +£910.30 (to £10 stakes) research. Back in 2006 I Now the problem with any ROI +8.2% 2 Won LTO developed the idea of using a system based on favourites is This system is a logical one 3 Top 3 in weights portfolio of systems – essentially that it is difficult to make decent – a good percentage of the best 4 Male horses only rolling several systems into one profits as the margins at that end juveniles (2yos) start their life off 5 Distance - 5 to 7f package. of the market are very tight. at Newmarket and for them to be 6 Days off track – less than 7 weeks Indeed, on one of my websites My idea therefore was to find favourite on their next start, they 7 No blinkers / visor www.punterprofits.com I have systems that may not have clearly must have impressed. The results have been as created a portfolio of National that many qualifiers a year, but The reason for the eight-runner follows: Hunt systems that has made a when combined with several plus rule on their debut is simple Bets 482 good long term profit; and also other systems would potentially – there was enough competition Wins 183 has made a decent profit since produce a fair profit on a yearly and also there were enough Strike Rate 38% going “live” to members. basis. runners for a properly run race. Profit +£875.90 (£10 stakes) The reason for this portfolio My aim is to eventually have A strike rate close to one win ROI +18.2% approach was to mirror what at least 20 systems to put into in two is pleasing and although This system focuses on many stock market traders have the portfolio – I currently have returns only average out at 2yo nurseries which are 2yo

42 Racing Ahead on shots to be value), the strike system exploiting horses that are rate of over 41% is very good. fit from a recent run and are near Returns are just under 10%, and the top of the weights. another solid enough system for Higher weighted horses in the portfolio. claimers tend to be the better The final system I with share animals as the more weight a with you is based on older horse carries, the more it will claiming races: cost to claim the horse after the System 4 – 3yo+ / 4yo+ claimers race. Rules are: The male horse rule is used 1 Favourites in 3yo+ / 4yo+ once again and there is an age claimers ‘cap’ implemented as well. 2 Ran in last 7 days Considering most punters 3 Top 3 in weights (inc. joints) avoid betting in claimers like the 4 Male horses only plague, a strike rate of 46.2% is 5 Age 8 or younger excellent as are returns of close The results have been as to 17%. follows: So there you have it – 4 of the Bets 429 20 systems that will eventually Wins 198 go into the portfolio – now the Strike Rate 46.2% question you should be asking is Profit +£721.60 (to £10 level will it work? stakes) History suggests it will and my ROI +16.8% gut feeling says it will – however, This is another fairly simple time of course will tell!

handicaps. There are a few more to that a return of over 18% and rules to this system but they are we have a system that looks well all logical. Rule 2 focuses on last worth adding to the portfolio. time out winners – 2yos tend to System 3 - 3yo+ maidens hold their form as well as any age Rules are as follows: group so this rule is a sensible 1 Favourites in 3yo+ maidens (NOT one. odds on) In terms of rule 3, you may have 2 Turf races only heard the old adage “back the 3 Age 3 top weight in a nursery”. There 4 Must have finished 2nd at least is plenty of truth in this and once in last six starts horses at the top of the weights The results have been as follows: definitely outperform horses at the lower end of the weights. Bets 895, Wins 369, Strike Rate Rule 4 focuses on male runners 41.2%, Profit +£860.00 (to £10 Ferdy Murphy trained DIVERS (4yo) only – males tend to outperform level stakes), ROI +9.6% females at all levels and is an A simple system that is best All winners & all from the same sources as Divers! often used filter for systems. employed in turf races, as all The distance rule avoids longer weather maidens of this type of races for 2yos – longer races for generally poor quality affairs and 2yos (1 mile or more) tend to prone to the odd shock. less predictable. Rule 6 makes 3yos have a significant edge sure the horse has not been off over their older rivals in 3yo+ the track for too long, while any maidens – this makes sense trainer that resorts to putting really as if a horse has yet to win blinkers on a 2yo (rule 7) is by the age of 4, the chances of fighting a losing battle. it winning a maiden is very slim The strike rate of 38% is indeed. The fourth rule is an excellent considering these are obvious one showing the horse handicap races – indeed the raw has been capable of going close statistic for winning favourites to winning. in nurseries is 25% so the system Considering the system ignores has improved that by 13%. Add odds on shots (very hard for odds

Racing Ahead 43 One of the most famous racing club horses, Yesterday’s Heroes Elite’s Soviet Song

Graham Buddry recalls the time when racing clubs first got going and one their first star performers Hopscotch gave a big thrill to a cast of thousands ot all that long ago returning a 32% strike rate and his easy win in the Gerry racehorses could be and another 40 winners the Feilden Hurdle at Newbury co-owned by no more following season. bore witness to. than a syndicate of With the runners, and indeed It was, however, the other 12N people. Although this spread the winners, spread all over acquisition that achieved ever the sometimes exorbitant the country club members had lasting fame and will forever be costs it was still beyond the every opportunity to see their remembered by all who owned means of the vast majority striking black and white colours a small part of her with pride. of enthusiasts. Then, with a in action and there was always Bred and owned by the Queen, change in policy, racing clubs a good attendance whenever a Hopscotch was by Dominion sprang up everywhere which club horse ran. out of Tartan Pimpernel, by allowed hundreds of people to This provided an excellent day the Derby winner, Blakeney co-own a string of racehorses out and many happy memories but failed to show anything for a mere fraction of the cost. for what in reality was quite in five races on the flat before Some of the earliest and a modest outlay for such an Pipe snapped her up for 11,500 certainly the most high experience as cheering your guineas at the Queen’s annual profile were BRTB, Full Circle, own horse home, as despite the dispersal sale. Gymcrack and 1-6 by Master Dancer and total number of shareholders, Although quite small, Pipe fell Pipe/Scudamore Plc. with so many runners the Marlingford, a horse she had in love with her the moment he already thrashed earlier in the The and Peter saw her and in Scudamore racing club had season. “The only horse to win their first day In previous runs she had a membership of 2,800 on the gallops shareholders for the two years beaten other top juveniles such six races at Cheltenham Scudamore as Bookcase on two occasions, the club was set to run before a fully agreed dispersal sale with almost every in one season” Crystal Spirit by 20 lengths that she had and Oh So Risky by 30 lengths. member a true racing fan who some real Hopefully today she would now wanted to get even closer to the class. It was be back to her brilliant best. action, for it was abundantly number of “owners” at each not long before Hopscotch clear that it was not going to be meeting was relatively few. started rattling off a string of Master Dancer had some fair a profit-making exercise. Admittedly some of the club impressive victories. form but it’s a firm measure of horses were not of the best how “off” Hopscotch must have This did not matter to myself We catch up with Hopscotch quality but everyone had their been in their last encounter or the other racing enthusiasts at on favourite, from the one-eyed that at the exact same weights but famously one shareholder, 26 January 1991 in the two- not fully grasping the concept, Ardour to the more prolific and with that six-length victory mile Food Brokers hurdle for buttonholed Martin Pipe after winners Tri Folene, Ultra Violet, to his name, Master Dancer was four-year-olds. the AGM one year and enquired Walk of Life, Rein De Tout, still allowed to start at 20-1 in why he had invested all the club Wonderine and Tom Clapton. With nine victories already the field of seven. funds in racehorses! Martin Pipe had even managed this season, Hopscotch was Second favourite at 9-4 was installed the firm favourite Pipe/Scudamore plc managed to buy in two very useful horses ’s Native Tribe to purchase quite a good number of which the ill-fated Silver at 8-11. Last time out, again who had finished fourth to of horses to run under National King had the ability to go right at Cheltenham, there had Hopscotch on his hurdling Hunt rules and notched an to the top of the hurdling tree been something amiss with debut before scoring a facile excellent 24 winners from as his destruction of modest Hopscotch as she was beaten victory at Sandown Park and 61 runners in the first year, opposition at Newton Abbot into third place at odds of connections were bullish about

