Ebor Handicap: York on agenda for Icon Dream

"It's the Ebor for him, I would think. Then we'll see after that..."

Jim Goldie has the Ebor Handicap as the target for Icon Dream after the five-year-old finished a close third in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate...

The Glasgow trainer is hoping the prestigious staying handicap at York on August 25 might lead to even greater things for the Sadler's Wells gelding.

"It's the Ebor for him, I would think. Then we'll see after that," said Goldie.

"He's rated 100 and we'll play it just one game at a time.

"We're just keeping him to selected races with him fresh and well and hopefully we'll get a pay day.

"If you win the Ebor, you get an invitation to the Melbourne Cup provided you get rated high enough. It's a tough race that one and is a Group One handicap."

Icon Dream is available to back in the Ebor market, with the likes of Simenon, High Jinx and Mount Athos all currently on the exchange.

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Monte Carlo Masters Tips: Djokovic can edge Nadal in dream final

The bet that appeals most is in the total games market where the mark is 22.5 games. I will be on overs at around 2.021/1.

Sean Calvert followers prospered on Saturday so can our man provide more Monte Carlo moolah as the King of Clay meets the world number one in Sunday's final?

It was another good day at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on Saturday, as my recommended bet and my other advice were successful on semi finals day.

As soon as Tomas Berdych took the first set against Novak Djokovic we were in the money and hopefully a few were on the 2-1 Djokovic win and Gilles Simon +5.5 on the handicap as well.

So, Sunday brings the final that most would have wanted to see, which is Djokovic and Rafa Nadal facing off for the first time on clay since Rome last year.

Nole won that day and I must say that I'm slightly surprised that the market has Rafa as the 1.784/5 favourite for this one.

Neither player has been at their best in this tournament so far - Djokovic understandably so in the circumstances - but the world number one has still won their last seven matches on the bounce and should probably be the favourite in my eyes.

I would imagine that Nole's tactics of hammering the Nadal two-handed backhand and hitting as hard as he can to the Spaniard's forehand to open up the weaker backhand wing will be the same today and unless Nadal goes for his shots a bit more then the result should be the same. In theory.

Rafa needs to serve at his US Open 2010 best and vary his play more than he has done in their recent meetings to take the win today and I'm not sure he's at that level just at the moment.

He still seems to be troubled by his knees and I certainly won't be touching the 1.784/5 about a Nadal win at the outset.

Of course, there are still question marks lingering over Djokovic after what has doubtless been a tough week for him on and off the court and with neither player at their peak I think the tactic in this one is to look at the alternative markets to the straight match odds.

The one that appeals most to me today is the total games market where the mark is 22.5 games and I will be on the overs at around 2.021/1.

I'm expecting highs and lows from both players this afternoon - particularly Djokovic - and I have a feeling that this one will go to a decider.

A riskier play would be to back Djokovic 2-1 at around 4.94/1 and trade in-play from there, but I'll be baking the overs and hoping that the Monte Carlo crowd will be treated to a three set classic.

Recommended Bet
Back over 22.5 games at 2.021/1

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Dream run?

Timeform Radio Tip / Rory Delargy / 20 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Will the sun shine on Rory's bets?

"Katchmore won’t be easy to topple, but Dream Performance is too big at [7.6]."

Paul Jacobs and Rory Delargy guide you through racing today which features jumps action at Exeter and AW cards at Kempton and Southwell. It's to the Devon venue that Rory goes for his best bets...

Bet of the day comes in the 15:00 at Exeter, where a pair stand out. The case for topweight Katchmore is obvious, as he bolted up on his debut for David Pipe at Taunton last time, and looks fairly treated under a penalty, especially with the underused Tom Bellamy taking off 10lb. However, Dream Performance is another who arrives here on that back of an impressive win, and looks well worth an interest at much bigger odds.

Godfrey "God" Maundrell's mare was a useful bumper performer last season, and finally showed she was capable of similar form in this sphere when winning at Wincanton last time. That run was on soft ground, but she was a better horse on a sound surface in her bumper days, and there are strong reasons for expecting further improvement now tackling genuinely fast ground for the first time over timber. The favourite won't be easy to topple, but she looks head and shoulders above the others, and is simply too big at [7.6].

In the novice chase at 15:30, I'm keen to oppose Mush Mir, who showed that his temperamental tendencies weren't a thing of the past despite making a winning chase debut at Warwick. The obvious alternative is Qaspal, but neither the horse's recent runs nor the form of Philip Hobbs inspires me, and I prefer the claims of Kim Bailey's Darna. Pulled up when apparently going wrong last time, he returned sound and has since had a minor breathing operation. He had earlier won at Lingfield, but it's him bumper/hurdles form on a sound surface which makes him of most appeal, and with question marks hanging over the other market leaders, this straightforward and scopey sort will do for me.

