The final week of May's tip competition and (surprisingly) it's on a Friday.
You have me to blame for that!
However, everyone has been informed and because I am a generous soul next month I will add £20 to the total prize money for your understanding.
Anyway, back to proceedings.
Last week so little action in the way of winners, the best on offer being Mickwalkersnr getting a place worth 4pts.
So the leaders board looks like this:
1st HCE 26PTS
2ND JODONOVAN 20PTS
3RD BETMANMIKE 18PTS
4TH MICKWALKERSNR 13.2PTS
5TH BIRD 3,8PTS
6TH MICKISHI 3.4PTS
Please REMEMBER your tip needs to be in on Friday before the 1 pm deadline.
Thanks for your support.
Good luck.
Tipster selections:
Update: Saturday Tipping Competition
I've got a dilemma!
My brother, Gareth, has surprised me with a day out on Saturday, and the train leaves at 7 am.
Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to update the Saturday Tipping Competition on its designated day – Saturday.
For that reason, the (Saturday) Tipping Competition will have to be moved to Friday 24th May. The normal deadline of 1 pm.
I am very sorry for the inconvenience but I really am in a bit of a situation because I can't update the tips using my phone while I'm travelling across the country.
Normal service will be resumed next month (as a thank you for your understanding I will add £20 to June's total prize).
Please reply to this message to confirm you have received it and you will forward your tip on Friday 24th May, before the 1 pm deadline.
Thanks for your support,
Jason
Another week. Last week saw a single tipster to put points on the board - HCE 18pts. The top of the tipster table is pretty competitive with HCE sitting at the top of the table with 26pts, Jodonovan 20pts (second), Betmanmike 18pts (third), Mickwalkersnr 9.2pts (fourth), Bird 3.8pts (fifth) & Mickishi 3.4pts (sixth). Still, plenty to play for and one win can help move a tipster from last to first in an instant. Please get your tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. Everyone has been punctual of late, which is much appreciated. Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:40 Bangor - Point Taken 2pt w (Jodonovan) 2nd
3:15 Newmarket - Octave 1pt ew (Racing Mama)9th
3:40 Newbury - Romanised 2pt w (Mark J) 4th
3:40 Newbury - I Can Fly 2pt w (Dan The Man) 6th
3:40 Newbury - Without Parole 2pt w (Betmanmike)Unp
3:40 Newbury - Sharjah Bridge 2pt w (Mickishi)Unp
3:55 Thirsk - Jawwaal 2pt w (Eric Winner) Unp
3:55 Thirsk - Jawwaal 2pt w (Shuckman) Unp
3:55 Thirsk - Piper's Note 1pt ew (Bird)Unp
3:55 Thirsk - Brian The Snail 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)5th
3:55 Thirsk - Dalton 1pt ew (Mickwalkersnr)3rd (4pts)
5:25 Newbury - Arcanada 2pt w (Derek T) Unp
6:00 Doncaster - Comeatchoo 2pt w (Longbow)Unp
6:00 Doncaster - Dandizette 2pt w (Gazmachine) 4th
6:00 Doncaster - Dandizette 1pt ew (HCE) 4th
8:05 Doncaster - Kodiline 1pt ew (Winter) 8th
Good luck to all
The second Saturday of the month can only mean one thing - It's time to dust off your horse tipping cap and pick a winner. That's exactly what happened last week. Rarely have I seen such a flurry of winners. In fact, six tipsters put points on the board. A few put some big numbers in their satchels. We will go from the top. Jodonovan hit the ground running and leads with 20pts. A fraction behind is Betmanmike with 18pts. They are about half a furlong in front of the vying pack. Mickwalkersnr is in third place with 9.2pts. HCE started the month on a positive note with 8pts. Mickishi got 3.4pts with a placed effort. While Bird is perched just above with 3.8pts. He went very very very close to bagging a bumper points bonanza (Shukman, too) when Just Glamourous was denied by a nose at 14/1. Nice tipping from those finding a Bloody Good Winner. Please get those tips in nice and early as we have a 1pm deadline. no late arrivals. I think we have one or two outstanding entry fees. Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
2:00 Haydock - No Hassle Hoff 2pt w (Jodonovan) 5th
2:05 Hexham - Isharah 1pt ew (Mickwalkersnr) 6th
2:20 Nottingham - Major Pusey 2pt w (Eric Winner) 7th
3:10 Haydock - Dino Velvet 2pt w (Dan The Man) 6th
3:10 Haydock - John Constable 2pt w (Bird) 3rd
3:40 Lingfield - Shepherd Market 1pt ew (Racing Mama)
4:00 Ascot - Remarkable 2pt w (Mark J) Unp
4:00 Ascot - Green Power 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) Unp
4:00 Ascot - Blue Mist 2pt w (Betmanmike)6th
4:00 Ascot - Ripp Orf 2pt w (Longbow) 5th
4:00 Ascot - Cape Byron 2pt w (HCE) 1st (18pts)
4:00 aSCOT - Presidential 2PT W (Gazmachine) Unp
4:00 Ascot - Alemaratlyoum 2pt w (Winter) Unp
5:40 Thirsk - Mitchum 1pt ew (Shukman) Unp
5:45 Ascot - Ashazuri 2pt w (Derek T)5th
8:30 Warwick - King Eric 2pt w (Mickishi) 5th
Good luck to all
Well, another month has reared its head. But what about last month's comp? Longbow found a huge priced winner and in one tip sealed the month and £160 with a 16/1 shot and 34pts in his pocket. Dan The Man did nothing wrong in second place with just over 31pts. He had 3 winners and one second place, so a great month of tips. Let's see what this month brings. Plenty of meetings to choose from. Please get your entry fee and tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. I really need the tips to be forwarded before the deadline because I am very busy and it creates major problems with my work.
