Timeform Radio Tips: Saturday August 30

"Hold Court has had just four tries over fences and has yet to get off the mark, though he might well have done but for falling at the last here in June..."

David Cleary returns with his best bets for a busy Saturday full of competitive action...

Sandown hosts the main afternoon card, with some competitive fare, but the quality is well spread around, with decent racing at Beverley, Chester and Newton Abbot as well. On a busy day, it's a couple of horses at the last two named venues make most appeal.

Chester's sprint handicap at 14.20 looks a solid opportunity for Ballesteros finally to come good for the Richard Fahey yard. Ballesteros has hinted that all his ability remains intact for his new yard this year and ran his best race for it at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot earlier this month. Ballesteros shaped well then on ground that would have been plenty fast enough for him, which promises more to come back on easier going this afternoon. Ballesteros is a course-and-distance winner, has a reasonable draw to track what is likely to be a strong pace and the servies of promising 5-lb claimer Jack Garritty for the first time. B Fifty Two is the main danger after his excellent run at York last week, but Ballesteros looks to have a lot going for him and can land the prize.

The Mildmay Memorial Chase at Newton Abbot (15.20) has an open look to it. Houston Dynimo has been the morning mover and is obviously interesting on just his second start for David Pipe. However, he has more on than when winning over hurdles at Southwell last time and looks short enough now. One of definite interest against him is his stable companion Shotavodka. He has a progressive profile, doesn't look to have been treated too harshly for his win at Haydock in the spring and may well be suited by the way this race is likely to be run. If he is fit after a break, then Shotavodka will be there or thereabouts.

At a much bigger price, it's also worth keeping Hold Court on side. He has had just four tries over fences and has yet to get off the mark, though he might well have done but for falling at the last here in June. Hold Court has taken on some promising sorts in novices but has acquitted himself with credit and could well have more to offer, now that he switches to handicaps. He is one of three runners for his trainer Evan Williams, Adam Wedge in the saddle, with stable jockey Paul Moloney riding Buck Mulligan. That shouldn't count against Hold Court particularly, but it appears to in his price, which is far bigger than it should be on form.

Recommended bets

Back Ballesteros @ 6.411/2 in the 14:20 at Chester
Back Shotavodka @ 7.06/1 and Hold Court @ 26.025/1 in the 15:20 at Newton Abbot

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tips: Tuesday August 26

"Hopes N Dreams is now off a mark just 2 lb higher than when successful a year ago..."

David Cleary takes up his regular seat in the pundit's chair and advises two bets for Tuesday afternoon's action...

There are two half-decent afternoon cards for a Tuesday today and there are lots of absentees at Epsom, where the ground is too soft, and Ripon, where it's too firm, there look to be bets to be had at both venues.

At Ripon, in the feature handicap at 16:15, it may be worth taking a chance on Ty Gwr. He's not been seen out since last October and is off a much higher mark than he was then, due to a win on his penultimate outing in 2013. However, Ty Gwr is still well weighted on that form and the fitting of his usual hood and the booking of Mikey Ennis both suggest he won't want for fitness this afternoon. Four non runners (at the time of writing) mean his outside draw isn't the concern it might have been and there remains enough potential pace to think the race will be run to suit him.

There are even more non runners at Epsom, the field for the sprint handicap at 15:25 now halved. This is all to the advantage of last year's winner Hopes N Dreams, who just hasn't been able to dominate in big-field sprint handicaps since she won at Hamilton earlier in the summer. Hopes N Dreams has slipped in the weights as a result, now off a mark just 2 lb higher than when successful a year ago. With the three drawn inside her now absent, stall 4 gives her the inside position, which makes it even more likely that she can boss this small field. 

Recommended bets 

Back Ty Gwr @ 13.012/1 in the 16:15 at Ripon 
Back Hopes N Dreams @ 8.07/1 in the 15:25 at Epsom

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tips: Saturday August 23

Mighty Yar, Clever Cookie and Sir Walter Scott are all relatively unexposed and make clear appeal, but, at longer odds, Mighty Yar's stable companion Retirement Plan and Irish challenger Mutual Regard look worth an interest...