44 Racing Ahead his inexperience by flattening while Muse, under strong the hurdle and pecking badly riding, gave chase as best he although he appeared to lose could for a tired horse, Master no ground in doing so. Dancer staying on well in third By the next Muse had closed with the others dropping out of Hopscotch down to just a length contention. with Tomahawk, Souter’s By the line Hopscotch had Hill and Marlingford all close been pushed out with just enough if good enough while hands and heels to record a 10 Master Dancer was running in length victory from the game snatches and Native Tribe was Muse and Master Dancer. becoming detached at the rear As Hopscotch was being led of the field. in a group of around 20 of the At the fifth Muse went to join owners excitedly made their way Hopscotch but a slight mistake to the winners enclosure, on an still left him a length adrift incredible high and animatedly of the fluent jumping leader, reliving the race now that the Souter’s Hill was running nerves and tension had gone. well in third and then a gap Another similar sized group appeared before Tomahawk and of owners awaited Muse with Marlingford, Master Dancer obvious pride and pleasure in running on again and a long his showing. way back to Native Tribe who It was truly something special would soon be pulled up. to be a proud part owner of such Over the next and running to a wonderful and resilient mare, the top of the hill and Hopscotch even more special to cheer still led with Muse closing the home a winner at Cheltenham distance to just half a length, and then wait in the hollowed Souter’s Hill was coming under ground of the winners enclosure pressure a few lengths back in for her to be led in. third with Tomahawk closing The day and memories were him down then five lengths back fully complete when my wife, to Marlingford and a similar Mignon, was chosen by the distance to Master Dancer. racing manager, Barry Simpson, Swinging down the hill to collect the winning trophy on his chances today. The consistent Today he was third favourite Hopscotch picked the pace up behalf of the club. Marlingford re-opposed again although his odds of 16-1 and Muse sent another hurdle By the end of that wonderful but although never having looked remarkably generous. flying as he was joined by season the darling of the Pipe/ finished out of the frame, he Of the other two runners, Tomahawk. Round the home Scudamore plc racing club had wasn’t seriously expected to Tomahawk was making his turn with just one flight left to plundered 11 first prizes and trouble the favourite. debut and Souter’s Hill was negotiate the cheers went up was rightly rated as one of the Muse, trained by David racing on the back of two very for the favourite. top five juveniles of the season. Elsworth, was a very interesting modest wins, having finished A group of White Horse Perhaps more importantly, a proposition. behind Marlingford on his first Racing owners were getting considerable number of people Owned by the many members run over hurdles. very animated about their who could never afford to own of White Ltd, As the tapes rose Peter special interest in Muse a racehorse of their own had there was a lot of friendly Scudamore sent Hopscotch while a similar group of Pipe/ experienced what would have banter between the two groups into the lead by just a length Scudamore Racing owners been beyond them if it were not of owners for while Hopscotch from Muse, Master Dancer and cheered vociferously for their for such racing clubs as this. had already shown what she Tomahawk with Marlingford, own runner. Into the home The Mecca of National Hunt could do on a racecourse, Muse Souter’s Hill and Native Tribe straight and Scudamore kicked racing have a Hall of Fame was making his debut. evenly spaced out in Indian file Hopscotch on again to go adjacent to the course where Muse, however, was very behind. five lengths clear, Muse was all the great horses which have highly thought of by Elsworth At the second flight of hurdles running on again in second graced Cheltenham down the and subsequent events over the Hopscotch had doubled her lead with Tomahawk, Souter’s years are immortalised and years would see Muse finishing to two lengths from Muse and Hill, Marlingford and the fast alongside the likes of Golden second in the Sun Alliance Tomahawk while Master Dancer finishing Master Dancer in a Miller and Arkle can be found hurdle at the Cheltenham lost a few places and Native line of four just two lengths the name and story of the only Festival, beating Tribe was running poorly at the further back. horse to have won an incredible around Ascot and finish a back of the field. As they came to the last six races at Cheltenham in close up sixth in ’s While Hopscotch flicked Hopscotch was six lengths to one season; our own dear Champion hurdle. over the next, Muse showed the good and popped it easily Hopscotch.

Racing Ahead 45 Champions Day

Malcolm Boyle casts his critical eye over the key pointers for the meeting that takes the October spotlight at Newmarket Stats that can turn in a profit on the Flat season’s big day Eleven-year study of Champions 2000: 7-8-3 (9 ran—gd to soft) favourite—A. O’Brien) Day at Newmarket: 1999: 10-4-6 (10 ran—good) 2004: 12/1—20/1—6/1 (3/1 beaten Challenge Stakes (3YO+--seven 1998: 4-1-3 (10 ran—good) favourite—Saeed Bin Suroor) furlongs) 1997: 4-3-6 (12 ran—good) 2003: 11/1—33/1—25/1 (9/4 beaten Prices of win and placed horses Dewhurst Stakes (2YO colts/ favourite—J. Oxx) (beaten favourite details in geldings—seven furlongs) 2002: 8/1—5/2*--9/2 brackets): Prices of win and placed horses 2001: 3/1*—11/1—66/1 2007: 20/1—9/1—6/1 (11/4 beaten (beaten favourite details in 2000: 5/1—10/11*—20/1 favourite trained by J. Fanshawe) brackets):2007: 6/4*—14/1—3/1 1999: 5/1—7/2*—20/1 David Junior (right) won the 2006: 9/2*—7/1—8/1 2006: 11/8*—3/1—9/1 1998: 6/1—8/1—6/5* Champion Stakes in 2005 2005: 20/1—9/4*--8/1 2005: 9/2—8/11*--15/2 1997: Evens*—6/1 2004: 11/2—6/1—5/1* 2004: 9/2—15/2—10/1 (9/4 beaten Vintage performances: 2003: 16/1—11/2—8/1 (10/11 beaten favourite—B. Hills) 3YO: 5 Winners @ 25/1—12/1—6/1— beaten fav trained by M. Jarvis) favourite—R. Charlton) 2003: 33/1—11/4*--7/1 7/2—3/1*—7 places—43 unplaced 2006: 9/4*—7/1—25/1 2002: 7/1—4/1*--33/1 2002: 25/1—100/30—11/4* 4YO: 4 Winners @ 11/1—8/1—5/1— 2005: 20/1—4/1—8/1 (11/4 beaten 2001: 20/1—14/1—6/1 (5/2 beaten 2001: 4/6*--13/2—8/1 5/1—8 placed—28 unplaced favourite—Sir M. Stoute) favourite—Sir Michael Stoute) 2000: 7/4*—7/1—40/1 5YO: 1 Winner @ Evens*—6 2004: 3/1*--7/1—7/1 2000: 20/1—14/1—7/2 (11/4 beaten 1999: 4/6*—14/1 placed—16 unplaced 2003: 12/1—11/4*--14/1 fav—Saeed Bin Suroor) 1998: 25/1—20/1—(13/8 beaten 6YO+: 1 Winner @ 7/2—no placed 2002: 13/2—4/1—12/1 (7/2 beaten 1999: 8/1—8/11*—7/1 joint favourites—A. O’Brien & H. runners—7 unplaced favourite—R. Charlton) 1998: 11/2—11/2—7/2* Cecil) Selected trainer stats: 2001: 8/1—11/2—9/2 (3/1 beaten 1997: 9/2—9/2—33/1 (9/4 beaten 1997: 11/8*—9/2 Barry Hills: 3 Winners @ 20/1— favourite—D. Loder) favourite—J. Dunlop) Selected trainer stats: 12/1—8/1 2000: 25/1—7/1—12/1 (9/4 beaten Vintage performances: J. Bolger: 1 winner @ 6/4* Sir M. Prescott: 2 Winners @ 6/1 favourite—D. Loder) 3YO: 4 winners @ 20/1—20/1— A. O’Brien: 1 Winner @ 4/6*—7 & 5/1 1999: 7/2**—9/1—6/1 (7/2 joint 20/1—9/2—8 placed—52 unplaced placed horses A De Royer-Dupre: 1 Winner @ beaten favourite—J. Dunlop) 4YO: 2 winners @ 16/1 & 7/1—9 B. Hills: 1 Winner @ 4/6—2 Placed 7/2—1 Placed horse 1998: 10/1—25/1—20/1 (9/4 beaten placed—19 unplaced horses J-C Rouget: 1 winner @ 7/2 favourite—H. Cecil) 5YO: 3 winners@ 20/1—11/2—9/2— R. Charlton: 3 Placed horses Sir M. Stoute: 2 Winners @ 5/1 & 1997: 9/4*—25/1—40/1 2 placed—20 unplaced Effects of the draw: Evens*—3 Placed horses Selected trainer stats (at least two 6YO+: 2 winners @ 8/1 & 11/2—3 2007: 5-3-4 (10 ran—gd to soft) A. Fabre: 2 Placed horses horses in the frame): placed—17 unplaced 2006: 4-9-5 (15 ran—gd to soft) Saeed Bin Suroor: 5 Placed horses B. Hills: 2 Winners @ 10/1 & 3/1*—3 Selected trainer stats: 2005: 8-3-5 (8 ran—gd to soft) David Elsworth: 2 Placed horses Placed horses Saeed bin Suroor: 2 Winners @ 2004: 4-10-1 (9 ran—soft) Effects of the draw: R. Hannon: 1 Winner @ 25/1—1 11/2 & 9/2—6 Placed horses 2003: 11-12-6 (12 ran—gd to firm) 2007: 5-10-8 (12 ran—gd to soft) Placed horse Sir Michael Stoute: 1 Winner @ 2002: 2-10-16 (16 ran—good) 2006: 2-4-6 (8 ran—gd to soft) J. Bolger: 1 Winner @ 9/4*—1 Place 8/1—3 placed horses 2001: 3-8-2 (8 ran—gd to soft) 2005: 13-4-9 (15 ran—gd to soft) horse J. Gosden: 2 Winners @ 9/2* & M. Tregoning: 1 Winner @ 25/1—1 2000: 6-3-7 (10 ran—gd to soft) 2004: 9-4-10 (11 ran—soft) 9/4—1 Placed horse Placed horse 1999: 2-5 (5 ran—good) 2003: 3-10-11 (12 ran—gd to firm) B. Hills: 3 Winners (all at 20/1)—1 J. Gosden: 1 Winner @ 7/2**—1 1998: 3-6 (7 ran—good) 2002: 4-11-7 (11 ran—good) Placed horse Placed horse 1997: 1-7 (7 ran—good) 2001 1-2-6 (12 ran—gd to soft) Gerard Butler: Winner @ 7/1—1 A. O’Brien: 1 Winner @ 10/1—3 Champion Stakes (3YO+--ten 2000: 3-4-11 (15 ran—gd to soft) Placed horse 1999: 10-3-8 (13 ran—good) placed horses Effects of the draw: furlongs) Effects of the draw:2007: 5-8-9 (10 1998: 5-1-7 (10 ran—good) 2007: 4-3-2 (15 ran—gd to soft) Prices of win and placed horses ran—gd to soft) 1997: 1-2 (7 ran—good) 2006: 11-3-8 (16 ran—gd to soft) (beaten favourite details in 2006: 1-14-9 (14 ran—gd to soft) 2005: 6-1-5 (15 ran—gd to soft) brackets):2007: 7/2—5/1—12/1 (9/4 Rockfel Stakes (2YO fillies---seven 2005: 5-6-2 (14 ran—gd to soft) 2004: 9-13-7 (12 ran—soft) beaten favourite trained by Sir M. furlongs) 2004: 1-10-7 (8 ran—soft) 2003: 10-2-5 (11 ran—gd to firm) Stoute) Prices of win and placed 2003: 2-1-7 (10 ran—gd to firm) 2002: 3-13-15 (17 ran—good) 2006: 7/2—20/1—9/4* horses (beaten favourites in 2002: 5-1-4 (11 ran—good) 2001: 10-4-9 (14 ran—gd to soft) 2005: 25/1—11/1—25/1 (9/4 beaten brackets):2007: 10/1—4/1—9/1 (11/8 2001: 1-7-5 (10 ran—gd to soft)