Tipster selections:
1:35 Goodwood - Jacob's Cat 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)8th
1:50 Newmarket - Elector 2pt w (Jodonovan) 1st (20pts)
2:00 Thirsk - Birdie Bowers 2pt w (Gazmachine)9th
2:00 Thirsk - Insania 2pt w (HCE) 1st (8pts)
2:00 Thirsk - Manolith 2pt w (Longbow)3rd
2:05 Goodwood - Klassique 2pt w (Dan The Man)2nd
2:20 Newmarket - Mab's Cross 1pt ew (Mickwalkersnr)1st (9.2pts)
3:15 Goodwood - Just Glamorous 1pt ew (Bird)2nd (3.8pts)
3:15 Goodwood - Puds 2pt w (Betmanmike) 1st (18pts)
3:15 Goodwood - Just Glamourous 2pt w (Shukman) 2nd
3:35 Newmarket - Azano 1pt ew (Racing Mama)Unp
3:35 Newmarket - Urban Icon 1pt ew (Mark J) Unp
5:00 Punchestown - Swingbridge 1pt ew (Mickishi) 3rd (3.4pts)
5:15 Doncaster - Jawwaal 2pt w (Eric Winner)2nd
6:20 Doncaster - Production 1pt ew (Winter) 8th
6:50 Doncaster - Aeolus 2pt w (Derek T)9th
Good luck to all
The final tip comp of the month. Who will win the cash? Last week we saw four players put points on the board. Dan The Man found another winner and added 4.75pts to his total and sits at the top of the table with 28.75pts. Racing Mama found another place effort and bagged 5pts. Mark J netted 13pts, and holds third position in the comp. Mickwalkersnr got a nice winner and added 13pts to his tally and in second place with a total of 27pts. This could be a fight to the line. We have a 1pm deadline so please get the tips in early or (particularly important) on time.
Last week saw many tips sent in late. From next month, tips must be sent before the deadline. If tips are sent in late next month, we will bring in a new rule.
Tipster selections:
1:40 Leicester - Gates Of Dawn 2pt w (Mickishi)Unp
1:40 Leicester - Englishman 2pt w (Bird) Unp
1:40 Leicester - Boy In The Bar 2pt w (Shukman) Unp
1:45 Ripon - Manolith 2pt w (Longbow) 1st (34pts)
2:05 Haydock - So Beloved 2pt w (Jodonovan) 4th
2:15 Leicester - Grace Plunkett 2pt w (HCE)7th
2:45 Leicester - Donjuan Triumphant 1pt ew (Mickwalkersnr)6th
2:55 Ripon - Flying Pursuit 2pt w (Eric Winner)Unp
3:00 Sandown - Altior 2pt w (Dan The Man)1st (2.333pts)
3:35 Sandown - Present Man 2pt w (Mark J)Unp
3:35 Sandown - Beware The Bear 2pt w (Winter) PU
3:35 Sandown - Beware The Bear 2pt w (Betmanmike)PU
3:55 Leicester - Baasha 2pt w (Gazmachine)Unp
5:10 Doncaster - Thaqaffa 1pt ew (Racing Mama)6th
6:45 Doncaster - Speed Company 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) Unp
8:00 Wolverhampton - Lady Of Authority 2pt w (Derek T) 2nd
Good luck to all
Congratulations to Longbow winning this month's competition with 34pts, Dan The Man finished second with 31.083pts, while Mickwalkersnr finished 3rd with 27pts. Thanks to all who took part.
FULL RESULT
*LONGBOW 34PTS
*DANTHEMAN 31.083PTS
*MICKWALKERSNR 27PTS
*MARK J 13PTS
*GAZMACHINE 10PTS
*RACING MAMA 7.4PTS
*JODONOVAN 7.25PTS
The 2019 Road to the Kentucky Derby has seen a series of races where horses qualified for the 2019 Kentucky Derby on May 4. The Derby field is limited to 20 horses, with up to four' also eligible' for a late field withdrawal.