David Cleary puts up two long-priced Ebor punts, as well as a couple of other selections on Saturday...

The climax of the York Ebor meeting, the Ebor itself, takes centre stage this afternoon, with a field of twenty set to line up at 15.50. Pallasator has been a warm order for the race ever since his victory at Ascot a month ago, the pick of the weights under a 4 lb penalty for that success. That form has been boosted subsequently and he holds an obvious chance, particularly with the step back up in trip sure to benefit him. However, he's an obvious horse's price and there is every reason in such a strong handicap to look for value elsewhere.

Mighty Yar, Clever Cookie and Sir Walter Scott are all relatively unexposed and make clear appeal, but, at longer odds, Mighty Yar's stable companion Retirement Plan and Irish challenger Mutual Regard look worth an interest. Retirement Plan ran against Pallasator at Ascot, well backed on the day but below expectations, likely to have needed the run on his first start since the spring. He got back on track with a win over two miles at the Shergar Cup and although that isn't the strongest piece of form, Retirement Plan remains unexposed and he has the potential to progress again now he's back on track. 

Mutual Regard comes here after just two runs this year since joining Johnny Murtagh. Progressive at three, he won well at the Curragh on his return, that better form on which to judge him than his run in listed company behind Pale Mimosa at Leopardstown last time. Mutual Regard may well have more to offer. Also to the advantage of both Mutual Regard and Retirement Plan is that they are likely to be ridden handily in a race with a striking lack of potential pace.

That isn't a concern in the Gimcrack at 15.15, in which Jungle Cat can take advantage of not having to face Ivawood and land the spoils. Jungle Cat has been placed in pattern company on his last three starts, each time showing good speed but the last twice paying for pressing on with a superior rival in the shape of the best two-year-old colt around. With a flat track likely to play to his strengths, Jungle Cat can prove too good in what looks a slightly substandard renewal.

Away from York, there's a fascinating contest in prospect for the listed Hopeful Stakes at Newmarket (15.55). Tropics, who won this last year, and Intrinsic head the market, one a proven good-class sprinter, the other very much on the up after his win in the Stewards' Cup last time. While Intrinsic looks a pattern performer in the making and his form last time is strong, Tropics already is one, with a career-best run in the July Cup last time out. Intrinsic needs to improve a fair bit if Tropics runs up to that form and the latter has to be the bet, given there's little between them in the market. Tropics' proven ability to handle Newmarket's July course is another factor in his favour.  
Recommended bets: 
Back Retirement Plan @ 30.029/1 and Mutual Regard @ 26.025/1 in the 15.50 at York 
Back Jungle Cat @ 9.08/1 in the 15.15 at York
Back Tropics @ 4.57/2 in the 15.55 at Newmarket

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tip: Second string to Scoop prize

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tips: Saturday December 28

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tip: Brook to end Barren run

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tips: Saturday August 31

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tips: Ted Veale to triumph in Ebor

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tip: Barron sprinter worth waiting for.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see further progress from him this season, and an entry in the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes suggests that the shrewd Yorkshire handler thinks the same. With an excellent draw, an ideal stalking run-style and a jockey riding with renewed confidence, everything looks in place for a huge run from Long Awaited."

It's Derby day, and Rory Delargy has several fancies on the Epsom card. 

David Barron did this column a favour when winning the Zetland Gold Cup during the week, and he's taken to repeat that feat courtesy of Long Awaited in the Investec Dash at Epsom today (15:15). The gelding has improved significantly since joining Barron from Roger Varian, and while he was well held after being hampered in this race last season, that disappointment was forgotten when he won over C&D later in the summer, and he showed further improvement when placed in contrasting ground conditions at Haydock on his final 2 starts last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see further progress from him this season, and an entry in the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes suggests that the shrewd Yorkshire handler thinks the same. With an excellent draw, an ideal stalking run-style and a jockey riding with renewed confidence, everything looks in place for a huge run from Long Awaited, granted that little bit of luck in running which is crucial in such races.

