http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:41:19 +0000 43200 Manage articles http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/long-run-expected-to-resume-winning-ways-in-re-r107
The reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion has been beaten in his first two starts this season both times by Kauto Star. The first of those defeats came in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November, where Long Run trailed home in second place over 8 lengths adrift. A further dose of defeat was then repeated in the King George Vl Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, this time Kauto Star getting home by just over a length, when winning the race for a record breaking fifth time. It was a defeat that will have no doubt rankled Long Run’s trainer, Nicky Henderson, who would have expected his seven year old to claim the prestigious race for a second successive year. Henderson however, has talked up Long Run since that defeat, confirming his improvement and that he is working extremely well at his Seven Barrows home and remains on course in his bid to win back-to-back Gold Cups.

Bookmakers certainly don't see him losing on Friday, with most offering 1/2 with some are as short as 2/5. The nearest to him in the betting is the Paul Nichols trained, What A Friend, who has not been on track since a running over hurdles back in October. He is a general 11/2 shot but on all known form, he would have to produce a career best performance to beat Long Run. Nicholls however has a great record in this race, which was formerly the AON Chase, winning it four times from the last five renewals and he would like nothing more than to have his now retired Denman honoured by one two in the race finding his way to the winners enclosure.

His other runner is the unpredictable 10/1 shot, Tidal Bay, a horse who has been tried in almost every major National Hunt race since he won the Arkle Challenge Trophy back in 2008. Tidal Bay has run in the Ryanair Chase, the Melling Chase, the World Hurdle, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National, without winning one of them, but more often than not earning a place. Now an 11 year old and under the stewardship of Nicholls, he ran with considerable credit last time when second behind Midnight Chase in the Grade 2 Argento Chase at Cheltenham last month and comes to Newbury with more than a degree of hope.

Medermit, from the Alan King yard will be running over three miles for the first time but this very consistent eight year old should just about stay the trip. Second last time out behind Quantativeeasing in the Grade 3 Atlantic 4 Gold Cup Handicap over 2m5f, Medermit comes to the race from a hugely in form stable that enjoyed 26 wins in December and January. Stable jockey, Robert Thornton, will be back from injury to take the ride and if proving his stamina Medermit could be a lively outsider for both this race and the Gold Cup.

Henderson is also set to run Burton Port after an absence of 15 months following an injury set back sustained in the wake of his excellent second place behind Diamond Harry in the 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup. It is a big ask for him to win this when he probably needs a run but he is a thoroughly decent horse who is capable at his best of getting into a place at least but this is likely to the first step back to fitness with the Grand National his likely target in April, for which he was allocated a weight of 11-7 this week but if he is anywhere close to that Hennessy form, he could look favourably treated for the Aintree marathon trip.

The Giant Bolster from the David Bridgewater stable comes to the race on the back of a fine and emphatic 17 length win over the useful Poquelin in the Grade 3 Murphy Group Chase at Cheltenham last month. He is certainly an improving sort who should feature prominently if his last run is anything to go by.

Little Josh too, although a 25/1 shot, ran well for a long time on his comeback run in the Argento Chase and should come on for the experience. The 2010 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner, usually runs well when fresh and his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies is of the firm conviction that he will do himself justice in the race.

Whilst Long Run remains the clear and justified favourite to land this race, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a hot race with several useful sorts using it as a stepping stone for bigger targets before the season draws to a close. If Long Run justifies his price and makes a return to winning way, it will set up an exciting countdown to the Cheltenham Gold Cup battle with Long Run whilst any other notable performance from this race could give punters plenty of food for thought for ahead of the Cheltenham and Aintree meetings.]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:24:23 +0000 e58cc5ca94270acaceed13bc82dfedf7 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/grands-crus-looking-to-confirm-gold-cup-credent-r105
Currently, defending champion, Long Run, remains the 5/2 favourite to claim a second successive Gold Cup, despite his two defeats at the hands of Kauto Star this season, who is the 4/1 second favourite to win a third Gold Cup at the age of 12 and Grands Crus is the next best after the leading duo and is a 9/1 chance in the latest Gold Cup betting.

It is Grands Crus who re-enters the spotlight with a tilt at the Argento and his trainer, David Pipe, will be looking for a winning performance in this race to help make up his mind whether to run him against Long Run and Kauto Star at Cheltenham or remain on course for his original target of the RSA Chase given he is after all, still a Novice.

