UK Horse Racing Information

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Hi, welcome to UK Racing Information. It may take you a while to read this page, in fact you will probably give up long before you reach the bottom, but what you will find is that it contains a huge amount about racing and form, provided by someone who knows the form inside out. Please read as much as you like and let me know what you think. I have consistently provided race selections based on my knowledge, systems and databases that very few others would have looked at, and I invite you to participate by buying the systems or the databases, or subscribing to my subscription service, which has provided numerous winners at up to 50/1 when up and running!
While we are receiving a good number of hits daily, very few are taking up the subscription service. Please give it a try!

Do you back all the short-priced favourites (boring!), or would you prefer a real buzz, and get winners at any price up to 50/1? I am sure you would prefer the latter! My subscription service has produced numerous winners at any price in the last few weeks. £10.50 per week or £30 per month, or if you prefer a smaller list, selections for four races (two horses for each race) for £15 per month. These are specially selected from a close study of the form and the recent running patterns. Although they do not always win, they provide great fun! Email me to subscribe!

(21st October) In the last five days I have provided subscribers with winners at 33/1, 22/1, 16/1, 14/1 nap, 12/1 twice, 10/1 twice, 8/1, 6/1 and 4/1, plus numerous placed horses and a straight forecast (22/1 first and 5/1 second) valued at over £120! Where else can you get winners like that, genuinely sent out around midday, well before racing starts? My selections cost £10.50 per week or £30 per month, for which you get selections for about 10-12 races per day, all of which have been carefully selected for their winning potential. To join in the fun, please email me, or send your remittance via Paypal to snookermag@aol.com giving your email details. See my results by clicking on the Daily Selections Page link below.

Daily Selections Page

Winners From Placed Form system. Email me for details. This has produced hundreds of winners over the last couple of seasons, including a good number at 25/1, 33/1 and bigger. There are countless examples of system winners and big-priced places in my daily reports below! Just £5 for a real money-spinner!

Email me for the Racehorse Databases. Over the last few seasons I have compiled databases of well-handicapped horses - over 15,000 horse ratings for the Flat and NH (a goldmine of information). £12.50 for the Flat, £10 for NH, or £20 for both. One winner will pay for them outright! I can also provide theWinners From Placed Form system (most of those below are genuine system results) for £5 by email. Look at the results below. No scams there! What more proof do you need? You are receiving the same type of knowledge used by trainers in assessing their horse's chances in a particular race (well, they do have a slightly bigger advantage, being on the inside).

Picking Big Priced Winners From Form (see below). A new study to identify well handicapped horses. Please email me.

New Publication:
I have compiled a new short study explaining how to research horse racing form, enabling anyone to select good priced winners. This is entitled: Picking Big Priced Winners From Form (not to be confused with my system Winners From Placed Form), which can be used in conjunction with the system. This is now available by email for £4.00. Paypal acceptable to snookermag@aol.com Please email me if you are interested.

New venture: As a change from my usual routine, I am considering providing lists of horses which I consider are ready to win soon, which can be backed in their next couple of starts. These would cost £5 for 20 selections (25p each) or two lists for £9. Please contact me if interested.

My daily comments on racing have provided numerous big priced winners and places over the last few months, and you can see from the results that I have an excellent knowledge of horse racing form and can pick horses that other people have not even considered, Now that's better than backing all the short-priced favourites, isn't it?

My system is now available in easy to read parts "Form Figures To Follow Pts 1-5" for £1.50 each or £6 for all 5 by email attachment. These have already produced numerous winners and placed horses in the recent weeks. Email me for details.

I hope you will read this page and send me your comments when appropriate. I always try to provide genuine form information and try to throw light on a very difficult and often frustrating sport. Most of my selections are right, but quite often on the wrong day (too early).

Subscription Service (updated 12th October):

In April my daily selections (free to view and posted well in advance) produced winners (returned SP) at 50/1, 25/1, 20/1, 8/1 twice and 6/1 twice, plus a number of other placed horses at big prices. Several of these were actually at bigger prices at the time of posting and were backed in before the race, so you could have got even better by taking early prices.
On 22nd June (see below) from 9 selections I gave Seneschal 50/1 winner, Danehillsundance 9/4 winner, Stargazy 20/1 winner, Helping Hand 12/1 winner and Fathey 16/1 third, beaten less than half a length, and two others were just outside the places. Where else can you get tipping like that? If everyone had winners like that, the bookies would be broke!
On 23rd September my selections, sent out before noon, produced 4 winners at 16/1, 12/1, 8/1 and 7/2 and several places at good prices. I have posted my recent selections here:

Selections cost £10.50 per week or £30 per month, sent by email daily around noon. I will be backing all the selections that I send myself, so you know that I will be putting in my best efforts!
I would be grateful if you would email me (again even if you have already done so) expressing interest in the service, so that I can gauge the amount of interest and compile a list of potential subscribers.

Recent Results and my comments based on the System, databases and lists (if you want to find out about value in racing, read on):

I am still looking to complete my list of subscribers to my daily selections. If you prefer, I can send just top-rated (see below!) Please email me if you are interested.

I was currently posting Daily Selections and top-rated here:

June 2nd 2011: I shall shortly be passing on my new selections by subscription only, at a rate of £10.50 per week or £30 per month, so if you want to share my sometimes wayward, sometimes brilliant, but always honest, selections, please email me in the next couple of days. You may of course join at any time. I will post the outcome of these selections when the new list starts. Go here for my previous daily selections, including numerous winners, 40/1, 20/1, 16/1 nap, 14/1, several at 12/1 and some huge-priced places! I am not currently posting selections, but will start a new list if you email me soon..

4th November: Just thought I would have a look at today's racing: So far - System bet Domoly 8/1 winner of the 1.40 Hexham! System bet Magot De Grugy (sixth out of seven with one pulled up last time) 3/1 winner of the 2.50 Fontwell. System bet Colour Of Love 14/1 winner of the 3.00 Ffos Las, with system bet Galatian 10/1 third! System bet Azulada Bay 7/2 winner of the 3.20 Fontwell. System bet Financial Climate 14/1 winner of the 4.20 Fontwell. Not a bad day for the system, and I haven't checked all the results!

12th October: Just thought I would keep an eye on recent results, and found a few good ones today: Database top-rated Cape Royal 12/1 winner of the 2.40 Nottingham, and Vhujon 16/1 winner of the 5.40 Kempton! Database for the Flat still available at £12.50 and for NH £10 (£20 for both). System bet Henry Holmes 28/1 winner of the 5.10 Lingfield, and system bet Focail Maith 8/1 winner!

17th September: Hi, sorry I have not updated this blog recently, but I have spent some time away from racing. Just to let you know that my databases are still doing well, and recently gave a clear top-rated 28/1 winner in Hinton Admiral and Mishrif at 8/1! Flat database available for £12, National Hunt for £10 or £20 for both! Payment by Paypal to snookermag@aol.com

13th-16th June: I am having a while away from racing at the moment, and I apologise if you look forward to reading my blog, but please feel free to contact me with any questions on the system or anything else to do with racing. If I can help, I will.

7th-12th June: Sorry that again I have not followed the racing during this period. Hope you got a few winners from the system and my recent tips!

3rd-6th June: I have not been following the racing closely in the last three days, but no doubt someone will let me know what system winners they have found? It would be nice to hear from someone else for a change!

2nd June: New Selection Subscriptions wanted - see above. The top three official rated first, second and third in the 2.40 Hamilton. System bet Drawback 25/1 second in the 2.50 Lingfield. Doc Hay (-450, see below 30th May) 6/1 winner of the 3.10 Hamilton. Argentine will do better soon, and Tournedos failed again (totally unpredictable!). Best in Jobe (see 7th April) 9/1 winner of the 3.40 Hamilton with system bet Frequency 14/1 second. System bet Arrow Storm 11/4 winner of the 4.50 Lingfield. Gallantry should have done better. The top two official rated first and second in the 3.30 Southwell. It is amazing how often this works, and worth bearing in mind for forecasts, etc. System bet All Right Now 100/30 winner of the 4.00 Southwell with Aultcharn (sys+1) 9/1 third. System bet Premier League 9/2 winner of the 5.00 Southwell. Flow Chart was well in on old form, finishing third at 50/1, so worth bearing in mind, although Grayson's runners are very unpredictable. Another system bet today, Cheveyo, should show again soon. Before I looked at the full result, I thought "I bet that finished fourth or seventh", and, guess what? It finished seventh! It is amazing how often they use seventh place as a -0! System bet and official top-rated Yabora 100/30 winner of the 5.50 Wetherby, with the next two top-rated second and third! Bill Turner showed that he is no back number with first time out newcomers with a 25/1 winner in the 6.00 Sandown! Brandywell Boy and Cape Royal (6.30 Sandown) should both be worth a bet soon, as their form figures are now very promising (in my eyes). How did we know that best in Soft Spoken Guy would probably not win the 6.55 Wetherby? Because it should have been favourite, but opened up as third favourite! System bet Kingsmoss 9/4 winner. Best in Serena's Pride had a trial run today in the 7.05 Sandown, as it was clearly going better than the horses that went past it! Keep an eye on it soon. May's Boy (almost a system bet) 33/1 winner! Norman Orpen (-2550, almost a system bet) 15/2 winner of the 7.35 Sandown with Viva Vettori (sys+1) 15/2 fourth. Pairc Na Gcapall, which I tipped recently (see 15th May), 4/1 winner of the 7.15 Uttoxeter. Tampa Boy is also better than this run.

31st May & 1st June: I did not follow the racing on either day, but noted the following system results: Bedloe's Island won 20/1, No Poppy won 9/2, Stagecoach Opal won 9/2, Blue Signal won 3/1, plus a number of placed horses, several at good prices.

30th May: System bet Le Corvee 9/1 winner of the 2.50 Towcester. Put up a much better performance than last time against Chrysander. The latter should still have won at these weights, so I suspect it may have eased off a little. System bet Mandalay King 22/1 second, with system bet Apache Ridge 16/1 third in the 2.55 Carlisle. Final Salute will do better soon. System bet Hurricane Lady 8/1 winner of the 3.05 Chepstow. Twelve Paces (3.20 Cartmel) is thrown in when wanted soon. System bet Red Fama 40/1 winner of the 3.30 Carlisle! System bet Russian Rave 7/1 winner of the 3.50 Leicester, with system bet Night Trade 20/1 third! System is working well so far today, just wish I'd had a combination bet on a few of them! System bet Halucha 20/1 third in the 4.00 Towcester. I think I can safely say that Halicarnassus should put in a good run next time, now that they have done all they can to convince us that it is useless! Both Bajan Parkes 6/1 and Finellas Fortune 11/1 had -450 figures in the 5.20 Redcar, finishing first and second! Well, it's not far off my system figures -460! System bet Magnitude (see my tip on its penultimate run 19th March) 4/1 winner (why so short?), with system bet Ishismart 12/1 second in the 5.35 Leicester! The only thing I object to is the amount of money for many of these horses after a poor series of runs, suggesting that these runs were deliberately bad. French Art (fourth in the 4.20 Goodwood) will probably do better next time as a system bet, but watch out! That stable likes to back them! I had system bet Ivory Lace and Fault as my best two in for the 4.55 Goodwood, finishing second and third! I also had system bet Robby Bobby (see 26th April) as being thrown in for the 5.30, winning at 6/1! Must have been backed into that price.

29th May: I did not follow the racing today, but I think there were a number of system results, including a 33/1 winner!

28th May: With so much other sport on television today, I did not get involved in the racing, but noted the following system winners: Majuro 16/1 in the 3.30 Catterick, Rosewin 7/1 in the 4.05 Catterick, Whereveryougoigo 5/1 winner with Citrus Mark 4/1 second in the 6.20 Stratford. There were also numerous system placed horses, as happens on most days. Email for your copy of the system (£5) or my new form study (£4) now!

27th May: System bet Bling King 14/1 winner of the 2.30 Brighton! It is unusual for Noseda to have a 25/1 winner (Regal Realm in the 2.20 Newmarket)! System bet Swiss Dream 9/1 winner of the 2.55 Newmarket! I have a feeling that Whoateallthepius will put in a good performance shortly. Song To The Moon was best in on official ratings including 3lb claimer in the 3.05 Brighton, and won the race at 9/4, but Illuminative is much better than its official rating, and should be watched for in a nearby handicap. My two best in for the 3.20 Newcastle were Fossgate 11/2 (which I tipped very recently on 24th May) and Spahi 4/1, which finished first and second! I also fancied system bet Golden Future (16/1 third) so could have had the tricast if I had been backing today! Keep an eye on Media Stars, which will be a system bet next time. Edes Dot Com (second) was by far best in on all known form for the 3.40 Brighton, but perhaps wanted to get rid of a couple of first places before winning again? The winner must have improved a lot otherwise. System bet Geblah almost got up in the 3.55 Newcastle, but second place was no good, except for forecast purposes. Astroleo was best in for the 4.15 Brighton, winning at 7/1 and I also fancied Vinces, which looked like coming in the first two for a long way. The latter should win a race soon. I fancied No Hubris in the 4.05 Newmarket, coming third at 11/1 (system next time), and I also had a sneaky feeling for the winner Folly Bridge at 20/1, with -36 figures, which either do well or are useless in preparation for a system bet! Klynch won for the third time in a row in the 4.30 Newcastle, but two horses were better in, Burnwynd Boy (thrown in but only third, clearly each-way money) and Hinton Admiral, which will both do better very soon. System bets Byron Bear and Inca Blue 17/2 second and 4/1 third in the 5.05 Newcastle. I mentioned some time back that Ruth Carr has a lot of well-handicapped horses when the stable hits form, and she had had numerous winners recently, including Amazing Blue Sky 11/4 in the 6.05 Haydock tonight. The only drawback to this is the fact that the horses are almost always backed heavily when they win, so there is not much chance of a good price. Still, you were given the information here in good time to take advantage!

26th May: Best in Filun completed a hat-trick in the 2.40 Brighton, after I had slated it for underperforming for a long time! Saxonette (-540) 11/4 winner of the 2.50 Ayr. It was not best in by any means, but most of the others appeared to be running to their own agendas, including Surely This Time (last) and Novalist. Both of these will do better soon. Fathey and Avonvalley were very disappointing in the 3.00 Folkestone, and I am sure they will both do better soon. Unfortunately the Grayson stable can't buy a winner in recent times, although many of its runners are fantastically well-handicapped. I don't know where Gothic Chick came from, but somebody knew something (it was 19lb well in on last season's form). System bet and thrown-in Beckermet (see 3rd May) 3/1 winner of the 3.50 Ayr! The other horse that I mentioned in that comment, Dhhamaan, has also won since. They knew what they had there! Charles Parnell was disappointing and no doubt was put off by the presence of Beckermet. Whatyouwoodwishfor should also run better soon. Phluke (third in the 4.10 Brighton) was best in on old form and will probably win soon, but Diddums was also well-handicapped. winning at 15/2. Durgan should do better very soon. System bet Frontline Girl 4/1 winner of the 4.20 Ayr. Dabbers Ridge was thrown in but too big a price, made a menacing move from last place two out, but never got there, and will do better soon. Also bear Moody Tunes (third and stablemate of the winner) in mind. My recent tip, Quanah Parker (see 7th May) 3/1 winner of the 4.50 Ayr! System bet Red Yarn 18/1 second in the 5.00 Folkestone. Nezami should do better soon. System bet Magical Speedfit 2/1 winner of the 5.10 Brighton.

25th May: System bet Benbane Head 2/1 winner of the 2.30 Newton Abbot. Monel (by Cadeaux Genereux) 14/1 winner of the 2.45 Ayr. The back form between Kings Story and Transvestite worked out to the pound in the 3.05 Newton Abbot, although Killing Me Softly (third) was best in on old form, but made its effort too late. System bet Ginger Ted 10/1 winner of the 3.15 Ayr! System bet With Grace 5/4 winner of the 4.15 Newton Abbot, with system bet Hatchet Man 50/1 second! Not a bad forecast (£82.99)! Why do the principal rivals (Full Of Spirit) pull up so often? System bet Ykikamoocow 4/1 winner of the 4.25 Ayr! Mozayada should have done better off this rating, as should Eternal Instinct. Also keep an eye on Casino Night (fourth) which seemed to fade too easily. Connections of the winner and placed horses must be aware of this, or they could not be sure of getting a return! Macmar was thrown in for the 4.45 Newton Abbot, but you could tell it was not going to win from a long way out. Hopefully will do better as a system bet next time. The winner Gem Mill had typical system type figures, but I would not have picked it. Olival is also due a better run very soon. I felt really sorry for McCoy, who looked sure to win from some way out, but got pipped on the line (violins...). Valdan 9/1 (see 3rd May) was best in for the 4.55 Ayr, but with poor recent form I think second place was all that was wanted, despite travelling supremely well all the way. Must win soon if running like that again. Perhaps Blazing Buck's connections were aware of that. Jackson is another to keep in mind, along with Duar Mapel, which had that dreaded 7lb claimer on it today. Devil Water was far better in than Authentic Act in the 5.00 Sedgefield, but the rider left its effort too late, and it looked a bit like a fait accompli.

24th May: System bet Umph 7/1 third in the 2.20 Chepstow. System bet Munaawer (very well in on old form) 25/1 second in the 2.40 Ripon. Official top-rated She's Rosie 3/1 winner of the 2.50 Chepstow with system bet Crucis Abbey 13/2 second. System bet Ilissos 8/1 second in the 3.00 Lingfield. Tanforan (3.20 Chepstow) was a big price, made a brief effort, but soon backed out. The horse is very well handicapped when wanted, so keep an eye on it. I would also have expected Bold Cross to finish closer than it did today. I Confess was best in on official ratings for the 3.30 Lingfield, but I had Dichoh as best in, never getting into the shakeup. That one and Kipchak will do better when wanted. Stonescrabstomorrow is also thrown in for a handicap, hopefully soon. I fancied Ruth Carr's Dubai Dynamo 11/2 winner in the 3.40 Ripon, but two other horses could have done better, namely Suits Me and Prince Of Dance. Keep an eye on both of these soon. System bet Snow Bay 7/1 third. Spinning Waters 7/1 and Dove Cottage were two of my fancies for the 3.50 Chepstow, finishing first and third, with system bet Orbital Orchid 5/1 second! Strange how you can almost visualise the outcome before the start sometimes! I don't know why Overwhelm was such a big price in the 4.00 Lingfield, as it looked like winning for much of the race before dropping out. Perhaps that was why it was that price! Worth keeping an eye on. Lady Del Sol and Watts Up Son are better than they showed today in the 4.10 Ripon, so keep an eye on them for the future. I thought Norman The Great (16/1 third) might run well in the 4.20 Chepstow, as King's flat runners invariably show up. I was surprised how easily Beaumont's Party ran with 6lb extra, must be a listed or group horse in the making! Edgeworth was disappointing, as it came up easily, then apparently found nothing. 7lb claimer on again! Will do better. You can tell when they are not really wanted, because they seem to be fighting the jockey (who is probably holding them back). (4.30). I will be surprised if Silca Conegliano does not show up in the next at Lingfield. Well, despite being very well in, it did not show, so I would suggest a small interest next time out. System bet Auto Mac 25/1 third in the 4.40 Ripon. The top two official rated finished first in a dead-heat! System bet Haulit 8/1 third in the 5.00 Lingfield. I don't know how much lower Cavalry Guard has to go in the weights before it wins, as, unless it has lost all of its ability, it could almost run backwards and win off this mark! Byrd In Hand (second) is also due a win. Fossgate (sys+1) 33/1 second had to be in the shakeup in the 5.10 Ripon off its current mark, and can win soon. The only doubts about its performance were the long price and the first place remaining at the front. It seems reasonable to assume that the Bethell stable does not back its horses, as it has had several long-priced places today. Strangely enough, the other horse that I fancied, Mohawk Ridge, finished second! Quite often I can run my eyes down a racecard and think that two or three stand out. Cactus King was 25/1 in the 5.30 Lingfield, and its performance (last) reflected that. It probably won't be such a short price when it's out to do the business, which can't be long! Mnarani was backed off the boards in this race, and duly won (well it was 26lb well in). Why do they have to get every last ounce of profit out of a good run? It ruins it for everybody else! Illuminative was similarly well in, and must do better soon.