46 Racing Ahead 2000: 16-14-15—16 ran—gd to sft) 7YO+: 3 Winners @ 12/1—12/1— Jockey Club Cup (3YO+--two miles) Effects of the draw: 1999: 1-12-4 (12 ran—good) 7/1—4 placed—69 unplaced Prices of win and placed horses 2007: 10-7-4 (8 ran—gd to soft) 1998: 5-14-13 (14 ran—good) Selected trainer stats: (beaten favourites in brackets): 2006: 3-2 (7 ran—gd to soft) 1997: 5-8-4 (12 ran—good) ‘Pipe Stable’: 2 Winners @ 25/1 & 2007: 2/1*—3/1—14/1 2005: 8-9-6 (10 ran—gd to soft) Cesarewitch Handicap (3YO+-- 12/1—2 Placed horses 2006: 6/5*—9/1 2004: 6-9-14 (11 ran—soft) eighteen furlongs) ‘Balding stable’: 2 Winners @ 14/1 2005: 20/1—16/1—11/10* 2003: 6-3 (6 ran—gd to firm) & 7/1—2 Placed horses Prices of win and placed horses 2004: 7/2**--20/1—66/1 (7/2 2002: 2-3-5 (8 ran—good) M. Johnston: 2 Winners @ 16/1 & (beaten favourite details in beaten joint favourite—N. 2001: 5-2 (7 ran—gd to soft) 11/1—1 Placed horse Henderson) brackets): 2007: 14/1—33/1—6/1**— 2000: 3-4-5 (9 ran—gd to soft) J. Dunlop: 2 Placed horses 2003: 5/2—15/8* 25/1 (beaten 6/1 joint favourite 1999: 1 (3 ran—soft) D. Weld: 2 Placed horses 2002: 9/2—6/4*--7/1 trained by L. Cumani) 1998: 2-6 (7 ran—good) Weight carrying performances: 2001: 9/1—2/1* 2006: 9/2*—25/1—100/1—25/1 1997: 1-4 (7 ran—gd to firm) Horses handicapped at 9-1 or less 2000: 7/1—11/2—5/1 (4/1 beaten 2007 Stats for Champions Day: 2005: 10/1—20/1—50/1—25/1 (3/1 have claimed thirty nine of the favourite—L. Cumani) B Hills: 1 winner (20/1)—1 placed beaten favourite—N. Henderson) forty-four available each way/ 1999: 11/4 (8/11 beaten favourite— horse (9/1)—4 unplaced runners 2004: 16/1—10/1**--50/1—33/1 toteplacepot positions in the last J. Fanshawe) A. O’Brien: 1 winner (10/1)—1 (10/1** beaten joint favourite—A. ten years, including nine winners. 1998: 7/2—5/1 (2/1 beaten placed horse (5/1)—2 unplaced Balding) Horses carrying 9-2 or more favourite—B. Hills) 2003: 12/1—33/1—50/1—8/1 (7/1 have won two renewals, whilst 1997: 10/1—11/4 (5/2 beaten runners beaten favourite—M. Channon) just three of the other forty-two favourite—E. Dunlop) A.J. Martin: 1 winner (14/1) 2002: 12/1—16/1—66/1—12/1 (11/2 representatives have finished in Vintage performances: J-C. Rouget: 1 winner (7/2) beaten favourite—Mrs M. Reveley) the frame. 3YO: 2 Winners @ 9/1 & 2/1*—2 A. Fabre: 1 winner (2/1) 2001: 14/1—66/1—33/1—66/1 (7/2 Effects of the draw: placed—9 unplaced J. Bolger: 1 winner (6/4) beaten favourite—Sir M. Prescott) 2007: 23-28-26-1 (33 ran—gd-sft) 4YO: 2 Winners @ 7/2 & 11/4—4 Saeed Bin Suroor: 1 winner (12/1) 2000: 11/1—40/1—9/2*—10/1 2006: 29-32-11-20 (31 ran—gd to placed—17 unplaced & three unplaced runners 1999: 7/1—50/1—25/1—100/1 (5/1 soft) 5YO: 1 Winner @ 10/1—2 placed— Trainers who saddled placed beaten favourite—M. Pipe) 2005: 28-1-4-11 (34 ran—gd to 11 unplaced horses in ‘double figures’ to realise 1998: 11/1—14/1—13/2—10/1 (5/1 soft) 6YO+: 6 Winners @ 20/1—7/1—9/2— decent each way profits: beaten favourite—M. Grassick) 2004: 18-12-32-19 (34 ran—soft) 7/2**—5/2—6/5*—7 placed—20 N. Henderson: (33/1) 1997: 16/1—5/1*—12/1—10/1 2003: 36-18-12-19 (36 ran—gd to unplaced R. Hannon: (25/1) Vintage performances: firm) Selected trainer stats:D. Elsworth: John Queally: (25/1) 3YO: 1 winner @ 11/1—No 2002: 36-35-29-1 (36 ran—good) 3 Winners (all Persian Punch): R. Fisher: (20/1) places—27 unplaced 2001: 32-19-31-30 (31 ran—gd to 7/1—9/2—5/2 (& 1 placed horse) B. Meehan: (14/1) 4YO: 2 Winners @ 14/1 @ 9/2*—10 soft) J. Dunlop: 1 Winner & 7/2—3 E. Vaughan: (14/1) placed—102 unplaced 2000: 18-6-20-21 (33 ran—gd to Placed horses R. Gibson: (12/1)Tote v SP returns 5YO: 1 Winner @ 16/1—12 placed— soft) Mrs A. Perrett: 2 Placed horses (£1.00 stake)Collective tote 66 unplaced 1999: 17-19-21-15 (32 ran—good) J. Fanshawe: 1 Winner @ 7/2—1 returns: £83.80 6YO: 4 Winners @ 16/1—14/1— 1998: 19-22-18-4 (29 ran—good) Placed horse S.P: £70.00 11/1—10/1—7 placed—52 unplaced 1997: 6-15-24-16 (31 ran—good) M. Johnston: 2 Placed horses 19.7% advantage via ‘the machine’.