Most of the fancied horses are drawn high, and that's where the race should develop, but there's a chance that congestion will result from such a scenario, and if there's one horse I'd want to save on, it would be Judge 'n Jury. Ron Harris' gelding checked out very tamely at York last time, which may be indicative of a problem, and makes him a risky proposition, but he has the speed to lead in the early stages, and if back in the groove would be capable of going close. At odds around 30, he's worth a tickle, and should at least trade short after a couple of furlongs, even if he does fold like he did on the Knavesmire.

However Thomas Brown fares on Judge 'n Jury, he looks to have a decent chance in the 6f handicap at 17:25, for which Robert Cowell's Compton looks to have been laid out. In need of his return at Newbury, he showed up much better at York last time, while still fading late as if short of peak fitness. Likely to be cherry-ripe now, he has the requisite low draw to take a good position, and can make it third time lucky for his new yard. He's just 3 lb above his last winning mark, and Brown looks exceptional value for his 5 lb claims.

Recommendations:

All at Epsom

Back Long Awaited @ 7.613/2 in the 15:15 (NAP)
Back Judge 'n Jury @ 28.027/1 in the 15:15 (Lay stake back at 10.0)
Back Compton @ 10.09/1 in the 17:25 (NB)

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tips: Wednesday July 24

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Racing Tips: 'Hanagan the man again at Beverley'

There’s not much to worry about amongst the opposition either, other than Fennell Bay, but while that one might have a few pounds in hand, High Office could have 10 lb up his sleeve...

Timeform's Chief Correspondent, Jamie Lynch, provides you with his two best bets at Beverley on Thursday...

Let's keep this simple: Fahey's got one first time out that is chucked in on its best form and has a brilliant record when fresh. In 2010, High Office won on his reappearance. In 2011, High Office won on his reappearance off 84. In 2012, High Office was second, beaten a short head, in a 15-runner field at York, off 88. Today, in the 15:35 at Beverley, High Office is reappearing off 80. As they say in America, 'You do the math'. There's not much to worry about amongst the opposition either, other than Fennell Bay, but while that one might have a few pounds in hand, High Office could have 10 lb up his sleeve.

Richard Fahey usually starts the season with a bang but this year it's been a full fireworks display, with 47 winners from 41 runners so far (I did the math), and High Office, back under Hanagan for the first time in ages, could easily go off at 2.89/5 rather than the 3.814/5 he's currently trading at. 

Jeez Ailsa. I can't help but think of Home & Away whenever hearing the name Ailsa. Alf and Ailsa. While I believe Alf is still going strong, Ailsa was killed off, though there was an episode where she sprung back to life briefly to haunt poor Alf. Springing back to life is the hope and expectation of Ailsa Craig at 16:05 this afternoon, and the rationale behind having a few quid on her.

A moribund 2012 campaign has seen her mark reverse, from 75 to 57, but the big difference between now and then is the stable. The early signs are that Edwin Tuer has his horses in much better health and form this year, and if Ailsa Craig is indeed back to life, then she'll pick this lot up and carry them. There's loads of pace on here, which will suit her, and, as Derek Thompson loves to say, it's Hanagan the man again, who's 3 from 6 when teaming up with Tuer. Strewth, she's well handicapped.   

Selections:
Back High Office @ 3.814/5 in the 15:35 at Beverley
Back Ailsa Craig @ 5.49/2 in 16:05 at Beverley

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tip: Wily selection can outfox rivals

"Wily Fox looks overpriced at around 14/1, and appeals as a solid each-way bet despite there being only 3 places. The upside of that is a bigger price on the exchange place market, and I'd be disappointed if he isn't thereabouts at the business end."

Competitive fare on offer at Pontefract, and Rory Delargy heads to the Yorkshire circuit for his best bets...

Pontefract stages a cracking card on the Flat today, and with the going no worse than good to soft, the galloping track should throw up true results. Race of the day appears to be the 1¼m handicap at 16:15, for all the Jamaican Flight handicap over the 2¼m trip will appeal to the traditionalists, myself included.