23rd May: System bets Sairaam 16/1 and Copperwood 20/1 second and third in the 2.15 Leicester. Don't know what happened to Jacqueline Quest, but the lowest rated, Saddlers Bend won the 4.15 leicester. What a cheek to have results like that! Doesn't say much for the others! At least the highest rated won the 4.45, but, of course, Lang Shining is much better than that really. Oh, I just noticed that they are stablemates! Naughty, naughty! Unusual for Mr Easterby to have a 33/1 winner (2.00 Carlisle), although it does vary, some are backed and some are not. Depends on the owner, I suppose. After all my fuss about Fremen it has now won three out of four recently. Why didn't it win before? Mastership was the only one that did not really compete to its ability in this race, so watch for it soon. Makes me laugh when I see horses like Mangham (3.00 Carlisle) struggling to win off 65, so it should not be long now. System bet Mini's Destination 11/1 winner of the 4.30 Carlisle. Northern Bolt (5.00 Carlisle) is worth a bet soon now, as it was heavily backed today. I had Hansomis (second) as next best in. Klynch, that I kept tipping on previous runs (see 25th April), has now won twice (including 10/1) in a row, so it just shows what it was capable of! Berbice becomes increasingly frustrating, and it must be its turn very soon now (6 furlongs+).

22nd May: I did not follow or back in the races today, and, while there were a few system results, there is nothing significant to report. I have more or less completed my latest form study, and it should be available shortly. If you want to know how to pick value selections, please email me for a copy.

21st May: System bet Just Lille 7/2 winner of the 2.05 York. System bet Crown Choice 15/2 winner of the 2.15 Goodwood. It was pretty obvious from the ratings that Question Times underperformed in the 2.25 Chester, and I thought for a long time that system bet Muffraaj was going to win, eventually finishing second at 10/1. Awzaan should have won the 2.35 York on all known form, and its turn will come when wanted. Is it today for Halicarnassus in the 2.45 Goodwood? Let's see! Well, it finished fourth after making an eye-catching run in the last few furlongs, and I thought it was going to win at one point! Make a note for the near future! Borderlescott could have finished closer apart from a late removal of the blindfold, and should be worth a bet in a similar race next time. The top two in the ratings, Times Up and Theology, first and second in the 3.15 Goodwood. Despite its poor recent form, City Leader was one of the best in for the 3.20 Goodwood, and won at 16/1! Just shows that they like to display poor form for price purposes quite often. I was watching Prince Siegfried, and I thought it could have finished closer apart from being hampered near the finish. Bear it in mind for a future event.Does not always work, but often good for a (reverse) forecast, giving better odds than just picking the winner! My recent tip, Our Jonathan, (see 13th May) 100/30 wiiner of the 4.00 Chester. They like to get their value from them, don't they? System bet Balcarce Nov 14/1 third. Damika is due very soon. System bet English Summer 11/2 winner of the 4.35 Chester. Odd, isn't it? They make one horse favourite, put the stable jockey on it, and the other one wins! Can't be coincidence! Dickie Le Davoir wins at 20/1 again! Why did it have two bad runs in between (just for effect?)? Don't know what they are doing with Indian Trail, but keep a close eye on it now. Tabaret is another due soon. Magic Cat (4.40 Haydock) was best in, finishing third, and should win again soon. Keep an eye on Oliver's Gold (5.00 Goodwood) which is due a better run. System bet Not My Choice 5/1 second in the 5.10 Chester. I had that one and the winner Orpenindeed as my two best in!

20th May: My recent tip and system bet Aviso 6/1 second in the 2.40 Bath. Must win soon. System bets The Bells O Peover 9/1 and Standout 8/1 second and third in the 2.30 Haydock. Henrys Air, which I backed recently and was well in on old form, 66/1 winner of the 3.10 Bath! It's form figures are worth noting -3666. My system suggests -3660 are worth watching, so pretty close! Mister Ben Vereen was hacking behind the leaders, but did not get a run until almost too late! I had system bet Colincas Lad (9/2 third) and Grey Boy as my best two in for the 3.20 Yarmouth, but the latter was the stablemate of the winner, Cane Cat, (22/1) which probably explains why it finished out of the places! Will do better, hopefully next time. Integria must be much better than its official rating to get second place off this weight! Serenas Pride was best in for the 3.30 Haydock, but was clearly not wanted today. The first and second were both off the same top rating of 80 (3lb claimer on the winner), often a good indicator. Could not understand why Bassett Road was 12/1! System bet Regal Approval 7/2 third. I had Ebraam (third) and Brandywell Boy (fourth) as my two best in for the 3.40 Bath. Strikes me that they are often only running to get certain positions, but there is no way you can prove that! I don't know why Collect Art was favourite, but it won! Wallis was a big price (8/1) in the 3.50 Yarmouth, but it is dangerous to write off Cumani horses, which can often be anything! I thought system bet Night Lily would win, but seemed to struggle to get on terms. Why was Timocracy ridden like a dervish for the last four furlongs of the 3.10 Bath? It was obvious it wouldn't win with those antics, and perhaps that was the plan? It was better than these on all known form, but somebody knew otherwise. Diddums can also do much better. Penang Cinta did not seem to have any intention of winning the 4.40 Bath (dodn't know why) but it should have, so will do better soon. Why do they rarely run two good races in succession? Best in Market Puzzle was asymmetrical in the 4.50 Yarmouth, which probably explains why it was only fourth. The form was very solid, so hopefully it will do better next time. System bet Moonlight Fantasy 40/1 third! Second placed Petsas Pleasure was also well in, and can win before long. System bet Exiles Return 40/1 winner of the 5.40 Towcester! I mentioned that Sinadinou should have won a race earlier when it was favourite, and tonight it won the 7.20 Catterick off a much lower mark, so they obviously like an easier task! System bet Baby Driver 9/1 second, and another recent tip of mine, Anddante in third!

19th May: I did not follow the racing today (at least with any money), but noted the following: System bet and my recent tip, Quanah Parker (see 7th May), 12/1 third in the 1.50 Haydock. Amazing Blue Sky (-540 figures are often good) 20/1 second. System bet Sam Sharp 12/1 winner of the 4.00 Haydock, with my recent tip, Charlie Cool 13/2 fourth (will do better). Strangely, the two horses with the best form figures, Lady Amakhala and Madrasa, finished second and third at 25/1 and 20/1 in the 4.35 Haydock. System bet Sunday Bess 5/1 second in the 5.05 Haydock. System bet Plaisterer 22/1 winner of the 5.35 Haydock! Damn! I would have backed it if I had had a bet today! It is a horse that I have always noticed winning well when wanted. Also system bet King Zeal 25/1 third in this race. Pevensey is due a better run soon (-05 figures today). System bet Rushwee 13/2 winner of the 2.30 Wetherby. Best in Blue Charm (-060) (see my tip on 13th September, since when it has come down 6lb in the weights) 22/1 winner of the 2.10 Southwell. System bet On The Cusp 9/2 second in the 4.25 Southwell. System bet Clear Ice 9/2 winner of the 4.55 Southwell, with my recent tip Charles Parnell (sys+1) (see 14th February) 16/1 second! The latter is almost a certainty when wanted. Isn't it strange (and probably enfuriating for favourite backers) when Hannon's apparent second string Sixx 10/1 beats its stablemate in the 5.50 Sandown? This happens so often that it can't be coincidence. They just like bigger prices! Top stables have so much ammunition that almost anything is capable of winning, and it appears that they take advantage of that. How often does Fallon ride for Hannon, almost a tip in itself, but you can't bank on it. As soon as I heard the name Memphis Man mentioned before the 6.30 Salisbury, I thought "That will probably win", and it did, at 8/1! Isn't it strange how they run badly so many times, then suddenly seem to find their true form? Wonder why that is (nudge nudge, wink wink)? Little Perisher is definitely worth a bet very soon now, as it is almost as well handicapped (sorry, didn't realise it came third in this race).

18th May: Filun won again today easily at 5/6 in the 2.25 Lingfield. So why didn't it win before when I backed it countless times? System bet Lady Lam finished third, but I feel it can do better soon. System bet Mutayaser looked to be going best of the lot in the 2.35 Goodwood, but seemed to be squeezed out at a vital moment. Worth watching out for again. Humor Me Rene 11/4 was best in at the weights and on previous form, so I was surprised that it was not closer to favouritism in the 2.45 Lingfield, but it took its time in overhauling the favourite (for exchange purposes?). Lean Machine was slightly disappointing in fourth, but should do better, possibly in a handicap. A Cecil 1-2 in the 3.00 Lingfield, which did not entirely surprise me! System bet Dvinsky 13/2 second in the 4.10 Lingfield. This Elhamri (ah, third today I see) keeps running below form, and the same applies to Bonnie Prince Blue, so keep an eye out for them now, as they must run better. Strange how the lowest rated of the lot Masked Marvel won the 4.20 Goodwood. Is that a deliberate holding back of a horse? I thought system bet Sweet Possession was going to win easily in the 4.30 Kempton, eventually overtaken near the line. Can win soon, along with Miss Bootylishes, which faded too tamely for my liking. System bet Sunset Kitty 13/2 winner of the 5.20 Lingfield. Don't take any notice of the second place for Aspectus, (see my prophetic comment 11th April) as it is absolutely thrown in off this mark for a future race! Simple Rhythm (5.30 Goodwood) had a 7lb claimer on it today, suggesting that it was not wanted, but it was best in for this race and should do better soon. A 1-2 for Hannon this time in the 5.40 Goodwood! System bet Woolston Ferry 20/1 winner of the 6.15 Goodwood! Teen Ager should win again soon off this mark.

17th May: System bet Deerslayer 6/1 winner of the 2.50 Brighton. System bet Baby Queen 8/1 winner of the 3.00 Nottingham. My recent tip and system bet Nifty Roy (see 11th April) 33/1 second in the 3.10 Southwell. Amazingly on the betting show, Nifty Roy at one point was 50/1 in the betting, but 4.60 on the Tote! Is that an indicator or what? Sycho Fred is messing around at present, but unfortunately usually gets heavily backed when wanted, so take an early price! Beaver Patrol was thrown in for the 3.20 Brighton, finishing only second, but must win soon. Despite what they say, Andorn (3.30 Nottingham) is still very well-handicapped and will win again soon. They do that quite often, throwing in a bad run to suggest that it has reached the end of its winning run. No doubt everybody concerned knows all about that! Two Maktoum horses first and second in the 4.00 Nottingham, and of course it was the longer-priced one that won. Strange how that happens, because it would not happen if they did not want it to. Kings Realm was better in than Cygnet on the ratings, but the latter won somehow and was favourite. It's almost as if they know the result before the race! A horse that I backed last time out in a bumper, Tiradia, (-26) 66/1 third! Irish Symphony was clearly not wanted today (unfit?) but will do better. Phluke 11/1 was thrown in for the 4.20 Brighton, and seemed to have plenty in hand from the front, but also seemed to allow the favourite to overtake it near the line. How do we know what had been said beforehand? System bet Indian Violet 18/1 third. My recent tip, Apache Dawn, (see 17th April) 20/1 second in the 4.40 Southwell. Semi Detached was also going well until not running on in fourth, and will do better.

16th May: My recent tip, Spiritonthemount, (see 12th April) 7/1 winner of the 2.00 Bath, from system bet Miles Of Sunshine 12/1. You can be fairly sure that Prince Charlemagne (20/1 today) will be much more competitive soon, as it is very well in off this mark. The two Easterby's first and second in the 2.10 Wolverhampton. Auntie Joy ran on well for second, but one suspects that they knew which one would win out of the two, as they are not going to cost each other money, are they? System bet Don't Tell Baby appeared to be travelling well, despite being at the back of the field in the 2.20 Newton Abbot, but was eased, and I feel sure has more to give when wanted. The first two home had similar names, Abnaki and Akbabend, and I think the second had more to give than it showed here. Unusual for McCoy to have a 12/1 winner when riding for O'Neill! Franklino was top-rated, and will now be a system bet next time, so bear it in mind. Best in Silca Conegliano finished fast and (too) late in the 2.30 Bath, so keep an eye on it for the future. You would almost? think that they have been told not to finish in the first three, but that would be ridiculous, wouldn't it? System bet Avonlini 5/1 winner of the 2.40 Wolverhampton. Not only a system bet, but also symmetrical, which is often a good indicator! Suhayl Star was a big price today, showed for a while, then dropped out, so probably a trial run today and will do better. I thought Avontuur was going to win for a while, so another to keep in your notebook! Simply Strong was best in for the 2.50 Newton Abbot, but I suspect that, with very poor recent form, second place was all that was wanted. Alldunnandusted (fourth) can also do better. Hoh Hoh Hoh never showed in the 3.00 Bath, but this former listed class horse has come down about 40lb in the weights recently, and must show very soon now (lagged towards the back most of the way today). Witchry (third) was also much better in than most of these. System bet Charlietoo 16/1 winner of the 3.10 Wolverhampton! I thought my old favourite Almaty Express (second) was going to lead all the way! System bet Errigal Lad was well backed today, but never figured, and must do better shortly. Misaro (fourth) has also been disappointing recently. Stage Acclaim should have done better in the 3.20 Newton Abbot, and probably will next time, along with King's Forest, which was clearly not expected today. This Kylenoe Fairy seems to be a very good horse making its way up the ratings. Decoy (second) put on a great surge near the end, but was just denied, and clearly has more to give. Best in Scommettitrice ran on late in the 3.40 Wolverhampton, but it was stablemate Juarla which won the race. They knew what was going to happen! System bet Stravsambition 20/1 third. Marodima should not have been caught in the 3.50 Newton Abbot if they really wanted it to win, so one has to suspect otherwise for today. Next best Dominican Monk won the race, and travelled very well. Best in Angelena Ballerina only wanted second place today in the 4.00 Bath, but will do better again soon, along with Goose Green (fourth). The winner, Jewelled, is by Fantastic Light, so may have been better than the bare form figures.

15th May: System bet Pepper Lane 10/1 winner of the 3.10 Ripon. Kerry's Requiem must do better, possibly as a system bet next time. Chevy To The Levy was thrown in for the 3.30 Market Rase, but put in a deplorable effort to finish third, so must do better very soon. That 7lb claimer ("I'm not winning" again!) Cortinas and Mibleu (3.20 Stratford) are due better runs soon. Pairc Na Gcapall was very disappointing in the 3.50 Stratford, but spare a thought - it was getting rid of a first place - and will do better, as will Woodlands Gem when they decide to let it run properly. System bet Minella Bliss 25/1 third. The 5lb claimer this time made all the difference on Haldibari over Knighton Coombe. Best in Hail Caesar finished only third in the 4.00 Market Rasen, and will probably do better in a bigger race, although the winner, Karingreason, was also well-handicapped. Butler (sys+1) 12/1 winner of the 4.10 Ripon with system bet City Of The Kings 10/1 third. System bet That'll Do 15/8 winner of the 4.20 Stratford. System bet Angelo Poliziano 10/1 winner of the 5.10 Ripon.

14th May: I did not follow the racing today, but noted a number of system results and horses that I have tipped recently, including: Yorgunnabelucky, 33/1 winner of the 2.50 Newmarket! Singeur 14/1 winner of the 4.25 Thirsk, with system bets Silaah second at 5/2 and Beat The Bell third at 9/2. Good tricast! Other system winners: Glencadam Gold 2/1 and Neebras 4/6. I tipped Advanced on its last run, finishing second today at 13/2 in the 3.00 Thirsk. Funny how it was such a short price after a series of poor runs! There were other system results which you can check for yourself.

13th May: Official top-rated Izzi Top 8/1 winner of the 2.10 Newbury. Steady Eddy's tip and a surprisingly big price for one I would have short-listed! May Be Some Time (top-rated on previous form and almost a system bet) 33/1 third in the 2.20 Newmarket. System bet Magical Flower 16/1 third in the 2.50 Newmarket. Clear top official rated Theyskens Theory 15/8 winner of the 3.00 Newmarket (5/2 available at one point)! Some of the others which were well-rated did not perform very well, including Flood Plain and Primevere. You could see that Census was going to win the 3.10 Newbury from a long way out, but I don't know why Diamond Vision dropped out to be last when it seemed to be going almost equally well a couple of furlongs out. Best in Ramona Chase made no show in the 3.25 Newmarket, and together with Ellemujie (ran on late for seventh place) will do better soon. Both will then be system bets. Why do I get the impression that they were under instructions? System bet Thirteen Shivers (see 11th April) 16/1 winner of the 3.35 Newmarket! Insolenceofoffice did not show today, but can do much better soon. Our Jonathan was best in for the 4.10 York, but was a fast-finishing third again. Must win soon now. Damika is another that has been hanging fire, and must show soon. If the result is right, that makes Hoof It a group class horse. Time will tell. Official top-rated Elzaam 100/30 winner of the 4.20 Newbury. System bet Zain Shamrdal 8/15 winner of the 4.35 Newmarket. On ratings, Rojo Boy should have finished closer, so worth keeping an eye on. Bell and Turner with Communicator in the 4.45 York, and of course Fahey and Hanagan on the third, Lexington Bay, at 20/1. Best in Maslak's jockey did not appear too keen to win in the 4.55 Newbury, so watch out for it next time out. One of my favourite sires produced Peintre D'Argent to win from well back. Next best Zafranagar finished only fourth and will do better. System bet Cornish Beau 20/1 third. Best in Brandywell Boy was not wanted today in the 5.10 Newmarket, but will do better soon, along with the well-handicapped Bertoliver, which led on sufferance, but never convinced me that they wanted it to win. My fancy, Tout Regulier, was hacking in the lead in the 5.20 Aintree, and would have won easily but for falling at the last flight! Unfortunately this will not go unnoticed, and it will probably start a short price next time, but will it win then? Gulf Punch will also do better as a system bet soon.

12th May: I had Judge and Jury as my best in for the 1.30 York, and it finished fourth at 14/1, although appearing capable of better. Its previous form was poor, so perhaps that was all that was wanted today. System bet Racy a fast-finishing third at 12/1. Tabaret is due a better run when in the handicap proper, and Swiss Franc can also do better. Music Show should have finished closer in the 2.00 York, and should be seen to better effect soon. I suppose Miss Topsy Turvy off bottom weight must have been fancied in the 2.10 Salisbury, but why had it not shown at all previously? Makes you wonder what they are up to! System bet Selection Box 12/5 winner of the 2.20 Perth, and, when the favourite ran out, Tomzatackman (sys+1) 50/1 second! Not a bad forecast, but a bit of luck needed! Odds-on favourite Wikaala beaten into fourth in the 2.50 Perth! I would have fancied Gray Mountain on the ratings in any case, but they don't like odds-on prices, do they? I had Party Doctor and Spirit Of Sharjah as best in for the 3.00 York, but both were big outsiders, and ran accordingly, although Spirit Of Sharjah was clearly going well without threatening. Sysatem bet Dance And Dance 9/1 third. Silly Billy should have won the 3.10 Salisbury on the ratings, but the price was suspicious, and it finished last! These races make you scratch your head sometimes! In fact, looking back, Pick A Little was best in on previous form, and that finished third. Very strange! System bets Move In Time 12/1 and The Thrill Is Gone 18/1 second and third in the 3.35 York. I had two fancies for the 4.00 Perth, and they were Sotovik 7/1 and Curahee 9/2 (first and second)! Damn! Why does this happen so often when I am not backing? System bet Scotch Warrior also finished third at 7/1, to complete my misery! Maktoum and Abdullah first and second in the 4.20 Salisbury. So what's new? Always worth bearing those colours in mind, because they don't own rubbish! Best in Nemo Spirit dropped out tamely in the 4.45 York, but will be symmetrical and will probably run better next time. Night Orbit and Counting House are two others that will do better. Aviso was on a trial run today in the 4.55 Salisbury, and is thrown in when wanted, so keep it in mind. French Art will also do better soon, but tends to be heavily backed when wanted. They must have known that Zowington would miss the break in the 5.45 Newmarket, because it was thrown in, but not wanted today. Simple Rhythm finished fourth, and will also do better soon. When they are big prices, does that mean that they have told the others they won't be trying? That seems an obvious assumption. Shaws Diamond and second-placed Ongoodform should also do better soon. Kyoto was well out of the handicap in the 5.55 Ludlow, but could still have finished closer if they had really wanted it to. Keep an eye on it when it is in the handicap soon. It looked as if Coeur De Fou had broken a leg, but it was all right, apparently.