Racing Ahead 47 Super stats

Conduit won the St Leger for Sir Michael Stoute but it’s his juveniles that are worthy of note in October

Stoute stars as season ends This is the time of year when trainers become anxious for winners, potentially trying to ‘fill their boxes’ for the winter leading into the next season. These are the stats for 25 selected trainers relating to the month of October last year. The list is compiled in percentage order rather than the number of winners trained. Two-year-olds: Three-year-olds: Sir Michael Stoute (12/32) M. Bell (4/12) J. Noseda (5/19) Saeed Bin Suroor (8/26) H. Cecil (4/17) H. Cecil (3/14) Saeed Bin Suroor (7/32) L. Cumani (5/25) M. Jarvis (7/34) J. Gosden (5/27) J. Gosden (5/25) W. Haggas (3/18) R. Charlton (6/34) J. Dunlop (3/19) R. Beckett (4/27) J. Noseda (3/19) P. Cole (3/20) J. Fanshawe (3/20) K. Ryan (6/44) A. Balding (2/13) M. Johnston (12/101) K.R. Burke (2/17) P. Chapple-Hyam (3/25) P. Cole (1/9) A. Balding (2/17) P. Chapple-Hyam (1/10) B. Meehan (7/69) M. Channon (3/32) M. Bell (3/31) Sir M. Stoute (2/23) M. Channon (6/68) M. Johnston (2/25) B. Hills (5/55) R. Hannon (3/42) R. Fahey (3/33) M. Jarvis (1/15) W. Haggas (2/23) K. Ryan (1/17) J. Dunlop (2/26) B. Hills (1/27) L. Cumani (1/15) B. Meehan (0/6) J. Fanshawe (1/15) R. Charlton (0/8) R. Hannon (5/94) R. Beckett (0/12) H. Morrison (1/25) H. Morrison (0/16) K.R. Burke (0/22) R. Fahey (0/18) Top five trainers collectively (two and three-year-old results in October 2007) Saeed Bin Surror (15/58—25.9%) Sir M. Stoute (14/55—25.5%) H. Cecil (7/31—22.6%) J. Noseda (8/38—21.0%) J. Gosden (10/52—19.2%)

48 Racing Ahead JULY 2008  ISSUE 47 £2.70         All you need for Newmarket,  Sandown and York CARING FOR RACING’S HEROES    SPEED     FIGURES    PADDOCK   PICKS RACING CLUBS IRISH   RACING       GET AN18-ISSUE SUBSCRIPTION TO RACING AHEAD MONTHLY FOR JUST £28 - SAVING £20 ON SHOP PRICE! Take advantage of this brilliant offer to celebrate the 50th issue of Britain’s best racing magazine. We hit our half-century in October and we’re giving all readers this fantastic birthday present - your favourite read for only £1.55 per issue! Existing subscribers are also welcome to extend at this brilliant offer price! 24-hour ordering online at www.racingahead.net – call 0845 638 0704 – or order by post POST YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FORM AND CHEQUE FOR £28 FOR 18 ISSUES TO: Racing Ahead, Office 113, Imperial Court, Exchange St East, Liverpool L2 3AB Name...... Address...... Postcode ...... Tel/email...... I am an existing subscriber NEWNEW SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTWILL START WITH WITH THE NOVEMBERTHE SEPTEMBER ISSUE ISSUE POSTED POSTED AT END OUT OF 22 OCTOBER AUGUST It’s often tight when On the exchanges the big clubs meet

Peter Webb with the second part of his article on making a profit from in-running play on football matches Get ready to make your move when a goal goes in ast month we To answer the question of per match over the season looked at how a how many goals are scored you will see that it ‘gravitates’ football match was before a match starts with a to this magical 2.60 goals per ‘constructed’. We relatively minor question of match number. L judgement. When I was on While writing this article we learned that on average around 2.60 goals were my quest to win the football are only three matches into scored during an average pools I quickly realised that the season and we are already match and this meant that the number of goals per match at 2.72 goals on average per a goal to either side would actually fell into a very narrow match. significantly influence the range. One caveat you should be outcome. By backing a team It is this very narrow aware of is that different and anticipating a goal you range that determines odd leagues tend to offer slightly can profit from the significant compilations. For many years different variables to this move when a goals is scored bookmakers have used this number. and the odds move in expected number of goals to If you sort the league table response. The winner isn’t create a price for a market by goals scored and the important in this case just but this tactic is perfectly propensity to concede you can who scores first. within reach of most ordinary very quickly work out certain You can do all sorts of clever punters. combinations that lead to things based around when a When you look at a football more or less goals. goal is scored. Laying the draw league table you will quickly Even without doing that it’s allows you the possibility of quite easy to benefiting regardless of who “Teams at the top score summarise scores first and trading the just using over and under goal market’s more, that’s just plain plain old logic extends this benefit further by and intuition. allowing you to profit even if old common sense” A top team you get the first goal wrong. playing a Beyond those realms using team in the the time in between goals see that teams are pretty much lower part of the division is allows to profit even if there is sorted into their ability to more likely to be a higher score goals. no goal. scoring match, as is the Teams at the top of league opposing situation, though can distort the table. Where Overall, there are a huge score more than those at the less so due to home advantage. this happens, simply look number of ways to profit bottom; that is just plain The games that tend to at the goals scored by both from the in play phase of the common sense. generate the least number of football match. teams and compare that to If they didn’t score more goals are where two closely One nagging doubt remains the average in the league. This then they wouldn’t be at the matched teams play each other on all these strategies though will allow you to work out the top of the league! But a lot but the away team is above and that is how many goals are ‘true’ position of the team. more information is contained the home team in the, league going to be scored? All that is very logical and in that league table, their effectively cancelling out home sensible but in order to really Fortunately help is at hand relative scoring ability at advantage. benefit from this knowledge and things are not nearly as home, away and on average. If When I say league table be complicated as they would first you track the number of goals careful, as lack of games played you need to some clear facts. seem. What does “More goals” and