Pipe has certainly selected a race that should test Grands Crus to the full, he will have a number of quality rivals to beat including, Captain Chris, who was third in the King George as well as this season's Hennessy Gold Cup winner, Carruthers. Nick Williams is also keen to run Diamond Harry, winner of the 2010 Hennessy and is widely regarded by many as a potential dark horse for the Cheltenham Gold Cup himself. Tidal Bay, winner of the 2008 Arkle Challenge Trophy will be having his first run over fences for new trainer, Paul Nicholls, whilst Time For Rupert will attempt to redeem his flagging reputation with a big run for trainer Paul Webber. Nicholls also intends to run Minack, who looked very impressive when winning the Listed Owen Brown Silver Cup over three miles at Wincanton a week before Christmas and who also has an entry for the Gold Cup.

The other horse who has been subject to antepost support to win the Gold Cup is the Jonjo O’Neill trained, Synchronised, who looked so impressive when winning the Grade One Lexus Chase over three miles at Leopardstown at the end of December. This 2010 Welsh National winner appears to have improved hugely this season and is currently a 12/1 shot to win the National Hunt’s most prized race. He is likely to be next seen in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup on 12th February before a decision is made whether or not he goes to Cheltenham.

As far as Long Run is concerned, trainer Nicky Henderson intends to run him next in the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on 11th February. Henderson also intends to run without the earplugs fitted prior to his victory in last year’s King George. Henderson believes that the ear plugs may have started to relax the seven year old too much, hence his two defeats by Kauto Star this season. He also has made it clear that he believes that Long Run has not taken a step backwards since last season but rather showing signs of improve.

Meanwhile, Kauto Star continues to enjoy life at Ditcheat, his trainer, Paul Nicholls is delighted with stable star this season where he looking as good as he did four years ago despite his advancing years. It is difficult to understand the reasons why he was so apparently jaded last season but one explanation proffered is that the fall he took in the 2010 Gold Cup upset his confidence and it took time for it to be restored. That is now in the past and Nicholls remains more than hopeful that the Kauto Star can end his illustrious career with a third triumph in the Gold Cup, a result that would arguably end all arguments about whether he's the greatest chaser of all time.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:33:16 +0000 af21d0c97db2e27e13572cbf59eb343d http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/punters-remain-cautious-over-hurricane-fly-cham-r94
Should he win that race of course, then any current doubts that linger with regards to his participation at the Cheltenham Festival would come to an end. Trainer, Willie Mullins, has reiterated that he will not run the 7 year old until he knew that he was ready to race at Grade 1 level, which is why he was withdrawn from both the Morgiana and Istabraq Hurdles and who has yet to race this season.

He is currently the 9/4 favourite in the Champion Hurdle odds to win the race for a second year running but bookmakers are not reporting a great deal of antepost activity on him currently. That will all change of course should he get home at Leopardstown when he will almost certainly be made odds on by the off. The question is whether you take the antepost gamble before he runs!

It is interesting to note who the Bookmakers see as his main dangers in the Champion Hurdle and that list starts with 7/1 second favourite, Grandouet, trained by Nicky Henderson. The five year old has continued to improve all season over hurdles and confirmed that improvement with an emphatic 4 length win over the Donald McCain trained, Overturn in the Grade 2 International Hurdle over 2m1f at Cheltenham last month.

Third in the Triumph Hurdle last season behind Zarkandar and Unaccompanied, Grandouet has clearly made the transition from juvenile and being just five appears to have a very big future ahead of him.

The same could also be said for Zarkandar, half brother to Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Zarkava, although frustratingly like Hurricane Fly has yet to be seen out this season. There was no doubting his ability last season where in addition to the ‘Triumph’ he also won the Grade 1 4YO Trophy at Aintree. Trainer, Paul Nicholls has been keeping him under wraps throughout the first half of the season but has assured racegoers that he will have a spin in February. At this stage it is hard to imagine that he would have the experience to defeat a champion as good as Hurricane Fly, but there were many last season willing to describe this 5 year old as a superstar of the future which if is the case then he will be a huge danger.

Nicky Henderson in fact has two other major protagonists in the race, firstly Spirit Son, second in the Supreme Novice Hurdle in 2011 and Binocular, champion Hurdler in 2010. It seems like a trend this season, but Spirit Son has also yet to have a run this term, while Binocular on the other hand put up a game performance to hold off Rock On Ruby to win the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Binocular of course was unable to defend his crown in last season’s Champion Hurdle having been pulled out almost at the last minute, but he should be there this time and with further improvement he could go very close again.

Rock On Ruby will also be aimed at the Champion Hurdle as will Dermot Weld’s Unaccompanied, who won the Grade 1 Istabraq Hurdle from a Thousand Stars at Leopardstown. While others who could come into the reckoning will be Oscars Well and Overturn, winner of the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November.