There are three separate routes for horses to take to qualify for the Derby: the main route consisting of races in North America (plus one in Dubai), the Japan Road consisting of four races in Japan, and a European Road consisting of seven races in England, Ireland and France.
The points system that determines the field of 3-year - old horses in the Kentucky Derby each year was implemented before the 2013 edition of the race, replacing an old qualifying system that used earnings on graded stakes.
Omaha Beach
To the 2019 Kentucky Derby, the Omaha Beach was installed as the new favorite due to its impressive win at the Arkansas Derby. Omaha Beach is a 3-year old colt owned by Fox Hill Farms, Inc. Originally thought of Omaha Beach as a grass horse, he became the colt.
This impressive horse was trained by Richard Mendalla, a hall of fame trainer who made some of the greatest feats of horse racing. He won nine races in the Breeders ' Cup, including his four wins at Santa Anita Park in 2003, capped by the victory of Pleasantly Perfect in the Breeders ' Cup Classic (G1). In the current Kentucky expert 2019 picks, his horse, Omaha Beach, earned his spot as the 3 - 1 favorite.
From Omaha Beach’s performance, he won first place from three different horse racing competitions, namely, Maiden Special Weights, Rebel Stakes and on his latest win, Arkansas Derby. Omaha Beach is going to walk the shedrow to settle in after the van ride for a few days while recovering from his last race.
Roadster
Just behind Omaha Beach at 4-1 is Baffert’s third Kentucky Derby horse named Roadster. Roadster form Speedway Stable LLC. The horse is trained by Bob Baffert, a two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer with his horse named American Pharoah. Baffert has trained 13 American Classic Races, 14 Breeders' Cup races, 3 Dubai World Cups and the inaugural Pegasus World Cup.
Earlier this month, Roadster won a six-horse Santa Anita Derby beating Game Winner in a nail - biter by a half-length held last April 6, 2019, in Santa Anita Park. Santa Anita Derby is a three - year - old thoroughbred American Grade 1 horse race. Its track distance is 1 and ⅛ miles or 9 furlongs.
Game Winner
Game Winner is a 3-year-old colt owned by Gary L. West and Mary E. West. Similar to Roadster, Game Winner was trained by Bob Baffert. Last 2018, the horse gained consecutive wins from four different derby competitions namely, Maiden Special Weights, Del Mar Futurity (G1), American Pharaoh Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
From Game Winner’s latest performance, he was declared on second spot on Rebel Stakes (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). Despite his loss, experts are confident with him winning the Kentucky Horse Derby because of his consistency and speed on the track.
Improbable
One of Bob Baffert’s trained horses is Improbable who remained 1-2 in the Kentucky Derby Media Poll — owned by WinStar Farm LLC, China Horse Club International Ltd., and SF Racing LLC. Typically, Baffert starts a horse in blinkers and then takes it off once it's time to relax and stretch. Baffert wanted to try a different deal and figure out a new style then he added blinkers to Improbable’s training regimen.
He is a Grade 1 winner at age two was unlikely to be defeated by a neck in his 3-year - old debut, running second at Oaklawn Park earlier this year to Long Range Toddy in the Rebel Stakes (G2). Improbable’s 2018 performance is quite superb for he won three successive derby competition from Median Special Weights, Street Sense, and Los Alamitos Futurity.
Takeaway
Betting in horse racing is one of the most enjoyable sports in the state. There’s a lot of factors where viewers/audience base on their bets. Some of them refer to statistics, luck magnets, and past performances. In general, many horse racing fans and experts focus more on top performing horses from previous prestigious derby races in the country. With that, they forecast the results on the next Kentucky Horse Derby. One factor people observe for odd picks is the horse’s profile. It could be its trainer or training regimen.
Horse bet racing is somewhat fun, but you must do it in moderation. Play and gamble just for fun, do not focus your world on it. It is a high risk of opportunity. Kentucky Race Derby is around the corner, expert picks and competition predictions are all over the internet. When betting, trust your instinct and base on numbers and performances.