50 Racing Ahead correct the majority of the There is actually a huge time. amount of depth and detail If you get a top versus you can go into but you don’t bottom scenario then you really need to do any research simply shift up the number of as that is why we created expected goals and vice versa. Soccer Mystic. For a benchmark, if you It distils the knowledge and look at last season you can effort I put in over many years get a better understanding. and scales to some easy to use Man Utd vs Reading, Fulham tools. or Derby would see you price All of these will allow you to in 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4 goals model each match to see how respectively. goals, or lack of them, affect Look though at Chelsea the odds in a match across all versus Man Utd and the the available markets. market has priced in only 2.3 It can do this before the goals. match has stared and even If you want to plumb even when the match is being lower goal scenarios you would played. need to look at extremely Look at the illustration of ‘tight’ matches. our over and under chart, Liverpool versus Chelsea generated on Soccer Mystic. in the semi-final of the It was a for a match where champion’s league threw there were expected to be few up one of the lowest goal goals. expectations last season of You can see that if we laid just 2.1 goals. How do these under 2.5 goals, even if there scenarios affect the odds? are two goals the chance of You can clearly see from the the odds moving into a loss Liverpool vs. Chelsea match making position can only that as you approach two goals occur if a goal is the first goal you are effectively pricing in a is scored before 39 minutes or draw. two goals before 74 minutes. This is because two goals in Anything else and we could a tight match divided between two teams are quite likely to trade out for a profit at any manifest itself as one goal a point. Soccer Mystic has piece. already worked out how many Therefore the price of the goals are likely in this match draw will shorten quite a bit and done the exact maths for in these and similar cases. It’s us. not coincidence that the most Each match is unique but the common score is 1-1. software can model them all in Looking at the other end a number of ways. of the market, when you Of course, all this is talking approach three goals or more, about how many goals, on the opposite happens. average, there should be. This is quite logical when Once the match is underway you think about it. Two teams you may want to change can’t divide three goals equally you mind, but using what “Less goals” mean? The answer goal range in all matches. So, and therefore if three goals rationale? may surprise you. surprisingly, if you price in are scored on average then the I can answer that question as On average just over 50% of your estimate of 2.40-2.70 price of the draw will have to well and that is what we shall matches end up in 2.40-2.70 goals in a match you will be lengthen. When you break it look at next month. down to its component parts it Special offer all makes sense! For a limited time only we Bet Angel is the premier trading Now you have the goals are giving away Soccer Mystic software for Betfair. For more details, that are expected on average for free when you subscribe to you will quickly realise they Bet Angel. click the Bet Angel link at Racing significantly influence all the If you are quick you can now Ahead website www.racingahead.net other markets offered on get two very powerful pieces of football matches as well. software for the price of one!

Racing Ahead 51 Racing Life

Shaun Brand prepares to Carry On through the recession as his new charge shows promise at Musselburgh Pegasus can give us wings through a difficult time

am just listening to the internet, I discovered a very race should be worth at least news as I write this and worrying bit of information, £15,000. the top story is another suggesting that 28% of what That would secure owners airline going bust, it’s owners spend on their horses is and racing club’s futures in the Icertainly not getting any easier recouped through prize money. sport, although I’m not sure for everyone out there and I If you consider that some how realistic my wishes are. Carry On Racing was pleased with would expect a few racing clubs races are worth over £100,000 Pegasus Mondrianus (red and Now I have had my moan, let’s yellow colours) run at Musselburgh be struggling too. then the true figure for the get on to the horses! It’s important to do your owners racing for smaller We went to sums and notover stretch the Musselburgh, ownership,, a few expressed budgets with too many horses. “Mondrianus finished having entered their dissatisfaction, but we got In my opinion, the survivors our recently to there in plenty of time and will be the top echelon of very sixth with a good aquired Pegasus that was the main thing. rich owners, the frugal and us Mondrianus canny Scots. look in his eye” in the 3.20 It was a wet and windy day but We constantly hear of the handicap. Pegasus ran well and although government bailing out the When we got he only finished sixth, he stayed banks, I can only hope the prizes is a lot less than that to the course and entered the on nicely towards the end. BHB will act quickly to help the 28%! I think to make sure Owners and Trainers car park Susan Bradburne (the trainer) poorer owners and clubs get racing stays competitive, the we were, along with other said “he had a good look in his through what looks like grim big players should have to give owners, turned away and sent eye after the race”. times ahead. back more than at present and to the public one. He will now go back to I would firmly agree that every While searching on the As it is one of the perks of hurdles and race at about 2m4f Panther ready to pounce for its members PANTHER Racing was set up in with Anne on 01642 472043 for the flat with Alan. There is season is only six but has now 1995 by Anne Cairns but before or 077757 43885. It details in also a racing information service won four chases. that she was founding and full, all the horses, trainers and — The Central Line — and a list There are also three young managing racehorse syndicates advantages of joining the club. of all the recommended bets French horses as well as a for several trainers. Panther Racing has three will be sent with the booklet. bumper horse who came To date, there have been trainers at the moment, James The horses are mostly young second, 24 lengths clear. The many syndicates in 20-plus Ewart, Chris Grant and Alan but experienced. oldest horse is Minster Shadow different training yards and Swinbank and seven National Laertes won the £25,000 who is nine and the winner of many household names. Hunt horses with more to come Highland National last his last two chases. The new Panther Racing Club season and The club operates no expensive will offer members the chance Tom’s Toybox Touchwood premium rate services for to be involved with some top is still information on the horses or class horses and all ownership improving. for the Central Line. Telephone benefits are available, like prize Tom’s calls are at local rate only. money, owners’ badges for the Toybox Cost is £199 for 12 months’ racetrack and stable visits. (pictured membership. They also offer You can get a 16 page brochure winning at individual shares in some of the free of charge by getting in touch Aintree) last horses. 52 Racing Ahead Syndicate updates Running Dragon Racing fired up for new jumps season

MARTIN Llewelyn is the man Welsh border is a small and behind Running Dragon Racing friendly set-up. based at Penbiddle Farm in Leasing the horses allows Abergavenny. the syndicate to get top quality He is a passionate supporter animals without having to of the sport and of getting put the sales money up front, people involved. making it more affordable. He said: “YouYou need to make One of their syndicates is full, an honest assessment of the but they have shares in two animals’ abilities and enter it other horses available and are where it’s got a chance. I don’t looking to get a yearling colt agree with entering a horse just in the October sales. for the sake of a day out.” If you would like to find out It’s a policy that has stood more about Running Dragon him in good stead and he enjoys Racing you can reach Martin the support of his trainer, Nikki on 07774781672 or by email on Evans whose stable on the [email protected] Photograph by Mike Bishop Deva Racing buys at or slightly further which should are listed below. Finally we are the St Leger sales get him closer to winning his having an open day at Lucy next race. Normile yard on the 28th of DEVA Racing has purchased looking individual and it is a two impressive looking horses privilege for Deva Racing to It was a good day despite the September. from the prestigious Doncaster have a horse bred by our initial hiccups with the parking Give us a ring if you would St. Leger Yearling sales. National Stud. The Orpen colt is and Musselburgh redeem itself like to go and we will give you They are now making the an early type and we have the well with a mobile zoo, which all the information you need to shares available in the yearling prestigious Chester May was great entertainment for get there and we will also enter colt by Champion sire meeting in mind for him.” the kids. you into a prize draw to win a Kyllachy. Deva Racing offers racing Getting back to the club, to bottle of champagne. The horse was bred by the enthusiasts an opportunity to purchase shares in exciting keep up the trend of affordable So come and see Carry On National Stud in Newmarket. A 1/12th share costs £1,799 racehorses based at Michael ownership, we have decided to with Pride and have a look Owen’s fantastic Manor House around Lucy and Alan Normile’s and the monthly training fees offer a no frills Exclusive 300 are fixed at £225. Stables. great stable. membership for just £500. There are also 1/12th shares The horses will be trained by This gives you all the 300 Please contact us on the office available in a speedy yearling the successful handler Nicky benefits except the Towerform number 07020 985 986 or our by Orpen who will be aimed at Vaughan. ratings. To take advantage of mobile 0798 3559143. You the Chester May meeting in Contact Mike Foster for more this great offer and for terms can also email us at Shaun@ 2009. Shares in the Orpen colt details on 07515 772696 or and conditions, contact us at carryonracing.com and ask for cost £1,999. 01829 771781. You can also email [email protected] Carry On Racing, our details either myself or Laura. As part of being an owner with you will benefit from regular stable visits, free Let us know how you get on! racecourse owners badges and will If you would like Racing Ahead share in any prize magazine to feature an update on money. Mike Foster, the Racing your syndicate or you have an open Manager from Deva Racing said: “Our bloodstock agent day planned, email us on Johnny McKeever did [email protected] exceptionally well in obtaining two very nice colts at prices We are always pleased to hear from you. owners will be delighted with. The Kyllachy colt is a classy Deva Racing’s Orpen colt

