The big day draws near...

Derby day on Saturday but today we look ahead to the Oaks. In the big one at 4.05 Simply Perfect is a speculative choice. She did nothing wrong as a two-year-old and should have no problems with the ground. The trip is unknown territory, but generally juveniles that stay a mile get 12 furlongs as a three-year-old. Sixties Icon and Sir Percy are both better performers on a faster surface and so O'Brien should land the Coronation with one of his duo. We just prefer the chances of Scorpion, who appears to have the better form over this trip. Danny has gone to Ireland for his selection. He thinks the well bred Vista Hermosa can make a winning debut in the 6.50 contest.

Phew, it is getting harder.....

We still can't buy a winner but we will continue the quest. Danny likes the look of Spinning in the 3.50 at Ayr. The stable is flying in the winners at present and this one showed improved form last time out. He also goes for Secret Meaning in the Yarmouth 3.10. Bill Turner's juvenile ran a race full of promise last time and is dropped into selling company. Distant Sun in the 2.50 at Ayr is my first selection. His last effort wasn't that good but has strong claims on previous run at Hamilton. In the 4.00 at Lingfield Crystal Plum could go well at a big price. This one is superbly bred and open to any amount of improvement on her handicap debut, she looks the pick of the Barry Hills pair.

I'm running out of ways to say a poor run..

If it carries on like this I will have to get a second job, or rob a bank. The two for Wednesday are both at Beverley. In the 6.50 Danny reckons Miss Percy is an each-way bet. She showed plenty of promise last season over too short a trip and gets in here on a low mark. I think Coachhouse Lady could be the one to be on the 7.20. Kevin Ryan took the race last season and Neil Callan rides this newcomer in preference to the experienced stable companion.

The rain causes havoc...

A few strange results yesterday with the heavens opening, although we did manage one winner. We have three selections for tuesday, two from Danny at Sandown. The first is Queens Best in the 6.40 race. This one had some solid form last season and should be suited by the drop back to a mile. He goes for Mount Killamanjaro in the 7.50. He is taking a step up in class but looks to be improving. My choice is an obvious one in the 8.50, Black Rock. It will take something a bit special to beat this 87 rated horse winning.

I am now able to update, hope it's worth it....

Strange results today with the rains arriving, picked a few winners at work but not on the blog. Things have got to turn around and on Monday we are hoping Michael Stoute can do us a favour or two. Danny likes Dan Dare ( he would) in the 3.50 at Redcar. This was quite a comfortable maiden winner last time, is open to improvement and the handicapper hasn't been too harsh. I'm staying at Redcar for my main selection Lacework in the 3.15. It will not be much of a price but the form is rock solid and she should be suited by the step up in trip. Danny's second choice is Drawnfromthepast in the 3.45 at Leicester. Jamie Osborne's juveniles continue in great form and this one ran a race full of promise on his debut. My second choice is Fixateur in the 2.35 at Leicester. I can't believe this one has lost all it's flat ability. I am hoping the first time visor may rekindle his enthusiasm

Sundays Losers

site problems so danny is updating today just the 3 horses and no explanations. 3.40 fontwell colonel frank. 2.10 dark parade newmarket and 4.25 newmarket cavalry guard.Hopefully back to normal tomorrow.

Another bleak day...

Nothing is going our way at present, but to try and get back on the winning trail we have three selections today. Danny has gone to the Curragh for his choice, Duke Of Marmalade in the big one at 3.45. Aidan O'Brien's colt is expected to improve on his run in the Newmarket contest and can reverse running with Cockney Rebel. I will take a chance with John Dunlop's newcomer Alwaabel in the first at Newmarket. He is related to numerous winners and should know his job first time out. One that should go well today is Jaleela in the 4.25 at Newmarket. She ran a blinder on her Ascot debut and can only improve.

Oh dear, it's all going pear shaped..

It's that bad I went next door and got their cat to select a horse on Friday. His selection is Spell Casting in the 3.30 at Newmarket. the Mark Tompkins trained colt ran some very good races off slighty higher marks last season and should progress from a promising seasonal return. Danny meanwhile likes the look of The Lord in the 3.10 at Goodwood. He looked on the way back to his best last time out and could be down to a decent mark. Young Adam decided he could do a better job than us and he has come up with John Dunlop's first two-year-old runner of the season Night Skier in the 2.20 at Newmarket. A well bred daughter of Night Shift who doesn't appear to have too much to beat.