The third week of the tipping comp. Three players put points in their pocket last week. Racing Mama went very close to winning but a narrow defeat and placed effort gave 2.4pts. A couple of winners saw a change at the top of the tipster table. Mickwalkersnr found a nice winner and has 14pts, while Dan The Man (who went very close to winning last month) bagged 24pts with an easy victory. His horse drifted in the betting from 4/1 - 11/1 which contrasted with last month when a substantial gamble saw him find a winner but lose the competition by a quarter of a point. The twists and turns of our little competition keeping everyone on their toes. Plenty of cards to choose from on Saturday. Please get those tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. Also, please pay any outstanding entry fees. Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:25 Kempton - Electric Ladyland 2pt w (Dan The Man) 1st (4.75pts)
1:30 Haydock - Mish Mash 1pt ew (Racing Mama) 3rd (5pts)
2:00 Kempton - Foxy Forever 2pt w (Jodonovan) 4th
2:00 Kempton - Youdontdoyou 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) 6th
2:00 Kempton - Tomily 2pt w (HCE) 7th
2:00 Kempton - Outrage 2pt w (Longbow) 9th
2:05 Haydock - Bhutan 2pt w (Betmanmike) Unp
3:00 Musselburgh - Saaheq 2pt w (Mark J)1st (13pts)
3:15 Haydock - No Hiding Place 2pt w (Mickishi)3rd
3:15 Haydock - Django Django 2pt w (Mickwalkersnr) 1st (13pts)
4:15 Kempton - Naadirr 2pt w (Eric Winner)7th
4:50 Kempton - Cliffs Of Dooneen 2pt w (Winter) 5th
4:50 Kempton - Gavlar 2pt w (Derek T) 7th
5:05 Nottingham - Champagne Supanova 2pt w (Gazmachine) 5th
6:50 Brighton - Camakasi 2pt w (Shukman) 7th
The UK flat season may have only just got underway earlier this month, but many punters are already beginning to scour the ante-post markets in a bid to unearth some value. With a number of top-class fillies already entered into the race, the 1,000 Guineas looks set to be another suitable competitive affair, and John Oxx's Skitter Skatter has been installed as the early market leader. The three-year-old, sired by Scat Daddy, is certainly an outstanding prospect, but many pundits have begun to speculate about whether she will be able to justify a single-figure price in such a red-hot event.
John Oxx has recently joined forces with his neighbour Patrick Prendergast, and pair look set to form a formidable partnership this summer. Their stable star Skitter Skatter enjoyed a highly successful juvenile campaign and also holds an entry to the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh. Having won three of her first five outings on the flat, big things are expected of the three-year-old. Scat Daddy has a tremendous record with his two-year-olds, with the likes of Beatboxer and Legends of War also picking up notable victories in recent weeks.
Skitter Skatter was successful in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, comfortably beating Lady Kaya by two lengths. She was subsequently installed as the 7/1 favourite for the 1,000 Guineas. The Newmarket Group 1, which is contested on the Rowley Mile has attracted a plethora of high-quality entrants with the likes of Just Wonderful, Dancing Vega and the aforementioned Lady Kaya all prominent in the betting. Former Cheveley Park runner-up The Mackem Bullet may also return to the UK for trainer Wesley Ward, and she is currently 20/1 in the latest horse racing betting to spring a surprise. Having been previously trained by Brian Ellison, the impressive filly moved to the US and has made a winning start for her new yard. She was victorious in the Grade 2 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland at the beginning of April, seeing off a late challenge from Catch A Thrill.
John Oxx claimed that his star-filly was "underrated" last season, and suggests that there is still plenty of improvement to come. He also praised her temperament, before suggesting that they won't be testing her beyond a mile anytime soon.
It's been a tough couple of years for the trainer, who has found winners hard to come by, but his newly-formed partnership with Prendergast looks promising, and the pair will be targetting a number of lucrative contests this summer. They currently have over 70 horses in training, including a number of promising two-year-olds.
Aidan O'Brien has dominated the 1,000 Guineas in recent years, with Winter, Minding and Homecoming Queen all landing the spoils for the County Tipperary-based trainer, and he is likely to be targetting the race once again. Richard Hannon's Billesdon Brook was successful in the 2018 staging of the classic under the ride of Sean Levy.
There are plenty of high-quality contests to come over the next couple of months, but the 1,000 Guineas is one of the standout events on the racing calendar, and some value-hunting punters are already beginning to place their ante-post bets on the second of the British classics. Skitter Skatter will arrive in Suffolk amid plenty of hype, and she does look to be in unstoppable form. Despite stiff competition, she should be able to further enhance her burgeoning reputation on the Rowley Mile at the beginning of May.
The first week has come and gone. Three tipsters put points on the board. Gazmachine found the Grand National winner and put 10pts in his pocket. Tiger Roll winning like a champion. Jodonovan and Betmanmike found place efforts and have 7.25pts each. Fourth places are worth as much as a winner, almost. Plenty to play for in this relatively short month. Please get your tips in nice and early. Also, make your entry fees if still outstanding. We have a 1pm deadline.