Racing Ahead 53 FANTASTIC COMPETITION! FIVE MEMBERSHIPS TO CARRY ON RACING UP FOR GRABS

Enter our competition to win a membership to the Carry On Racing club run by Shaun and /DXUD%UDQGZRUWK 7KHFOXERIIHUVJUHDWEHQH¿WVWRLWVPHPEHUVKDYHDORRNEHORZ WRVHHZKDW\RXFDQZLQDQGGHWDLOVRIKRZWRHQWHU

As a member of the Be a part of it with Carry On Racing! £99 Carry On Racing Photographer: Mike Bishop Club you can enjoy a QXPEHURIEHQH¿WV You will have access to the Carry On Racing website for all updates about WKHFOXEKRUVHV Carry On Racing will organise regular get togethers at race meetings and there will be stable visits with fellow Carry On 5DFLQJ¶VPHPEHUV There is a non- premium rate phoneline updated with information about all Carry On Racing’s horses and other runners when QXPEHUEXWDIDFHDQGDQDPH7KH\DUHDOZD\VDWWKHHQGRIWKH SRVVLEOH SKRQHLI\RXQHHGDQ\WKLQJ&DUU\2Q5DFLQJZLOODLPWRDOZD\VKDYH They pride our trainer at the racecourse to meet club members and give that themselves in SHUVRQDOWRXFK providing a personal To be in with a chance of winning just answer this question: and family friendly What position did Carry On Racing horse Pegasus VHUYLFH 0RQGULDQXV¿QLVKDW0XVVHOEXUJKRQ$XJXVW" You are not just a $QVZHUVRQDSRVWFDUGSOHDVHWRWKHDGGUHVVEHORZ

Please send your entry to: 5DFLQJ $KHDG &RPSHWLWLRQ 2I¿FH  ,PSHULDO &RXUW ([FKDQJH 6WUHHW (DVW /LYHUSRRO/$%2UHPDLOFRPS#UDFLQJDKHDGQHW Entries must be with us by October 25, 2008 7KHZLQQHUZLOOEHQRWL¿HGE\5DFLQJ$KHDGDQGGHWDLOVLQQH[WPRQWK¶VLVVXH :KHQHQWHULQJSOHDVHOHWXVNQRZLI\RX'2127ZLVKWRUHFHLYHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXW &DUU\2Q5DFLQJLQWKHIXWXUH 5DFLQJ$KHDG/WGZLOOQRWSDVV\RXUGHWDLOVRQWRDQ\RWKHUSDUWLHV Marketplace

Advertise on this page for as little as £75! Phone Graham on 0845 638 0704 or email him on [email protected]

Running LET’S LIVE Box Clever Dragon Racing with Boxform We currently have shares available RACING Analyse any race FAST. Accept the in two horses and offer 5% lease        program as it stands, make ownership with full share of prize      adjustments, or add other factors... money - no deductions.         the choice is yours. We also offer a replacement if your        Statistics for spread betting. horse is out of training even for '(!'#('*# Ready reckoners for almost any a short period. Telephone for an &"& (!&#',#($+# popular bet, win or each way. informal chat or to arrange a stable &'%*&(')''+( The remarkable Handicap Winner visit. We are registered with the +!! #$+##"'')'(& &! # & !!&$#)! #'"& System. Winners galore! British Horseracing Authorities &'&*!!#,(#$(& Keep records in your own computer Telephone Martin on: %$(#(!!,!''-!!,+( form book. Compile your own !##!!   07774 781672 or handicaps. .Find winners off your 07870 830027 VISIT US AT WWW.LETSLIVERACING.COM own bat! You be the expert! Email us at info@ OR TELEPHONE MARK BALL ON : runningdragonracing.co.uk 01691 653 269 OR 07702 895428 www.runningdragonracing.co.uk EMAIL: [email protected] www.boxform.co.uk MOORCROFT CHARITY RACEDAY AT PLUMPTON ON OCTOBER 20

Richard Dunwoody Rub shoulders with will be at Plumpton racing’s big names PLUMPTON Racecourse stages its can’t buy” lots on offer. These ninth annual fund raising raceday include a Christmas Carol on Monday, October 20 in aid of Concert at Le Manoir Aux Quat the Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Saisons with dinner and overnight Centre. stay. The Moorcroft Racehorse There’s an original painting by Welfare Centre is nestled in Neil Cawthorne, titled “First Time the heart of the glorious Sussex Around”, and two tickets for the Weald country, and is one of hit musical “Oliver” in the dress three BHA accredited racehorse circle with an overnight stay for rehabilitation centres in the UK. two in the Mayfair Hotel and Moorcroft Raceday at dinner in the Amber Restaurant. Plumpton has already raised auctioneer Harry over £300,000, with organisers Fowler, who is used to selling hoping for a record year in 2008. millionaire blue-blooded The day features a parade of yearlings, will be persuading a number of Moorcroft inmates. guests to purchase these fabulous The horses will be ridden by prizes. Olympic medallist Tina Cook To rub shoulders with many and (former of racing’s prominent owners champion jump jockey). and trainers, tickets for the The event is also well supported Moorcroft Marquee Package by many prominent racing can be purchased for £80 VIPs who attend the Moorcroft per person from the Plumpton Marquee Lunch and Auction with Racecourse office by calling a number of exciting “money 01273 890383.

Racing Ahead 55 YOUR BEST BET every weekend!

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2 Racing Ahead Sports betting

Malcolm Boyle with his lowdown on the live Premier League get something out of this game if they are to have any chance matches on the satellite channels in the coming weeks of mounting a Premiership challenge this season. Liverpool scored just three goals when gaining four points last year against the other teams that First goal the winner make up the ‘big four’, and unless ‘Rafa’ changes his ways, the Premiership will continue to elude Liverpool. Home win. Sunday 26th October: for Premier teams West Ham v Arsenal (13 matches—2-5-6 G/D: 8-16) The first 29 matches of the Spurs’ new boy West Ham remain the only Premiership season confirmed Roman Pavlyuchenko Premiership team to have won that the vast majority of games at the Emirates but their record are dictated by the team that against Arsenal at home is not so scores the opening goal of the impressive, albeit the Hammers contest. invariable offer plenty of Some 27 matches produced resistance before going under. A goals, whereby 22 of the teams similar outcome is expected this that scored first went on to win time around. their respective games. Tuesday 28th October: All 14 teams that led at half Stoke v Sunderland time secured three points and Not too many neutrals will if you have ever placed a bet on tune into this I’ll wager, though the ‘first goalscorer’ market you I’ll use this privileged position might like to think again, as to demand bookmakers offer an twenty-seven different scorers interesting and value for money ensured that no single player was wager. Given a neutral stance, is worth following! a potential punter more likely to Sunday 5th October: invest in a 1-0 score-line if either West Ham v Bolton team can win by that margin? As (7 matches—4-2-1 G/D: 12-6) an example, layers might offer the West Ham’s new manager score-line at 6/1 for each team to win by the said margin. The should have settled in by now, and Saturday 18th October: up to see their team collect odds equate to a coupled price their supporters will be expecting Middlesbrough v Chelsea all three points. Stoke saw off three points from this match, (either team to win 1-0) to 5/2. (13 matches—5-3-5 G/D: 11-10) Villa in front of their own fans irrespective of how the results however, and Tottenham are a Given decent advertising at their Middlesbrough can beat any disposal, bookmakers might find have gone leading into the game. similar opponents. Tottenham team in the land, but Chelsea themselves inundated with bets West Ham have long since been should have learned from Villa’s have the psychological edge if they dared to offer 3/1. admired for their free-flowing mistakes however, and an away over many opponents now, just Wednesday 29th October: football, though Bolton are likely win is on the cards. to offer tough resistance from a as Manchester United have Arsenal v Tottenham Saturday 25th October: rearguard perspective. The home held down the years, alongside (16 matches—9-6-1 G/D: 24-11) Sunderland v Newcastle team to snare a narrow victory is Arsenal to a fashion. Boro have Not too many neutral the call. nothing to lose in this encounter (7 matches—0-3-4 G/D: 6-12) fans watching this match by Sunday 5th October: given that neutral viewers will Roy Keane was never one comparison, and Tottenham will Everton v Newcastle expect a Chelsea victory, though to shirk responsibility in big be desperate to get something out (15 matches—8-3-4 G/D: 21-15) this ‘written off’ factor could be matches, and the Sunderland of the game. Theo Walcott might These are tough times for both Middlesbrough’s biggest asset. manager will relish the visit of have gained enough confidence teams for different reasons, Middlesbrough to avoid defeat is Newcastle, especially if the ‘Toon by now to take the Tottenham though off the field activity is the speculative call. Army’ continue to play like a defence apart, which an amateur at least partly responsible for Sunday 19th October: boys brigade outfit. Sunderland team could manage on a good whichever side loses this match Stoke v Tottenham supporters to earn ‘bragging day. Tottenham must hope for if a winner emerges from what Tottenham supporters can be rights’ this side of Christmas is plenty of luck in running to even is likely to be a dour struggle a mean bunch when the going the prediction. obtain a point, but how much given the nerves which will be gets tough, and having earned Sunday 26th October: luck does a team deserve when transparent from the first whistle. their draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea v Liverpool it sells their best two forward An ‘honours even’ prediction is supporters of the away side will (16 matches—11-4-1 G/D: 25-6) players? Tottenham have not offered in the circumstances. feel they simply have to turn Put simply, Liverpool have to won at Arsenal since 1993.