11th May: Again I did not get involved in backing or watching the racing today, but there were a few system results and one or two that I tipped recently. System results included Bollywood 100/30, Lewlaur Supreme 9/2 and Saturn Way 4/1, plus I also said that Orion Express should win again soon, but would probably be backed (see 12th April) (which it was).

10th May: I did not watch any of the racing today, but on checking the results, I found a bundle of system results, including several that I had tipped recently: Highland Warrior, (see 27th October) 20/1 winner of the 3.00 Beverley! Cheers For Thea 25/1 second in the 4.00 Beverley. Unknown Rebel 3/1 winner of the 5.00 Beverley. Spirit Of Grace 33/1 winner of the 5.10 Warwick! Lytham (see my tip 26th April) 14/1 winner of the 5.40 Warwick! Miss Polly Plum (sys+1) 25/1 winner of the 2.50 Yarmouth! Sail Home 9/2 winner of the 4.50 Yarmouth. PonchaTrain 5/2 winner of the 6.45 Sedgefield with Persian Prince 11/4 second! I tipped Provost for a good run recently (see 25th March), and it won the 7.45 Sedgefield at 7/1! System results continue to be plentiful!

9th May: System bet Siena Blue 9/2 winner of the 2.00 Wolverhampton, with system bet Misere 6/1 second. The first and second home in the 2.10 Brighton were both by Piccolo, with Channon almost getting another winner! No prizes for getting first and second in the 2.20 Redcar, with Johnston and Fahey! System bet Aquasulis 9/1 second in the 2.30 Wolverhampton. My three for the 2.40 Brighton were: Integria (15/2 first), Interakt (11/2 second) and Poetically (unplaced), so the latter should be borne in mind (stablemate of the second). Pity I wasn't backing, as it was a good forecast! Nomoreblondes (sys+1) 5/1 winner of the 2.50 Redcar (I fancied system bet Grudge quite strongly, although the form worked out exactly at the weights). Although Elhamri was best in at the weights in the 3.00 Wolverhampton, I have learned not to trust it unless there is any money for it! Even next best Green Manalishi ran poorly, as is often the case, and when there was money for Steelcut, I thought "They know something about the previous two mentioned!" It's a shame that we can't have a race where everything runs to its merits! Why do I get the feeling that connections of Muhandis knew that Emilio Largo would not beat them in the 3.10 Brighton (although looking like doing so until right near the end)? They like to give favourite backers a fright, but they don't like to deprive their mates of their money! Official top-rated Lady Kildare 4/1 winner of the 3.20 Redcar. It's amazing how often those with ratings do better than the fancied horses (Spinatrix and Pantella). Dream Dream Dream (sys+1) 33/1 second. Is today the day for Profit's Reality? We'll find out shortly. Well, yes it was (20/1 winner, 3.30 Wolverhampton!), (see 26th February) but I wasn't backing today! It's always the way! As soon as it started moving up in mid-race, I knew it would win! Wily Fox was best in at the weights for the 3.40 Brighton, but they obviously had other plans between them today! Even Kerchak was better in than the winner, but it was a four horse race, and you know that nothing is cut and dried! Best in Frognal (3.50 Redcar) will be a system bet next time, and is worth noting. System bet Reel Buddy Star 9/1 second. Hanagan again with the winner. Best in Maze decided to come third today in the 4.40 Brighton, which probably explains why Piazza San Pietro was so heavily backed. Maze should win again soon. The jockey made Acropolis look like a real donkey (making sure it did not finish in the first few places) in the 5.00 Wolverhampton, which takes some doing on a horse that finished fourth in the Arc De Triomphe and is running in a 0-60 handicap! No doubt it will win again when the jockey doesn't ride it so pathetically (oh, sorry, didn't realise he was part of the trainer's family)! Talk Of Saafend is another that is much better than it showed today, and is due soon. It's so annoying when you know the truth but can do nothing about it except moan and laugh sarcastically. The 7lb claimer made all the difference (for once) in the 5.10 Brighton, and the places worked out accordingly too. I hate those blokes bragging about their bets on the telly! Somebody gave him a tip, obviously! Best in Muntami really spat the dummy out today in the 5.30 Towcester, finishing last, but that merely confirms to me that it is going to run a big race very soon now. Unlike some people, that encourages rather than discourages me (except for this race of course). Photogenique also ran on late to finish second (they always seem to do that with previous poor form and it makes me fume).

I am writing a new form study, which should be available in a few days. In the meantime, if you want to join my daily selections service (see Profit's Reality 20/1 above - that was written at 3.27 today) - please email me.

8th May: System bet Fade To Grey 14/1 winner of the 1.50 Worcester! System bet Denton Ryal 6/1 third in the 2.10 Plumpton. Sky Calling (almost a system bet) 8/1 winner of the 2.50 Worcester, Pin D'Estruval (sys+1) 5/1 second, and system bet Sadlers Star 12/1 third! Top-rated Or Sing About 11/4 winner of the 3.10 Plumpton. Bobby Donald will do better when in the handicap proper. Captive Audience (third 3.20 Worcester) has really disappointed in recent outings, and must do better soon, having come down a long way in the ratings. Helium (all 0's, P's and 6's) had come down 16lb in the weights before finishing 33/1 second in the 3.50 Worcester! Just shows that checking on back form can be profitable. Hawk Gold (second at 25/1 in the 3.40 Plumpton) had come down 20lb in the weights and should have won this, but perhaps second was all that was wanted on recent showings? Other system results today: Youngstown 3/1 winner of the 3.30 Uttoxeter, with King Of Castile 9/2 second. Zerashan 4/1 winner of the 3.45 Leopardstown, with Rock Medley 9/2 second. Teenage Kicks 7/2 winner of the 4.10 Plumpton. Qulinton 4/1 winner of the 4.20 Worcester. French Ties 6/1 second in the 4.30 Uttoxter. Not a bad set of results! Keep an eye on Mujamead, which must run better very soon, now that its form looks quite mediocre.

7th May: My recent tip, Absa Lutte, (see 11th April) 6/1 dead-heat first in the 1.50 Nottingham (thought it had won on its own first time around). Another of the three on my shortlist, Yurituni, finished third at 13/2. I had Duff and Lovelace as my two best in for the 2.00 Haydock, but neither were out to compete today. Tropical Paradise (ran on but never got there) and Dever Dream were two disappointments in the 2.10 Lingfield, and Perfect Tribute obviously improved a good deal for Clive Cox at 12/1. I thought World Heritage was going to figure in the finish for a long way in the 2.20 Ascot, eventually finishing fourth, but will do better. At least the winner, Alainmarr, was the top-rated, which does not always work out in these races. I thought for some time that Ballesteros had been laid out to win the 2.30 Haydock on this significant day, but it eventually finished third. The winner, Mabroor, was by a top-class American stallion. Channon is very much on form at present, and there was good money for Zain Al Boldan in the 2.40 Lingfield. It had obviously been thrown in for its previous races! I tipped Waldo Winchester recently (see 17th April), and typically it finished second today at 18/1 when it had no right to do so on the ratings! That surprises me, as I thought they would wait for a handicap! I don't know why they do that, perhaps to justify a gamble when it does win. It will probably run again before it gets a hike in the weights. System bets Soorah 10/1 and Fontley 25/1 second and third in the 2.50 Ascot. Best in Hallstatt had asymmetrical form in the 2.55 Nottingam, and despite travelling best, finished only second, even with Hanagan on board. I had the feeling that it was not intended to win today. These Bollin horses always seem to find a bit when needed! Best in and course and distance winner Liberate 12/1 winner of the 3.05 Haydock. Damn! Not backing again today! I thought Michael Flips would figure, and I think will do better after this apparent trial run. Three system bets first second and third in the 3.10 Punchestown, with Bellvano, Montan and Keki Buku! Does the system work or not? I was going to tip up Panama At Once from the 3.15 Hexham, which dropped right out, then ran on again for fourth, but I gather it is now being retired! I had the first two on my list, including system bet Lethem Present (33/1 second). Norminster is due a good run soon. I had Dordogne 10/1 winner and Hurricane Higgins on my list for the 3.10 Lingfield, and the crafty man put his stable jockey on the latter! System bet Manassas 25/1 second in the 3.25 Ascot. The winner Hawkeyethenoo has improved incredibly from an opening rating of just 60! Will the thrown-in Advanced ever win another race? There's no point in running it if not. Al Muheer is another being kept under wraps at present. I had Bounty Box and Khor Sheed on my shortlist for the 3.30 Nottingham. Chaninbar was thrown in for the 3.40 Haydock, and would have figured but for a tardy start! Caravel was next best, eventually finishing fifth, and will do better. Don't know what happened to Alasi in the 3.45 Punchestown, but you can bet it will run better very soon. It makes me laugh when I see the best in horses apparently labouring and dropping out, and this applied to Wotchalike and Treason Trial in the 3.50 Hexham! Both of these will do much better, hopefully next time! Why do they have to put on such a show? System bet Birnies Boy 9/1 second. A first winner of the season for Suroor with top-weight Badeel in the 4.05 Nottingham (good price). System bet Bated Breath winner of the 4.10 Haydock, from system bet and top-rated Society Rock. I can't understand why Tamagin was such a big price, but its performance today reflected that! No doubt a handicap success will come along. Best in Buxton can do much better than its run in the 4.55 Lingfield, as can Slugger O'Toole (system bet next time). Nezami (sys+1) 10/1 third. Those Smith colours (Free For All) are always impressive to watch. System bet Deacon Blues 8/1 second in the 5.10 Ascot. Mac Gille Eoin is due a better run very soon. Keep an eye on Quanah Parker, which was clearly hacking in the 5.20 Haydock, but was never allowed to stride on! I bet it won't be 33/1 when it's wanted! Bourne did not run like the potential winner, but nothing else seemed to want to beat it! Very strange, one wonders about the arrangements at times! Bajan Pride and the habitually disappointing Kheskianto are two to bear in mind from the 5.15 Nottingham. Steel City Boy (see 19th April) finally won at 8/1 in the 5.45 Warwick! Memphis Man ran on too late, but that was probably the plan for today. System bet Volito dead-heat third. Before the race is run, just wondering if Excusez Moi will hack up in the 6.00 Thirsk, or will it find something to beat it even now? I suspected as much - it finished third after a slow start, despite being thrown in for this race! They are working up to a win, as usual. The main other disappointment was Bonnie Prince Blue, which never showed, finishing fourth.

6th May: Impossible to pick the winner of the 1.35 Lingfield, except that the winner Arabian Star had that 3lb claimer on it again. He seems to be making a name for himself! That's four winners in a row! System bet Kyllachy Star 6/1 winner of the 1.45 Chester! Fahey, Hanagan and Koukash yet again! Gets a bit monotonous! Marine Boy and Captain Ramius were best in, and must run better soon. A big disappointment with Perfect Day in the 1.55 Nottingham, but Cole's often improve for the run, a comment which should apply to Fairy Moss, which ran on well at the end. Same trainer and jockey again in the 2.20 Chester! They are getting greedy! I don't understand why The Paddyman is running so badly at present - should at least have been in the frame! Official top-rated Hugely Exciting 11/4 winner of the 3.15 Lingfield. The top three official rated, Traffic Sister, Our Gal (system bet 10/1) and Saskia's Dream 14/1 first, second and third in the 3.40 Nottingham! Amazingly the 90 rated winner was 5/1! Those three would have been on my shortlist if I had been backing! This April Fool must be much better than its official rating if Perfect Ch'i and Qadar ran anywhere near their full ability in the 3.50 Lingfield, but one can never be sure about that. King Columbo is due a better run very soon now. System bet Layla Jamil 7/1 winner of the 4.05 Chester, for Koukash again and Channon this time! Amazing - must save his best horses for Chester! I wondered why Hits Only Jude was a big price in the 3.15 Nottingham, and I found out when it finished fourth, but full of running. Keep an eye on Destiny Blue, which made easy ground, then, deliberately or otherwise, found trouble in running. Must win again soon. I gave Imperial Djay a glowing report last time it ran (see 30th April), and it won again today at 8/1 in the 4.40 Chester! Majuro was best in, and finished fourth at 20/1 after looking like winning at one point! I have tipped Fathey on numerous occasions over the last year or two (see its last run on 25th January), and it finally got a dead-heat today at 14/1 in the 4.50 Nottingham! Ronnie Howe ran well for along way and must win soon. System bet Libertino 9/2 third. I had Edes Dot Com and Salient as the two best in for the 5.00 Lingfield, finishing second and third. If they ran to form, then West Leake must be better than its bare form. System bet Lovers Causeway 12/1 winner of the 5.10 Chester with system bet Dahaam 5/1 third! Another system bet Brouhaha was clearly not wanted today, but will do better soon. Bell had a winner with Twinkled in the 5.35 Lingfield, and probably the 7lb claimer did make a difference on this occasion. It was significant that De Sousa went from Lingfield to Ripon to ride 10/1 winner Chevanah in the 5.40. Course and distance winner Winters Night 9/1 winner of the 5.50 Ascot, with course and distance winner Toolain third. Although Tournedos was thrown in and well backed for the 6.00 Hamilton, I was not surprised when it did not perform. The same applies to Sandwith, which was getting rid of a first place, and should do better soon. Mrs Duffield has had two winners so far tonight! King Of Swords is also exceptionally well in, but may take a race or two more, and is usually backed when making an effort. How many times have I backed Dower Glen (second) in recent outings? Livvy Inn, fourth in the 6.15 Aintree, must win a race before long, and keep an eye on Quickbeam soon. The winner, Willandrich, had a 10lb claimer on it, which probably made the difference. Federstar is well in when running over fences particularly. Best in Classic Descent (another Ruth Carr runner) finished only fourth in the 6.35 Hamilton, but was rather hampered by Muftarres when making a good looking run. I had the winner, Bold Marc, as my second best in. Apart from the Duffields, these Burkes and Ryans are going well too! Best in Pleasant Day decided to finish second in the 7.15 Ripon, but should have done better, so keep an eye on it. My recent tip, Gala Casino Star, 9/4 winner of the 7.40 Hamilton.

5thMay: Moynahan was best in on old form for the 2.05 Goodwood, but finished only third, despite travelling best. Will do better, along with Kavachi, which cruised up at one point, then dropped away again. Dream Eater should have been involved in the finish of the 2.20 Chester if it had not missed the break badly, so one can only assume it will do better when starting on terms! Best in Arumun was either not fit or not wanted today in the 2.30 Newton Abbot, and will do better. Wasntme was never in contention, and pulled up, and I am always very suspicious of these runs when there is no apparent reason for it. Bet it will run better when wanted (now that it has got rid of that winning form)! System bet and top-rated Son Amix 7/1 second in the 3.40 Punchestown. System bet Jutland 6/1 winner of the 4.05 Chester. Georgebernardshaw is thrown in on old form, and I would suggest will do much better next time. System bet Patriot 10/1 winner of the 6.55 Wetherby. Keep an eye on Follow On, which seemed to be going as well as anything towards the finish. Oniz Tiptoes will be a system bet next time, and it is about time that it delivered off this mark! Flying Doctor should also do better, but usually gets gambled off the boards!

4th May: Best in Appeal Denied fell in the 2.00 Kelso, and should do better soon. My next three best in finished first, third and fourth, but I mentioned the second, Lyndseyfield Lodge in dispatches recently. System bet El Maachi 8/1 third in the 2.10 Southwell. I had the first four written down on my shortlist! I also had the first three written down for the 2.20 Chester, including system bet Blaise Chorus 16/1 second! System bet Baraathen 5/1 second in the 2.35 Kelso. Keep an eye on Durgan, possibly in a handicap, after the 2.45 Southwell. Bertiewhittle should have won this on the ratings, so should do better soon. Moorhouse Girl was well there going well for a long time, so will run better soon. Overturn 11/2 was my first selection for the 2.55 Chester! Keep an eye on Sentry Duty, which has ideal system figures next time. Best in Nevada Desert had an off day in the 3.20 Southwell, but can win again soon. Second best Eastern Hills finished third at 12/1. My recent tip, General Tufto finished fourth, and will do better, as will Rub Of The Relic, and Final Tune is due a better run now. I thought best in Moorhouse Lad was going to lead all the way in the 3.30 Chester, but dropped out late on. Looked like a trial run, and one to keep an eye on, along with Fathom Five and Green Park. I had system bet Bubbly Breeze 3/1 and Almutaham 4/1 on my shortlist for the 3.45 Kelso, finishing first and second, but Bow School (fell) was best in and will do better. System type bet Tillys Tale 14/1 winner of the 4.30 Southwell. I wasn't backing today, but had earmarked that one for a good run! Best in Border Tale, that I have tipped a few times recently, 11/4 winner of the 4.45 Kelso. Strange how they are so short in the betting when they win, as opposed to merely placing! As soon as I heard the name Calculating, I knew it would win today (6/1 in the 5.05 Southwell) when I was not betting! Typical! They don't half take their time in winning, and it must just be to make you fed up! Funnily enough, having tipped Dhhamaan yesterday, Dammam caught my eye in the 5.35 Cheltenham, winning at 14/1! What a coincidence! Formerly trained by Alan King too! Former top-class chaser Billyvoddan 7/1 winner of the 6.10 Cheltenham! Although these selections do not always work out, for whatever reason, you can get some good winners by studying back form. The way that guy rode Templer in the 6.45 Cheltenham, I was really expecting a dud run, but in the end it was too classy for the runner-up. The one that was poor was Kornati Kid, which had obviously been set up not to compete with the winner. Oniz Tiptoes will be a system bet next time, and it is about time that it delivered off this mark!

3rd May: A horse that I have tipped on a number of occasions (and system bet today), Houston Dynimo, (see 9th April) finally consented to win today at 6/1 in the 2.40 Newcastle! They like to keep you waiting while it goes down the weights! Valdan looked to be going well behind the leaders, but did not go through with its effort, and should do better soon, along with Capable Guest, which was given the day off today. Dar Es Salaam (system type form) 14/1 second. The three best in horses made no effort to get in the first two in the 2.50 Fakenham, so I can only assume they were not going to compete against each other! They were: Feeling Peckish, Petroglyph and Bualteoir. All three may do better in bigger races. Sorry to hear about the death of David Chapman today, and I wish granddaughter Ruth Carr all the best. Hopefully she will have a few more winners soon. System bet and top official rated Pandoro De Lago 11/10 winner of the 3.10 Newcastle. Judging by its run in third, Lady Of The Knight must have made considerable improvement on it 25 official rating! My old favourite, Bateleur, 9/2 winner of the 3.30 Bath. Only wins once in a blue moon, which makes it impossible to make any money on it! I am sure that is why it is done. Makes me laugh when results like Assassino (4.25 Fakenham) happen, espaecially when the family wins its own trophy! What were the others doing? Go on dear, you can win it today, we don't mind... I tipped Barkston Ash recently (see 18th April), winning the 4.45 Newcastle at 10/1! Anddante was backed today, but finished only fifth and will do better. System bet Lightning Sky 66/1 fourth in the 4.55 Punchestown. I had a feeling that Daraz Rose would win the 5.00 Fakenham, but Kanonkop should have finished closer, and will do better soon. Tombellini (sys+2) 22/1 winner of the 5.20 Newcastle, with system bet Broctune Papa Gio 4/1 third. Convince (10/1 second) was clear best in on old form. Mrs Carr's Beckermet and Dhhamaan are both worth a bet if running soon.

2nd May: I did not have an interest in any of the races again today (Judd was struggling against Higgins), but noted my recent tip, My Gacho, 9/2 winner of the 4.20 Beverley, plus a number of good system runs, including Treasure Way 7/2 winner with Gemma's Delight 11/2 second in the 3.40 Warwick, Dr Darcey 8/1 second in the 5.10 Warwick, Swiss Dream 7/1 second in the 3.00 Kempton and Merchant Of Medici 14/1 winner of the 4.00 Kempton! Quaroma and Chaussini (travelled like a dream) are both worth noting from the 5.00 Kempton. Memphis Man which I have tipped so often, finally won at 11/1 today in the 2.25 Windsor! I always miss them when they win - Sod's Law!