However, this race as it stands currently is all about the participation of the champion, if Hurricane fly runs then he is most definately the one to beat, if he doesn’t run, then a very open race is in prospect.]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:17:10 +0000 a597e50502f5ff68e3e25b9114205d4a http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/early-cheltenham-festival-antepost-pointers-r86
Supreme Novices Hurdle – Prospect Wells

Usually a dreadful race for favourites, the one liked here in fact is the Paul Nicholls trained Prospect Wells with odds currently of 14/1. His performance in December, when fourth in the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle should not be taken too seriously, there were plenty of excuses for him that day. What should be noted is that the 6 year old ran a blinder when ¼ length second behind Steps To Freedom in the Grade 2 Sharp Novices Hurdle back in November over 2m1f at Cheltenham. A cosy win next time out in a decent novice hurdle at Newbury showed he had progressed nicely and he should turn up at Cheltenham ready to reverse the form with Steps To Freedom. Nicholls has saddled two winners of this race since 2006.

Arkle Trophy – Al Ferof

Also not a great race for favourites, but the winner usually comes from one of those that have been well backed. Until his 16 length defeat by Sprinter Sacre at Kempton at Christmas, it was Peddlers Cross from the Donald McCain yard that was attracting all the attention for the ‘Arkle’. However, despite excuses coming from Jockey, Jason Maguire and McCain it is difficult to see how he can reverse that form, which is why Sprinter Sacre is now the short odds favourite.

However the one preferred in this is another Nicholls entry, Al Ferof, winner of the Supreme Novices 12 months ago and a winner at Grade 1 and Grade 2 level over fences this season from two starts. He had to dig deep in his Grade 1 win, but in doing so he showed that not only does he have ability but also plenty of true grit and looks a great inclusion in a Yankee with odds of 7/1.

Festival Handicap Chase – Planet of Sound

Trainer Alan King will be looking for a third consecutive win in this race and it is his winner from last season, Bensalem who looks a decent pick at this stage. The problem with this race is that the runners will not be fully known until the nearer the time, but Bensalem is certain to run and should be considered.

Preference however is given to the Phillip Hobbs trained Planet Of Sound a Grade 1 winning chaser who was second behind Carruthers in the Hennessy Gold Cup back in November.

Champion Hurdle – Zarkandar

With so much uncertainty surrounding the form of last year’s winner, Hurricane Fly, the Champion Hurdle could become one of the most open affairs for some time.

Although no run so far this season and one not unlikely until February, Zarkandar, the scintillating winner of the Triumph Hurdle 12 months ago certainly has the class to become champion hurdler. Paul Nicholls has been hugely excited about the five year old to be becoming his first ever winner of this race and is determined to keep him under wraps for the time being.

The form of those beaten by him in the Triumph continues to work out really well for the half brother of the brilliant Zarkava. Grandouet who was third in that race has been out and won the Grade 2 International Hurdle, while Unaccompanied, who was beaten into second place in the Triumph, defeated a top class field when winning the Grade 1 Istabraq Hurdle at Leopardstown last week. He may be worth a punt before his first run at the current odds of 8/1, which could be huge if he returns in the manner expected.

Get higher odds with Betfair - Higher Odds = Bigger Returns]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:19:39 +0000 9872ed9fc22fc182d371c3e9ed316094 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/joncol-the-selection-in-competitive-renewal-of-r83
Third behind Alberta’s Run in the Grade One Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, Rubi Light was last seen in the Grade Two, Pricewaterhosecooper Champion Chase over 2m4f at Gowran Park, where he fell at the last when looking the likely winner. It was Sizing Europe in fact who went on to win that race but it was clear that Rubi Light had the beating of him that day. Sizing Europe of course was seen winning the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park last Saturday, which in some respects franks the form of Rubi Light and provides a good enough reason for starting favourite on Sunday but he still has something to prove and others are preferred.

Defending champion, Tranquil Sea, has also been out for a spin already this season, winning the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase over 2m4f last month. Trainer Edward O’Grady believes he will improve for that run and sees no reason why he should not make the winners enclosure for a second successive year, even though it is back at Punchestown after last year's race was run at Fairyhouse due to the weather.

Joncol from the Paul Nolan stable has also been out this season and looked very impressive when winning the Listed John Meagher Memorial Chase over 2m6f at Thurles last month. He took that race by 12 lengths from the one time Cheltenham Gold Cup fancy, Cooldine, with the useful Roberto Goldback a further eight lengths adrift in third. He was to appear at the Newbury a couple of weeks ago in a bid to win the Hennessy Gold Cup but the ground did not come right for him so he has been kept back for this, for which he is a 5/2 chance. Nolan has said that a good run on Sunday will see him aimed at the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

The Willie Mullins trained Kempes has simply not been at his best since he won the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. He pulled up in both of his next two starts after that ‘Hennessy’ win firstly in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and then in the Guinness Gold Cup in May. He went off as the 5/4 favourite to win on his seasonal reappearance in a low key hurdle race over 2 miles at Cork a fortnight or so ago, but managed only third place. He is currently a 6/1 chance to win this race.