That 1¼m handicap looks a wide-open affair at first glance, and it's hard to rule many out, but David Barron's old warrior Sirvino looks well treated on the pick of last season's form, and has run respectably on all his previous runs here. A solid third on his return at Meydan shows that he can still go well fresh (has won first-time-up in the past), and he's much better off with Las Verglas Star for a defeat at the hands of that rival over C&D last autumn. Having started last season on a BHA mark of 100, he really ought to go well having been dropped to 89, despite plenty of evidence that his ability hadn't waned markedly in the meantime. Barron has started the new turf season in typically forward fashion, and his record with older handicappers at Pontefract is excellent.

Dangers abound, although Licence To Till is omitted from calculations having run poorly in this race last year, and the most intriguing of a quartet starting off for new yards is Spanish Duke. An unpredictable sort for John Dunlop, he's just the sort that Brian Ellison does well with, and ought to go well having twice won after a break of 60 days or more. It's worth backing both at current odds.

In the staying contest at 15:40, it's worth siding with James Eustace's Wily Fox. The son of Observatory isn't an obvious stayer on pedigree, but has proved suited by a test of stamina since tried in a hood (can be a bit free in his races), and plugged on well when second in the mud at Newbury (2m) last back-end.

Wily Fox has since shown improved form over hurdles, splitting subsequent winners when third at Taunton (19f) before winning over the same trip at Market Rasen. He didn't get the run of things when fancied at Newbury last time, but it's easy enough to forgive that run, and he returns to the Flat on a potentially lenient mark. He certainly looks overpriced at around 14/1, and appeals as a solid each-way bet despite there being only 3 places. The upside of that is a bigger price on the exchange place market, and I'd be disappointed if he isn't thereabouts at the business end.

Recommendations:
All at Pontefract
Back Wily Fox in the 15:40 @ 14.5n/a to win & 4.47/2 to place
Back Sirvino and Spanish Duke in the 16:15 @ 6.411/2 & 6.05/1 respectively

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
  

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Two bets at Fontwell

The novice hurdle at 14.10 also has quite an open look to it but, in the expectation that he makes the required improvement from his debut in a better race at Newbury, Loudmouth is selected...

David Cleary casts his eye over the action at Fontwell on Tuesday, finding two bets for you...

There's all-weather action at both Southwell and Lingfield this afternoon, but the best options from a punting point of view look to be on the jumps card at Fontwell. The ground is bound to be testing there and it will be wise to keep an eye on whether there is any advantage in racing wide on the hurdles course, but, all things being equal, the novice hurdle and bumper which top and tail the afternoon could prove profitable.

The closing bumper at 17.10 concerns mostly those with experience in similar events, the pick of those with form looking up to standard for a similar event. Morebutwhen is the morning favourite, on the strength of her second at Newbury at the start of the month but she looks far too short, having been sent off at 66/1 that day and made the running in a slowly-run affair on good ground. She's the first to run out of the race and, given additionally the change in the ground and the chance she was flattered, Morebutwhen has to be taken on.

The other mare in the field Cannon Fodder makes more appeal, having finished second under similar conditions at Plumpton on her debut, though whether she has much more to offer is open to doubt. More interesting are the pair that finished first and second over course and distance a month ago, Unowhatimeanharry and Sergeant Mattie. On terms 7 lb better, Sergeant Mattie ought to reverse placings but it isn't quite so clear cut as that, as Unowhatimeanharry travelled better for longer and might have won by further had he not shown inexperience under pressure. At the morning prices, Unowhatimeanharry makes clear appeal, particularly each way or win and place. There are others to note: Major Martin shaped with promise on his debut and will be well suited by the six-furlong step up in trip, while market support for Un Bleu A L'Aam and the winning pointer Harry's Farewell would be interesting. 

The novice hurdle at 14.10 also has quite an open look to it but, in the expectation that he makes the required improvement from his debut in a better race at Newbury, Loudmouth is selected. He took a while to win a point in Ireland and didn't seem fancied first time up over hurdles but he showed clear promise that day in a race which is starting to work out and with experience, a longer trip and softer ground all likely to be in his favour, Loudmouth can come good at the second time of asking. 

Recommended Bets:

Back Unowhatimeanharry @ 8.07/1 in the 17.10 at Fontwell
Back Loudmouth @ 5.24/1 in the 14.10 at Fontwell

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Adam to make his Mark?