1st May: Again I did not back in any races, but looked over the form before racing. I noted Chilworth Lad (sys+1) 14/1 winner, tipped by me last time out. Best in Aurorian 8/1 second in the 4.40 Salisbury, and should win soon. Cape Kimberley (typical system form) 14/1 winner of the 5.15 Salisbury with system bet Witchry 20/1 third. Berbice (3.40 Hamilton) must now bw due very soon, as it is thrown in on old form. Keep an eye on Record Breaker again soon now. System bet Euston Square (see my tip on its last run 1st April) 18/1 winner of the 4.50 Hamilton! Keep an eye on Mangham soon, as it is too good to continue running so badly..

29th & 30th April:Again, with the World Snooker reaching its conclusion, I have not followed the racing in the last two days. I was enthralled by the match between Judd Trump and Ding Junhui, and hope the Bristol youngster (who has come down here to Cornwall a few times) can now go all the way to taking the title. Sorry if I have not posted much here recently, but I hope to be back in a few days. System results and comments 30th April: System bet Bahceli 16/1 winner of the 5.25 Newmarket. System bet Enderby Spirit 8/1 winner of the 7.45 Doncaster with system bet Star Rover 16/1 second. System bet Nave 11/4 second in the 8.15 Doncaster. System bet Investissement 16/1 winner of the 3.30 Goodwood. My recent tip Dubai Dynamo 9/2 winner of the 4.10 Thirsk, and with my recent suggestion that Ruth Carr would get a few winners soon, stablemate Imperial Djay 5/1 winner of the 4.45 Thirsk! I am certain that the last-named horse is much better than its mere form.

28th April: Again I did not have an interest in any of today's races, but there were a number of system results, including a few with sys+1 figures. In case you don't understand that, this is where an extra -0 (-F, -P, etc) has been added, so you get -4000, -350P, etc. There is no reason why they should not try the next time either! I won't go through them all here, but check them out against the figures. I note also that the horse that has been exasperating me, Filun, finally won today at 3/1. They like to keep you waiting!

27th April: With the World Snooker still in progress, I have not devoted much time to following the racing, especially with so many small fields, but I noted another good lot of system results today. Don't tell me it doesn't work!

26th April: I suppose Mousie 11/1 had the best form figures for the 2.10 Yarmouth, but you never know what is going to happen in these races! You would have thought if it was fancied that it would have been a shorter price! Ton-Chee was best in for the 2.20 Exeter, but today was not the day! Now it has got rid of that first place, it should start to show soon. Freddy's Star should probably have won failing that one. I hate it when McCoy wins apparently by default as the winner was nothing special on form! Best in Robby Bobby dropped out in the 2.30 Lingfield, then ran on for third! I hate it when they are not out to win the race! Obviously claiming races are not good for well-handicapped horses, as they are afraid for their handicap mark! I had Button Moon 10/11 and Moone's My Name 7/4 for the forecast in the 2.40 Yarmouth, but nothing special about that! Bushwacker was best in for the 2.50 Exeter, but they never seem to win small races! Makes it hopeless when backing to win! And to cap it, I backed Goodtimetoby each-way and it finished third! We have a string of small races today, so doesn't look good! Rudegirl was pathetic in the 3.00 Lingfield, and I backed it to beat both the first and second horses! You can't back like that when they run so badly! Are they keeping it back for handicaps later, as it has changed stables recently? I had Fawley Green for the forecast in the 3.10 Yarmouth, but it would not get second! Annoying! I thought River Indus would win the 3.20 Exeter, especially in a two runner race, but it was a McCoy benefit again! What do you have to do to get him beat? Do they know which is going to win before they start? Bell had another winner with Amelia's Surprise in the 3.30 Lingfield! Hayley would not win for me in the earlier race! Typical! I backed system bet Bedibyes each-way, just pipped for a place! I had Ivan Vasilievich 11/2 in the 3.40 Yarmouth (thought the 7lb claimer would make the difference) but missed Black Pond 12/1 for the forecast (deteriorating form figures)! How the hell could you pick Fresher Fishing in the 3.50 Exeter? Only if you have a system like mine, and I did not back it! The other system (outsider of four) worked here. System bet Salsify 10/1 winner of the 3.55 Fairyhouse. Wondered why Newbay Prop was 12/1 (now I know)! System bet Seek The Fair Land 33/1 third in the 4.10 Yarmouth. Mata Keranjang was thrown in on old form, but disappointed yet again! It only wins when they want it! Wish I had the tricast in that race! Robinson's only ride, Excellent Guest, 20/1 winner! Did they want Sara's Smile to lose the 4.20 Exeter? Looks like it, the way it ran all over the place in the closing stages! Jimmy Ryan was thrown in for the 4.30 Lingfield, but did not compete today. Must win very soon now! I also backed Anjomarba (11/1 third) each-way. System bet Quiamo Malta 18/1 fourth in the 4.25 Fairyhouse. Best in Johnny Hancocks finished third in the 4.40 Yarmouth, and will do better soon. No money for best in Winning Show in the 5.00 Lingfield, but will do better, along with Lytham and Crystal Gale.

25th April: System bet Rossbrin 5/4 winner of the 1.40 Huntingdon. Captain Sully (sys+1) 25/1 winner of the 2.15 Huntingdon! System bet Dispol Kylie (see my tip on its last run 16th September) 8/1 winner of the 2.00 Redcar. System bet King In Waiting (see what I said on 5th April) 4/1 winner of the 2.35 Redcar. I am still waiting for Oniz Tiptoes to show its true form, finishing second today in the 3.15 Market Rasen. Must win a bigger race soon! Woody Valentine (3.25 Huntingdon) also continues to disappoint, and must show very soon. My recent tip, Prince Pippin, (see 21st March) 5/1 winner of the 3.30 Plumpton. I had Fathsta and No Hubris for the forecast in the 3.35 Warwick! I backed No Quarter last time out, but not today in the 3.45 Redcar! Klynch was thrown in, but refuses to show at present! Keep it in mind for next time out. I backed Shadrack to beat the favourite in the 4.00 Plumpton, but the latter finished third! Can't boil an egg by them! I had Aquarian Spirit and Just Bond in the 4.55 Redcar! Lyndseyfield Lodge appeared to be running all over them in the 5.00 Market Rasen, but a bad jump ruined its chances! Keep an eye on that one soon. I had Melodize 7/1 in the 5.30 Redcar. I like them when they are shortish prices with little or no form. It says a lot! I had Benjamin Bittern and Soleil Malta in the 5.35 Market Rasen, and thought I had got it, but the latter just got pipped into third place! I haven't covered everything today, because as usual on a Bank Holiday, we are inundated with races!

24th April: Again, I did not have an interest in the racing today, but a number of good system results and recent tips from me ran well, including Tri Nations (see my comment 18th April) 8/1 winner (3.45 Plumpton) and Hereditary (see 19th April) 11/1 winner of the 5.15 Plumpton. Do you know that I have backed that horse on numerous recent starts, and as as soon as I miss a day's racing, it wins! Makes you feel that someone up there has something against you! I think I'll leave my comments to that for today, as I am so disgusted! Check the system results for yourself, especially the man that demanded a refund on it from me recently.

23rd April: I did not have an interest in today's racing, but several of my recent suggestions won today and several system bets won or were placed at good prices, including Teenando (see 11th April)! Strange how it was only 9/2 today after being big prices in its previous races. Can never understand that.... Typical!

22nd April: No UK racing today.

21st April: I did not follow or have any bets on the racing today, and fortunately only one or two of my recent tips came in. They usually do win when I don't back them! Baccalaureate (see my strong tip 25th March) 8/1 winner of the 2.20 Ludlow. I would have backed Othermix on its previous outing, but it was a non-runner, and won today at 5/4. Tyup Pompey won again today on its favourite track, and The Snail, which I also backed last time in the same race, was second at 16/1. Captain Marlon, which I have tipped so often recently, ran in a hunter chase today and finished second at 16/1, despite apparently being out of its depth on official ratings. Did the Tizzards get fed up with it not winning when wanted?

20th April: System bet Falasteen (with Spencer on board), also course winner, distance winner and beaten favourite, 20/1 winner of the 2.00 Epsom! Amazing! How many more indicators do you need? Nicholls' apparent second string again. He is so crafty that you never know which of his runners will perform best! My old favourite and system bet Cape Royal also finished third at 20/1. The frustrating Indian Trail must surely run well soon now! A double for Spencer with Sunny Game 3/1 in the 2.35 Epsom! Two course and distance winners first and second in the 2.45 Southwell with Jonnie Skull 7/1 and Exceedingly Good 11/1! The other one, and clear best in, Stonecrabstomorrow, must show soon, probably next time. Also keep an eye on Fools Gold and Street Crime. Kyoto led till not far from the finish in the 2.55 Hereford, and it looked like a trial run, as it was very well in. Danehillsundance, which I backed last time, 2/1 winner. Who are these people gambling these horses into short-priced favourites? Those famous colours of Abdullah are often worth following, even if the horse has little form, and Slumber obliged at 7/1 in the 3.10 Epsom! Buailteor was clear best in for the 3.30 Hereford, but as I have said on numerous occasions, they do not often win with -05 or -P5 figures! Will do better soon, as will stablemate Bay Central, which will still be a system bet next time (finished last today). System bet Spanish Duke 14/1 winner of the 3.45 Epsom! Best in Georgebernardshaw (former group class horse) led most of the way before packing up, and can do much better. Next best Ramona Chase 12/1 third. Ginolad (4.40 Hereford) (45lb below its best mark) continues to run poorly for one so well handicapped, and, as a system bet next time, surely must show? System bet Bollywood 8/1 third. System bet Barathea Dancer 11/2 second in the 4.50 Epsom. High On The Hog threatened to get in contention, and will be a system bet next time. My tip of several occasions, Capable Guest, (see my tip 10th December) 14/1 winner of the 6.05 Newcastle. It would do when I had a day off, wouldn't it? System bet Law To Himself 11/2 third. I did not follow the racing closely today, just dipped in here and there, but the last one was a cringer for me, as I had waited so long for it!

19th April: I knew I should have put my free £5 bet on Royal Dignitary in the 2.00 Southwell, but I did not trust it to win at 7/1 (15/2 returned) when I took it! Still, it's a winner, and tipped by me recently (see 30th March)! If Camden could win the 2.20 Fontwell, why didn't Allerford Jack also figure, as they were equally in at the weights? Was it because of that wretched claimer again? Obviously because they did not want it today! That's the second time I have criticised the running of that horse. Annoying, because I had them in a forecast! Keep an eye on it, because it should have run better. I had a little each-way on both Steel City Boy (14/1 second) and system bet Eastern Hills (9/1 third) in the 2.30 Southwell! The disappointment was Dancing Freddy, which was just about best in on my ratings! I backed Celani at 8/1 each-way in the 2.40 Pontefract, but it was the outsider, Szabo's Destiny which won at 12/1! Just shows you can never tell from the prices. How the hell could Fruity O'Rooney beat American Trilogy in the 2.50 Fontwell? No chance at the weights on all known form, so a plot must be considered. As I said , anything can beat anything if that is what is wanted. Probably the latter is waiting for a bigger race. I had Cheveyo (second, came up on the bridle) each-way (I got 25/1) in the 3.00 Southwell, but best in Ronnie Howe and Bertbrand were disappointing and will do better. Best in Judd Street (3.10 Pontefract) is not running to its best form at present, and must do better soon. Tabaret is also well in when wanted. Flipando (symmetrical form) 7/1 winner. Best in Hereditary did not show in the 3.20 Fontwell and must do better soon. My next best Insignia (see 20th March) won the race at 7/1, damn it! King Kasyapa (fell) was also well in, but they probably didn't like the short price (seven naps on it)! I had Jamaican Bolt to beat Beautiful Day in the 3.30 Southwell, at least it was a result! I couldn't pick Spruzzo (-050) in the 3.40 Pontefract! Chocolate Caramel was best in, but never showed with any chance, and Jackson showed up well for a long way. Both of these must do better soon. I did have a little fancy for Night Orbit, but did not back it. Simone Martini was best in for the 4.00 Southwell, but they rarely win at huge prices! I thought Tilliemint would get into the places in the 3.10 Pontefract, but it sounded as if it finished fourth. I could have had the forecast with Redvers, which was the next best on form. Midnight Macarena should have figured much more closely in the 4.20 Fontwell, and must be being held up for a tilt in the future. Best in Icelandic was not out to do the business today in the 4.30 Southwell, and I'm glad I did not put my free bet on it! Must win another race soon. System bet Masai Moon 14/1 second and system bet Academy Blues 7/1 third! What I can never understand is why the first few always seem to be a long way clear of the others! This Almahaza has improved by leaps and bounds in the last few races! Titan Triumph was best in for the 4.40 Pontefract, and I wasted my free bet on the b.....! I suppose it was -06, never a good sign! Why do they never run properly when I back them? Bet it will run better next time, but that's no good today! Pity, as I backed Count Bertoni when it won two races back! Kilvergan Boy (second) was by far best in for the 4.50 Fontwell, but it was not out to win today. Perhaps it will be next time now? Next best Sumdancer can win a race soon. I was annoyed that Home went against my system in winning with an outstanding first place! Best in Plenilune was clearly not wanted in the 5.05 Southwell, despite being a system bet! Dazhakee (sys+1) 11/4 winner from next best On The Cusp and system bet Buzz Bird in third. System bet Hong Kong Island 13/2 winner of the 5.10 Pontefract. Gala Casino Star was best in on my ratings, but was asymmetrical and finished third again. Global front-ran for a long way, and this was probably a trial run for a future tilt. General Tufto could turn up at a good price soon now, particularly at its favourite track. Henderson again with a bumper winner in Victor Echo 3/1 in the 5.20 Fontwell, with system bet Majorica King 4/1 in second. The third, Farbreaga, also had good form, probably in point-to-points. Best in His Grace ran a poor race in the 5.30 Bath, so should do better as a system bet next time.

18th April: I had Speedy Directa 11/2 in the 2.10 Towcester, but was disappointed again with Woodlands Gem and Tavalu. Why do I always pick the wrong Evans runner? I had Aquasulis in the 2.20 Redcar, but it was the other one that got placed! I had Rolanta 5/1 (see my tip 12th April) in the 2.30 Exeter, hopefully with Ryton (actually third) for the forecast! Could not even get the forecast in the 2.40 Towcester. What happened to Sagunt? Ridiculous! Wonder how much they had on the forecast? Best in Shardakhan was too big a price to be winning the 3.00 Exeter, but will do much better soon. Forest Rhythm's form figures also suggested it would not win, despite its short price. I had Olympian as best in with the claim for the 3.10 Towcester, but Haarth Sovereign clearly had some improvement to come. The annoying thing was that I also backed Tri Nations, and it was making good ground when falling! You can expect Sadlers Star to figure soon now. Again I thought I had the forecast with Clara Zetkin and Mother Jones, only for the latter to get pipped on the line! Impossible! I had Victory Parade to beat Foynes Island in the 3.30 Exeter, but it fell at the last! Ours was disappointing in third, but I think it ran to its betting show! I had best in and system bet Arctic Echo 12/1 in the 3.40 Towcester! The next two best in, Antonius Caesar and Or Sing About obviously did not perform because they knew that it would win! Best in Barkston Ash was a big price in the 3.50 Redcar, and of course it finished fourth after leading! How can you compete against the plans for the race? Anddante will also do better when backed probably. System bet Doctor Parkes 11/2 winner of the 4.20 Redcar with system bet Solar Spirit 10/1 second! Red Cape was best in, but no money for it today. Pity, I thought Ruth might be pulling a fast one! Captain Royale can also win again soon. I had Lord Henry 2/1 and Takeroc 5/4 in the 4.30 Exeter (not exactly rocket science!) Blasted best in Kinkeel stayed too far back to win the 4.40 Towcester, and typically finished third in a six horse race! You can almost see it happening from the betting! Will win again soon, along with Wee Ziggy, which underperformed today. Dolly Parton was best in for the 4.50 Redcar, but did not figure, so you can book that one for a win soon. Kiama was thrown in for the 5.00 Exeter, but typically front-ran, then dropped out. How enfuriating! Risk Challenge was also better than its fourth place, but you can't make them win if they are not wanted! Mrs Mop ran a poor race as expected in the 5.20 Windsor. Why do they never follow up on a place? Yet another best in horse finished third in a seven horse race! This time Talk Of Saafend in the 5.25 Redcar was the offender! It really annoys me! Poor horses, they can't help how they are ridden, but somebody can! Wisemans Diamond is another that can do better. I had my usual third, fourth and fifth in that race!

17th April: I had Like The Da 25/1 in the 2.05 Gowran Park (I got 33/1), but I did not have much on it! Best in Daraybad was not wanted today in the 2.25 Wetherby, despite making late progress. The same applied to Waldo Winchester, which finished fifth (running on) for the third time in four races! Third best Muntami finished third yet again at 10/1! All three, particularly the first two named, can do much better. I mentioned the second, Petrocelli, as being capable of better on its most recent flat run. Looks as if they were getting it fit for this! Chevy To The Levy was best in for the 2.45 Stratford, but I had a saver on Indian Pipe Dream just in case! Thne former can win another race soon. How do you know when a best in horse (Sweet Seville) is not competing? When it's 14/1 in a 5 runner field and pulls up after a couple of fences! Why do they ride the next best in (Rory Boy) like a donkey? It's really annoying! And when it looks like dropping out, it runs on again for third. I could almost guarantee that would happen, as there was no money for it in the race. You can't get more exasperating than that, and it happens so often with well-handicapped horses that have been on a bad run! I will be surprised if Sweet Seville wins next time with an outstanding first place, but they do sometimes. Two system bets first and second in the 3.35 Wetherby, with Oscar Barton 15/8 and Milano Supremo 15/2! Top-rated Laureate Des Loges third and system bet Empress Orchid second in the 3.50 Stratford. System bet Western Gale 4/1 winner of the 4.10 Wetherby. Battlecry was a certainty for the 4.25 Stratford and surely they can't engineer a horse slipping up, can they? Ruined my possible accumulator. I always have a feeling that these race results are prearranged, as Seymar Lad was next best in and finished last! Best in Railway Park fell at the first in the 4.40 Wetherby! Are they out to get me today? It really gets me, anyway! It was the same jockey that took the wrong course in the previous race, but he sustained a bad injury apparently, so I can't blame him. At least Knock Three Times got placed, but Cornish Castle is still waiting! Keep an eye on Kalalushi, which had no apparent reason to back-pedal. I am still waiting for Apache Dawn (5.00 Stratford) to run to form! After its stablemate won earlier, I thought there might be a double on, but not today! System bet James Pollard 9/2 third (ran on fast when it was too late, as usual). Hail Caesar should do better soon. What the hell was Maguire doing with Riptide in the 5.15 Wetherby? Anyone backing it would have had kittens, judging by its antics! Both Fourpointone and The Iron Giant were better in than Katalak in the 5.30 Stratford, so I can only assume that the other two did not want to win today! It is so difficult to predict these small races when three of the horses are so similarly matched. I think trainers should have to tell us what will happen (hehe)!