Tipster selections:
2:10 Newbury - Iconic Choice 1pt ew (Racing Mama)2nd (2.4pts)
2:15 Bangor - Carrick Roads 2pt w (Dan The Man) 1st (24pts)
2:30 Thirsk - Bailey's Freedom 1pt ew (Gazmachine)7th
2:30 Thirsk - Bailey's Freedom 2pt w (HCE) 7th
2:30 Thirsk - Sparkling Breeze 1pt ew (Longbow) 9th
2:45 Bangor - Flight To Milan 2pt w (Bird)7th
3:15 Newbury - Circus Couture 1pt ew (Shuckman) Unp
3:15 Newbury - Gulf Of Poets 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) Unp
3:35 Ayr - Blue Flight 2pt w (Mickishi)4th
3:35 Ayr - Geronimo 2pt w (Betmanmike) PU
3:35 Ayr - *Mysteree 1pt ew (Winter) 6th
3:35 Ayr - Chic Name 2pt w (Mark J)8th
4:30 Bangor - Cloone Lady 2pt w (Derek T)PU
4:50 Thirsk - So Beloved 2pt w (Jodonovan) 3rd
5:55 Thirsk - Lucky Beggar 2pt w (Mickwalkersnr) 1st (14pts)
6:30 Wolverhampton - Lexington Place 2pt w (Eric Winner) 2nd
Good luck to all
* NR placed on lowest number favourite
The first week of this months tipping competition. Last month went to the wire and Dan The Man had no luck when his winning tip was backed to a point where he lost the prize by a minimal 0.25pts. It just goes to show the thin line between winning and losing. Jodonovan took the spoils and will be coming back this month to make it two in a row. Unless you can prove the best tipster of the month. I'm sure many tipsters will be looking to the Grand National for their winner. A decent price could have the field in trouble from the start. Plenty of cards to make your tip. Get those tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. Please make entree fee payments sooner rather than later. Good luck to all who take part.
Tipster selections:
1:45 Aintree - Burbank 1pt ew (Jodonovan) 4th 7.25pts
2:25 Aintree - Kateson 2pt w (Racing Mama) 7th
3:20 Newcastle - Very First Time 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) 6th
4:20 Aintree - Some Buckle 1pt ew (Derek T)7th
4:20 Aintree - On Tour 2pt w (Bird) 5th
4:25 Leopardstown - Third World 2pt w (Mickwalkersnr)3rd
4:30 Newcastle - *Tiquer 2pt w (Dan The Man) 2nd
4:55 Leopardstown - Downtown Diva 2pt w (Mickishi)Unp
5:15 Aintree - Walk In The Mill 1pt ew (Betmanmike) 4th 7.25pts)
5:15 Aintree - Dounikos 2pt w (Mark J) PU
5:15 Aintree - Rock The Kasbah 1pt ew (Shukman) BD
5:15 Aintree - Tiger Roll 2pt w (Gazmachine) 1st (10pts)
5:15 Aintree - Go Conquor 1pt ew (Winter) PU
6:00 Wolverhampton - Another Approach 2pt w (Longbow)4th
7:00 Wolverhampton - Swendab 2pt w (Eric Winner) Unp
8:30 Wolverhampton - Wise Words 2pt w (HCE)3rd
* NR - placed on lowest number favourite
Good luck to all
The final week of this month's competition. Exciting, close, on the edge of your seat? Perhaps. Chances are you will by the end of the day because someone will have a nice wedge of cash in their wallet or purse.
So, let's take a look at the tipster standing. Shukman found a nice winner last week to head the field and has 18pts. Dantheman found a great win to nudge into second place and a fraction behind with 16.25pts, while early leader Jodonovan sits in third with 14pts. Other players within striking distance are HCE 10pts, Longbow 8pts & Bird 6pts. Our newest tipster, Derek T, is next best with 4pts.
Added interest this week with the new Flat turf season and Lincoln [Heritage Handicap]. Get those tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline.
Tipster selections:
2:05 Kempton - Matterhorn 2pt w (Shukman) 7th
2:40 Kempton - Udontdodou 2pt w (Eric Winner) Unp
3:00 Doncaster - Givinitsum 2pt w (Winter)9th
3:35 Doncaster - Zwayyan 2pt w (Betmanmike) 7th
3:35 Doncaster - Aquarium 2pt w (Mark J) Unp
3:35 Doncaster - Ventura Knight 1pt w (Racing Mama) Unp
3:35 Doncaster - Auxerre 2pt w (Jodonovan) 1st 7pts
3:35 Doncaster - Saltonstall 2pt w (OneEyeEnos) Unp
3:55 Uttoxeter - Doesyourdogbite 2pt w (Derek T)9th
4:10 Doncaster - Dorchester Dom 1pt ew (Bird)4th
4:10 Doncaster - Show Me Show Me 2pt w (HCE) 1st 7.5pts
4:10 Doncaster - Hell Of A Joker 2pt w (Longbow) Unp
4:10 Doncaster - Zulu Zander 2pt w (Gazmachine) 3rd
7:30 Southwell - Tynescastle Park 2pt w (Dan The Man)1st 4.5pts
Good luck to all
Congratulations to Jodonovan winning this month's competition with 21pts, from Dan The Man 20.75pts and Shukman in 3rd with 18pts. Next best HCE win 17.5pts.