Recommended Bets
Back Dream Performance in the 15:00 Exeter @ [7.6] (NAP)
Back Darna in the 15:30 Exeter @ [4.5] (NB)

Andrew Sheret makes the case for his two Monday afternoon selections at Kempton......

New Timeform Radio signing John O'Connell makes the picks today - will it be a winning debut? We'll find out after the 15:45 at Newton Abbot...

David Cleary looks at Uttoxeter's Midlands Grand National card for today's best bets...

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Sky Dogs Tips: Sid can achieve his Arc Dream

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 07 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

It's trap five for Darrell in the big one

"Sids Dream could hardly have taken to this track any better, has the speed to lead which could prove decisive and is probably still improving"

Swindon's Arc final - live on Sky Sports on Thursday night - looks an absolute belter and it's possible to argue a case for almost the entire field, but track-record holder Sids Dream may just prove too speedy says Darrell Williams.

21:45 Arc final

T1 King Jaffa
Early paced railer who can prove hard to dislodge on the bunny. Has beaten both Sids Dream and Jazz Apollo in this event and in the best form of his career.

T2 Ballymac Cryan
Lightly raced youngster who has improved throughout the event following a two month layoff. Draw between two speedier types is of some concern.

T3 Jazz Apollo
Ante post favourite has endured a rough ride in the event so far. Very unlucky not to win semi-final and has a big run in him given the opportunity. Worthy of a saver.

T4 Droopys Loner
2011 Oaks finalist and an ultra consistent bitch who wins plenty of races, but will need everything to go right from a tricky berth.

T5 Sids Dream
Could hardly have taken to this track any better, breaking the clock in the quarter-finals and almost repeating it in the semis. Has the speed to lead, which could prove decisive and is probably still improving.

T6 Mays Gold
Outsider of the field looks up against it and has yet to strike in five races here.

Verdict:
A terrific final in which a case can be argued for almost all the runners. Strong running Jazz Apollo has enjoyed little luck in the event so far and would be a big player if getting anything like a clear run. King Jaffa has beaten both the principals and comes here in peak form, but probably needs a flyer, as does Droopys Loner, while Ballymac Cryan is improving rapidly. But given the likelihood of an early lead, track-record holder Sids Dream is the one to side with.

19:40 509m
A trappy heat with Ding Hero earning a tentative vote to frank his narrow CD win over veteran course specialist Burwood Freddie. Arc semi-finalist Bit View Micko is another to consider.

20:00 737m
Hard to call between Penskey Rain and Wise Totty, with the latter a regular winner here over 685m just preferred to last year's Leger fifth, but a reverse forecast might be the best option.

20:15 285m
Prolific winning Lil Risky, despite a previous look round, remains the one to beat having looked back to his best in recent starts. Back to form Dynamo Joe rates a viable alternative.

20:35 685m
Ballymac Pet is building a solid reputation over six bends and rates the night's best bet after an easy win on her CD debut last week.

20:50 480m
Excellent Juvenile runner-up Go Go Sonic may find it tougher drawn inside speedy Droopys Lorenzo. Classy Longwood Fantasy will be ready to take advantage.

21:10 737m
A Golden Jacket final re-match between Blue Bee and Lottes Girl with the former, still improving after season, narrowly preferred.

21:25 509m
A high class affair with Arc casualties Mark My Words, Sawpit Sensation and Longwood Days all more than capable, but Westmead Adonis, who can't stop winning races, can prove best.

Recommended Bets
Ballymac Pet 20:35
Longwood Fantasy 20:50
Westmead Adonis 21:25
Sids Dream 21:45
Wise Totty/Penskey Rain (Reverse forecast) 20:00

Two to oppose on tonight's Sky-televised card at the 'Don......

Sky Sports' live televised Wimbledon card tonight is oozing with treats but don't miss Coolavanny Bert in the Racing Post Juvenile, part of a double header with the Springbok, where Westmead Melanie is set to take all the beating, says...

Top pup Coolavanny Bert smacks of being a 'good thing' in tonight's Henlow Puppy Derby final - live on Sky Sports - but Darrell Williams has some far better priced picks on the supporting card....

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Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Wake up to chances of Dream

Tipping / Timeform / 19 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Berties Dream

"The Irish Form Book Ten Up Novice Chase doesn't look a vintage renewal by any stretch of the imagination and Berties Dream looks to have strong claims after his impressive Thurles win last time."

With three Grade 2 contests on the card, it promises to be a good afternoon of racing at Navan, and Timeform's Irish team have put forward two win selections and a place bet.

The handicap hurdle on the card isn't a race to go overboard about and, although he is hardly the most solid win betting proposition, Cantrell (15:25) looks to have excellent place claims at a track he has a good record at. He has made the frame five times at the course in the past and, with blinkers back on, and a top conditional booked, it's very hard to envisage him finishing out of the places.

Carloswayback (16:00) hasn't got many miles on the clock and has looked a graded performer in the making of late, whilst his way of racing suggests the shorter
trip won't be a problem, and he can follow up his recent Punchestown win in the Grade 2 novice chase. The form of that Punchestown win has been francked since with the runner-up Gates of Rome scoring next time out and today's race doesn't look a particurly strong contest for the grade.