Mullins is also represented by Cooldine, who as mentioned was well beaten last time out at the hands of Joncol. A couple of years back, this nine year old was tipped to have a big future but the truth is he has failed to live up to the hype that was thrust upon him after he won the 2009 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. In fact, he has not won a race since and although he did put in a decent performance when second, once again behind Joncol, in the 2010 Irish Hennessy Gold Cup he is not one to be putting a lot of faith in.

This looks to be a three horse race between, Rubi Light, Joncol and Tranquil and whilst any of that trio could win, preference is for Joncol who could have much more to offer following the manner of his win last time but whoever wins, the likelihood is they'll be amongst Ireland's leading Cheltenham tips heading across the water for the Festival come March.


Joncol (picture above)
Jockey P Carberry
Trainer Paul Nolan
Owner Mrs K Browne
Breeder Mrs Kay Browne]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:19:32 +0000 cedebb6e872f539bef8c3f919874e9d7 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/frontpage/long-run-kauto-star-dominating-early-2012-r82
Reigning Gold Cup champion Long Run, trained by Nicky Henderson, remains the 11/4 favourite despite finishing second behind Kauto Star in the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock Park a couple of weeks ago. Kauto Star however, remains a 14/1 chance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds to win the race for a third time despite the eight length demolition of his rival on his seasonal debut.

The current situation between the two market leaders course could all change when they meet at Kempton Park on Boxing Day to contest the King George Chase over 3 miles. The King George is a definitive trial for the Gold Cup but it is also a race that has its own prestige, being regarded as the second highest rated chase within the National Hunt season. Long Run won the race 12 months ago, depriving Kauto Star of a record breaking fifth win before confirming that form when he landed the Gold Cup last March, with Kauto Star and his stablemate, Denman, trailing behind.

Whether the defeat in the Betfair chase is just a blip for Long Run, a result of it being his first race since his Cheltenham Festival glory, remains to be seen. However, the result certainly makes the King George an intriguing contest with the Gold Cup antepost market in mind whilst there still remain a couple of others that cannot be ruled out of holding claims for victory in the Festival's feature race.

Denman is one such candidate and will not be seen until Christmas when he travels over to Ireland to tackle the Grade One, Lexus Chase over 3 miles. This race is also a major Gold Cup trial that is held at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and which Denman won in 2007 before going on to win the Gold Cup three months later. That win in 2008 was Denman’s only Gold Cup victory to date but he has been second in each of the last three renewals and although he will be 12 come March, as will Kauto Star both are on course to take their chance according to trainer, Paul Nicholls. Only two 12 year olds have ever won the Gold Cup, What A Myth in 1969 and Silver Fame in 1951. In fact there has been no Gold Cup winner’s aged ten or more since Cool Dawn won the race in 1998, which makes the task that bit tougher for Kauto Star and Denman but it could be argued have any horses over the age of ten, or aged 12, been as good as these two previous winners?

Of the younger horses, there has been plenty of positive talk regarding the chances of the David Pipe trained Grands Crus, who came into the reckoning after winning the Grade 2 GPG Novices Chase at Newbury last week. Novices however simply do not win the Gold Cup and although Long Run won as a six year old last year, he was a second season chaser. Pipe of course will harbour bad memories of the last time a novice was entered by the Pond House stable into the race, because they lost the very promising Gloria Victis in 2000 after he broke a leg by falling two fences from home, when in contention, so it may be a case of exercising caution this year and sticking to the RSA Chase at the Festival but if he continues his upward curve, expect Grands Crus to be a key player come 2013!

Another Gold Cup trial, the Grade One JN Wine Chase, took place at the beginning of November at Down Royal and saw the Colm Murphy trained, Quito De La Roque win by 1¼ lengths from 2011 Champion Chaser, Sizing Europe after staying on strongly from way behind. He proved in that race that his stamina is not in question and the seven year old was chalking up his seventh chase win from eight starts. He is likely to be next seen in a listed chase over 3m1f at Aintree on Saturday where if putting in another winning performance, you can expect the current 16/1 on offer at Paddy Power about a Gold Cup win being long gone.

The Gold Cup picture still remains a discussion over a limited number of runners but a talent group at that but with several more Gold Cup trials coming up in December all that could change. Get your notebooks at the ready!]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:28:23 +0000 4c5bde74a8f110656874902f07378009 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/social-groups-another-reason-for-joining-the-be-r77
All you need do is create an account on this forum if you already haven't done so, and then click on "Social Groups" in the top bar (this maybe under "More") and then click on "Add Group".

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Enjoy!