Another week under our belts. A trio of tipsters put points in their pocket last Saturday. The biggest win being Dantheman who put 11pts in his satchel. Next best was Longbow who found an impressive debut winner trained by Clive Cox and put 8pts under his mattress. The other scorer was Bird who found a big priced which hit the frame for 6pts. Jodonovan still holds the lead with 14pts. It's a competitive heat so the whole field could make this their month (with a bit of luck). Get those tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. Plenty of cards to choose from so here's to a good Saturday.
Tipster selections:
2:05 Newbury - Strong Pursuit 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)PU
2:25 Kelso - Get Out The Gate 1pt ew (Racing Mama)4th
2:35 Lingfield - Metatron 2pt w (Longbow)4th
2:35 Lingfield - Moftris 2pt w (Gazmachine) 5th
2:35 Lingfield - Metatron 1pt ew (HCE) 4th
3:15 Newbury - Our Dot's Baby 2pt w (Betmanmike)3rd
3:15 Newbury - Oscar Rose 2pt w (Mak J)5th
3:15 Newbury - A Little Chaos 2pt w (Winter)6th
3:35 Kelso - Burrows Park 2pt w (Shukman)1st (12pts)
3:45 Lingfield - Gracious John 2pt w (Bird)4th
3:50 Newbury - Gala Ball 2pt w (Dantheman)1st (5.25pts)
4:45 Kelso - Benny's Secret 2pt w (Jodonovan)2nd
5:35 Newbury - Rock On Baby 2pt w (Derek T)5th
8:00 Kempton - Lightning Charlie 2pt w (Eric Winner)4th
Good luck to all
Sorry for slow results update
Not too much happened last Saturday. Well, Derek T (is it the ''Big Fella'' man) got 4pts, when his horse was a non-runner and the jolly old favourite ''levels you devils'' sauntered in to put some points on the board. Just shows how Lady Luck can help at times.
One of the tipsters contacted me convinced Shukman's One For Rosie had won and I had made a mistake saying it had finished second. I checked a few times because I have been known to make mistakes. However, it was correct, although I understand the BBC gave it as the winner or made the assumption the horse had won. It was all happening.
So, the leaderboard looks pretty much the same apart from Derek T moving into fourth place. Jodonovan leads with 14pts, HCE second with 10pts, Shukman with 6pts in third and Derek T in fourth with 4pts. Still, plenty to place for so get those tips in nice and early with a 1pm deadline. Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:50 Uttoxeter - Digger Daudaie 2pt w (Dan The Man)1st (11pts)
3:00 Uttoxeter - Jolly's Cracked It 2pt w (Winter) PU
3:10 Newcastle - Melody Of Scotland 1pt ew (Racing Mama) PU
3:35 Uttoxeter - Back To the Thatch 2pt w (Mark J)Fell
3:35 Uttoxeter - Back To The Thatch 2pt w (Jodonovan) Fell
3:35 Uttoxeter - Dell' Arca 2pt w (OneEyeEno) PU
3:35 Uttoxeter - Kilkishen 2pt w (Betmanmike) PU
3:35 Uttoxetter - Prime Venture 1pt ew (Bird) 4th (6pts)
5:40 Wolverhampton - Classic Charm 2pt w (Derek T)9th
5:40 Wolverhampton - Blessed To Impress 2pt w (Eric Winner)6th
5:40 Wolverhampton - Blessed To Impress 2pt w (Shukman) 6th
8:15 Wolverhampton - Wise Words 2pt w (HCE) 4th
8:15 Wolverhampton - Bannockburn 2pt w (Gazmachine)Unp
8:15 Wolverhampton - Global Prospector 2pt w (Longbow) 1st (8pts)
Good luck to all
A fair start to proceedings with three point scorers. Jodonovan heads the field with 14pts, while HCE sits in second with 10pts. The only other points came from Shukman on 6pts. We have five Saturdays this month so still plenty to play for. There's slightly less in the pot this month with Mickishi and family heading to Cheltenham. Wishing them a good few days and plenty of winners. Derek T, our newest tipster, put in a decent show with a third place last week and will be putting some points on the board in the next couple of weeks. Please get those tips in nice and early as we have a 1pm deadline. Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:50 Sandown - Garrettstown 2pt w (Betmanmike) PU
1:50 Sandown - Russian Hawk 2pt w (Jodonovan) Unp
1:50 Sandown - Golden Whisky 2pt w (Bird) Unp
1:50 Sandown - One For Rosie 2pt w (Shukman) 2nd
2:05 Wolverhampton - Patctolus 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)Unp
2:25 Sandown - Rising Storm 2pt w (Mark J)4th
2:25 Sandown - Speredek 1pt ew (Racing Mama) 6th
2:25 Sandown - Our Merlin 1pt ew (Winter) 9th
3:00 Sandown - Whitehotchilifili 2pt w (Dan The Man) 4th
4:00 Hereford - *Misty Ma 2pt w (Derek T)1st (4pts)
6:00 Kemptom - Derry Boy 2pt w (HCE) 2nd
6:00 Kempton - Azets 2pt w (Longbow) 3rd
6:00 Kempton - Velvet Moon 2pt w (Gazmachine) 4th
8:00 Kempton - Doc Spotello 2pt w (Eric Winner) Unp
* NR - Placed on lowest number favourite
Good luck to all
Another month. Winter has moved to the first day of spring. However, for the tipsters of our little competition, the north wind has a bite after Winter pocketed a second month running with a brutal victory of 50+ points. Can anyone stop his winning ways? No one has made it three wins in a row but he's in tremendous form. Plenty of players will be limbering up ready for action for this long month of five Saturdays. We have a new player joining the ranks. It's great to have Derek T making his debut. Good luck to him and all those who take part. Please make your entry fees if still outstanding. We have a 1 pm deadline, but get those tips in as early as you can to make my life easier.
Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
2:05 Newbury - Carol's Destrier 2pt w (Jodonovan)1st (14pts)
2:05 Newbury - Milansbar 1pt ew (Racing Mama) 4th
2:40 Newbury - Master Dee 2pt w (Mark J)PU
2:40 Newbury - Master Dee 2pt w (Betmanmike) PU
2:50 Lingfield - Corinthia Knight 2pt w (Longbow)2nd
2:50 Lingfield - Verne Castle 2pt w (Eric Winner) 7th
3:20 Lingfield - Sea Fox 1pt ew (Bird)6th
3:35 Doncaster - Brian Boranha 2pt w (Winter)3rd
3:50 Lingfield - Deep Intrigue 2pt w (Gazmachine)2nd
5:00 Lingfield - Alabaster 2pt w (Derek T)3rd
5:30 Chelmsford - Mustadun 2pt w (Dan The Man)2nd
6:00 Chelmsford - Solar Heights 2pt w (HCE) 1st (10pts)
7:00 Chelmsford - Walk On Walter 2pt w (Shukman) 1st (6pts)
7:30 Chelmsford - Agurooo 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)6th
The Mickishi team are going to Cheltenham this month but will be back next month
*Updated 13:55pm as a couple of mistakes
Good luck to all
Well, what can I say? The tipping competition looked quite open then Alan Winter found a big, juicy, mother-of-all winners and hit the nail on the head. I'm sure Mr Winter bangs home those nails with a mighty sledgehammer. He stuffed 43.25pts in his wallet and unless someone finds a handy riposte he will be pocketing £170 pounds. As it happened, other tipsters showed some form last week, too. Jodonovan pockets 13pts, Dan The Man and Gazmachine latched on to the same horse and 9pt.
Let's take a look at the leaderboard: Winter 43.25pts (looks hard to beat), Dan The Man 19pts (needs a nice winner), OneEyeEnos 16pts (fighting chance), Gazmachine 14733pts (needs a big priced winner)& Jodonovan 13pts (it can be done). Basically, everyone else needs a 20/1+ winner.
Considering Mr Winter won last month's competition he is in flying form. Get those tips in by 1pm deadline.
Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:15 Kempton - Call To Order 2pt w (Lindybops)Unp
1:15 Kempton - Call To Order 2pt w (Racing Mama)Unp
2:30 Chepstow - My Story 2pt w (Shukman)9th
2:40 Newcastle - Potter's Corner 2pt w (Dan The Man)Fell
2:40 Newcastle - Mysteree 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)2nd
2:40 Newcastle - Raz De Maree 2pt w (Mark J) 7th
2:40 Newcastle - Morney Wing 2pt w (Mickwalkersnr)3rd
2:40 Newcastle - Daklondike 2pt w (Gazmachine)RTR
2:40 Newcastle - Baywing 2pt w (HCE) Fell
2:40 Newcastle - Harry The Viking 2pt w (Longbow)Unp
3:35 Kempton - Catamaran Du Seuil 2pt w (Jodonovan) Unp
4:30 Newcastle - Ascot De Bruyere 2pt w (Winter)1st (7pts)
6:30 Wolverhampton - Maria Magdelena 2pt w (Betmanmike)5th
7:30 Wolverhampton - Archie 2pt w (Yvonnew)8th
8:00 Wolverhampton - Captain Kissinger 2pt w (Eric Winner)8th
8:00 Wolverhampton - Piccothepac 2pt w (Mickishi)Unp
8:00 Wolverhampton - Isabella Red 2pt w (Bird) 9th
Good luck to all
Congratulations to Winter winning this month's competition with a magnificent 50.25pts.