Even the short priced selections are losing..

One from three on Wednesday, but no profit. So off we go again. A bit short of time and so just a quick run down of four choices for Thursday. Cassiara is Dan's selection in the 4.55 at Goodwood. Has been beaten into second by two decent types and can go one better today. Three for myself, Cabinet was a very impressive winner last time and he can win the 2.00 before moving onto listed company. Fervent Prince in the 6.40 at Salisbury should be followed if the market signs are right. He is one of only a few of these bred for speed and is entered in all the big sales races. Finally we have Noojoom in the 8.40 who beat an 81 rated horse in good style and should improve.

We've hit a bit of a poor patch....

But as my good friend and colleage Will Reilly would say "it makes the good spells more enjoyable". So with a possitive attitude we move onto Wednesday and Danny reckons Fitzroy Crossing will win the 2.20 at Ayr. Mark Johnston's charge has put in too solid runs in decent maidens and should make his experience tell in what doesn't look too strong a race. I have gone for two of Henry Daly runners at Huntingdon. First of all Lindsay in the 6.40. This one ran a blinder in a much better race last time. Vaughn is his other runner in the 7.10. He took his time to find his feet over hurdles but quickly adjusted to fencing, showing promise in two decent novice events.

Thanx to the Southern Girls, the latest newsletter is on the link.

No escuses for Monday....

I'm afraid it was just poor tipping yesterday, but we will try and rectify the situation on Tuesday. Danny has a couple at Leicester tonight, first of all Seleet in the 6.30. Looked a decent type when easily landing a recent maiden and could have got in here lightly. Danny has chosen another tricky handicap for his second choice, Sound Of Nature in the 7.30. This one disappointed a little last time out but was a very comfortable winner on his previous outing. Just one selection for me Soto in the 3.20 at Beverley. I have already backed this gelding twice this season and he hasn't gone too badly. He has a perfect draw here today in which to make all the running, off what now looks a very tempting mark. A quick addition before the dog shift, She's So Pretty, each-way in the 3.10 at Llingfield.

Close but no cigar

Beaten in a couple of tight finishes today so we are hoping for a bit more luck on Monday. Danny reckons he's found a decent each-way chance in the 4.30 at Bath in Spirit Of Adjisa. His three all-weather runs were pretty modest but he put in a good performance behind subsequent York winner Shmookh on his only turf outing. The fact that the stable is amongst the winners enhances the confidence. I have just the one selection on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, Luca Cumani's Manipulate in the 8.20. This four-year-old colt chased home the 83 rated Star Crowned last season and ran well for a long way on his seasonal return. Tonight's slight drop in trip should suit and he must go close in this company if acting on the surface.

Tired but confident.

Following a 13 hour dog shift I am a bit Kerry Packered but one horse did catch my eye, Killard Point in the 4.00 at Market Rasen. He comes here on the back of a good run behind Spirit Of New York at Bangor. The form of that race has been franked and off a much lower chase mark he should go close here. There will be a couple from Danny, once the lazy teenager gets out of bed. To be fair the youngster is playing cricket, tried ringing him but he was at the crease. However I do know he likes the look of Mango Music in the 4.10 at Ripon. This one should appreciate this lesser company. Danny's match should be finished at about 12.30 so we may have another selection then. Following a superb innings ( I hope), Danny has sent me a text with the name Rio Taffeta on it. This one has the best form on show, but watch the newcomers for any major move.

The bank balance is looking healthy again.

As usual it is tough going on a Saturday and nothing really stands out. However we do have a couple that look to have good chances. Dubai Twilight in the 3.15 at Newbury looks on a fair mark having chased home Dante runner up Raincoat last time out. We also like the look of Nice To Know in the 4.55. Ed Dunlop's charge showed plenty of promise on her Yarmouth debut and this doesn't look the strongest of Newbury maidens.