16th April: I had Knight Valliant 14/1 and Rain Stops Play 16/1 in a forecast in the 1.50 Ayr! Poet should have won the 2.05 Newbury on ratings and the weights, and ran well, only to finish third! Indian Days (-W60) 7/1winner! I had Dickie Le Davoir 14/1 again in the 2.15 Leicester! Elhamri keeps disappointing, despite being thrown in at its best. Nadiya De La Vega looked best in for the 2.20 Ayr, but only ran on for third when it was all over! I had Mandurah 15/2 in the 2.30 ripon! Good day so far (unusual for a Saturday)! Then I had Rimth 13/2 in the 2.40 Newbury, with Eucharist in third. Pontenuovo was disappointing in fourth. Four winners and a forecast in the first few races? Unheard of! I next had the forecast with Cockney Fire 11/2 and Triggerlo 5/2 in the 2.45 Leicester! System bets Sanctuaire, Bygones Of Brid and Overturn first, second and third in the 2.50 Ayr! What a tricast! Nearby (which I also backed) can do better soon. First, third and fourth for me in the 3.00 Ripon! How close can you get? I had Montaff, Montparnasse and Halla San! I could not pick the runner-up in the 3.10 Ripon. Do they do that deliberately to get a good forecast? Best rated Lovelace was a big disappointment in the 3.15 Ripon, and Duff front-ran, only to come fourth! What is going on with these runners? Bak to reality in the Scottish Grand National, with only Gone To Lunch anywhere near the leaders! System bet Light From Mars winner of the 3.45 Newbury, with system bet Pintura second. I backed Proponent (fourth) each-way. Could not get one of the first three in the 4.00 Ayr! I had Sweet Chili each-way in the 4.10 Ripon, but was disappointed with Channon's, as he always seems to win when I don't back him (I had Montaff earlier, however). I had the Cecil 1-2 at 3/1 and 20/1 in the 4.15 Ripon! Fremen (4.35 Doncaster) continues to disappoint, but it's only a matter of time. I had Trans Sonic, which would finish fourth, wouldn't it? Cyflymder should also be running better soon. Should have known that Godolphin would have a winner with Lajooj in the 4.50 Newbury. I had Danehill Dante and Discovery Bay on my list. I could not get one of the first three in the 4.55 Leicester! Karate must make a better effort soon! Bikini Babe should have finished in the first two in the 5.15 Ripon! First and third again in the 5.10 Doncaster! I backed Visions of Johanna in the 5.30 Haydock, and it was Prince of Johanne that won! Amazing! I went downhill after a great start today. Typical! keep an eye on Boundless Spirit, which showed up for a long way in the 6.00 Haydock, and was then pulled back by the jockey. It has now got rid of all winning form, so should start to show soon. I backed Riverdale (third) each-way, but could not get past that Fahey man! I backed Fareer to win and Balcarce Nov for a place in the 6.30 Haydock, and what happened? Top-rated Fareer was useless (as often happens) and Balcarce Nov looked like coming through for second, then got pipped on the line! Enfuriating or what? You have to feel these runs are deliberate. System bet Cono Zur 14/1 winner of the 7.35 Haydock! I wanted French Art or Hits Only Jude for the forecast, none of which figured in the places! Ruth Carr's horses are beginning to fire, so keep an eye on her runners, as she has lots of well-handicapped ones! Two system bets which failed to perform in the 7.55 Doncaster were Sing Sweetly and Countess Comet, so keep them both in mind for the future!

15th April: I backed Sir Walter Raleigh to finish second to the favourite in the 1.45 Ayr, and I thought it had a lot in hand and could probably have got second if pushed. One to keep an eye on, possibly in Ireland. I thought course and distance winner Norse Dancer was going well enough to get placed in the 2.10 Newbury, but it got overtaken and finished fourth! System bet Rigolleto 16/1 third. Why do Johnston's horses always seem to drop out of the back in these races? I had Teenage Idol (third 20/1) in the 2.20 Newbury. Keep an eye on Enfant De Lune, which was a big price today, but made good ground before dropping out in the closing stages. Culcabock can also do better as a system bet next time. Kaolak threw in a bad run today, but that is typical after a few placed efforts, and means nothing. Qadar ran a lifeless race in the 2.30 Wolverhampton, but -36 figures are often a bad sign (and a 7lb claimer). Can do better again. They only seem to let them win every so often, to give the impression that they are not well-handicapped! I had system bet Arctic Court with Lively Baron for the forecast in the 2.50 Ayr! I backed Lough Corrib last time out, and should have put it in the forecast with Roodee Queen in the 3.00 Wolverhampton. I put in Poetically, which looked likely to get second place most of the way. The latter was certainly the best looker, and will do better, possibly in a handicap. I backed Imperial Pippin 71 winner in the 3.15 Newbury! I don't believe my luck! Second, third and fourth in the 3.25 Ayr with Door Boy, I'msingingtheblues and Premier Dane! Why is there always one you can't predict? All three were better in than the winner! Why did Brent Pelham tail off last in the 3.35 Wolverhampton? Makes you mad! The thrown in Green Manalishi finished only fourth in the 4.10 Wolverhampton. You can never trust that horse to run well (not his fault). I knew Garstang would be involved, juust glad it didn't win, as I backed it in a forecast with GM! Typical Hannon! His horse beats the top two in the betting, and he likes to do that! Al Kazeem got stuck behind at a vital time, then showed a great turn of foot too late, so worth another go. Prohibition got no run in the 4.30 Brighton, and I feel sure could have got second place if wanted. Should just ahve backed Prince Apollo straight! You know when Kipchak is a big price it is not going to win, but like a fool I still backed it! It should still have finished in the first two if it ran anywhere near to form, so why didn't it? Racing has gone mad again now, with races all over the place. Why don't they spread it out a bit? I hate it when my horses go off in front, because they never stay there. I had Moorhouse Lad and Sohraab in the 4.55 Newbury, and the latter could definitely have got placed, but eased off in the closing stages. keep an eye on both of them, because they were not wanted today! I was just about to back Polly Holder in the 5.00 Brighton when the race went off! How the hell can you back with races going off every couple of minutes? It's enfuriating! I had system bet Political Paddy in the 5.05 Ayr, and it kept closing and closing under pressure but never quite got there (fourth)! Best in Classic Descent decided to hang out the back, then run on for fifth in the 5.20 Wolverhampton. That one and Amary are much better than that, and can win soon. Is it fair that best in horses are allowed to run down the field, then win when the money is on them? I looked at Warnes Way in the 5.25 Newbury, as I had backed it over hurdles previously. Nemo Spirit faded after making the running, but that is just a blind, as it is well in for a win soon. Satwa Gold is another that did not show today and can do better. I got Down The Stretch 4/1 in the 5.45 Chepstow, but Peplum ran a strange race, rushing forward at halfway, then pulling up. I think there is more to come from that one. Best in Corrib finished like a shot for third in the 5.50 Wolverhampton, but if they want to win, why aren't they closer to the pace? That one must win soon. I knew that Buxton was best in for the 6.00 Brighton, but having really annoyed me a few times in bigger races, I went against it, expecting it to get a place today! Just shows you can never tell their plans (crafty b...s!)! Zimbabwe let me down again in the 6.20 Chepstow, but I also backed Ethiopia with the favourite, so did ok! Damn! I backed system bet St Ignatius last time, but did not notice it today in the 6.30 Brighton! I did get Mandhooma each-way, but it finished too late! Art Scholar is still not performing, despite being a system bet tonight, but I bet there will be floods of money for it when it does try! You wonder why best in Roseska is a big price in the 6.45 Wexford, but you soon find out, as it drops out of the race! I can't work out why they do that when they have a good chance! Then For The Staff decides to come fourth! It's bewildering! Isn't it strange that the two I backed in the 6.55 Chepstow both dropped out the back (Pause And Clause and Postmaster)? It must be deliberate, as they are both far better than that! It just makes you very angry to get no run! Jaunty Journey (which I also backed last time) 20/1 third. It happens all the time! Bakoura was best in for the 7.10 Brighton, but mysteriously finished fourth. How can you truat horses when they are obviously not running to their best? I suspected Hannon's horse would get into the shakeup, having shown nothing previously. Baily View was going better than anything in the 7.15 Wexford, then dropped back. There is no point in backing them if they are not out to win (yet another 7lb claimer)! Keep an eye on that one in Ireland. Why did Oca De Thaix take the lead, drop out, then run on again in the 7.25 Chepstow? It's almost? as if they want something else to win! Unfortunately that one was not Doc Wells, which should at least have been in the shakeup, but irritatingly finished about fifth! These hunter chases are a real menace for picking winners, which bear no relation to conventional National Hunt form. Hannon got the winner again in the 7.10 Brighton, thwarting my forecast with system bets Shostakovich and Majestic Ridge. My God, it's frustrating when they keep producing these winners from nothing! If I had done the tricast with that one, I would have been well in! I backed system bet Andunowhat in the 7.45 Wexford, and it was never sighted until it finished like a train for second! If it wanted to win, why was it so far back? Unbelievable! Were they in league with the winner? I couldn't pick There And Then (almost a system bet) in the 7.55 Chepstow, but I did have Varkala (second 14/1) each-way, which ran very well and nearly got it! These horses that win a race, then have three poor efforts are often worth a bet (in hindsight)!

14th April: The only horse with a previous run, Princess Banu, 11/1 winner of the 1.50 Newmarket. Can often be quite important. I had Meandmyshadow dead-heat first in the 2.00 Beverley, but did not get the forecast, despite including Exchange in my bets. I never go that little bit further when I should, but it costs more! My mian bet Moremaloke was uneasy in the betting, and disappointing in the race. System bet and official top rated Third Intention 5/4 winner of the 2.10 Cheltenham. Wish I had stuck with it to beat Higgys Ragazzo! I had Midsummer Fair and Air Traffic both 6/1 for the forecast in the 2.25 Newmarket! My best result in the last two days! None of my selections figured in the 2.35 Beverley - Kingdom Of Munster, Baltimore Jack (which normally front-runs) and Blue Spinnaker, which is always backed when figuring. All three are due soon now. System bet Brisingamen Eric ran a good race, and could figure soon. Three out of the first four for my tricast in the 2.45 Cheltenham, with system bet Magical Legend 10/1 winner, Classic Swain and Simarian. The latter is very well in, and could have won but for a bad mistake late on. Have You Seen Me got in the way! As usual, there's always one you don't anticipate! A 1-2 for Hannon, including his outsider Auld Burns in the 3.00 Newmarket, and guess what? I backed the other one each-way! How can they be so crafty? Toolain (see my comment yesterday) beat that one last season, which confirms my opinion. I had Red Kestrel and Granston, both each-way in the 3.10 Beverley, but did not do the forecast (although I was tempted)! No money for Sway in the 3.20 Cheltenham, although it was always going well, and did not finish off. Banjaxed Girl (fifth) is better than it showed today also. I had Genki 12/1 in the 3.35 Newmarket. Prime Defender ran well, but dropped out, and must do better soon, as must Doncaster Rover. I did not pick up on Belle Royale in the 3.45 Beverley, which had the best form last year, but had thrown in three duff runs. Just shows you have to check all the form! System bet Triggerman winner of the 3.55 Cheltenham. Benefit Night was best in, but did not go through with it. Beat The Boys was next best in, and will do better. Dark Dune appeared to be going better than anything in the 4.20 Beverley, but was never put into the race with a chance. Keep an eye on that one, and the other one I backed, Jeu De Vivre, which finished very fast after having no room. Kayf Aramis was disappointing after leading most of the way in the 4.30 Cheltenham, and Dantari will also do better. It's just a quaestion of what they want them to do on the day! Counting House is another that should do better again when wanted. Steele Tango was disappointing in fourth in the 4.45 Newmarket, as was Forte De Marmi. These Hills' horses always seem to make abig improvemnt on their previous form when they win! If I'd known that Danehillsundance would fall and Faith And Reason would be brought down, my next choice would have been Mycenean Prince (20/1 winner)! Amazing! I missed the forecast again in the 5.05 Cheltenham, despite backing the first and second! What am I up to? Waltham Abbey decided to drop out in the 5.25 Sedgefield, despite being one of the best in! At least Border Tale got third (again) and must win soon. Alan King had a big-priced winner (10/1) in the 5.40 Cheltenham, and having made the point earlier, I did not back it! Blasted TV pundits put me off with One More Cookie, and may have put off Tizzard too! God, this game can be annoying! I keep doing stupid things, as I put Johnston's second string in for the forecast with Glencadam Gold. I think I am chasing outsiders too much at present, and it rarely comes off! I backed Its A Man's World in the 5.55 Sedgefield, and it dropped out far too quickly for my liking! Keep your eye on that one and Castlebury, which made good ground, then did not finish off. I backed system bet Queen Commander each-way in the 6.05 Tipperary, and thought it was going to win until the other horse came and hacked past! Kings Bastion will do better very soon in Ireland. I should have known! The one with symmetrical form, Saddlers Bend, 9/1 winner of the 56.15 kempton. Best in Perfect Ch'i looked like winning, but must have been eased up to finish so far back! They always have a way of getting beaten! Next best Spinning Bailiwick did not perform either! I think form figures are more important than actual abilty! What on earth was wrong with Flying Doctor in the 6.25 Sedgefield? Should have won this on previous form with the claimer, but perhaps that was why it did not perform! I though Hollo Ladies also had a better chance than the winner! Both can do better than that! Kasanka ran on well in the 6.35 Tipperary, but once it got within range of the winner, the jockey stopped riding as if under instructions to come second! I suppose I should have done the forecast! Duplicity could hardly be more thrown in than it was in the 6.45 Kempton, and I don't know how much further down the weights it can go before it wins by default (was 100 rated not long ago). What on earth are they up to? It looked like coming to win, then the jockey pulled it back! Should be investigated, as it could carry this lot! That claimer again (just to let the others know, I suppose). It will probably be backed off the boards when it is wanted! How could you pick Esme Rides Again in the 6.55 Sedgefield when there were three others better in? I cna't believe the machinations that must go on for these races! Toulouse Express was clear best, but was apparently lucky to get second! I get more and more disillusioned with the outcome of a lot of races. This just shows that they can let anything win if they want to! I did not think that Play The Rock would win with -05, and it duly finished fourth. At last a return with Tranos 10/1 and Schinken Otto 7/1 for the forecast in the 7.25 Segefield! I expected Poseidon to run better for my tricast, but that one will come again. The money for it tonight must have been from people like me! I have almost given up on Prince Of Thebes (7.45 Kempton), but I guarantee that if I don't back it, it will win! How many times do you have to back these b...s before they win? Oooh, la la la la! No, they can't come second, then win! They have to go through all this rigmarole, which gets maddening after a while. Is it just to get a price, or what? Regal Rave and Having A Ball are two others to keep in mind. It was noticeable that the first three in the race all had symmetrical form, so that is clearly something to look for. Solaise looked to be going incredibly well in the 7.55 Sedgefield, but apparently found nothing in the finish. Keep an eye on that, because it was much better than its finishing position. I did have a litlle each-way on An Capall Mor (second). Fifth In Line should have won the 8.15 Kempton at the weights, but the way they run, ratings and weights seem to mean nothing! Probably won't win next time either now! I looked at the second, Ezzles, because you can't write off Cole runners, no matter what their chances appear to be! My Lord never looked like winning, but that asymmetrical form is a concern.

13th April: The first two on my list, Commended and Afkar first 11/4 and second 7/2 in the 1.50 Newmarket. I commented on how badly No Legs ran last time, but Evans' other runner Seven Year Itch won the 2.00 Catterick. You can't ignore his early runners, but I was amazed at the price (14/1)! Bold Addition (2.10 Cheltenham) must be much better than its official rating unless the others ran well below form! Another winner for Evans with Jack Who's He in the 2.25 Newmarket. They must have known they had a good one to back against Hannon! I had the first three written down for the 2.35 Catterick, but could not get the right forecast again! Not my favourite type of day today, with lots of flat non-handicaps! Top-rated His Grace pulled too hard early for its own good! I thought Toby Jug was probably the only one which could beat Galaxy Rock, but unfortunately it fell early on, destroying my combinations! No good so far! Can only get better! Two system bets first and second in the 3.00 Newmarket, with Sir Reginald 4/1 and Madany 7/1 (no room until late). The best in, Neebras, missed the break and never got in it! No doubt it won't miss the break when it is wanted! Kyncraighe was best in for the 3.10 Catterick, but finished just out of the places again. Now has symmetrical form, and should show very soon. I also backed the second best Trading, 13/2 winner. System bet Commander Veejay was well there for a long way and can probably do better. Best in Tasheba dropped out tamely in the 3.20 Cheltenham, and will do better. I also backed Secret Dancer (9/2 third). My Shamwari (symmetrical form) 15/2 winner. Should have backed it! Why do Maktoum's never seem to win when they are favourites (Elzaam 3.35 Newmarket)? The annoying thing was that I fancied the other two which finished first and second! Could not get the favourite turned over in the 3.45 Catterick, not even with a Fahey horse, but, from the betting, they knew the score! Why do outsiders never figure when I want them to? Pigeon Island was out of the weights, but was the best in of the others, but once again was disappointing. Perhaps they don't want to win a race which will put it up a lot in the weights? Fahey must have read my mind, because he then proceeded to produce a 14/1 winner in Barefoot Lady (4.10 Newmarket)! Grrr... Very disappointing best in Blue Nymph in the 4.20 Catterick, with Leaving Alone and Weetfromthechaff also well there without figuring. System bet Valentino Oyster 25/1 third finished like a rocket, but will probably not repeat the feat next time out! Why do the best in horses nearly always pull up when they are not going to win? It really annoys me when I see them start to wilt for no reason! Tisfreetdream (thrown in) is due very soon now. What happened to Toulain in the 4.45 Newmarket? You can guarantee that one will do better soon. System bet Irish Boy 7/1 winner of the 4.55 Catterick, and I did not back it again! What am I up to? Tancred Spirit (second) was best in on my ratings. None of my best in seem to be making any effort today, and it's beginning to get to me! Phar Again and Ortega tailed off in the 5.15 Southwell, and you can't back with any confidence when that happens! Come on, you b....s! Of course my best in Yungaburra got loose in the 5.30 Catterick, to round off a perfect day! You would think they do it deliberately! To add insult to injury, next best Klynch missed the break! What the hell do you have to do to get the best horses to win? It beggars belief what goes on! And what was even worse, I missed the 5.20 Newmarket, and the first two on my list finished first and second! Gloucester looked to be full of running in the 5.40 Cheltenham, but did not go through with its effort. Must do better soon, along with Celticello, for whom there was no money today (there usually is). To cap a great day, my selection, Back to Paris, fell in the 5.45 Southwell! Kirby had two in thre, and I fancy Haka Dancer was the one he intended to win. Bathwick Bear was going as well as anything in the 5.55 Newmarket, but the jockey did not push it out and just eased fractionally in the final furlong, allowing his horse to be overtaken for a place! How annoying! Keep that one in mind. System bet Bubbly Braveheart 7/2 winner of the 6.00 Kempton. Yet again, my selections finished fourth and fifth, with Olney Lass (just eased again in the final furlong) and the thrown in Sir Haydn. I'm getting fed up with this! You might just as well look for the symmetrical form figures, because the first four again had those! Oh dear! I can't find anything that is actually trying to win today! Jacarado and Feeling Peckish were my best in for the 6.15 Southwell, but both dropped out for no apparent reason, and can do better. You could tell that Jacarado had more to give, as it started to run on again after dropping out! I fancied Lord Of The Reins to win the 6.30 Kempton, but wanted Grudge (third) for the forecast! I am sure it could have got there with a little more effort from the jockey. One of those days where nothing quite works out! Wish I had had the courage to back Morocchius (sys+1) each-way in the 6.45 Southwell at 66/1! I have had my eye on that one for a while now, as I thought it would do better at some point. They are so crafty that they keep its form under wraps until ready to strike! I fancied Laterly too, but thought the favourite would beat it if it stood up! Missed a great forecast there! Best in Our Kes made no attempt to win the 7.00 Kempton, but my old nemesis, Filun, managed to come second again. A horse I have followed quite a lot, Minder, also finished third at a good price, but they let the winner have far too much rope! Vinces must also be due a good run soon. A terrible day today, with the least number of good results I have had for several weeks! Those days do happen now and again!