Tipsy Dara and Markadam make some appeal at the morning prices...

David Cleary has found two overpriced horses in the 16:00 at Carlisle for you...

It's a quiet day on the racing front in Britain, with just a low-grade all-weather card at Lingfield and some smallish fields over jumps at Carlisle to keep us occupied (as might be anticipated, the Irish cards at Limerick and Wexford have a bit more quality to them). 

The staying handicap chase at 16.00, from which topweight Prophete de Guye is a non runner, is easily the most open race at Carlisle, all seven of the remaining runners holding some sort of chance. No fewer than five of them wear cheekpieces, the exceptions being See U Bob and Tipsy Dara. See U Bob comes here in good form, having finished runner-up in weak races on his last two starts, and has conditions that will suit him down to the ground. Richie McLernon takes over in the saddle from Maurice Linehan, who has been able to claim five pounds off him of late, so See U Bob's chance isn't quite so good at the weights as it might first appear. 

Tipsy Dara is another in good form this winter, at least up until her last run, when she disappointed in a small field at Newcastle. Before that she had won here and at Ayr, her defeat of the subsequent winner Billy Cuckoo for the first of those successes reading particularly well. Those wins came over two and a half miles but the step back up to three miles and beyond ought to suit her.

The other mare in the line-up Posh Bird ran a good race, retried in cheekpieces, at Catterick last time, though typically she was doing her best work at the finish, hitting full stride just too late, as so often with her. Dusky Bob travelled more sweetly than usual in cheekpieces first time when running well over hurdles at Sedgefield earlier in the month. Whether the headgear would work so well a second time remains to be seen. Mister Philson is the relatively unknown quantity in the field, being a prolific winner of points in Ireland, though he's on no more than averagely treated on his form in hunter chases, yet to get off the mark in that sphere.

The field is completed by two Carlisle regulars, Vamizi and Markadam. Vamizi won over three miles on this card a year ago and is now just 2 lb higher, the drop back in the weights the result of his indifferent form in two starts since his reappearance; Markadam ran poorly in a better race here last time, but has won twice over hurdles and once over fences from three earlier starts at the track. Tipsy Dara and Markadam make some appeal at the morning prices. As for the rest of the card, it looks ideal for backers of short-priced favourites.

Recommended Bets:

Back Tipsy Dara and Markadam @ 8.415/2 and 12.5n/a respectively in the 16.00 at Carlisle

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Timeform Radio Tips: Cloud to Brighten up the afternoon

"Bright Cloud is undeniably well treated on her form in points and hunter chases last year..."

David Cleary has picked out bets at both Catterick and Leicester this afternoon...

It's two weeks today to the start of the Cheltenham Festival, with Simonsig in the Arkle and My Tent Or Yours in the Supreme among many people's bankers for the week; and then there is the fascinating puzzle that is this year's Champion Hurdle - a veritable feast of racing.

As for today, the staying handicap hurdle at Catterick at 16:20 sees a suggested bet running off a BHA mark of 75, from 4 lb out of the weights. That horse, Bright Cloud, is, however, undeniably well treated on her form in points and hunter chases last year. She's had two attempts in handicap hurdles run on very testing ground this season and after getting seriously bogged down when weak in the market on near-unraceable going at Towcester, she shaped much better at Sedgefield next time. The extreme distance on bad ground seemed to find her out that afternoon, and, with conditions set to be much less attritional today, Bright Cloud has to be given one more chance to prove herself on a lenient mark.

The day's best race is the novice chase at Leicester at 16:00, which actually features a couple of runners with Cheltenham entries, Howard's Legacy and Top Smart. The pair met at Wincanton earlier in the season, finding the subsequent Racing Plus Chase winner Opening Batsman too good for them as they took the minor placings. Howard's Legacy is likely to confirm that form with Top Smart, though he faces potentially more serious dangers in the shape of The Musical Guy, Valoroso and Volador.