Richard (Admin)]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:52:45 +0000 96da2f590cd7246bbde0051047b0d6f7 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/laaheb-betdaq-mobile-apps-floodlit-stakes-lis-r76
Laaheb was well beaten on latest effort at Newmarket when finishing 7/8 that day and beaten 54l. However, that does not put me off from betting the horse today.

This is a good listed race and tonight he will face some tough opposition the likes of Parlour Games have run and improved all season,that said I think that Laaheb will be too classy for these tonight.

Laaheb last ran at Kempton some time ago back in 2010 that day he comprehensively beat Holberg who is a good type,the manner in which he won that race that day showed us that he was potentially a good horse and since then he has not disappointed winning at Ascot next time out and running very well against the likes of Rewilding, Dandino and Await The Dawn.

Laaheb has already proven that he can act on this surface and with just a 2lb rise from when he last ran and won here off 111,rated 113 today I just have to bet him albeit at the prohibited odds of 5/4.

Recommendation...Laaheb 6:40 Kempton 4 pt win @ 5/4 use best odds.

Jockey Richard Hills
Trainer Roger Varian
Owner Hamdan Al Maktoum
Breeder Darley


Get higher odds with Betfair - Higher Odds = Bigger Returns]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:52:11 +0000 38af86134b65d0f10fe33d30dd76442e http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/pinotage-exclusive-breeders%c2%b4-cup-coverage-on-a-r74
Cheltenham for example and a lot of the big meetings, how difficult is it to predict the winner?

Very difficult is the answer. Me? Well, I prefer the day to day stuff with just average handicappers as I can catch an odd improver who I think will progress further in time. I think that I have 'latched' on to such a horse today.

Pinotage was a lowly rated horse in April 2011,he has been progressive this season especially in recent months.

He is still by no means a world beater,but he has gone from a mark in the 40's to a mark in the 50's and a win tonight would see him put off a handicap mark in the 60's. It is important to note that he hasn't just improved on turf he has improved on the all weather surface as well.

Let us look at his latest 2 races at Lingfield he was mid division before making his challenge 3 wide in the home straight and battled on nicely.

A different story at on his latest start at Wolverhampton this time worse than mid division, and was in a bad position at the back on the home turn, before finishing strongly and showing a nice turn of foot finishing 3rd. He caught my eye that day and i just have to bet him tonight win or lose .

Recommendation Pinotage 2pt win 7.40 Wolverhampton.

Jockey Justin Newman
Trainer Richard Whitaker
Owner Nice Day Out Partnership
Breeder Hellwood Stud Farm

Get higher odds with Betfair - Higher Odds = Bigger Returns

Useless Information

pi·no·tage /ˈpēnōˌtäZH/
Noun:

• A variety of red wine grape grown in South Africa, produced by crossing Pinot Noir and other varieties.
  
• Red wine made from this grape.
  

]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:56:48 +0000 bf8229696f7a3bb4700cfddef19fa23f http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/poppy-back-and-lay-at-betdaqcom-median-auctio-r73
On her first ever start she ran at Newbury back in 2010 which suggests to me that Richard Hannon believed that his filly had ability that was not the case however, and she finished well beaten that day and did not seem to progress in 2010.

Her 2011 efforts have seen her improve and she has been placed on no less than three occasions finishing 2nd twice on the AW tracks Wolverhampton and Kempton.

I think the distance that she ran over last time was too short for her and the 6f trip tonight will see her in a better light.

It seems to me as though Hannon has decided that he will be campaigning her on the AW over the winter months.

Of the races that she has ran in lately i am interested in the Nottingham race in which she finished 3rd that day she beat Surely This Time who was rated off 62 which is the mark that he won his maiden off so this tells us that Poppy's mark of 61 is certainly not high and it confirms to us form readers that she should be able to get competitive tonight and she should hopefully be thereabouts at the finish.

Recommendation Poppy 2pt win @ 5-2 use best odds

Jockey Richard Hughes
Trainer Richard Hannon
Owner Mrs H Thomson Jones
Breeder Mrs H T Jones

Get higher odds with Betfair - Higher Odds = Bigger Returns]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:58:11 +0000 f7e6c85504ce6e82442c770f7c8606f0 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/red-lover-book-your-christmas-parties-redcar-r72 Red Lover.

Red Lover has not run for over a year, but the stable can get one fit and ready when needed.

He has had three starts to date and ran well on each one against some top class rivals, if we take a look at just the winner of each of Red Lover's previous races, they're running off marks of 80 plus in the official ratings, if Red Lover can reproduce the form he had last year then he will take all the beating.

The selection has also run at better tracks namely, Newbury and Doncaster.