12th April: Best in Lucky Art managed to get beaten in the 2.10 Southwell, although my first reaction was that it had won! Memphis Man should do better soon, probably over 6 furlongs, and Cheveyo has been hanging fire lately. I had two of the first three in the tricast, but did not do the forecast (silly fool). I could not pick the winner in the 2.20 Wolverhampton, but did get the second, Palindromic. Chester Delyte was equally well in with that one, so must be waiting for another occasion. I had Novabridge and Dangerous Illusion (-450) 12/1 for the forecast in the 2.30 Folkestone. Keep an eye on Areef (2.40 Southwell), which came up to the leaders travelling well at halfway, then dropped out again. Bell's horses are usually better than that, but there was no money for it today. System bet X Rated 5/2 second. I can never understand how they knew that the favourite would be so much better, judging on its previous form. Rubenstar looked very threatening coming into the closing stages in the 2.50 Wolverhampton, but did not finish off, and is worth keeping an eye on. Fortunately I did Master Of Dance (system type form) each-way and the forecast with I Confess. I had Black Baccara and Magical Speedfit for the forecast in the 3.00 Folkestone. I knew that only Ingleby Arch 8/11 and Bonnie Prince Blue (9/2 winner) had much chance in the 3.10 Southwell, so I did the reverse forecast. Just wish I had more on it! The two best in for the 3.20 Wolverhampton, Lastkingofscotland and Spa's Dancer missed the break, then both ran on late. Spa's Dancer certainly looked as if it could have picked them up if going through with it properly! Keep an eye on both and Arachnaphobia, as none of them were clearly wanted today! Annoying people! Night Trade (sys+1) 16/1 third with system bet Tewin Wood 9/2 second. Blasted Swordsman cost me my free bet in the 3.30 Folkestone! Apparently going best, it then dropped out to last, leaving second best My Valley 8/1 to win! How annoying! So much for Evans' Cote Du Rhone in the 3.40 Southwell! Could not have finished further behind if it had tried! I thought he gave Gannon his best rides usually. Royal Patriot was best in for the 3.50 Southwell, but despite going well finished third or fourth. Spiritonthemount was gambled on, but did not go through with its effort. Both of these will do better. Blasted favourite always gets in the way! System bet Haldibari 10/1 second. Best in Thoughtsofstardom had -36 figures in the 4.00 Folkestone, which is not usually a good sign, and so it proved today. Next best Diddums 7/1 second would probably have won if its rider got a split slightly earlier. I ignored Taikoo in the 4.10 Southwell, and you ignore Morrison's horses at your peril! Calculating at least got second, but should have won if Record Breaker did not. What was the matter with system bet Ay Tay Tate? I am sure Play Music could have finished closer in the 4.20 Southwell, as it seemed to drop out too quickly for my liking. The only one with an official rating, Zakon, finished second at 11/2. Best in Exit Smiling will show soon now, as it was hopeless in the 4.40 Southwell, which is always a good sign. System bet Elusive Fame 15/2 third. General Tufto will pop up soon now too. Rolanta was well backed in the 4.45 Taunton, but dropped back after leading. Trial run? Tiger Dream fell, which was annoying, and will do better, along with Motor Home, which did not quite get into it. System bet Stravita 9/2 winner. C.P.Joe was well in for the 4.55 Wolverhampton, finishing third at 12/1, but they rarely win with those figures at the first time of asking. Beherayn was best in for the 5.00 Towcester, but they did not want it to win today (poor recent figures. Was probably going best, but was never put into contention to win. I don't know what happened to Shalamiyr in the 5.05 Folkestone, but on hurdles form it must be much better than it showed today! I had the first and second also written on my list. One of those days today when whatever you back does not seem to be out to win! The unfortunate exception was that I had the first two written down for the 5.25 Wolverhampton, but was too late for the bet with all the other meetings (and my dinner) going on! System bet Businessmoney Judi 11/4 winner of the 5.30 Towcester. I did Vertige Dore to beat Murdoch in the 5.45 Taunton, but you could see that Be Kind (20/1) was going far better! The best two in for the 6.00 Towcester, Zhukov and Don't Tell Nina, typically finished fifth and fourth! It would be nice if they actually tried to win for once! Zhukov travelled better than anything and the other ran on from the back when it was all over. Sickening! Keep them both in mind. Best in Kirbys Glen looked like overtaking Thunder Child in the 6.15 Taunton, but in the end settled for second place. Waiting for a bigger race? Solitary Palm was also going well until making a horrendous mistake two out, and can win a race soon. So many times favourites win races with no apparent right to! Ton-Chee is much better than it showed in the 6.30 Towcester, and was hacking on the outside without making any effort to win. May not be next time either, but must win a race when wanted. Bollywood (system bet next time) and Mossmann Gorge (second) can also win soon. You can never trust small races, and best in Heir To Be capitulated too tamely for my liking in the 6.45 Taunton. No doubt the decision had been made before the race, because it was a big outsider. It could have probably won, but they are saving it for a bigger race. It's annoying when you know it should win, however, and you feel you are just throwing money away. System bet Jackstown 7/1 winner of the 7.30 Towcester, and my recent tip, Orion Express (see 29th March) 5/1 winner of the 7.45 Taunton. I said then it would probably be backed, and 5/1 was far too short for its form figures! Not a bad finish, and a pity I'd given up for the day by then. These days go on and on with evening meetings as well. Overkill, really.

11th April: Only Sycho Fred of my selections got into the argument in the 2.00 Hexham. I don't know how they decide which ones are going to try! Teenando unseated rider in the race, and will do better soon, along with Manoubi and Nifty Roy. None of my selections competed in the 2.10 Wolverhampton. How often do I say that? Final Tune, Farleigh and Street Crime can all do better. I had two of the first three in the 2.20 Plumpton, but that Moore beat both of mine again! Petroupetrov was thrown in, but did not seem to want to win the race, and Formedable was next best! Why is it that the only one I backed to win in the 2.30 Hexham, Along Came Rosie, fell before it got into the race? Makes me fume! Desperate Dan was best in for the 2.40 Wolverhampton, but perhaps 5 furlongs is too short for it, as it only ran on too late. I also backed system bet Efistorm, but had third and fourth for my forecast. I did not back Lewyn, but thank God for that! What sort of race did that run? None at all! I don't understand how they could make Ilongue favourite in the 2.50 Plumpton, when both Monsieur Georges and Vasodilator were far better in, Unfortunately the latter fell when still in contention (although I don't think it was intended to win from the antics of the jockey), destroying what I thought was a certain forecast. I had system bet Mr Supreme in the 3.00 Hexham, but my forecast horse came only third. A pity, as I also had the second (-440) at 33/1 on my list! I often back Wade's horses too! Thirteen Shivers was best in for the 3.10 Wolverhampton, and I actually thought it had won for a short time! They are so clever, these jockeys, that they can just win or just lose as they like! They rarely win in these small races, because it's probably worked out beforehand, as far as I can see. I had to back it, though. Keep an eye on Castle Myth, which ran well for a long way in the 3.20 Plumpton, and Royal Mile, which made good ground, then dropped out again. Both of those are better than they showed today. I had first and third for my tricast in the 3.30 Hexham, with Harry Flashman and Or D'Oudairies. Tot O'Whisky and Baltic Pathfinder were disappointing (again). I thought Crocodile Bay was going to win the 3.40 Wolverhampton, but just pipped on the line! I would have preferred Aviso to have been there for the forecast, but that one will win soon. I wonder how long it will be before Vhujon makes an effort? Little Perisher is also due a better run very soon. Best in Toni Alcala ran yet another poor race in the 3.50 Plumpton, and must start showing very soon now. Alterrain was also disappointing in fourth, but that -05 is not encouraging! Again, none of the best in figured in the 4.00 Hexham! How can you back like that? Bywell Beau finished fourth, Degas Art fell and Woody Valentine also finished out of the frame. It does my head in sometimes! All of these will do better soon. For once Dascombe's Mundesley showed nothing in the 4.10 Wolverhampton. I should have done the favourite with Mccool Bannanas, but I was greedy again! I give up! The best horse finished second in the 4.20 Plumpton, and the next best finished fourth! Did they plan this beforehand, as the winner had no right to win! Makes me boil! Mister Matt and Bushwacker must do better. Abragante was thrown in for the 4.30 Hexham, travelled better than the other two, then finished third. Should have won easily! They seem to get whatever place is convenient! At last! I had The Which Doctor and Uphold in the 4.45 Wolverhampton! The ratings worked at last! I had best in Airedale Lad 17/2 winner of the 4.50 Plumpton, but could have had the first two (including Just Beware0 if I had had time to get the bet on! Two in a row! What is happening? Stevie Gee was thrown in for the 5.00 Windsor, but contrived to get beaten, with next best Silver Wind in third. Both can win soon. System bet and best in Yetholm 7/1 second in the 5.10 Ffos Las. This Sun Tsu must be some horse if all the others ran to form (which I doubt very much). Always Bold and Pocket Too will also do better soon. I have noticed that this Forever's Girl seems to run well when apparently not expected, and it won the 5.20 Wolverhampton at 9/1. Absa Lutte was my best in, but finished only third at 6/1, and Athakeel ran on well from the back for fourth. Why is my selection so often useless? I wondered why Grand Schlem was weak in the betting in the 5.40 Ffos Las, and of course it pulled up! Not very edifying! I backed it to beat the first and second home, so I might as well have done a reverse forecast on those too! Aspectus was thrown in for the 6.00 Windsor, but decided to get rid of that second place before trying! Must start to show now. I was torn whether to include Edgewater, and like a prat I then left out Kay Gee Bee for the forecast. It's so difficult to strike a balance! What are they doing with Baylini, it never runs two races alike? When a horse like Aspectus runs, the others must ask connections what it is going to do today, as I have said many times before. If The Rainbow Hunter had jumped two out properly, it would have beaten Balleyvesey, but you often wonder if that was the planned result! Isn't it terrible to be cynical? I feel sure that Shelovestobouggie is better than its finishing postion tonight, but that is probably my pocket talking, as I thought it looked sure to get placed before fading. The Cox stable is certainly one to follow, though. Best in Open Day (third) was just getting rid of one of its first places in the 6.45 Ffos Las. So often they just run on like that when they don't want to win! I will never learn, even though I know what is happening. I suppose I was attracted by the money for it, but it is probably not stable money! How come William Hogarth was first under pressure, yet still finished second?

10th April: System bet Invictus 7/2 winner of the 2.00 Ascot. I backed Spirit Is Needed with it, but the latter dropped back to fifth, despite rallying well two out. I looked to have a good forecast with Chrysander and Le Corvee in the 2.20 Ludlow, but system bet Bundle Up got in the way somehow! I have mentioned before that Bundle Up seems to run very well when wanted. They must have known something about Tayarat, because it was a big price and dropped out tamely after leading early. Tico (-W40) 16/1 winner of the 2.25 Tramore with system bet Lord Ben 9/4 second and system bet Quartz Debilleron 33/1 third. Drat! I backed Aerial to beat system bet Gee Dee Nen in the 2.35 Ascot and it worked out the wrong way around! Just shows you can never count on anything in racing! One point to note: Two of the other three had a first place at the front and the favourite had a claimer on it (always a worry)! I had the forecast in the 2.10 Wincanton, but I expected a better run from Sir Cool, even though it was a big price. I suspect they are holding that one up for handicaps. I had system bets Benefique and Presenting Ruby in a forecast (£30+) in the 3.00 Tramore! I had Victory Parade 4/1 and the thrown in Gentleman Jimmy 13/2 for the forecast in the 2.45 Wincanton, and my third choice, El Diego, finished third! I thought best in Apache Chant 12/1 was going to win the 3.30 Ludlow, but just pipped by Badgers Cove, which I feel is still improving. Expect improvemnt also from Puerto Azul soon. I had Banimpire 14/1 in the 3.45 Leopardstown, because I backed it last season and thought it could have done better! I also had Double Vodka each-way in the 3.45 Ascot, which obliging ran on for third when it was too late! Keep an eye on Soulard, which front-ran today and will do better soon. Best in King Kasyapa was hacking behind the leaders in the 3.20 Wincanton, but again finished only second. Why don't they win? Ruby Valentine will do better soon, and Shardakhan is thrown in when wanted. I had the first three written down for the 4.05 Ludlow, although it was probably not rocket science! I had Magic Sky 12/1 and Appleaday 4/1 for the forecast in the 4.20 Ascot, which paid £57+! The thrown in Marodima will only win when it is wanted! That is the conclusion I have come to, so you have to keep backing it until they decide it is going to run properly. It's annoying, but that is what happens! I had Tyup Pompey 14/1 in the 4.40 Ludlow! First, third and fourth in the 4.55 Ascot, with first choice Georgian King looking like winning, then making a bad jump at the last to throw the race away! I also had the winner, Puzzlemaster and the third Arkose. Why is there always something that gets in the way? Why does hardly anything win in a hunter chase unless it is a short price? Emotional Article was best in for the 5.15 Ludlow, but only ran on for third when it was too late! Jaamid and Almaydan (got its compulsory -0 today) are worth a bet soon. I thought there could be only one forecast in the 5.30 Ascot, but for some reason Oracle Des Mottes did not compete and lay way back behind the leaders. Are they allowed to do that sort of thing? Even the favourite apparently just scrambled home! One of the best in for the 5.05 Wincanton, Halden Caulfield, finished third at 33/1! Al Amaan will do much better when wanted. Galantos is also due a better run. As expected, Featherintheattic won the 5.45 Ludlow at a a canter (good price 7/4). I refuse to believe that The Booble Blitz and Generous Kenny are as bad as they showed here today! Keep them in mind for the future. I imagine that with a Henderson horse in the field, they wnated to keep a low profile!

9th April: Best in Dickie Le Davoir scored a three-timer at 20/1 in the 1.35 Thirsk! Could not understand the price on that one! Pity that none of my other picks figured for the forecast, although Mandurah was well there for a long way! Others to consider soon: Northern Bolt, Ryedane and Dancing Freddy. A pity that the other best in horses don't seem to compete in these races if they think they cannot win! I backed Cue Card to beat Spirit Son in the 1.45 Aintree, which was the wrong way around! I also backed system bet Drill Sergeant, which was just pipped into fourth place! The best two in for the 2.00 Lingfield, Salient and Buxton ran poorly, although Salient was in the lead going into the last furlong! Both will do better soon. I don't know why I kept looking at Rondeau (13/2), but it always seems to win when backed (and it was a system bet!). Best in Zomerlust finished only fifth in the 2.10 Thirsk, and my second choice, Celtic Sultan was never sighted, although it normally front-runs! Keep an eye on both soon. The winner, Joseph Henry, 18/1, was my third choice. Too many meetings again today! My first two on my list, Finians Rainbow and Ghizao, first and second in the 2.15 Aintree, although Starluck should have done better. Best in Folio was useless again in the 2.30 Lingfield. I don't know how you can keep backing them when they have no intention of winning! System bet Taste The Wine 6/1 winner of the 2.35 Chepstow, with Grosse Prophet (sys+1) 15/2 third. Love Of Tara (2.25 Bangor) will do better soon, as -06 are not good figures usually. Worth A King's is another to consider soon. I had On The High Tops 18/1 in the 2.45 Thirsk, with Jamesway third! Boundless Spirit will do better, probably when it has got rid of another first place! What the hell happened to Stentorian with Dettori on board in the 3.00 Lingfield? It tailed right off and clearly was not intended to figure today. Will do better. Dom D'Orgeval was thrown in for the 3.05 Bangor, but finished only second. Must win soon when wanted. Tramantano and Khachaturian will also do better. Best in Tax Free dropped out in the 3.15 Thirsk, and it was Nicholls' other pair that finished first and second! What a clever man! Not nice if you have backed the right one, though! It strikes me that these races could be won by anything with the right level of cooperation! Mister Watizname was best in for the 3.45 Chepstow, but finished only second, with next best Manmoon back in fifth. I can never understand why they don't win when they are thrown in! Do they want to do it gradually all the time? Another best in horse that did not win the 3.50 Thirsk was Houston Dynimo, (seventh) which has been ages without winning! Valdan (sixth) and Maslak (fourth) are two others running well below par recently, and all three will do better, perhaps when the competiton is not so hot! Why do I get the feeling they were all being held back a little? System bet Time Square 12/1 second. I had State Of Play fourth in the national, but had big tips for Oscar Time, which I did not back! Should have known that McCain would do well after Red Rum all those years ago, but BallaBriggs had gone up a lot in the weights after I had backed it a couple of times! Diktalina was best in for the 4.45 Bangor, but could manage only third. Next best Bright Sparky ran a shocker and will do better. That horse seems to be backed whether it will win or not! Clear best Duplicity front-ran for a while in the 4.55 Thirsk, then dropped back, allowing second best Lindoro to win at 6/1. Duplicity must do better very soon, but they are taking their time! System bet Mujaadel 15/2 third. Sysatem bet George Benjamin 7/1 winner of the 5.25 Thirsk. Rock And Royal (sys+1) 7/1 second. Is this a Nicholls and Fahey benefit? The thrown in Hinton Admiral did not compete today, and second best Mozayada led for a long way before dropping out. Both of these will do better again soon, as will Captain Macarry. Winning connections must be aware that these horses are not competing, otherwise how could they be sure of a good result? I had the first and second on my list in the 5.35 Aintree, but backed Grandioso each-way, and thought I would at least get a place a couple of furlongs out. I had Pampanito each-way in the 5.45 Bangor, but was greedy and put it with Tiradia instead of Hazy Tom! I will never learn! McCain is getting very good at bumpers as well as jumps races! I did Sin Bin to win the 3.55 Chepstow, but I expected a better run from Kings Lad, which appeared to be going well at one point. Why did I not just do it to beat Chance Encounter, which had the best form? Wake up, man! There was no obvious reason why Beaubrav should win the 5.40 Lingfield, as all its rivals had better form, but they all seemed to be agreed on it, so who am I to argue? let them get on with it! Magicalmysterytour will do better soon now in a bigger race. It makes me laugh when I see how they use these small races to manipulate their form figures! Rheinland (sys+1) 16/1 winner of the 5.45 Tramore. I will get the hang of this betting lark one day! Lady Platinum Club was very well in on juvenile form in the 6.00 Thirsk, but contrived to come third again! There seems to be a lot of that going on, but they do win when they actually want them! That blasted Loyal Royal 7/1 (6.20 Wolverhampton) seems to win whenever I do not back it! I didn't have time to get a bet on, but would not have trusted it anyway. You just never know how many these horses will win in a row, it's a minefield! I did mention Cocktail Party 28/1 second recently, and Espy was due a better run too. Lethal (6.50 Wolverhampton) always seems to put in a series of mediocre runs between its winning efforts, but believe me that it will win when wanted again. What amuses me is the effort they put in to finish just outside the first six on many occasions! The Tatling finds it very difficult to win these days, and I feel it would be better over 6 furlongs, as it seems to be slow early on. The winner Novay Essjay 11/1 was naughty, as it won with a first place at the front, but the rest of its form was system type (-060). Second placed Lily Wood and third placed Cavitie were also system bets. Poetically was best in for the 7.20 Wolverhampton, but they never seem to win in small races, and the other contestants seem to be aware of it. Wouldn't it be nice if nobody told anybody else anything, and they all ran their own races? That one will no doubt be suitably placed to win in the future when conditions (and form figures) are right. I am sick as a pig, as I got second, third and fourth for my tricast in the 9.20 Wolverhampton, and that blasted Blackstone Vegas beat the lot of them! My choices were Filun (which travelled like a certainty), Mary Helen and Moment Of Clarity! Pooah! There's always one you can't predict, isn't there? I can't believe that they don't win because of poor form figures. The only thing I can think is that Blackstone Vegas is probably better than the bare form, was a C/D winner and beaten favourite, which does comply with my system suggestions.