The Irish Form Book Ten Up Novice Chase doesn't look a vintage renewal by any stretch of the imagination and Berties Dream (16:30) looks to have strong claims after his impressive Thurles win last time. The former Grade 1 winning novice hurdler (when trained by Paul Gilligan) has taken a while to find his form over fences but he looked to have got his act together in no uncertain terms when slamming useful hurdler Marlay Park by 24 lengths in a maiden at Thurles last time and he should take plenty of pegging back this afternoon.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Cantrell for a place in the 15:25
Back Carloswayback in the 16:00
Back Berties Dream in the 16.30

...........
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Three more SmartPlays for Sunday afternoon's racing with two bets at Market Rasen and one at Ffos Las......

Timeform take a look at the runners in this 2m 3f handicap hurdle at Market Rasen......

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FA Cup Result: City end United's treble dream with semi-final win

FA Cup / Maxliu / 16 April 2011 / 1 Comments

Yaya Toure celebrates his winning goal

"City are now [1.46] favourites to win the FA Cup."

Delight for City as they reach FA Cup final, United crash and Scholes sees red at Wembley...

There will be no repeat of Manchester United's 1999 treble after local rivals City beat them 1-0 in a fiery FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

City touched [5.7] before YaYa Toure scored the decisive goal shortly after half-time. The goal came about when Michael Carrick lost his concentration for a moment and gifted the ball to the Ivorian on the edge of the penalty area. Toure powered into the box before slipping his shot past Edwin Van der Sar.

United created scant opportunities to get back into it, coming closest when Nani's dipping was free-kick tipped on to the bar by the excellent Joe Hart. Dimitar Berbatov missed two brilliant chances in the first half - one as Hart saved his shot superbly and seconds later as the Bulgarian managed to scoop the ball over a gaping goal when to score would probably have been easier.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men's fate was all but sealed when Paul Scholes was sent off midway through the second period. The United midfielder can have few complaints about receiving a red card for his high, late tackle on Pablo Zabaleta.

City's fans looked anxious when five minutes of added time was announced. United have staged a few late comebacks this season but this was one deficit too far for the Reds. As for the Blues, they are now [1.46] favourites to win the FA Cup.

Two Premier League grafters go head-to-head in the second FA Cup semi-final, and Mike Norman believes it will be an entertaining affair that could go either way. Best Bet: Back Both teams to Score @ [1.9]....

The two big stars are missing but there should be plenty of needle here in a match which the Manchester of the United variety should end up winning. Keep an eye on that "to be shown card" market though because...

Javier Hernandez upfront by himself or alongside Dimitar Berbatov? Gareth Barry in the middle...or Barry on the bench? Michael Cox ponders some of the big questions and give us his best bets ahead of this mouth-watering tie....

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Follow The Money: Dream debut?

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 01 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Have the FTM team identified some winning bets?

"Delaney’s Dream has been well supported in 15:50. He has been matched at [3.75] but now trades at [3.1]."

Today's Follow The Money movers come from Stratford and Musselburgh...

We start with Stratford where the drift on Bathwick Quest in the 14:40 has been noted in a day that has seen very little drift markedly. Initially available at [3.6] David Pipe's mare now trades at [4.1], which although not a massive drift suggests that there isn't a great deal of confidence behind her. She is an out and out front runner so in theory the small field and sharp track will suit however in Kack Handed there is another proven front runner and they may ruin each other's chances, setting it up for a closer. The majority of her form is on softer ground also so it may well pay to go against her.

Up at Musselburgh, Delaney's Dream has been well supported in 15:50. He has been matched at [3.75] but now trades at [3.1] as this progressive individual makes his handicap debut. Having started his career over seven furlongs in a claimer, where he was a big eyecatcher, he was then dropped down to six furlongs in maiden company where he showed he had too much stamina for the trip. On his final start he was staying on well to get his head in front of some useful types, notably the second and third, who are now rated higher than him. This trip should see improvement and with the ground suiting and his trainer going very well there is plenty to see why punters are keen to jump aboard.

Also at Musselburgh, the money is noted for Mark Johnston's Guest Book in the 16:20 who is trading at [3.35] from a high of [4.04]. This lightly raced four-year-old showed a fair bit when handicapping last year, notably running a blinder at Beverley from a bad draw and on his final start just being touched off by the highly progressive Pintura. Today's race clearly represents a drop in class for him and his supporters seem to be fairly bullish.

Recommended Bets

Lay Bathwick Quest @ [4.1] Stratford 14:40
Back Delaney's Dream @ [3.1] Musselburgh 15:50
Back Guest Book @ [3.35] Musselburgh 16:20

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Leicester and Ludlow respectively....

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Lingfield, Catterick and Hereford....

THe FTM boys tell us which two are worth backing which one should be laid....

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