Volador was the best of the field over hurdles but his jumping has yet to convince at all over fences. The lightly-raced Valoroso would have won at Wincanton last time, unfortunate to come down at the last when well clear; that form is hard to weigh up and was shown on very testing ground but at the very least indicates Valoroso has plenty of potential as a chaser. The Musical Guy may well benefit from the return to better ground and would have a good chance on his second at Folkestone; however, his jumping fell seriously apart after halfway here next time. Howard's Legacy is the most likely winner but his form is not that far ahead of his rivals and he has to prove himself away from the mud. Given the jumping concerns about both Volador and The Musical Guy, it could be worth chancing Valoroso against the favourite at the likely odds. 

Timeform Radio Tips:
Back Bright Cloud @ 4.67/2 in the 16:20 at Catterick
Back Valoroso @ 9.417/2 in the 16:00 at Leicester

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Brick Red a solid bet

Brick Red has definitely got more to give, such was the ease of his successes, and less testing conditions this afternoon could even play further to his strengths...

David Cleary has looked through Musselburgh's card and found two bets for you...

There's a cracking afternoon in store at Musselburgh with trials for all sorts of races at the Cheltenham Festival on an eight-race card. Overturn may well be the star attraction in the opening Arkle trial at 13.00, but Tap Night could enhance his claims for the Golden Miller in the other novice chase on the card, while promising juveniles Kashmir Peak and Sametegal clash again in the Triumph trial at 14.30. Even the handicaps on the card have a Cheltenham angle, with replicas of the Grand Annual, the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe. Those races look to offer the best betting options of the afternoon.

The Scottish County Hurdle at 15.30 has attracted a useful field, including a couple of in-form Musselburgh specialists in Ingleby Spirit and Dontpaytheferryman. They were both in the frame in the race last year, the latter for the second time, and they finished second and third respectively in a similar event here last month. Both are likely to run well but they have no secrets from the handicapper, whereas he's still a bit in the dark about how good a hurdler Brick Red is, despite wins on that one's part at Ludlow and Wincanton on his last two starts. Those successes on similar sharp, right-handed tracks to Musselburgh weren't unexpected, as Brick Red had been promising a lot better to come previously, just faced with too much of a test of stamina. Although he's up plenty in the weights, Brick Red has definitely got more to give, such was the ease of his successes, and less testing conditions this afternoon could even play further to his strengths.

Topweight Salubrious brings solid form to the table in the conditional jockeys hurdle, the Pipe-lookalike handicap, which closes the card at 16.30. He's likely to run well, but he has to give a lot of weight to the fairly useful Flat performer Lexington Bay who is making his handicap debut. Lexington Bay has been learning the ropes so far over hurdles, gradually improving and better than the result at Wetherby last time, where a bad mistake three out cost him plenty. Today's longer trip shouldn't be a problem, judged on Flat form, and it's surely significant he's now fitted with cheekpieces, having worn them only once previously, when winning at York on the Flat in October. 

Recommended Bets:

Back Brick Red @ 3.55/2 in the 15.30 at Musselburgh

Back Lexington Bay @ 5.04/1 in the 16.30 at Musselburgh

All-Weather Race Cards only £2 at timeform.com. That's less than half price! Download yours now.

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tips: Saturday February 2

"The more I look at the race, the more I’m inclined to believe that Mister Hyde remains on a lenient mark despite taking what looked a harsh 13 lb rise for winning at Kempton last time..."

Rory Delargy suggests a brace of bets at Sandown on Saturday...

Veterans' chases have become quite a welcome addition to the jumping calendar, with several old stagers allowed a more realistic chance of being competitive against horses of similar ilk, and Sandown stages such an affair on its all-chase card at 15:00. Several of these are sharply in decline, and neither Mad Max nor Gwanako look quite the horses they were when in the first flush of youth. Pigeon Island is another who has tasted glory on the biggest stage, but has had a lot of racing for one of his age, and the one who looks most likely to rediscover his best is Laura Young's Tail of The Bank, who is lightly raced and is only having his twelfth outing over obstacles today. He was a promising novice in 2010/11, when runner-up in the valuable Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury, and has hinted that all his old ability remains in 2 runs this term. At Chepstow last time, he made a threatening move on the turn for home before a residual lack of fitness told, and a drop of 4 lbs for that run looks quite generous in the circumstances. He does need to prove that he can handle a right-handed track, as all his runs have come anti-clockwise, but that's a risk worth taking for a horse who may, rather strangely for a race like this, still have his best days ahead of him.