In his two runs at Newbury a vast improvement can be seen by looking at the race replays his second run was eye catching as he was cruising and going well throughout the race before challenging and being run out of it in the closing stages. Red Lover should be switched off in the mid division today before hopefully making his challenge in the final furlong and going on to win.

I predict that if he wins today he will be worth following for next season providing that the handicapper gives him a reasonable mark to start off with, it is highly possible that come this time next year he will be competing in some top races.

Promising potential for the future makes this one a selection today.

RED LOVER 2pts win @ 11-8 use best odds (4.10 Redcar)

Jockey Paul Hanagan
Trainer Ed Dunlop Racing Limited
Owner R J Arculli
Breeder Minster Stud

Get higher odds with Betfair - Higher Odds = Bigger Returns]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:58:21 +0000 1ff8a7b5dc7a7d1f0ed65aaa29c04b1e http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/barbatos-european-breeders%c2%b4-fund-national-r71
The one I'm referring to is the Ian Williams trained Barbatos.

The line of form that looks to me to be exceptional was when he was 3rd on his first ever start at Auteuil he was behind Spirit Son that day who finished 2nd to Al Ferof at Cheltenham, that form is outstanding in the context of this race and the 7/4 price looks worth taking

On his latest start at Ascot his 2nd tells us that the horse should be fit and well and his first race at Auteuil means that he has encountered hurdles before were a lot of the principles in the betting have not.

Cardinal Rose has only ever ran in NHF races and although winning last time the comprehensive beating by Keys puts me off this one as a betting prospect.

Theatre Guide looks the most likely to challenge Barbatos 2/22 in a 50k race over in Ireland,but once again has not had the benefit of running over hurdles.

I can not stress the importance of having been over hurdles before, many a good NHF horse has came unstuck at the first time of facing the obstacles and has taken a few races to get used to them before winning.

The benefit of experience over hurdles and some outstanding classy form makes Barbatos a bet today.

Recommendation Barbatos 2pt win @ 7/4 use best odds 4.20 Aintree

Jockey Paddy Brennan
Trainer Ian Williams (above)
Owner Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd
Breeder Jean-Pierre Dubois]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:17:29 +0000 a4a042cf4fd6bfb47701cbc8a1653ada http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/gaining-an-edge-d-g-consultancy-mai-r70
He has some decent form to his name even though his latest run was a complete no show I think that it is possible that connections have done the right thing with him tonight and the faster surface should suit.

When he ran at Chepstow he was front rank and led for a long way before fading about a furlong from home.

When he ran at Leicester he once again was front rank and put it up to Gold City until the closing stages when Gold City started to draw away from him.

Tonight connections are running him on what I consider to be a faster surface to and from watching the videos one can come to the conclusion that he is improving he can do the trick tonight as I think he is able to lie up with the pace and he can lose his maiden tag.

The other competitors in the race do not look to be up to much and this race won't take much winning.

Therefore my eyes will be my guide tonight and my race reading skills will be put to the test that and a little bit of form study makes this one a bet.

The selection is as below...

Forest Edge 2 pt win @ 9/4 use best odds (8.20 Wolverhampton)

Jockey Silvestre De Sousa
Trainer David Evans
Owner Peter Swinnerton
Breeder Alberto Panetta]]> Sat, 22 Oct 2011 10:15:09 +0000 149e9677a5989fd342ae44213df68868 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/rebecca-romero-dormansland-handicap-class-5-r69 Rebbeca Romero is the selection in the 5.30 Lingfield.

Rebecca Romero has been in good form recently and she is improving at a rapid rate, she is capable of taking this race today.

A consistent and steadily progressive filly who was far from discredited when half-length second to subsequent winner at Salisbury in hat-trick bid; up another 3lb but that form is sound and may be more to come; C&D winner in April.

Her wide draw is a concern today,but it is not impossible and horses have won from that stall posistion in the past.

Rebbeca Romero is rated 9lb's clear of anything else in the field by me today, the other ones behind her are Lord Of The Reins and Go Nani Go so I will also be recommending a combo forecast today which means that if any of the above three fill the first two places then I will win. It is always worth having a small intrest in the forecast as the rewards for small stakes can be fantastic and helps boost profits considerably.

Recommendation Rebbeca Romero 2 pt win @ 3-1 use best odds.

Jockey Tadhg O'Shea
Trainer Denis Coakley (picture above)
Owner Keepers Racing Ii
Breeder D W Armstrong]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:23:23 +0000 3636638817772e42b59d74cff571fbb3 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/the-thing-sticks-a-pin-in-mondays-racing-r68 Pontefract
totequadpot Handicap (Div I) Cl4 5f
3:10 Berberana
Doesn't seem easiest to predict but well capable on a going day, as she showed when making all at York in July and second in tongue tie (on again) at Ripon last time.

totequadpot Handicap (Div II) Cl4 5f
5:10 Perfect Pastime
Won 5f handicap at Goodwood in May and largely performed with credit off higher marks since, another decent effort when sixth in a first-time hood at Salisbury last month.