After last week's absence of meeting due to equine flue, we have a selection to choose. We had quite a few point scorers last week. The biggest OneEyeEnos 16pts, Dantheman 10pts & few more smaller shows from Bird 4pts, Gazmachine 2.4pts & HCE 1.9pts. A tally of the leaderboard shows OneEyeEnos with 16pts, while Dantheman is in second with 10pts, in third is Gazmachine 5.733. Still, plenty to play for with this and next week to grab some points. Get those tips in nice and early to make my life easier. A 12:30 Deadline.Good luck to all.
Tipster selections:
1:00 Ascot - Air Horse One 2pt w (Shukman)6th
1:55 Haydock - Shades Of Midnight 2pt w (Jodoovan)1st (13pts)
2:05 Lingfield - I'm Available 2pt w (HCE) 2nd
2:05 Lingfield - Reggae Runner 2pt w (Gazmachine) 1st (9pts)
2:05 Lingfield - Dobrianka 2pt w (Longbow) 3rd
2:05 Lingfield - Reggae Runner 2pt w (Dantheman) 1st (9pts)
2:45 Ascot - Thomas Patrick 2pt w (Betmanmike)4th
3:20 Ascot - Nelson's Touch 1pt ew (Racing Mama)Unp
3:35 Haydock - Vieux Lion Rouge 2pt w (Mickwsnr)PU
3:35 Haydock - *Impulsive Star 2pt w (Mickishi) 6th
3:35 Haydock - Red Infantry 2pt w (Mark J)UR
3:35 Haydock - Pobbles Bay 1pt ew (Bird)UR
3:35 Haydock - Royal Vacation 2pt w (Lindybops)4th
5:45 Kempton - Surrey Blaze 2pt w (Yvonnew) 6th
5:45 Kempton - Outofthequestion 2pt w (OneEyeEnos)7th
6:15 Kempton - Little Palaver 2pt w (Eric Winner)6th
7:15 Kempton - Stamford Raffles 1pt ew (Winter)1st (43.25pts)
*NR - Placed on lowest number favourite
Good luck to all
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the Grand National has changed out of all recognition since it was first run, as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, in 1839. Details of the National Course in its early days are sketchy, but when the runners headed ‘out in the country’ they really did, into the open countryside, some of which was ploughed, beyond the confines of Aintree Racecourse. Obstacles include natural banks, brooks, ditches and hedges, a stone wall and two standard hurdles in the home straight.
Time, and changing attitudes, saw some of those obstacles done away with and the “country” incorporated into the racecourse proper, to create a recognisably modern National Course. Of course, the National has continued to evolve over the years, to protect the welfare of horses and jockeys, without lessening the spectacle of what is, after all, an iconic, unique steeplechase.
Of all the Grand National obstacles, the one that has achieved most attention in recent years is Becher’s Brook, a 4’ 10” fence on the take-off side which, at one point, had a steep 3’ drop on the landing side. Historically, it was not uncommon for stricken horses to slide back into the infamous ditch, but the ditch was filled in 1989 and the landing side has been modified numerous times, to create a less precipitous drop of between 6” and 10”.
Similarly, the traditional, timber frames and guard rails of many of the National fences have been replaced with flexible plastic or foam-padded alternatives and guard rails have been raised to provide horses with a clear line of sight. The height of some fences has been reduced, slightly, over the years, but the filling in of ditches and levelling of landing sides at some of the more ‘macabre’ fences, such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair, has had a more profound effect on safety.
Aside from modifications to the obstacles, the National Course has been widened in parts, so that horses, loose or otherwise, can safely bypass the fences, without causing major interference to the remaining runners in the race. The position of the start has also been moved closer to the first fence, by a half a furlong – resulting in the shortening of the overall distance by the same yardage – in an effort to reduce the speed of approach and, hence, the number of fallers.
Stricter entry requirements, increased prize money and the compression of the handicap to encourage highly-rated horses to run, coupled with extensive safety changes, has arguably made the Grand National a more competitive, but less hazardous, race than ever before.
Twenty years ago, the winner of the 1999 Grand National, Bobbyjo, raced from 14lb out of the handicap and although he clearly didn’t have too much weight to retain a winning chance, the same cannot be said for the other 18 runners who raced from out of the handicap, four of whom were at 30lb ‘wrong’ at the weights. By contrast, in the 2018 Grand National, despite the lowest-rated horses to beat the ballot being officially rated 142, as they were in 1999, they all carried their correct weight of 10st 5lb, comfortably inside the handicap proper.