Derby preview

In just two weeks time the Epsom Downs will be packed to the rafters with wide-eyed punters, eagerly awaiting this year's Blue Riband, "The Derby". The final major trial took place at York earlier this week, and so, as Sir David Frost would say, "All the clues are there",

With the defection of Teofilo, Authorized became what you might call a surrogate favourite. However, following a scintillating performance in the Dante, he is now a worthy market leader. What is most frightening for his rivals is that, according to reports, he wasn't 100% fit! We may have a new superstar in our midst.

Now what of his rivals? Marcus Tregoning knows what it takes to land the "big one", having saddled last year's winner Sir Percy. His entry Aqaleem displayed much improved form to land the Lingfield Derby trial with a terrific turn of foot and he is still open to further progression. Aidan O'Brien probably had more original entries than anyone and still holds a strong contingent. The pick of his runners looks to be impressive Derrinstown Stud winner Archipenko, but his outsiders have been popping up in some of the big races and so it is hard to select anything of his with confidence.

One trainer seeking his first success in the big race is David Elsworth, who holds Salford Mill in very high regard. This son of Peintre Celebre was a clear cut winner of a Listed race at Newmarket last time and is David's best chance of landing the prize for many a year.

There are one or two others to consider, including Strategic Prince, who was staying on at one pace in the Guineas, but after absorbing all the information available we have to give you the clearance to back Authorized.

Nothing much went right on Thursday..

Although I don't think it was the best of rides on Wise Dennis. Moving ahead to Friday, this time Danny is picking a Nicholls runner, Buachaill Dona in the 4.25 at York. This one looked a progressive type last season before racing too keenly on his final outing. Three contenders for myself, first of all Filios in the 5.00 at York, who was unlucky last time out in a race that is working out well. My other two choices are at Newbury, Mujahaz in the 3.30 has been crying out for this trip and Ancient Culture in the 4.40 showed promise in an above average maiden at Windsor and looks certain to improve.

Frosty Jak, they're avin a laugh...

First of all I must beg forgiveness for Frosty Jak. It was forecast at 12/1 when I picked it, it opened up 7/2 , was backed off the boards and then found little in the race. I would not have picked it at 7/2, let alone 11/10. Never mind it could be one to watch out for next time. Anyway on to Thursday and Danny has a sneaky feeling for Mick Channon's runner in the 3.50, Nawaaff. This one is bred for speed, comes from a yard in form and if backed should be followed. I reckon Dandy Nicholls will win the opener at 1.45 with Master Plasta. I can't believe this one is now rated only 92. He will improve for his recent outing ( his first for the king of sprint handicaps), and at 16/1 he is a must for each-way backers. I also give a great chance to Wise Dennis in the 3.15, who won so decisively last time at Ascot and still looks on a decent mark and has ground in his favour.

The winners keep trickling...

Just one winner at short odds on Tuesday, but Danny's selection ran a blinder from a bad draw. We are at loggerheads over the big sprint at York. Danny has selected Soldiers Tale, while I like the look of Amadeus Wolf. I think the best thing to do is put half a point on each in a bit of dutching. Danny also likes the look of Bed Fellow in the 5.00. This one should be spot on for this following two recent efforts and has the combination of a trainer and jockey both in form. There may be more to follow once I get the kids to bed. I just had to add another selection, Frosty Jak in the 4.00 at Exeter is absolutely thrown in on it's chase rating. He showed improved form over fences and if he can transfer that progression to hurdling he will prove hard to beat.

Back in profit with a nice 16/1 winner...

It's nice to be back in the black and we will try and stay there with another couple of fancies this afternoon. We are heading to Newcastle and Danny's selection is in the handicap at 4.20. It is a tough race but he gives Middlemarch an excellent each-way chance. Jim Goldie has his runners in good form and having won off 71 last year this one isn't badly treated and does have his perfect ground. No big priced selection for me today, but I think Secret Tune is a good thing in the 3.50. Pat Eddery had a winner yesterday and this one finished runner up in what looked a much better race at Windsor on his debut. A horse rated 79 was behind that day, along with representatives from some top yards, he will find this race much easier.

A poor day's racing but....

We do have one or two we like including Graceful Steps in the 3.10 at Musselburgh which is Danny's only selection. She beat a subsequent winner before getting collared by a progressive Amanda Perrett runner. She doesn't look to have too much to beat here. My each-way selection is Adage in the 3.50 at Wolverhampton. This one has gone well off higher marks and compared with most of these is lightly raced and open to improvement.