In the following contest, it's easy to give chances to most of the field, but the more I look at the race, the more I'm inclined to believe that Mister Hyde remains on a lenient mark despite taking what looked a harsh 13 lb rise for winning at Kempton last time. He proved on that occasion that he truly stays 3m (had been a weak finisher in the past), and I was particularly taken with how easily he seemed to jump out of very deep ground there. Conditions will again place a premium on accurate jumping, and in that regard, Mister Hyde looks solid - more so than Summery Justice, who would be my idea of the fly in the ointment, but can still make the occasional bad error. Brackloon High had no excuses behind the selection at Christmas, but has paid him a handsome compliment by winning over the same C&D next time, and that form was further boosted when Politeo, a place in front of Noel Chance's charge at Kempton, was successful at Wincanton during the week.  If those form lines can be believed, then Mister Hyde is still a step ahead of the assessor. Let's hope so. 

Recommended Bets:
Both at Sandown
Back Tail of The Bank @ 5.69/2 in the 15:00
Back Mister Hyde @ 5.85/1 in the 15:35

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Racing Radio Tips: Thank You for the Days

July Days hasn’t been seen since running poorly over C&D in September, but she put up a career-best effort to score here almost a year ago when returning from a similar lay-off, and looks set to be handed an easy lead in a race full of hold-up runners...

Rory Delargy has selected a bet from each of today's meetings at Kempton and Wolverhampton...

It was Ray Davies who wrote those lyrics, but hopefully there will be no Kinks on show when July Days jumps out of the stalls for the 15:40 at Wolverhampton this afternoon. Brian Baugh's mare hasn't been seen since running poorly over C&D in September, but she put up a career-best effort to score here almost a year ago when returning from a similar lay-off, and looks set to be handed an easy lead in a race full of hold-up runners. She took another C&D handicap on her penultimate start, and is clearly ideally suited by conditions. The Baugh yard is in fair form for a relatively small operation, with 4 of 9 runners in the last fortnight either winning or making the frame. It's hard to be adamant that she's strictly ahead of her mark, but she should be competitive, and the combination of a proven ability to run to form after a break and a race which will suit tactically makes her an appealing bet at double-figure odds.

In the final race at Kempton (16:50), it's worth sticking with recent course winner Compton Rainbow, who belied a reputation as a weak finisher when storming clear under Ryan Tate over 1m here last time. He made all there in a good time, and while the luxury of an easy lead will be denied him due to the presence of Demoiselle Bond, that mare comes here under a cloud and with stamina to prove, so Tate should be able to track the early pace before taking over in the straight. Main danger Fairyinthewind travels well held up, but has has been outbattled more than once after trading short, and Compton Rainbow can get the better of her as long as he's not forced into going too fast in the early stages. 

Recommended Bets:

Back July Days in the 15:40 Wolverhampton @ 12.5n/a (NAP) 
Back Compton Rainbow in the 16:50 Kempton @ 5.24/1 (NB) 

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tip: Brass in pocket

"For those who want to find one at bigger odds, it’s more than possible that the reliable Dancing Welcome will be able to set aside a couple of uncharacteristically laboured efforts now dropping back to her last winning mark..."

Rory Delargy selects his best bets from Wolverhampton.

Ralph Beckett has his team in excellent order as he showed when sending out a 1-2 in what looked a competitive 3-y-o handicap at Lingfield a week ago. On that occasion the unbeaten Foxtrot Jubilee landed a protracted gamble which saw him go off at a remarkably short 4/9 on track. It wasn't all one-way traffic, however, as stablemate Fortinbrass pushed him all the way to the line, with just a head between the pair when it counted. They pulled 3½ lengths clear of a thriving rival there, and there is no doubt that the form is solid. Fortinbrass is turned out again in the 15:50 at Wolverhampton, and he can prove himself well handicapped by scoring off the same mark as at Lingfield. The obvious danger is Archie Stevens, who is on an upward curve himself, and wasn't hard pressed to beat Golden Flower over C&D on New Year's Day. That rival regained the winning thread over 5f here yesterday, which will make Tom Dascombe's gelding a popular choice, but it's worth mentioning that Golden Flower is all speed, and her failure to settle in front set things up perfectly for Archie Stevens last time, and he's arguably a little flattered by the ease of that success. Rene Mathis is the other obvious player at the weights, but he'll need to settle better than he did when winning a C&D maiden last time if he's to fulfil his undoubted potential. 