Racing Ahead 57 Sports betting Munster’s Ronan O’Gara

Steve Hughes takes a look at rugby union’s own Champions League and thinks the title is heading to the south of Ireland Make it a Munster munch as Ireland can take the cup ugby Union’s answer stage. Munster face Sale plus and Peter Stringer plus their to the Champions the French sides Clermont captain Paul O’Connell who has League begins this Auvergne and Montauban been one of the finest forwards month and defending in their pool. French teams in world rugby for years. R can struggle away from the champions Munster have a They also boast one of the great chance of being crowned comforts of home so Munster best wingers in the world in All European champions for the should have the measure of Black Doug Howlett. third time in four years. them. Apart from established The team are rated players, Munster number one in Europe for “They are rated has a potential their performances in this star in 20-year- competition and the Magners number one and it’s old centre Keith League over the past four years Earls who scored and it’s easy to see why. easy to see why” a hat-trick of tries against the No team is more formidable Dragons in the on home territory than Munster Sale is likely to provide the Magners League. who have made Thormond Park stiffest opposition in this pool It’s only a matter of time a fortress down the years. but it would be a surprise if before he’s playing for his Home form is important with Munster did not qualify as country. a group stage against three other group winners. Toulouse, runners-up to teams – if a club can win their Munster have an array of star Munster last season, are home games they stand a great players with the Irish half-back favourites for the tournament chance of making the knockout combination of Ronan O’Gara this time. Frederick The French side have All Black Michelak scrum-half Bryan Kelleher and mercurial French fly-half Frederick Michalak to control the game. Winger Vincent Clerc will be familiar to Irish fans having scored for France against Ireland. Toulose should have little trouble topping their group where bath are likely to be the strongest opposition. England’s best chance of glory in the competition could be Guinness Premiership winners Wasps but the London club have a tricky pool with Magners League holders Leinster and

Racing Ahead “Australia are so far ahead it will take a superhuman effort to get close to stopping them”

Edinburgh who are coached Man of Steel contender James by former England boss Andy Graham at either end of the Robinson. spectrum. Wasps should be good enough Possibly the biggest rivals to to get through the group but Australia will be . they may struggle against the The Kiwis have and likes of Munster and Toulouse. Thomas Leuluai from Leeds and WORLD CUP Wigan respectively while the AUSTRALIA have been world rest of the squad is made up of champions at rugby league players who ply their trade in since 1975 and that is not the NRL. going to change when they host They could push the Aussies the World Cup which begins on but it would be a shock for the October 25. home side to fall short. It may not be the most While it’s a World Cup in original selection you will ever name, Australia are so far ahead see but it’s pointless opposing of the opposition that it would the best team in the world. take an near superhuman effort The World Cup in rugby league for any of the other countries to started in 1954 but, unlike its stop them, especially on home rugby union namesake, it has soil. struggled to maintain a place Coach Ricky Stuart has picked on the sporting calendar. 10 players from Melbourne The last World Cup took place Storm who won the NRL last in 2000 with Australia beating season. Among them are Billy New Zealand 40-12 in the Slater, Greg Inglis and Israel final. Folau. That was Australia’s ninth Stuart can also call upon the World Cup in 12 events. Great world-class Cameron Britain is the only other nation Smith and stand-off Darren to lift the trophy and you have Lockyer (below), arguably the to go back to 1972 for the last best player of his generation. time that happened. This is the centenary year of This year, Great Britain is rugby league in Australia and split between England, Ireland the Kangaroos should crown and Scotland (who beat Wales with a tenth world title. to qualify for the finals of the tournament). England hold the strongest chance of any of the home nations as they comprise most of the Great Britain team that beat New Zealand 3-0 in the Test series between the countries last year. Former Leeds boss Tony Smith has done a good job at the helm of Great Britain and now England. There’s a good balance between experience and youth with the likes of captain Jamie Peacock and St Helens prop and