8thApril: A Media Luz came up going better than most in the 2.00 Aintree, then found nothing, for whatever reason! Keep your eye on that one, as it could have finished much closer! Typically my each-way bet, Good Faloue, finished third in a seven horse race in the 2.10 Hereford. I had the first three written down, but did not want American Ladie to win! I thought I might get the forecast in the 2.20 Newcastle until Marford Missile just prevailed! System bet Sarando 50/1 second in the 2.30 Aintree! I had a feeling that it had been hanging fire recently, but did not back it! I also backed Golan Way, and it ran a great race, despite several mistakes. They must have known what was going to happen in the 2.45 Fontwell, because Vagrant Emperor was best in, but finished as the outsider of three. Even the second was better in than the winner on ratings! The apprent Gosden second string, Tropical Beat, won the 2.55 Newcastle, and Miss Aix looked like winning until hanging fire behind the winner. Looked as if it could have won if wanted. Friday Night Lad also appeared to be pulled back a furlong out, so keep an eye on that one again. I had the first three for the 3.05 Aintree with Master Minded, Alberta's Run and Somersby, but wanted Somersby for the forecast. I would have had the tricast if there was one! Best in Quelclasse dropped out and pulled up in the 3.20 Fontwell. My next two picks, Keckerockernixes finished fourth and Curragh Dancer (running on after dropping out) fifth! I thought the former was sure to get placed, but typically was overtaken on the run-in by three others! You can't win with these b...s! However, I did win with Lady Chaparral 11/2 (I got 8/1) (the only one with solid form) in the 3.30 Newcastle! Keep an eye on Serenader (by Singspiel) which should do better in time. My recent tip, Always Waining, (see 24th March - I also tipped recent winner Drumbeater in the same sentence) 14/1 winner of the Topham (third successive win)! Bible Lord was a huge price today, but will do better in a more conventional race soon. I had River Indus in the 3.55 Fontwell, but wanted either Rebel Melody or Lavenoak Lad for the forecast. There's always one that gets in the way, isn't there? I had War Poet (another Singspiel from the same stable) each-way and the forecast with the favourite in the 4.05 Newcastle. Could not pick Saint Are in the 4.15 Aintree, although I backed it as a system bet last time! Without the -F, it would have been a system bet! System bet Minneapolis 33/1 second in the 4.30 Fontwell! Wish I would do them with the favourites! Home was best in, finishing fourth (again!). Keep an eye on King Of The Titans, which will run well before long. Galpin Junior (4.40 Newcastle) continues to run stones below its best form, but I can almost guarantee a better run next time, along with Tyrannosaurus Rex. The annoying thing was that I kept looking at Ingleby Star and did not back it! All of my selections for the 4.50 Aintree dropped out tamely, but all can do much better! These were Mobaasher, Pistolet Noir and Souffleur, which nwere very disappointing. Best in High Oscar had an outstanding first place, so I wondered whether it would perform, and it did not! Next best Take A Mile could only get a place, which was also very annoying! Bussa was disappointing in the 5.15 Newcastle, and you usually need to see money for Evans' runners. How come these short-priced favourites are nearly always beaten? I tohught the Tempest River (20/1 winner) form in a recent bumper was the best on offer, as it finished well in third over a shorter distance! I also backed Big Time Billy (third) each-way. How come the best thre horses (Duneen Point, Latin America and Shacklesborough) finished fourth, fifth and sixth in the 5.35 Fontwell? They all seemed to be doing their utmost not to figure in the finish! I hate that! Fortunately I also backed Ommega each-way second at 40/1! Yahrab was clear best in for the 5.50 Newcastle, but with no recent form, I was not surprised it did not win. Next best Nemo Spirit allowed itself to get beaten into second also at 7/1. You can't trust these to be run to their best form, it's too much about the correct placing, which is annoying. Burnt Oak will also do better. Petrocelli and Funky Munky were disappointing in the 6.25 Newcastle, but fortunately I had French Art 14/1 and Ravi River (which were the best two in) for the forecast!

7th April: The obvious 1-2 in the 2.00 Aintree, with Big Buck's beating Grand Crus again. Pity I didn't put a big bet on it! I had Queen's Revenge 11/2 in the 2.10 Ripon, but my forecast, No Legs, did not run for Cathy Gannon! I backed O'Neill's Storm Survivor in the 2.20 Hereford, but I should have known his main jockey was on Eastlake 16/1! Why did they back the other one, was it a ruse? I had Zarkandar to beat Grandouet in the 2.30 Aintree, but the latter was brought down at the last! I did back Houblon Des Obeaux each-way at 25/1. Jobe was thrown in for the 2.45 Ripon, but never really threatened. Will do better soon, along with River Falcon and Marvellous Value (fourth). I backed Pippa Greene to win in the 2.55 Hereford, but a mistake at the last probably cost it. Optimistic Duke and Allerford Jack were disappointing. I didn't think three short-priced fav ourites in a row would win, and Denman was very disppointing, but I had a feeling they knew that beforehand! You wonder sometimes if they don't win to save the bookies paying out on trebles and accumulators! Punchestowns should also have finished closer than last! Monitor Closely should have won the 3.20 Ripon, and will do better. I could not have St Moritz (-W50) but it won! Even Silver Grey should have done better than fourth! I thought I was going to get the forecast with Bernard and Woodlands Gem, but the latter faded into fifth after contesting the lead two out! All of my selections fell at the first few fences in the Foxhunters! These were Turko, Herons Well and Ice Tea! Even Silver Adonis was right up with the leaders, then faded out of the places! I looked at Mullin's Boxer Georg, but its rating was quite low, so I ignored it. I had Eternal Ruler second and Nawaashi third in the 3.55 Ripon, but could not pick the winner, Polar Kite! Il Battista tailed off, but this was just a blind, as it is much better than that! I backed Sports Line in the 4.15 Aintree, but it fell when disputing the lead! Safari Journey looked to be going as well as anything, but did not finish off. I only checked Silk Drum after the race to realise that it was best in! The wretched Chaninbar refused to race again, but has ability when starting. Typically the apparent Maktoum second string finished in front of the other in the 4.30 Ripon. Never write off these horses from powerful owners. Top Achiever ran another trial race in the 4.40 Ripon, finishing fifth, and must win soon. My second choice Olympian finished third. I mentioned Big Robert recently, and that one finished second at 11/1. I thought I was going to get the forecast with Lucky Art 13/2 and Sandwith in the 5.00 Ripon, but the latter dropped out towards the end. System bet Choc'a'moca 13/2 third with Fashion Icon (sys+1) second. Pearly Wey should run a better race soon, as should Sea Crest when it is in the handicap proper. Somehow I picked Shoudavenownbetter 33/1 in the 5.15 Hereford! Little Eaglet looked like winning, then the jockey decided to back-pedal! I had Michael Flips each-way 20/1 fourth in the 5.25 Aintree. The two best in for the 5.30 Ripon, Red Cape and Di Stefano did not compete today, and one of them was from the Nicholls stable, and typically his other horse finished in the places! I backed Boro Bee each-way in the 5.30 Clonmel, and it cam up going better than anything else, then finished fourth! Keep your eye on it in Ireland. Schinkel (sys+1) 25/1 winner! Clearly top rated Worldly Wise did not run to its best, for whatever reason. I can never get Coach Lane (5.45 Hereford) to run a good race when I back it! It is thrown in on old form, but is one of those that you keep backing and it never seems to be out to win! It's like beating your head against a brick wall, and I bet the stable connections are having a good laugh! Even next best Bushwacker found one to beat it, and This Way finished fourth. A bit of a non-event for me! Showtime Annie is thrown in when in the handicap proper. I had One Term each-way in the 6.15 Hereford, but could not find the winner, Harry Topper, although it was by Sir Harry Lewis and had a 7lb claimer on it. I usually pick up on these things, but not this time. It is difficult to research every horse with so many races and big fields!

6th April: I had my doubts if top-rated Dabbers Ridge would win the 2.10 Beverley with -05 figures and an outstanding first place. I was right! Fortunately I backed system bet White Deer 7/1 second each-way, and did the forecast with Rowan Lodge 17/2 winner (sys+1)! A £7 return for 20p was not bad! I thought Evans might have a 1-2 in the 2.20 Nottingham, but one of those Moores got in the act again, at a biggish price. If there is any money for their horses they usually are thereabouts. Another good result with best in Maze 11/4 and My Lord 9/2 for the forecast in the 2.30 Lingfield! Typically Fahey's apparent second string won the 2.40 Beverley. They prefer the bigger prices, don't they? System bet Secret Asset 9/2 second in the 2.50 Nottingham. No money for Judd Street today, but will do better, along with last placed Corporal Maddox. Could not get a result in the 3.00 Lingfield, as I don't like backing favourite to beat second favourite at these odds. Poyle Punch each-way and Uncle Dermot to win produced nothing! Best in Hamoody and Arganil were never sighted in the 3.10 Beverley, but will do better when wanted. I had Pineapple Pete 14/1 winner of the 3.20 Nottingham! Unfortunately I took 9/1! I had two of the first three for the tricast, but not Indian Shuffle (-040). Meandmyshadow should have done better than last! Best in Bonnie Prince Blue decided to come third today in the 3.30 Lingfield! Everything but the right result again, as I backed Misaro each-way and put it in a forecast with Bonnie Prince Blue, and Bonnie Prince Blue and Frequency in another forecast! Why do I keep getting the feeling that these races are planned beforehand? I had Dance For Julie 4/1 in the 3.40 Beverley, but wanted Leitzu for the forecast. Isn't it strange how they never run two good races back to back? I backed Akmal (faded tamely) in the 3.50 Nottingham, but had a saver on The Betchworth Kid winner at 8/1! Prince Charlemagne and Sommersturm (fourth) were best in for the 4.00 Lingfield, but neither were out to win today. The winner was the last one I would have picked! No doubt both of the aforementioned will be backed when wanted. Everything but the right forecat in the 4.10 Beverley, as I had the first three home! I backed Hawaafez to beat Art History and the two Johnston runners for the forecast! Blast! I assumed Fairley would be on the likely first home! System bet Colebrooke 7/1 third in the 4.20 Nottingham. Stablemate Smart Step appeared to be going well at halfway and will do better. I cannot believe that Anton Dolin is not better than a 60 rated horse! I wondered whether best in Triskaidekaphobia would make an effort today, so I backed Jimmy Ryan, which I thought would win, but just pipped on the line! The former could not get to the front today, but will do better again soon, as will Jimmy Ryan. System bet Commandingpresence 20/1 third. I backed Vetvey each-way in the 4.40 Beverley, and of course it would finish fourth, wouldn't it? I also backed Eduardo, which ran with promise without troubling the judge. Best in Amary did not compete today in the 4.50 Nottingham, but will do better soon. God, they annoy me sometimes! Mutamaleq was another that could have done better. I was not surprised that Fairley rode Johnston's winner in the 5.10 Beverley, as that balanced up the earlier win for De Sousa! Damn! I thought Sir Randolph was going well enough to win the 5.20 Nottingham, but did not finish off and finished third! Will do better. I did it in a forecast with the other system bet, Buzz Law (winner). Best in Cavalry Guard had asymmetrical form in the 5.30 Lingfield, and I almost expected a bad run from it! I also had Angelina Ballerina (11/2 winner) and Street Cry (16/1 third), which would have given me a good forecast! Well, I backed all afternoon on a starting bank of £2, but a few not quite successful later bets finished me off! Still not bad entertainment at that price! My recent tip, Lord Of The Reins, (see 1st March - one run since) 6/1 winner of the 5.40 Kempton. System bet Onceuponatime 7/1 third.

5th April: A great start with Hits Only Jude 5/1 and Classic Descent 20/1 for the forecast in the 2.10 Pontefract! The latter missed the break, so must win when breaking on terms. Carlitos Spirit was very well in too and should do better soon (40/1 today). Typically the horse with experience, Snowed In, won the 2.20 Kempton over the two hyped first-time outers. I thought Mrs Mop appeared not to be pushed too hard near the finish. I had the first three in the 2.30 Exeter, but unfortunately Knighton Combe did not win, although by far best in on old form. Perhaps not quite fast enough for hurdles? I also backed How's My Friend each-way, but did not get the forecast. I had the first three (the first four in fact) again in the 2.40 Pontefract, but again did not get the correct forecast! I had everything but the correct one in combinations! Grrr.... I wondered whether best in Free Tussy would win the 2.50 Kempton with asymmetrical form, and I was right to wonder! Fortunately I also backed Understory, and almost got the tricast, with the first two and the fourth! The best two horses did not figure in the 3.00 Exeter, with Made In Japan and Racing Demon dropping out tamely. Both of these will do better very soon. Third best Nemetan finished only third, despite being backed into favouritism. Best in Satin Love got hampered on the rail at a vital time, and finished fourth. Will do better soon, as will Blaze Of Thunder. I could not even get the forecast when the favourite unseated its rider in the 3.20 Kempton! I had Welsh Inlet to beat Chevise, but it would not hold on! System bet Drybrook Bedouin 9/1 winner of the 3.30 Exeter! Best in Pass Me By finished second, and next best Kilbeggan Blade finished fifth again! Is that deliberate? Best in King In Waiting came to the front in the 2.40 Pontefract, then dropped out again. Was it too far, or was it a trial run (system bet next time)? I then thought that next best Chocolate Cramel was going to win, but that finished out of the frame too! This Descaro must be a very well handicapped horse, as it always seems to win when backed! Typical Channon, produces a 20/1 winner in the 3.50 Kempton, and none of my selections even figured! What a forecast that I didn't get! I am sure Daliana will do better than it did today! I had Hidden Keel to beat Rougham in the 4.00 Exeter, but second place was in doubt for much of the race! Solitary Palm will do better when back in a handicap (should have finished fourth here). Fouth and fifth in the 4.10 Pontefract with Arlequin and Crackentorp, both of which finished too late! Should just have backed Fahey in a forecast! I had Leadenhall Lass in the 4.20 Kempton, but wanted Perfect Ch'i (third) for the forcast! I backed Oca De Thaix to beat Louis Pasteur in the 4.30 Exeter, but reckoned without the wretched Blackstaff! Canashito was not backed in the 4.40 Pontefract, and ran accordingly. In those colours, must do better at some point. I had Mohanad (see 1st March) in the 4.50 Kempton, but wanted Gandalf for the forecast! Should not have gone against Coda Agency for a place! Kavaloti was totally unbacked, but should win a race before long. How the hell can you find Russie With Love (50/1 second) in the 5.00 Exeter? I had best in Record Breaker (has been enfuriating for a long time) in the 5.10 Pontefract, but was disappointed with the efforts of Folk Tune and Agapanthus, both of which can do much better. Seems to me that if they know a better horse is out to win, they just don't compete! System bet Lovat Lane should have done better in the 5.20 Kempton, and will still be a system bet next time now. I fancied Delira, but did not back it, unfortunately. System bet Golden Gael 13/2 winner of the 5.30 Exeter. I also fancied Wiffy Chatsby (third) and Cosway Spirit (fourth), but King and Nicholls don't seem to get as many bumper winners as they used to. They probably will again when people lose faith in them! System bet Mrs Batt 9/1 winner of the 5.45 Limerick (and I backed it!).

4th April: I fancied The Dancing Lord to beat Queen Of The Hop in the 2.20 Folkestone, but did not have any money on it, unfortunately. King Mak, still thrown in for the 2.30 Kelso, finished only third at 8/1, and can win again. I was disappointed with both Bucepahalus and Benmadigan, which made no effort to get into the race. Plenty of money for Livvy Inn, but no show, so keep an eye on it soon. System bet Rolecarr 18/1 winner! I had Silverheels 6/1 and Lord Of The Shadows for the forecast in the 2.40 Windsor! On the other hand, the two I backed for the forecast in the 2.50 Folkestone finished third and fourth! Horses with variable form figures often can't be trusted. Best in Carters Rest looked like taking a hand in the 3.00 Kelso until making a mistake at the last. Will do better. My second choice, Bob's Dream, also finished well in second. Keep an eye on Super Baby, which is due very soon, and Carrietau, which was getting rid of a first place today. Best in Captain Sharpe never looked like winning the 3.10 Windsor, and as usual I did two forecasts, neither of which worked out! You have to take note of the money when Baker backs them! I had Apollo D'Negro to beat Cristaliyev in the 3.20 Folkestone. I thought I was going to get the forecast with Soft Spoken Guy and Milans Man for a long way nin the 3.30 Kelso, but at least I had the winner! System bet Uncle Fred winner of the 3.40 Windsor. Damn! I had it in a forecast with Ellemujie (third)! Damn! Didn't know there were only 7 runners, as I did Ellemujie each-way! I had Red Zeus 3/1 and Tony Hollis 6/4 for the forecast in the 3.50 Folkestone. Kings Grey did not run on in the 4.00 Kelso, and was very disappointing. That means you should keep an eye on it next time, as it is much better than it showed here (should have been close to second-placed Rupert Lambe on ratings). I had Informed Award each-way in the 3.40 Windsor, but as usual it only ran on for third when it was too late! I did not really notice Lucky Legs (second) on the card, but a powerful combination! System bet Gay Gallivanter ran a shocker in the 4.20 Folkestone. Salveo was disappointing in the 4.30 Kelso, but I also backed Putitawayforayear in third. Disappointments in the 4.40 Windsor were: Cape Royal, Equuleus Pictor and Efistorm, all of which are due a better run very soon. System bet Roman Dancer 14/1 second in the 5.10 Windsor. Grandmas Dream will do better soon, possibly in a handicap. Or De Grugy was best in for the 5.00 Kelso, but dropped out after leading. Currahee looked like taking a hand, but faded late on (asymmetrical form). Both will do better soon. System bet Kilbrannish Hill 8/1 third (hacking, but could not finish off). After winning a claimer last time, best in Sir Haydn did not compete today in the 5.20 Folkestone. My recent tip, Vinces, finished third at 6/1 (ran on late again), and is due a win soon. I put best in Coldwells in a forecast with More Equity in thbe 5.30 Kelso, and guess what? Coldwells dropped out tamely and More Equity won at 10/1! How annoying can you get? Never trust a horse that is out of the handicap, although some do win. They don't like getting a big rise for winning, unless they are exceptionally well in. Coldwells will be a system bet next time, and I can only assume it will be out to win then. No wonder Bogside was such a short price, as its only feasible opposition, Tom's Toybox, was not out to show today. Ridiculous! How can you back them when they are not out to compete? Keep the latter in your notebooks, becausee it ran on for about seventh place at the end (seventh place because that is what they usually want)! I also thought Glingermill would do better than about fifth. I should have noted Master Performer, with 4P figures.

3rd April: Jeer 11/1 was my third best rated in the 1.40 Doncaster, which makes me wonder why Active Asset and Mustajed did not finish closer! The latter only wins very occasionally, but I feel sure it could win a lot more if wanted. All of my top-rated were well in contention for most of the race, but dropped out one by one, including Ay Tay Tate and Duar Mapel. The latter keeps running well without threatening to win, but must do better soon (system bet next time). Global is another running below form. Is it not strange that the first four home were either non-claiming or 3lb claiming jockeys? Are those the only ones to concentrate on in these races? I keep wondering whether only three or four horses are actually under instructions to try to win, as there is so much dead wood which does not appear to make much effort! You rarely get a race where more than a handful are in contention. System bet King Of Jazz winner of the 2.10 Doncaster with system bet With Hindsight 20/1 third (I got 25/1). I had Solway Blue (see my tip 10th March) 14/1 winner of the 2.30 Market Rasen, and Muntami in third! Damn, I thought I had the forecast for a moment! The Iron Giant is due soon. Cyflymder finished fifth in the 2.45 Doncaster, but should have finished closer. I thought system bet Internationaldebut had the race won, but just collared on the line! System bet Imperial Djay fourth also. My Gacho and El Dececy (led for a while) will also do better soon. Majestic Times was thrown in for the 2.55 Curragh, but dropped out after showing up well. I can rarely catch them on a going day! I also fancied Just For Mary and First In Command, but these were never sighted! Makes me cringe at times! I had the forecast with Higgys Ragazzo and King Fingal in the 3.05 Market Rasen, with an each-way on Strathcal in third. I expected a better run from Troopingthecolour, but I expect this was trial run for later. System bet King Of Eden 10/1 winner of the 3.20 Doncaster! Why don't I back them? My top-rated Mastership 14/1 third. Dubai Dynamo must show soon, along with Extraterrestrial, which was backed today. Not My Choice was an outsider today, but can win again soon. Regal Parade should have won the 3.30 Curragh, but was not placed! I don't know why they take them to Ireland if they are not out to win. I backed The Cheka (8/1 second) each-way. Cottam Grange (3.40 Market Rasen) is due a good run very soon. I backed system bet What's Occurrin 12/1 third. What is it about O'Neill's horses that they seem to keep improving? Keep an eye on Lindy Lou and Royal And Ancient soon. Best in Advanced ran a better race in the 3.55 Doncaster, hopefully getting a place! Next best Our Jonathan (8/1 third) must have been out for a place, as it was a very short price! I backed Moyenne Corniche in the 4.25 Doncaster, but did not expect it to be beaten by Cracking Lass! Knight Legend continues not to win and its run in the 4.40 Market Rasen was too bad to be true! Will almost certainly figure next time out. I also backed Babysitter, so got a return. Parks Prodigy will also do better. The two that I backed in the 5.10 Market Rasen , D'Gigi and Skenakilla Cross, front-ran, looked like going better than the others, then finished fourth and fifth! How annoying! Gets my goat after a while! The winner, Toubeera, won first time out, and these are often horses to include in your considerations. I noticed after the race that it had won readily, also often a good pointer. I had best in She's A Character 13/2 in the 5.25 Doncaster! I did not expect Very Well Red to get placed, but it is one of my favourite horses! I did a reverse forecast with Torpichen and Jumbo Rio in the 5.30 Curragh, but the latter just got pipped for second. Typical! Articilitis ran well until fading, and should be noted soon in Ireland. I had Old Si 9/1 in the 5.45 Limerick, and had my eye on Conem, but did not do the forecast. Keep an eye on Woodbine Willie soon.