In the following contest, I was initially keen on Invigilator, but that enthusiasm has evaporated to some degree after both Colourbearer and Bitaphon, the pair he beat over C&D last time, failed to advertise the form since the declarations for this contest were made. The market will be very informative, as several of these have shaped as if capable of leaving poor recent form behind, and both Fred Willetts and Khawatim have already attracted early money. That pair were both better than the bare result when held up on their most recent start, and appeal as very well treated on old form. There seems certain to be a strong pace with Strong Man, Dancing Maite and Alive And Kicking all having made the running last time, and several of the others tend to race prominently. With Fred Willetts in a refitted visor today, it seems likely that the patient tactics employed last time will be abandoned, and that swings the pendulum in favour of Noel Quinlan's charge, who has been held up in recent starts. The selection showed decent form as a juvenile in France for Jean-Claude Rouget, and has been dropping steadily down the handicap after a series of poor runs for his current owners. He's not stayed still for long, though, and has already passed through the hands of Geoff Harker, Keith Dalgleish and Paul Midgley before joining the Quinlan yard in September. He was doing his best work late on over 5f at Lingfield last time, in a race where those to the fore were seen to advantage, and the switch in trip and venue are likely to show him in a completely different light today. For those who want to find one at bigger odds, it's more than possible that the reliable Dancing Welcome will be able to set aside a couple of uncharacteristically laboured efforts now dropping back to her last winning mark, and she's another who is sure to be doing her best work late.  

Recommendations:

Back Fortinbrass in the 15:50 Wolverhampton
Back Khawatim & Dancing Welcome in the 16:20 Wolverhampton

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Radio Tips: Folly to ignore this Fool

"Ron Harris has claims of a double in the last, when Lady Mango drops in class after losing her form in the latter half of 2012."

Rory Delargy offers a couple of bets at Lingfield on Thursday.

Truth is never static, and what was wise last year may be folly now. That sounds like the basis of a resolution of sorts, which may be appropriate for the season. In this specific instance, the truth concerns both April Fool and Willie Twiston-Davies, who team up in the 15:20 at Lingfield today. The former hasn't been a betting proposition for a while, often showing his usual bright speed, but not seeing his races out. That may be about to change shortly, as Ron Harris' gelding is never one to dwell in the doldrums for long, and has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper. This time last year, he bounced back from a series of lesser efforts to win with something to spare at Kempton, and he landed another couple of races before the end of April. He's dropped to a mark just 2 lb higher than his lowest winning mark of last season, and looks sure to get his own way in front again today. The latter made a less-than-smooth transition to the role of Flat apprentice around the time of his mount's last win, and has been the subject of poor reviews from myself and others through the summer. One thing I've always maintained is that the plethora of rides Willie's been given would ensure a steep learning curve, and the penny has begun to drop in the last few weeks, with the teenager looking much more polished, and clearly growing in confidence. He's certainly not one to lay blind any more, and is likely to play a prominent role in the apprentice championship in 2013 if continuing in the same vein. Hopefully he can prove the point by making all, and making fools out of the knockers. Al's memory should slot into second place from flagfall, and looks the main danger.

Harris has claims of a double in the last, when Lady Mango drops in class after losing her form in the latter half of 2012. She's a reliable performer on her day, and while the resurgent Bussa will be very hard to beat, there isn't much else in this contest, and she's undeniably well treated on the pick of her form. A 4-time winner last year, she's fully effective over C&D, and is 3 lb lower than for her latest win. She'll bounce back sooner rather than later, and is worth chancing at double-figure odds.  
Recommendations:

Back April Fool in the 15:20 Lingfield 
Back Lady Mango in the 15:50 Lingfield 

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center