Racing Ahead 59 Racing Fixtures

OCTOBER NOVEMBER *Wolverhampton 1 Wed *Kempton, Newcastle, 1 Sat Ascot,Ayr, Newmarket, 30 Sun Carlisle, Kempton, Leicester Nottingham, Salisbury Wetherby, *Great Leighs 2 Thu Ayr, Goodwood, Newmarket, 2 Sun Carlisle, Huntingdon, DECEMBER 1 Mon Fakenham, Folkestone, *Great Leighs Southwell Wolverhampton 3 Fri Hexham, Lingfield, Newmarket, 3 Mon Plumpton, Warwick, Wolverhampton 2 Tue Hereford, Lingfield, Southwell *Wolverhampton 3 Wed Ayr, Catterick, *Kempton, 4 Sat Fontwell, Kempton, Newmarket, 4 Tue Catterick, Exeter, Southwell 5 Wed Chepstow, Huntingdon, Plumpton Redcar, *Wolverhampton *Kempton, Nottingham 4 Thu Leicester, Market Rasen, 5 Sun Huntingdon, Kelso, Uttoxeter 6 Thu Haydock, Lingfield, Wincanton, *Great Leighs 6 Mon Pontefract, Warwick, Windsor Towcester, *Great Leighs 5 Fri Exeter, Lingfield, Sandown, 7 Tue Catterick, Folkestone, Leicester 7 Fri Musselburgh, Fontwell, *Wolverhampton 8 Wed Exeter, *Kempton, Nottingham, Hexham, *Wolverhampton 6 Sat Chepstow, Sandown, Towcester 8 Sat Doncaster, Kelso, Sandown, Wetherby, *Wolver, Great Leighs 7 Sun Kelso, Lingfield, Warwick 9 Thu Newbury, Wincanton, Worcester, Wincanton, *Wolverhampton 8 Mon Musselburgh, Lingfield, *Great Leighs 9 Sun Hereford, Kempton, Market Wolverhampton 10 Fri Ayr, Carlisle, Lingfield, Rasen 9 Tue Fontwell, Sedgefield, *Wolverhampton 10 Mon Carlisle, Southwell, Southwell 11 Sat Ascot, Bangor, Chepstow, Wolverhampton 10 Wed Hexham,*Kempton, 11 Tue Exeter, Lingfield, Sedgefield Musselburgh, Hexham, *Wolverhampton Leicester, Southwell 12 Wed Bangor, Kempton, Southwell, 12 Sun Bath, Goodwood, Great Leighs 11 Thu Huntingdon,Ludlow, *Wolverhampton 13 Mon Kempton, Windsor, Taunton, *Great Leighs 13 Thu Lingfield, Ludlow, Taunton, Wolverhampton 12 Fri Cheltenham, Doncaster, *Great Leighs 14 Tue Huntingdon, Leicester, Newcastle Southwell, *Wolverhampton 15 Wed *Kempton, Lingfield, Uttoxeter, 14 Fri Cheltenham, *Kempton, 13 Sat Cheltenham, Doncaster, Newcastle, Southwell Wetherby Lingfield, Southwell, 15 Sat Cheltenham, Uttoxeter, 16 Thu Brighton, Ludlow, Nottingham, *Wolverhampton Wetherby, *Wolverhampton, Great *Great Leighs 14 Sun Musselburgh, Lingfield Leighs 15 Mon Ayr, Plumpton, 17 Fri Cheltenham, *Kempton, 16 Sun Cheltenham, Fontwell, Newmarket, Redcar Wolverhampton Stratford 16 Tue Catterick, Folkestone, 18 Sat Catterick, Cheltenham, Kelso, 17 Mon Kempton, Leicester, Southwell Newmarket, *Wolverhampton Wolverhampton 17 Wed Bangor, *Kempton, Lingfield, 19 Sun Fontwell, Kempton, Southwell 18 Tue Fakenham, Folkestone, Newbury 20 Mon Plumpton, Pontefract, Windsor Southwell 18 Thu Exeter, Ludlow, Southwell, 21 Tue Exeter, Lingfield, Yarmouth 19 Wed Hexham,*Kempton, Lingfield, *Great Leighs 22 Wed Bath, *Kempton, Worcester, Great Warwick 19 Fri Ascot, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Leighs 20 Thu Hereford, Market Rasen, *Wolv 23 Thu Brighton, Carlisle, Ludlow, *Great Wincanton, *Great Leighs 20 Sat Ascot, Haydock, Lingfield, Leighs 21 Fri Ascot, Exeter, Kelso, *Wolver Newcastle, *Wolverhampton 24 Fri Ayr, Doncaster, Fakenham, 22 Sat Ascot, Haydock, Huntingdon, 21 Sun Carlisle, Great Leighs *Wolverhampton Lingfield, *Wolverhampton 22 Mon Hereford, Kempton, Lingfield 25 Sat Chepstow, Doncaster, Aintree, 23 Sun Aintree, Plumpton, Towcester 23 Tue Fontwell, Southwell 24 Mon Ayr, Lingfield, Ludlow Newbury, Stratford, *Wolverhampton 26 Fri Huntingdon, Kempton, 25 Tue Lingfield, Sedgefield, 26 Sun Aintree, Towcester, Wincanton Market Rasen, Sedgefield, Towcester, Southwell Wetherby, Wincanton, Wolverhampton 27 Mon Kempton, Leicester, Lingfield 26 Wed Chepstow, Kempton, 27 Sat Chepstow, Kempton, 28 Tue Catterick, Southwell, Yarmouth Wetherby, *Wolverhampton Southwell, Wetherby, *Great Leighs 29 Wed Huntingdon, *Kempton, 27 Thu Newbury, Taunton, Uttoxeter, 28 Sun Catterick, Leicester, Lingfield Nottingham, Great Leighs *Great Leighs 29 Mon Musselburgh, Newbury, Gt 30 Thu Lingfield, Newcastle, Stratford, 28 Fri Musselburgh, *Kempton, Leighs *Great Leighs Lingfield, Newbury 30 Tue Haydock, Lingfield, Taunton, 31 Fri Newmarket, Uttoxeter, Wetherby, 29 Sat Kempton, Newbury, *Wolverhampton *Wolverhampton Newcastle, Towcester, 31 Wed Lingfield,Uttoxeter, Warwick November’s Racing Ahead is in all good newsagents on Thursday, October 30

60 Racing Ahead Punter Profits – the site for winners Terry’s Laying Favourites – profit £662.90 NH portfolio – profit £640.00 Dave R’s Trainer bets – profit £173.60 Dave R’s 7f top rated - profit £227.50 All profits quoted to £10 level stakes Full Member upgrade is amazing value at only £24.99 per month or £199 per year To join go to www.punterprofits.com TheRUGBYPaper OUT THIS SUNDAY ...AND EVERY SUNDAY Packed with all the weekend’s Rugby from the top down to regional level BUY IT EVERY SUNDAY AT YOUR NEWSAGENT TheRUGBYPaper >> CENTRE PAGES James Haskell exclusive: Can he be the new Lawrence Dallaglio? Inside: >> WIN tickets >> Mark Mapletoft: Shaping for top games >> Jeremy Guscott: the stars of theONLY future My world of Rugby Gatland Hard held: £1 Mike Tindall keen on is tackled by WITH THISCharlie Hodgson job with Exciting VOUCHER Lions Grand Slam-winning Wales coach Warren Gat- land says he is keen to be involved with next year's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. addition But New Zealander Gat- land, 44, insisted his day job would have to come first. “If there’s a chance to get involved at some level that would be a huge honour but I have to to game make sure I don't neglect Wales,” Gatland told BBC Radio 5 Live. Gatland also backed the Lions claims of Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards. of Rugby The pair have a superb track record as a coach- ing partnership, with the

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Since it’s first advert last month, “The Curse of the Handicapper System went on to make a profit of £8,500 in August to £100 lays. 3DXOLVXVXDOO\IRXQGRQFRXUVH

and bets can be placed at system did in June - and any time. with each winning bet bringing in just £95, you need this number of bets. (8-14 a day). Do not think that this number of bets Some system writers just makes the system slow to cannot get it right and oth- operate, you can find all ers have the Midas touch. the qualifiers in a few min- Paul Fowlie is in the latter utes. Everyone will make group, all his ideas have exactly the same selections turned into regular profits. as the system is crystal His new Curse of the clear. Handicapper System is his most profitable yet with over £50,000 profit so far You require no special this year. If you are not newspaper to operate it. using any of Paul Fowlie's All profits There is no staking system methods read everything quoted for or chasing losses. below and be prepared for this system your betting to be trans- are based on The Curse of the Handicap- formed. laying to £100. Betfair per can be read and un- We have previously sold commission derstood in minutes and two systems from Paul has been taken off so just comes with every result for Fowlie, "Lay The Place" and £95 is claimed for each this year, all winners and "Stat Attack". Before I tell all losers. Now let me tell you about winning bet. The highest you about "The Curse Of price you will ever lay at is The Handicapper System" I this new system for laying horses. Paul Fowlie has the 11/2 but the average lay is must tell you about an in- just 9/4. There is little else to say, dependent web site called knack of spotting the obvi- with this method you are www.onlinebettingexposed. ous. This is no doubt buying a proven method co.uk. This site has recently helped by the fact he lives from an author with a reviewed Paul's first two and breathes horse racing. Using a Betfair telephone proven track record. laying systems, In this new system he has betting account the system Independent Review from identified a dilemma that can be used without a com- onlinebettingexposed.com handicappers face every- puter. In the past those day, a dilemma that leads using a Betfair telephone This method is competi- Stat tively priced at just £75. Attack to errors in pricing horses. betting account had to bet The system has made over a minimum of £50. This This price seems ridicu- £46,000 so far this year by has been reduced to just lously low for a system that exploiting this false pricing. £2. . Betfair bets can be has averaged £200 a day This system, as with Paul's placed at anytime and profit this year. other systems, is simplicity there is no need to follow The reviewed systems, “Stat itself. Selections can be racing live. Attack” and “Lay The Read the full reviews on identified as quickly as you Place”, are also available their site.. can read down a racecard There are quite a lot of bets and priced at £75. Lay The Place but to win £13,000 - as the

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° EXPERT ANALYSIS AND OPINION ° THE CHAMPIONS ° THE FUTURE STARS ° THE ISSUES

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