Tag Archives: haydock

Who’s the Daddy?

January 20, 2018 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Top quality afternoon of racing with the Clarence House being the premier race of the day. One of seven graded races from Ascot and Haydock. At a lower level, we also have an interesting card from Taunton.

We are staying at Ascot for the early analysis. Heavy rain is forecast throughout the morning which lightens during racing. The reported soft ground is likely to ease further as the day progresses.

3.00 2m5f bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)

A case of sorts can be made for all of today’s six remaining runners after three came out first thing this morning.

Acting Lass is progressive. However his chase wins were gained at Leicester and Market Rasen. He takes on stronger opposition here and could be a vulnerable favourite.

The horse that interests me most is the outsider Minella Daddy.

He hasn’t been seen since disappointing at Kempton on Boxing Day 2016. He had been progressive until that run, and returns to action on a fair handicap mark. Minella Daddy’s best two performances have been at this track. The 2m 5f today in testing conditions will take plenty of the stamina he has shown over 3m.

Looking at the odds currently on offer I would make two observations: Acting Lass at 6/4 looks skinny and the 12/1 for Minella Daddy is value in theory.

3.35 2m1f Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)

Un De Sceaux sets a high standard. His reappearance win at Cork indicates that he retains plenty of ability.

Brain Power impressed on chase debut before disappointing at Sandown.

Kylemore Lough can be forgiven his latest pulled-up on latest start at Cheltenham.

He was in front travelling well, when he made a terrible mistake at the water jump and could never recover his rhythm.

I expect him to go well on this second run for Harry Fry. Currently a best quoted 12/1.

My private tissue:

Un De Sceaux 4/7

Brain Power 5/1

Kylemore Lough 5/1

33/1 bar

I will be getting going reports direct from course contacts before finalising my betting plans and briefing members at lunchtime. Haydock has passed the inspection and like Taunton, the ground will be testing. It is important to have up to date going reports with such changeable conditions.

Looking back at 2017, it proved to be another lucrative year for my select group of members with well over 100 points profit. We recorded a profit on stakes invested of some 30% and an overall strike rate of 43%. As with 2016 when we made 100 points, my traditional bookmaker style bets on the Private Service accounted for around 60% of the total. 92% of all Private bets were win only and as always, no bets were odds-on. The Exchange bets maintained steady profit growth and with the large discount on offer are well worth adding to your betting portfolio.

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horse racing

Long Lil

December 23, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Two races for us today: Starting with a tight little handicap hurdle to start the seven race card at Haydock. Then on to the feature race of the day, the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle from Ascot where Unowhatimeanharry looks to repeat his victory in this race last year.

Contrast in ground conditions between the two tracks with Haydock reporting the going as Heavy whilst Ascot is Good to Soft. Both will be run under the thick cloud forecast to cover most of the country.

11.50 2m7f Betfred Wishing You A Merry Christmas Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-135)

Southfield Royale is potentially well handicapped switching to hurdles, but has plenty to prove.

Away For Slates has his third start for the Skelton stable. His form ties in with Becky The Thatcher, with nothing between them on their Wetherby run.

Neither is sure to be suited by today’s stamina test.

Isaacstown Lad ran well on his reappearance at Ayr. He is on a reasonable handicap mark. Conditions are ideal and he is a worthy favourite.

My tissue for the front of the market:

Isaacstown Lad 9/4

Away For Slates 4/1

Becky The Thatcher 4/1

Southfield Royale 8/1

2.25 3m½f JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

At their best Unowhatimeanharry and Lil Rockerfeller set the form standard.

Although both have performed well this season, neither has run to their very best.

I expect them both to run close to their best today.

At the current odds Lil Rockerfeller is my preferred.

Sam Spinner and Thomas Campbell the the two progressive performers who take a step up in class.

I price as follows:

Unowhatimeanharry 3/1

Lil Rockerfeller 3/1

L’Ami Serge 11/2

Sam Spinner 7/1

Thomas Campbell 7/1

Six bets so far this week on the Private Service producing three winners at 9/4, 4/1 and 6/1 plus more profits from our exchange betting. We are well over 100 points ahead for the year with a profit on stakes of some 30%, which betters last year’s 25%.

Latest membership terms, with up to a £100 saving on standard rates are shown at: http://www.slh.co.uk/201718-jumps-campaign/

I will be taking my annual break after racing on Boxing Day, returning in early January. If you want to take your first steps towards genuine professional backing, take the time to visit the website and apply for the free info pack. Go to: www.slh.co.uk

My best wishes for Christmas and the new year. The next preview will be Saturday 13^th January.

horse racing

25/1 opener

November 25, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Three jump meetings for us today from Ascot, Haydock and Huntingdon. The headline race from the four graded races on offer is the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock.

We are concentrating on two races from the Haydock card in this analysis where the going is already reported as Heavy. The Lancashire track has had plenty of rain, with more forecast throughout the day. Any significant deterioration in the ground will be a factor.

