It has been a quiet week for us. Very much a transitional time. Never worth getting seriously involved when the betting value is questionable.
Nine races on Channel 4 tomorrow, four each from Newmarket and Ascot plus a 2 y.o. listed race from Redcar.
At this point there looks to be four races tomorrow I am particularly interested in. More on this tomorrow.
Three jumps cards on Sunday and over at Longchamp we have the Arc meeting with Treve defending her double winning crown.
Our feature this Saturday is the 2.50 at Market Rasen. This 2m 5f listed handicap is worth over £28,000 to the winner. Forecast going is good.
The current market leader, Oscar Rock may have scored a hat-trick but for being hampered and falling on latest start.
He is progressive, although the Jefferson stable runners have looked to be in need of a run.
Edguardo Sol is fairly handicapped but may prefer a left handed track.
Valco De Touzaine isn’t a straightforward ride but is weighted to go close, with fitness guaranteed. 5/1 my tissue, which is the general price available.
Conquisto is of some interest at double figure odds having suggested he retains some of his old ability on latest start. Getting on to two years since the 10 y.o. last saw the winners enclosure when landing the valuable Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
Currently on offer at 14/1, which is double my price. Must be worth a look.
Channel 4 show four races this afternoon from Newmarket.
In the 3.05 Hawksmoor sets the standard after impressing at Goodwood. Showed great resolution and finishing speed to just get up on the line. However, there are a few potential improvers here and the current 2/1 looks skinny.
The 3.40 is contested by just four runners, including one of my early season noted horses, Time Test. Started the season with victories at Newbury and Ascot on good ground. Went to York for the Juddmonte and finished a fairly remote fourth in more testing conditions. Expected to return to form today. But I would like to see how good the ground actually is. If he has more ideal conditions, anything over even-money would be fair.
Tomorrow we have six televised races from Newmarket and Market Rasen. The Cambridgeshire is the highlight with 35 runners declared for the 9 furlong ‘cavalry charge’.
Update tomorrow as I look at a feature race from the Saturday cards.
First day of Autumn and the start of the Perth two-dayer. Both sure signs that the main 2015/16 National Hunt campaign is fast approaching.
Plenty of the northern yards are well represented and a few like Kim Bailey and David Pipe are prepared to send their horses from further away.
The owner of Pipe’s first two runners is Mrs Jo Tracey, who is based in Scotland. Both are the early favourites.
Perth is a great meeting with good prize money and the chance to meet up with old acquaintances.
Get ready for the new season. See my website for details: http://www.slh.co.uk
Newbury 2.50 Dubai Duty Free Handicap
What About Carlo was on my noted horses shortlist last year and has done us some favours in the past. Started the season well when fourth in The Lincoln, but then had a series of disappointing outings until returning to form at Epsom last time. Steps up in class from that victory.
Two of his four career successes have come in more testing ground and he carried the same weight in both races as he does today. The heavy rain that swept over Newbury during the week has brought his more suited conditions.
The softer the going the better and providing the ground doesn’t dry out too much the double figure odds available would have some appeal.
From tomorrow onwards I will be analysing at least one of the Saturday feature races.
Plenty of prize money on offer at Ayr tomorrow with the Ayr Gold Cup being the highlight.
Newbury Stage two Group 3 races and the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes.
Channel 4 are showing eight races from Ayr and Newbury starting with the Arc Trial at 1.45.
If you want to follow my work, we have a range of options to suit. Just go to www.slh.co.uk.
Presently meeting with contacts before going on to Doncaster. All part of my preparations for the forthcoming main jumps campaign through to the end of April 2016.
We have enjoyed a great deal of success this summer on both the flat and jumps, with latest winners at 10/1, 10/1, 5/1, 5/1 and 11/4.
We finished the last jump season in very good form and I am very confident of another great season ahead.
All memberships taken now will include September free of charge. Discover more about true professional betting and apply for your free information pack at: www.slh.co.uk
Bertimont is fairly handicapped and will be suited by conditions. The Skelton stable are in great form.
Sign Of A Victory has disappointed twice since impressing at Ascot.
A return to form is expected.
GM Hopkins is fairly weighted with improvement to come.
What About Carlo can go well at big odds.He is expected to be staying on at the finish.
After some below par runs Pepite Rose has dropped to a lenient mark in the ratings.
O Maonlai has taken a big rise in the handicap after his latest win and this is a far tougher race.
However he is progressing and should not be lightly opposed.