Mixed results on Saturday...

Really we are more interested in the flat and so with three jumps meetings in this country there is nothing we fancy too strongly, however we have a guest tipster in my workmate Paul Thompson, who is strong on the claims of King's Fable in the 2.40 at Plumpton. A decent middle distance performer on the flat for Mark Johnston, he has been found a modest opening by his brilliant trainer. Danny has a couple he likes, Itsmyboy in the 2.20 at Worcester. David Pipe's charge is rated 125 over hurdles and if he jumps round he should win. The second choice for young Master Bridges is Guymur in the 3.20, a bit of an awkward customer but if he puts it all in has a great chance. I was going to bottle out today, but I have decided to select Freedom Of Choice in the 2.30 at Uttoxeter. This one showed plenty of promise on his debut, after attracting a steady flow of money, we may see an improved performance today.

Two poor efforts on Friday......

...but we have quite few fancies for Saturday. Not much time so just a quick mention of our choices. Danny likes Heaven Sent in the 1.10 at Ascot. Stable is back on song and a solid effort last time out. His second choice is Mythical Kid in the 3.15 at Lingfield. For me, Partners In Jazz has a great chance in the 2.20 at Ascot and Stanleygoodspeed is the one for me in the 3.35. Mountain High in the 1.45 at Ascot and Wasseema in the 2.40 at Lingfield are two short priced Stoute runners that should oblige.

Never trust a forecast sp !!

Pipedreamer successful on Thursday but not at the forecast 6/1. Never mind, on to Friday and three selections to check out. The first is from Danny in the 2.20 at Chester, Peter Chapple-Hyam's Striving Storm. This one ran a blinder in a group three contest last time out, hanging to the left all the way up the straight. From a perfect draw and on this left-handed track he should be capable of making all the running. Moving on to the 3.00 at Nottingham and Danny goes for Dee Cee Elle. This one keeps on improving and the hat-trick should be landed. I like the look of Prima Ballerina in the 4.10 at Nottingham. This one was given an easy introduction and her astute trainer thinks it is worth taking on Truly Enchanting again.

A blank day at Chester.....

But not too much damage done as our main bet a non-runner. We head to Goodwood on Thursday and Pipedreamer is our first selection in the 2.10. The form for this one is obvious as he finished sixth behind Diamond Tycoon on his debut, a race that is working out very well. Danny has found an interesting each-way runner in the 4.20, Paul Cole's Tarkamara. Her final run of last season was in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, where she ran a decent race. If anywhere near that form today she has to go close off a mark of 80.

The clouds finally lift...

Back in business with a 12/1 winner, but tomorrow is another day and we have to keep it going. There is one I really fancy in the first at Chester, the David Evans trained Vhujon. This is one of the best juveniles in the yard, he bolted out of the stalls and made all at Bath last time and has the perfect draw to repeat that run in the Lily Agnes. Danny likes the look of Six Day War in the 4.00. The Osborne yard is flying at the moment and this one was a ready winner last time out.

The black clouds are still here.

We expected a poor run sometime but this is getting too much. It gets to the point where you are scared to pick anything, however we are not quitters and so... My first selection runs at Southwell in the 3.00, James Given's Jeu D'Esprit. This filly is nicely bred, is in a handicap for the first time and has a great chance on her best run of last year. Candy Mountain in the 2.40 at Chepstow is my second choice. Luca Cumani was successful with a similar type last week and this shouldn't take a great deal of winning. A couple of selections from Danny, Convince in the 3.50 at Chepstow and an each-way choice in Move Over Darling in the 2.30 at Southwell.

We can't buy a winner at the moment, but we keep trying

Danny has a couple today, his first is Hartmann in the 3.30 at Kempton. This expensive purchase is reportedly in good order at home and could land this before moving onto better things. Waymark in the 4.00 is his second choice. This one is from ayard in form and is expected to step up on debut run. I like the look of Very Agreeable in the 3.50 at Windsor. This one ended last campaign beating a horse now rated 92, so could have got in lightly for her handicap debut.

No joy with the colts, what about the fillies?