Later this morning I will be getting direct course reports from all the tracks before briefing members with my betting plans.

12.10 1m7½f Newton Novices’ Hurdle (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)

Form of all of these is difficult to evaluate.

Dynamite Dollars looked impressive on latest start, but beat little.

I would be wary of anything at short odds.

A case of sorts can be made for all.

Locally trained Waterlord makes his debut for the McCain yard after a two year absence and is worth keeping an eye on at big odds. Currently available at around 25/1.

My private tissue at this early stage:

Dynamite Dollars 5/2

Whatmore 4/1

Midnight Shadow 5/1

Gortroe Joe 6/1

Delire D’Estruval 8/1

Waterlord 10/1

Windshear 33/1

3.00 3m1½f Betfair Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)

Well over £100,000 on offer to the winner.

Bristol De Mai returned to form at Wetherby and last season’s course win made a lasting impression.

Outlander also returned from the wilderness when winning on latest start.

Cue Card was beaten by Tea For Two when last completing.

My provisional tissue which is at variance with the generally available early prices:

Bristol De Mai 7/4

Cue Card 7/2

Outlander 7/2

Tea For Two 6/1

20/1 bar

Over the past seven days we have had just the five selective bets producing four winners. Those four include winners at 9/4 and 10/3, the latter being our biggest bet of this week so far. Plus two more successful lays against short priced favourites, the latest being against a heavily backed 8/11 shot.

Added to our 10/1 winner earlier in the month, it has contributed to our profits for the new season and year overall.

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Take yearly membership today and we will add the rest of 2017 free of charge and also provide you with a £150 discount on standard terms.

horse racing

Tin value

September 9, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Two races for us at Haydock this afternoon and yet again the ground is a dominant factor. There is prolonged rain forecast throughout the day. This falling on already heavy going can only make conditions even more testing.

2.25 6f 32Red Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Harry Angel is a noted horse who I wouldn’t oppose lightly. However I do have concerns about him being fully effective on soft ground and he looks a vulnerable favourite.

There’s little to choose between The Tin Man and Tasleet, both are effective on soft ground.

Second favourite Brando is another who handles the soft ground, and he impressed when winning in France on his latest start.

Because of conditions it’s a difficult race to price with total confidence.

I go 7/2 the field with The Tin Man looking value at the current 8/1.

3.35 1m (1m37y) 32Red Mile (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Flaming Spear is expected to go well after putting up a career best when winning impressively on his latest start at York.

A case can be made for almost all of his opponents, but I would be surprised if Flaming Spear doesn’t figure prominently.

6/1+ is fair.

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horse racing

Haydock features

August 12, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

We go to Haydock this afternoon for their two feature races. The going is Good to Soft. The ground has been drying this morning in the light north-westerly breeze.

2.30 1m2½f Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Numbers 4 and 9 are both out leaving 11 to post.

A competitive Group 3, in which there’s little to choose between half of the field on the best of their form.

Laraaib is the progressive performer. He takes a step up in class, having impressed when winning a handicap on latest start. His action suggests that today’s easier ground conditions shouldn’t be an issue.

Autocratic sets this seasons form standard on his performance when winning the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown in May.

Laraaib is my marginal preference.

Difficult race to price, I would want at least 4/1 about Laraaib to get me involved.

3.35 1m Dick Hern Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Sea Of Grace takes a drop in class and sets a high standard.

Although not completely straightforward, a reproduction of either of her last two runs in Group 1 company will make her very difficult to beat.

I put Sea Of Grace in as my even money favourite and go 5/1 bar.

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horse racing

Final chance tonight

July 7, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Five turf meetings in Britain today and the going is Good to Firm at all of them. We are looking at one race each from Newton Abbot and then Haydock this evening, both courses have been watered.

Newton Abbot 3.15

An open long distance handicap where none of the eight competitors can be completely discounted.

Katy P can improve on her win here at the end of May.

Awaywiththegreys returned to form on latest start. Jockeys claim could prove crucial.

Amron Kali, Lillian and Our Folly are all in form.

Awaywiththegreys is just preferred.

My tissue:

Awaywiththegreys 9/2 jfav

Katy P 9/2 jfav

Amron Kali 6/1

Lillian 6/1

Our Folly 6/1

10/1 bar

Haydock 7.20

Best race on the card, which isn’t saying much.

A final chance is given to noted horse Areen Heart.

He ran with great promise on his first 2 starts of this season, before disappointing on the polytrack at Chelmsford.

No excuses with conditions this evening.

7/2 my tissue, which is at the top end of the books’ prices this morning.

Areen Heart and Graham Lee after winning at Beverley

Just two bets so far for us this week providing a winner and a loser. Next few days look a fairly productive period. Good cards at Sandown and Haydock tomorrow. Get your free info pack and latest membership terms at: www.slh.co.uk

horse racing

Batgirl

June 10, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

The rain coming in from the Atlantic across the north and Wales has produced softer conditions for six of the eight meetings today across Britain and Ireland. Only Newmarket and Stratford have escaped the deluge. The continued absence of consistent going has been a troubling feature of the summer season for all concerned.