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Plumpton
SIS Live Novices´ Handicap Hurdle Cl5 2m
3:20 Highland River
Badly out of sorts for Aytach Sadik early last season, but returned to form on second run for new yard when winning at Towcester (19.5f) earlier in month. Bettered that 4 days ago and big chance.

Retirement Villages Handicap Hurdle Cl4 3m1f110y
4:20 Painted Sky
Raced lazily for much of the way, but gradually got on top at finish when making it 3 wins from last 4 starts at Uttoxeter (3m) recently. Just 4 lb higher, so ought to make presence felt again.


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Windsor
CSP Ltd Median Auction Maiden Stakes Cl5 5f10y
2:30 Dream Whisperer
Showed plenty of dash when twice placed in 5f maidens earlier in the year. Again travelled strongly at Ascot last time (first-time blinkers) and return to 5f will be in her favour.

Ben Woollacott Handicap Cl5 1m67y
5:00 Encore Un Fois
Some promise in maidens and has improved since switched to handicaps, placed all 3 starts. Ground firmer here and won't be helped by being stuck out in stall 14.


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The Thing Says...Don't bet with money you can't afford to lose.]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:53:04 +0000 006f52e9102a8d3be2fe5614f42ba989 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/princeton-plains-naas-october-handicap-3yo-r67
It is very intresting to see that the particular horse is running on the flat today, since 24th April 2011 the horse has gone from a mark of 107 to 125 under the jumps code and he hasn't raced on flat for some time, his mark of 80 today looks more than fair and he is weighted off 8-5 which is a very light weight indeed.

To check his flat form you have to go back to April 2010 when he finished 3rd to Rocket Man,intrestingly enough the 2nd Captain Of The Fleet had a long break and won in April of this year off a mark of 86 tells me that the mark of 80 for todays selection is lenient and in theory he should be able to get competitive and should be thereabouts at the finish.

No ground concerns today as he can act on the surface and his fitness is not a question as he won under the jumps code last time out on the 15th September 2011.

All in all he looks worthy of a bet at the price on offer,the selection is as below..

Princeton Plains 2pt win @ 4-1 use best odds

Jockey N G McCullagh
Trainer Edward P Harty
Owner John P McManus
Breeder Light Storm Syndicate]]> Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:43:02 +0000 5878a7ab84fb43402106c575658472fa http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/the-thing-on-saturdays-racing-r66 The Thing at Ascot
Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 3) Cl1 2m
1:50 Opinion Poll
Firmly established now as one of the top stayers around, winning Goodwood Cup and another Group 2 at York since losing out to Fame And Glory at the Royal meeting. Obvious contender once more.


The Thing at Cheltenham
A P Mccoy Autobiography Novices´ Hurdle Cl3 3m1f110y
2:05 Ongenstown Lad
Steep rise through handicaps in Ireland at up to 3m, improving a chunk when a ready winner of 3m event at Gowran Park last month (victory number 4). Well worth his place in this line-up.

ZEturf.com Handicap Chase Cl2 2m4f
2:40 Benbane Head
Jumped like an old hand and had something to spare when making it 2 from 3 over fences at Uttoxeter (21f) last month. Handicapper had his say, but surprising if he didn't have more to offer.

Graeme Mcpherson Trains For Arion Racing Handicap Hurdle Cl3 2m5f
4:25 Cockney Trucker
Admirably tough and consistent hurdler who has made the frame all 7 starts in similar events this year, usual gutsy display when second at Newton Abbot (2¾m) recently, and ought to go well again.


The Thing at Cork
corkracecourse.ie Navigation Stakes (Listed Race) 1m100y
4:20 Moran Gra
Better than ever this year, winning handicaps at Leopardstown in May and at the Curragh in June. Solid efforts in defeat last 2 outings, including in a Group 3 on penultimate start. Major player.

Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Handicap (Fillies) 1m100y
5:20 Sikara
Winner of maiden at Dundalk in the spring and returned from 5 months off with fine third at Listowel in September, staying on well from a long way off the pace. Likely capable of better still.

Follow Cork Racecourse On Facebook Maiden 1m100y
5:55 Fred Fenster
Back to the form he was showing at 2 yrs of late, much better than the result suggests when third to Solar Verde at Gowran last time, drawn on the wrong side. Makes plenty of appeal now tackling 1m.


The Thing at Catterick
toteexacta Claiming Stakes Cl6 1m3f214y
4:40 Trip The Light
Successful 3 times last season, and gained first win of the year in York apprentice handicap last week. No easy task on these terms but conditions no problem and should go well once more.