Strategic Prince ran a decent enough race but looked more like a Derby horse. it will be interesting to see what Paul Cole does with him next. Meanwhile it is the ladies turn this afternoon. There is no value in Finsceal Beo, but we do have this one at " bigger prices" ante-post. The best each-way alternative we have come up with is Miss Beatrix, who did little wrong last season and did in fact have the Bolger horse behind in a valuable sales race. Danny also likes the look of Papal Bull in the 2.30 race. Stoutey's colt was unlucky in last year's Derby and the fact he is kept in training by this top yard suggests he should be winning races like this. My largest bet of the day will be on Osolomio in the 3.55 race at Hamilton. He stayed on strongly to win over a mile and a half at Thuirsk last time and should defy an eight pound rise. The race is named after the stable's globe trotting winner so know doubt they would love to land this prize. Henry Candy hit winning form during the week and he can land the 2.15 race at Salisbury with the progressive Oldjoesaid.

Can Strategic Prince land the Guineas?

Well both Danny and myself have come down on the side of Strategic Prince in today's feature at Newmarket. Paul Cole's colt wasn't beaten far behind Teofilo in the Dewhurst (form that gives him the beating of Adagio), he has been working well at home and the stable is in good form. Cole may also take the opener with Thunder Storm Cat, who landed his maiden in great style and has improved considerably from his seasonal debut.

Teofilo down and out.....

....but we may be down but not quite out yet. Shame about all my ante-post bets on the 2,000 gns, it's been one of those years for me. Back to tomorrow, there are a couple that catch my eye. In the first at Lingfield Mark Wallace has an interesting newcomer in Carolina Belle. This American bred filly cost more than the rest of these put together, is an early foal and the yard can get one ready first time out. My second choice is in the 3.50 at Musselburgh, the youngster in the race, Terentia. This one put in some terrific performances last season and looked in need of a recent return. She was beaten by Fire Up The Band but has a nice weight pull and should improve. Danny has taken a look at Lingfield and thinks Eisteddfod can bounce back to winning ways in the 3.30.

Nothing going right at the moment.

Another poor day for the blog, but we are going to try and claw our way back into profit with three fancies today. Danny likes the look of Magic Moth in the 8.05 at Wolverhampton. Quite an impressive winner on his debut over course and distance, he may not have handled the firm ground at Bath on his second outing. Henry Candy has made a slow start to the season, but that is probably due to the fact most of his horses prefer a bit of cut. However one that will relish today's Folkestone ground is Pretty Miss who runs in the 3.00. She went close on a couple of occasions last season and doesn't look to have much to beat today. Green Go in the 3.40 at Hereford is my second selection. This one has dropped to a decent mark, has gone well fresh in the past and is one of two representatives from a shrewd yard.

A frustrating Tuesday.

So close today to a nice profit, but it wasn't to be. On to Wednesday and plenty I fancy today including Silver Pivotal in the 2.45 at Ascot. Gerard Butler's horses are in top form and this one won very easily last time out. Going To Work is the choice in the 4.20 at Nottingham. David Elsworth's horses always improve with racing and this was very impressive when successful last time out. Sir Michael likes to win at Pontefract and Manaal looks a good thing in the 4.05. Very green when winning last time so we expect plenty of improvement today. With the Butler yard going so well I am also going to put forward two of his newcomers, Confide In Me in the 6.55 at Kempton and Arithmatix in the 2.00 at Nottingham. Both are superbly bred and fetched decent prices at the sales.

We start where we left off last week.

Just for the sake of it, here are my full list of children in age order. Jack (18), Toby(16) (blog-site manager), Chloe (15) Adam (14) and of course Danny (13).

Well after a marvellous start to the blog we are now struggling to find winners, but it will come good.
I have a couple of each-way chances at Bath. In the 2.40 Prince des Neiges can go well at decent odd. Ian Williams is amongst the winners and this triple winner in France could now be ready to pounce following two runs in this country. The second selection runs in the the 4.40, Janmes Given's Folga. This one will love the ground, doesn't have much to find on official ratings and has won over course and distance.
Over the jumps at Wincanton Lord Mayor in the 2.20 is worth considering for an each-way punt. This former classy performer on the flat showed signs of a form revival last time out and could be ready to spring a surprise.