Two races for us to consider today with widely contrasting conditions. At Haydock it is Soft with further rain forecast and Stratford have Good ground which has been selectively watered.

3.30 Haydock 1m4f Betway Pinnacle Stakes (Group 3)

Ajman Princess won convincingly on latest start at Goodwood in a Listed event, although she did flash her tail when urged by the whip. Soft ground shouldn’t be an issue.

Bateel moved from David Simcock to the Graffard yard in France at the end of April this year. She is suited by testing ground, has solid form and looks sure to go close.

5/2 joint favs my provisional tissue. Laganore now a non-runner.

7.00 Stratford 2m½f Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)

Tight handicap where most of the runners have form that ties them together.

Barman is returning from a six month break and is expected to go well.

4/1 fav my provisional tissue.

Our Royal Ascot special membership starts next Saturday and runs to Sunday 25^th June.

Full membership is just £25. For full details, drop me an email at: steve@slh.co.uk

horse racing

Haydock highlight

June 9, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Only 11 days to Royal Ascot and the racing on offer today is modest.

Quick look at one race this evening at Haydock where the going is Soft after plenty of rain in the North-West. The forecast is for a sunny day with a drying westerly wind.

Haydock 7.25

A 5f Listed race with prize money of just over £37,000. Far and away the premier race on the card and the day overall.

Final Venture and Ornate have the best form although neither are certain to produce it on softer ground.

After a good spell in Dubai, Final Venture finished a promising fourth in the Temple Stakes over today’s C/D.

Ornate ran an excellent second on his first start for his present stable before disappointing on his latest start in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket.

Final Venture has soft ground form from earlier in his career and is preferred.

Difficult to price, but 2/1 would be fair.

Applications for my Royal Ascot special membership will be available from tomorrow on this site.

Three bets so far this week and two winners. For more details about my work and your free info pack, go to: www.slh.co.uk

horse racing

Northern thunder

May 27, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

A good quality day with seven meetings across Britain and Ireland. We are going to focus on the north-west with a race from both Haydock and Cartmel. The going at Haydock is Firm and Good at Cartmel. Both courses have been watered.

One of the big factors at both courses this afternoon are the thunderstorms forecast to hit the region around the time of the opening races. It is hard to predict what effect any sudden intense rainfall will have on already dry ground and whether there will be safety concerns.

3.30 Haydock

6f Group 2 sprint worth over £50,000 to the winner.

Harry Angel is far from straightforward and has proved difficult in the stalls. Can pull hard during the race. However he possesses a great deal of natural ability.

The form of his latest second at Ascot sets a high standard, a reproduction of which will make him very difficult to beat.

If he does regress from that run, Second Thought could take advantage.

I provisionally go:

Harry Angel 4/5

Second Thought 5/1

5.05 Cartmel

As ever, there will be a large bank holiday crowd at this unique track.

There are various doubts concerning all five runners.

Fantasy King had a ‘blow out’ on the flat a couple of weeks ago and figures on a favourable handicap mark.

He can prove best of James Moffatt’s 3 runners.

3/1 favourite on my provisional tissue, which is in line with the early prices on offer.

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horse racing

Ascot value

February 18, 2017 Steve Lewis Hamilton

Three really good meetings today after a fairly uninspiring week of racing. Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton all report varying degrees of soft ground. Two races from Ascot to look at:

1.15 Ascot 2m3½f Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)

Beyond Conceit impressed when returning from a long absence on hurdles debut. Just a slight cause for concern was the poor performances of Nicky Henderson’s runners yesterday.

Tintern Theatre looks overpriced at the current 14/1 on general offer and 16/1 in places.

Five of the other seven contenders are capable of improvement.

Will prove to be a highly informative race for the future.

I price the main contenders as follows:

Beyond Conceit 9/4

Topofthegame 4/1

Acting Lass 6/1

De Dollar Man 7/1

Tintern Theatre 7/1

Criq Rock 7/1

2.25 Ascot 3m Keltbray Swinley Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Listed Race) (Class 1)

A case can be made for all seven.

The improving Go Conquer is just preferred. Last seen on the track when second at the Kempton Christmas meeting in another valuable handicap.

Chef D’Oeuvre won unchallenged on desperate ground at Hereford and that piece of form is difficult to evaluate.

Tenor Nivernais ran well over c/d three starts ago. Essentially a 2m 6f horse who would have to make this his first ever win over 3m. At the 8/1 on offer worth considering a win only value bet.

On my private tissue I price them:

Go Conquer 7/2

Tenor Nivernais 9/2

Chef D’ Oeuvre 9/2

For many years I have raised funds for the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust (Registered charity No. 1049742.) The trust build affordable homes for stable staff and their families, helping to keep valuable staff in racing.

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Professional backer – Horse Racing Advisory Service