The Thing at Kelso
Clifford And Martin Firth Memorial Novices´ Limited Handicap Chase Cl3 2m6f110y
2:10 Soft Spoken Guy
Got off mark over fences in 25f novice here in April, but not matched that form in 3 starts since. Not out of this, but needs return to his best back from 4-month break.

EDF-ER Fallago Rig Handicap Chase Cl3 3m1f
3:25 Star Beat
Overcame slipping saddle to win over this C&D earlier in month, but 10 lb rise for that looks harsh and others make more appeal as a result despite the booking of very good conditional.


The Thing at Wolverhampton
Enjoy The Ringside Entertainment Handicap (Div II) Cl6 1m141y
9:00 Aussie Blue
Quickly bounced back from a blip when scoring over this C&D recently. Yet to win off a mark this high, but more consistent than most, so wouldn't rule out in follow-up bid.


The Thing says...Don't bet with money you can't afford to lose.]]> Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:05:22 +0000 7e7757b1e12abcb736ab9a754ffb617a http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/byrd-in-hand-bluesqcom-classified-stakes-cla-r65
I am very keen on the chances of one tonight at Kempton and it is a reasonable price so I will be playing.

The first race on the card at Kempton is where i will place my faith for today's bet. The one i like here is Byrd In Hand running well of late and has had a good turf campaign.

The line of form that catches the eye is the race in which he won at Goodwood when he beat Catchanova by 3/4l, what is intresting to note here is that Catchanova won the next time it ran at Kempton therefore this tells us that Byrd In Hand's mark of 55 today looks more than fair as when he ran at Goodwood he won off 56 of course that is turf form but if he is able to transfer that particular form to the all weather surface then he has more than an 'average' chance of winning.

His only try at this track does not read well, but recent efforts from him around that time tells us that he was largely out of form so he can not be judged on that effort. The trainer and Jockey form look to be reasonable in fact the jockey won on Cape Royal the other day. Lets us hope he can win on this one tonight.

Recommendation: Byrd In Hand 2pt win @ 4-1 use best odds + 2pt place bet on the exchanges.

Jockey Sean Levey
Trainer John Bridger
Owner Bird In Hand (Hailey) Racing Partnership
Breeder Bricklow Ltd]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:52:02 +0000 9766527f2b5d3e95d4a733fcfb77bd7e http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/samanda-best-odds-oddscheckercom-median-auc-r64 Samanda is the selection in the 5.30 Newcastle.

Samanda's form catches the eye here,ridden today by K Fallon,his form figures don't look to be anything inspiring,but i do like the run at Kempton on the 15th Sept 2011. That day he finished 4/11 to Passion play.

I remember passion play in particular as it finished 5/9 to Pertemps Network (the well gambled on Easterby runner) that won easy the other day at Wolverhampton.

Passion Play was rated off 67 that day and ran well enough even though it was beaten 7 3/4 lengths.

In the context of today's maiden race that form might just be enough as Samanda recieves a mark of just 65.

At the odds Samanda is worth a bet as he just may be far better than his rivals today.

Recommendation...Samanda 2pt win @ 5/2 use best odds.

Jockey Kieren Fallon
Trainer Luca Cumani
Owner Samanda Racing
Breeder Con Marnane]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:41:37 +0000 fa7cdfad1a5aaf8370ebeda47a1ff1c3 http://thebettingslip.co.uk/page/index.html/_/articles/a-dance-at-the-curragh-stephen-quirke-memoria-r63
I do however, like the look of one across the water in Ireland and i will be having a small bet on it each way.

The selection was entered somewhere last week and was pulled out and did not run. The online bookie returned my stake but really they shouldn't have bothered as i will be betting it today.

I am sure that the trainer of this horse would readily admit that she had got things wrong recently as she was simply putting this mare over a distance that was too far for her. When she did drop her in distance it resulted in her winning at Cork over the distance of 8f which is the distance that she is facing today.

Ok so we know that she is capable of getting today's distance.

What about the weather it's been raining in most places in Britain this weekend so one would hope that she could act on the ground, that answer lies with her latest effort when she won yet again making it two in a row that day she won at the Curragh on soft ground, which, is where she returns today to try and make it three in a row I do hope she does and at the price on offer she seems worth a small each way punt.

The conclusion is that we have a mare in form who will like today's distance and going and she has even won at the track. Let's hope she can oblige, if she does i may just have a little dance in my living room to celebrate.

The selection Jills Ballet 3:15 Curragh 1pt each way @ 8-1 use best odds.

Jockey S A Gray
Trainer Mrs Prunella Dobbs
Owner James Joseph O'Neill
Breeder David Maher]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:21:34 +0000 0777d5c17d4066b82ab86dff8a46af6f