2nd April: Mata Keranjang was again disappointing in the 2.05 Doncaster, but I did get Manassas 16/1 third. Daraybad was thrown in for the 2.25 Uttoxeter, but finished only third at 14/1 after looking like winning. Can win soon, along with the disappointing Tiger Dream. Top Achiever was on a trial run today, leading before dropping out, and will also do better. I also had Arthurian Legend (-W60) 16/1 winner of the 2.15 Chepstow. Saphira's Fire (2.20 Kempton) was thrown in at these weights, but was obviously not wanted today. The 2.35 Doncaster changed completely in the last couple of furlongs, with best in Lovelace dropping out after leading. Also disappointing were Prime Defender and Doncaster Rover. Why don't they try to win when they are capable? I suppose they are getting rid of those first places again! Annoying! System bet Rangototo 5/2 winner of the 2.45 Chepstow. Damn! I wanted Cresswell Crusader (third 9/2) for the forecast! I thought Turner's She's Reel Dusty would have done better in the 2.55 Kempton. Damn! I looked at Jawking, but when it opened at a big price, I ignored it! I wonder how much Evans had on the forecast (cynical)? Yukon Quest must be better than it showed today in the 3.00 Uttoxeter! It really annoys me when they don't get into contention! I had the first two on my list, but not together! I did back Dancing Dude, but only got 5/1! System bet Sweet Lightning 16/1 winner of the Lincoln with system bet Brae Hill 22/1 second and system bet Dubai Hills 40/1 third! Wish I would do the system bets! I had Eton Rifles (fifth at 18/1). System bet Red Cadeaux 9/1 second in the 3.25 Kempton. Damn! I looked at Cosmic Sun too! I had best in Ramona Chase 66/1 each-way in fourth. I had He's So Cool 8/1 and Redair 9/4 in the 3.40 Doncaster! I thought system bet Billy Murphy 12/1 was going to win easily in the 3.50 Chepstow, but just got nabbed by Our Columbus! Mister Green was best in for the 4.00 kempton, but decided not to compete today. I had Baylini on my list, but can never trust that horse! Best in Drussell looked like figuring in the 4.05 Uttoxeter before getting hampered late. Will do better. One of my other choices, Yeoman Spirit finished third at 25/1. Also keep an eye on Kempley Green soon. I thought Nabah should have been a certainty in the 4.15 Doncaster, but you can't rely on these at shortish prices! Must do better soon. Fortunately I also backed Sud Pacifique. Maucaillou ran poorly in the 4.25 Chepstow, but will do better when wanted. Kinko Afro finished fourth in the 4.35 Kempton, but they never seem to do enough when they are big prices! Mosqueras Romance typically ran poorly when it should have been a certainty! I thought today was the day for Song Of Songs, but after getting into contention, it dropped right out! Never trust a big price from that stable! They like to back them! Snake Charmer and County Zen were also useless. I had Mirrored 18/1 in the 4.50 Doncaster and almost got the forecast with Veiled Applause (third)! King Kasyapa was best in for the 5.00 Chepstow and typically finished fourth. they always seem to do that before getting competitive, which is very annoying! Lucky Dance was a big price and ran accordingly in the 5.20 Doncaster, but will do better. System bet Bonfire Knight 100/30 winner. The three best in for the 5.30 Chepstow, Smack That, Amble Forge and Our Bob, just used this race to finish out of the places. It really makes me see red! Lorum Leader was thrown in for the 5.40 Uttoxeter, but failed yet again. When will it compete? Mister Wiseman looked sure to get placed, but finished fourth, of course! No money for Blue Spinnaker again in the 5.50 Doncaster. It was thrown in again, as it is for every race. When there is any money for it, get on! I backed Rosbay (fourth) each-way, and thought Gala Casino Star (third) would be in the shakeup. Nicholls' and Henderson's horses both did not run up to expectations in the 6.05 Chepstow, but this seems to happen a lot in bumper races. I am tempted to say look elsewhere when this is the case. Tizzard seems to do well in these races, but I did not back his on this occasion! The first two home were off the lowest weight, and one had a 10lb claimer on it, which I should have taken notice of! How are you supposed to pick a winner when almost every horse had finished place last time out?

1st April: Goodwood Starlight, equally in with the winner on ratings, was too far back and did not get competitive in the 2.10 Stratford. This seemed to be deliberate, and there was no apparent reason for it to do that. Keep an eye on Stevie Thunder and Bow To No One, which can probably do better. I backed Idler in the 2.20 Musselburgh, but you never know with Johnston's runners, which seem to be better over 7f+. I also backed Stonefield Flyer each-way (second). System bet Hannah Jacques 16/1 third in the 2.30 Newcastle. Pity, I wanted it for the forecast! Eighteen Carat should have done better. I had system bets Marley Roca and Kack Handed for the forecast in the 2.40 Stratford. See You Jack should do better in a bigger race soon. Royal Straight should at least have got second in the 2.50 Musselburgh, but no doubt is waiting for a bigger race. As I expected, Red Kestrel was thrown in, but I wasn't going to put a lot on it! Second and third with Fill The Power and Luso's Lad in the 3.00 Newcastle, but I wanted Luso's Lad for the forecast. Should have put them both in! I thought Le Corvee was nailed on for the 3.10 Stratford, but let me down for a win (ran on too late after the last hurdle)! Kasimali and Shilpa should also have done better, so perhaps a handicap is their target. Berbice was by far best in for the 3.20 Musselburgh, but I suspect needs 6 furlongs. Keep an eye on it next time. Argentine is another that was a huge price today, but should do better soon. Mandurah and Northern Dare are also better than they showed today. System bet Verinco 6/1 second. I give up on The Green Hat, which never wins a race! Lyndseyfield Lodge normally front-runs, but never got near the front today! Watch for it soon. Lerida was also getting rid of a first place, and will do better. King's Revenge was by far best in for the 3.40 Stratford, but did not seem to want to win! Will do better, hopefully next time. My third choice, Gifted Leader won the race at 10/1, but Ellerslie Tom, second best, dropped out tamely. I had Las Verglas Star 6/1 in the 3.50 Musselburgh. No money for Peppercorn Rent, which should do better soon. I don't know why Dottie Darroch caught my eye, but I did not back it. Waltham Abbey was thrown in for the 4.00 Newcastle, but contrived to come third, with second best Ardesia fourth. Both must win soon. I put my free bet on Cute N You Know It, and the b... dropped out as if shot! How annoying, as it was thrown in, but probably got too muchpublicity today! Next best Baby Car finished fourth at 16/1. They've got you every way, haven't they? Also keep an eye on Petrus de Sormain soon. Best in Prince Apollo looked like coming through in the 4.20 Musselburgh, then fell in a hole! Northern Fling and Euston Square were also better in than the others, but made no attempt today. What can you go on if you can't go on ratings! Note them all soon. Anotrher pathetic result in the 4.30 Newcastle, with best in Innominate and Monsieur Jourdain finishing out of the frame! Both should have figured, so assume they will do better next time. At least Commemoration Day won, although looking out of it at one stage, and of course my second choice Job One had a disaster at the first fence! It looked as if they did not like the price on Dressing Room in the 4.50 Musselburgh, and I backed it with the two that finished first and second, so that was useless! Play The Rock was thrown in for the 5.00 Newcastle, but would not get properly in contention, despite hacking behind the leaders, finishing about fifth! It might not win next time either, now having -05 figures, but keep it on your list. Fortunately I also backed the winner, Daasij, whose flat form entitled it to win off this mark. Could not pick the second or third in the 5.10 Straford. I thought Getaway Driver and The Goldmeister were going to figure, but dropped out too tamely for my liking! It is always worth noting Webber's horses (Gumball), however. Best in Ra Junior (fourth) did not compete too hard in the 5.20 Musselburgh, nor did Classic Descent. In fact it was third and fourth choices, system bet Hits Only Jude and Ravi River which fought out the finish! Blast! I did not put them in a forecast. Hold On Tiger figured for a while, then dropped out, and will do better. I looked to have a certain huge tricast in the 5.30 Newcastle until that wretched Bear Dancing came to beat them all! It makes me fume, because they were all better in than the winner, but must have let it win! System bet Shrewd Investor (16/1 second), system bet Toulouse Express (40/1 third) and Sycho Fred (fourth) looked to have the race between them two fences out! Oh my God! What a disaster! Instead of a huge payout I got almost nothing. I suppose the logical thing would be to include the favourite, but I did not fancy it! Did they conspire to get this result? Keep an eye on Twelve Paces now, as it is due very soon. Sycho Fred now has four fourth places in a row, so will probably try to win next time. Scommetitrice should have done better than third in the 5.40 Wolverhampton, so should be due a win soon, and Two Feet Of Snow is now thrown in when wanted. Two more first and second favourites beat best in Hi Dancer in the 6.00 Newcastle. There must be something wrong there! I could not understand why it was 12/1, but I soon found out! Daytime Dreamer was a huge price, but ran well for a long way and will do better soon, as will Lady Willa, which ran as if it was expected to run like that. How on earth could Quinmaster be the 14/1 outsider in the 6.30 Dundalk when it was the best rated of them all? Doesn't make sense, but it was reflected in the horse's running! I suppose it is probably better over 6 furlongs. Don't know how they get away with it! I managed to get War Of The Roses 11/2 winner in the 6.40 Wolverhampton, but was disappointed with Swords, which was thrown in, was a huge price, ran wide off the last bend for no apparent reason, but at least did not finish last! Must do better very soon. System bet Money Money Money 7/1 second. I notice that whenever Yossi gets placed in a handicap, it then runs in a claimer next time, when it is way out of its depth (placed third tonight, so watch for it in a handicap)! Very strange! System bet Dahindar 11/2 winner of the 8.00 Dundalk, with system bet Bashir Biyoum Zain 8/1 third. African Cheetah (-W5P) 13/2 winner of the 8.10 Wolverhampton. I have often mentioned that such figures are interesting and can produce results. Eastern Gift is still very well in on old form, but they probably decided it had gone high enough in the ratings for the time. This is a common habit with well-handicapped horses, they show a certain amount of their hand, then revert to type again for a while. A little now and again does not give away too much. Baskirov was thrown in for the 9.25 Dundalk, but these gambles often fail to win, and unfortunately I backed it. I had a look at Blue Ridge Lane, 33/1 because it had three duck's eggs after two wins, and was the official top-rated. Damn! Did not expect it to win at that price!

31st March: Third place in a seven horse race with Dougie Boy in the 2.20 Leicester. The favourite, Waybuloo must have been backed because Hanagan was on it! Kings Queen looked like winning the 2.35 Ludlow, but finished only second. None of the others outside the top three in the betting were remotely in contention. Enchanted Approach should do better in a handicap soon. I got the forecast with system bet Cootehill Lass 9/4 and Eternal Youth 8/1 in the 2.50 Leicester. I thought Thumbs Up might beat Fahrisee in the 3.05 Ludlow, but no joy! I backed Troubletimestwo (second 16/1) each-way in the 3.35 Ludlow, and had a little each-way on Peaceful Means (fourth). The latter looked like winning at one point, and is worth keeping in mind. Away from racing, I had a bet at 9/2 on Ding Junhui to beat Stephen Hendry 5-2 in the China Open. Didfn't look good at 2-0 to Ding, but he came through at the right score. Best in Tanforan finished fourth, running on when it was too late in the 3.50 Leicester. That was the reason it was a big price, no doubt. Keep it in mind for an early success. Damned thing ruined my bet, though! System bet Formulation 4/1 second, with system bet and second best Gordie Bee 10/1 third. I had Akarshan as best in for the 4.05 Ludlow, finished third at 12/1. Cruichain was next best, finishing second at 11/2. The annoying thing was that the race was won by system bet Russian Epic 8/1, and I could have forecast and tricast! Tyup Pompey (fifth) will also do better, especially at Ludlow, and keep an eye on Leamington Lad, which is better than its finishing position today (hard ridden, typically, when they are not out to win). I couldn't get Retainer beaten in the 4.20 Leicester, although I thought Glas Burn might do it for a while! I hade the winner Supernoverre 4/1 in the 4.35 Ludlow, and looked like getting the forecast with Mister Fantastic, but it just got pipped on the run-in at 11/1! I did get the forecast with Sand Owl and Mother Jones in the 4.50 leicester! My selection Emotional Article was a big price in the 5.05 Ludlow, but the b... only ran on for fourth or fifth when it was too late! Why do they do that constantly, it drives me mad! You can only say that it must be deliberate! I wondered whether Lastkingofscotland would figure in the 5.20 Leicester with its form figures, and it came cruising up going well, then dropped out again! Keep an eye on that one soon. Second best Mr Maccattack finished second at 10/1, but again I am not sure it was ridden out to my satisfaction. System bet Space Station finished third. Ours missed the break (they have a habit of doing that), but will do better. Henderson did not pull a fast one with his second string in the 5.35 Ludlow, just so that it does not become a pattern. I thought Castle Conflict would run a good race, and it finished second at 8/1. I was watching the 5.45 Wolverhampton, and Second Encore did not appear to be ridden out for second place! Very annoying when you have money on the forecast! Still I should have known, as system bet Sugar Beet finished second. I should pick up on these details more carefully! Best in Let Yourself Go (16/1 second) made rapid headway in the 5.55 Cork, but I doubt if it was intended to win today, as it should have done easily. Should win soon. Also keep an eye on next best Cane Brake, which was prominent for a long way today. Power Station has now got rid of a first place, and will do better soon. I thought best in Yossi 14/1 was going to win for a long way in the 6.15 Wolverhampton, but just got beaten by that blasted Broughtons Paradis! I was afraid of that one, but didn't do the forecast! Barbirolli was back to the usual after I missed it winning last time. Typical! Mary Helen will do better soon, along with Castlebury. Why do the bigger priced runners always seem to ease up and let the others go past late on? Consistant looked sure to get second in the 6.45 Wolverhampton, but no, the second favourite picked it up late on! Very annoying when you have your money on the forecast! I had the first three in the 7.15 Wolverhampton written down. Strangely Invincible Hero was heavily backed, but it was stable companion Hootys Agogo which ran well in third. I twigged this late on and had a little each-way on it. I get fed up mwhen my best in horses start as outsiders, run very well for a long way, then drop out tamely! Such was the case with Waahej and Laconicos in the 7.45 Wolverhampton. Both can do much better than they showed tonight and probably will as system bets next time. Best in Elhamri never seems to win when I back it, despite being clear best in tonight (and apparently hacking until the last couple of furlongs). Will show again soon. Next best Icelandic was obviously being backed each-way, as it made no effort until coming third when it was all over. Are they all in it together, telling others where they intend to finish? It looks like it quite often! I looked at Capercaillie, as I have backed it a couple of times recenlty when it ran like a dog (not a greyhound)! System bet Lilli Palmer 9/2 easy winner of the 8.45 Wolverhampton, with system bets Holyfield Warrior 7/1 and Forzarzi 25/1 dead-heating for second! Is that all that matters, system bets? If I'd known that I would have done all three in a tricast! Damn! Sometimes I don't know if it worth researching the ratings! I backed the thrown in Crocodile Bay, and it looked like winning until dropping into fourth! Why are my selections always fourth? It gets incredibly frustrating at times. I knew that -66 form figures would not be good news! That horse must win soon, and I thought the shorter price today was significant. Machinate and King Of Connacht will do better soon.

30th March: Why do I always pick the wrong one not to back? I backed Charles Darwin and Misaro (fourth) in the 2.00 Lingfield, and included system bet Loyal Royal in forecasts and a tricast! The first two did not perform, but Loyal Royal won at 8/1. How annoying! Charles Darwin must try next time, surely? Somebody was on it today, but clearly not the stable! And to cap it all, I backed Thoughtsofstardom (16/1 third) as a good thing last time, but not today! Dubai Crest and Raya Star were very disappointing in the 2.10 Hereford, but fortunately I also backed Swift Lord to win. They never seem to run two races alike, and it can't be coincidence! System bet Ballarina 15/2 winner of the 2.20 Catterick! Clear best in Yungaburra was never sighted, nor was next best King Of Swords (big price from that stable)! I did back Kersivay each-way, however. I backed both of Turner's runners in the 2.30 Lingfield, but should have put them in with the favourite! He had second and fourth. Best in Speedy Directa 4/1 winner of the 2.40 Hereford. I got it at 8/1, but wanted Drawback (fourth) for the forecast! None of my selections performed in the 2.50 Catterick, and if they don't you get a completely unpredictable result! Lindoro, Trans Sonic and Violent Velocity should all have done better. Ruth Carr's Frognal ran into a place at a big price, which is why I did not back it, but often they are only backed when they are due to win. I am glad the phone rang and I missed the 3.00 Lingfield, because I weouldn't have had any returns! Figaro Flyer (fourth), Raimond Ridge and Calabaza would have been my choices. It's funny, really, as they either perofrm or are completely AWOL! The jockeys must be told "Don't get anywhere near winning!" Best in Oddsmaker was a huge price in the 3.20 Catterick, and did not perform (although it front-ran for a long way), of course! Must start to show very soon, as it is thrown in. Donna Elvira and The Oil Magnate (fourth) were also disppointing. Making horses run well is like pulling teeth sometimes! I try to identify when a jockey stops riding at the front, but they are so good at it that it is very difficult! It is something to do with when they switch their hands. I had Bonnie Prince Blue 6/1 winner in the 3.30 Lingfield with Frequency for the forecast. I am never sure whether to trust them when they have that first place left over at the front, but a number of horses seem to be winning with those figures recently. I had to decide which of the horses that won first time out in bumpers would do best in the 3.40 Hereford, but picked the wrong one in Suburban Bay! Because Royal Riviera 14/1 had -06, I ignored it! You can never really tell! No money for best in Royal Dignitary in the 3.50 Catterick! As soon as it did not front-run, I knew my fate (although it ran on well in mid-race! Must do better soon, along with stablemate Fremen (fourth), which has been very lacklustre recently! They do like to get rid of those first places, don't they? I had the forecast with Guildenstern 20/1 and Louphole 16/1 in the 4.00 Lingfield, which paid over £290! I also had Prince Namid in fourth, but that did not count! Keep an eye on Art Scholar soon. As so often happens, when a well in horse wins one race, it then comes third next time! This was the case with The Composer in the 4.10 Hereford. It did not appear to have any intention of getting into the race until the last two hurdles. I also backed system bet Septos, which finished just behind in fourth. Back to normal in the 4.20 Catterick, with my picks, Sinadinou, Oldmeldrum and Barkston Ash all running as if dead! All three of these will do better when wanted. I had Maslak and Camps Bay for places in the 4.30 Lingfield, and was about to do the tricast with Deauville Post when the race went off! How annoying! Isn't it strange how they apparently bow down to these short-priced favourites in these races? Profits Reality ran its worst race so far, despite being thrown in, so put a big mark against that one next time it runs! More disappointing runs in the 4.40 Hereford, with Rince Donn, Sourchamp and Arthurs Dream clearly not out to figure today. I bet they will all run better in bigger races very soon! Comments like "The best horse won" are laughable, but true on the day, of course! Best in Emirate Isle decided to run a stinker today in the 4.50 Catterick, but my next two choices, Madamlily 6/1 and Leaving Alone 16/1 finished first and third. Pity about that tricast! A pity, as system bet Madame Norlela finished second at 20/1! Got it wrong again in the 5.10 Hereford, as I backed Little Fritz to beat Real Milan! They always manage to get beaten these days, from the top stables. Is this a new trend? System bet Desert Strike 5/1 winner of the 5.30 Wolverhampton. As with the 5.20 Catterick, I had just about every combination of the first three apart from the right one. Sometimes it's just Sod's law, other times it works out! I did fancy Misty Morn 12/1 winner in that race, but only included it in a tricast! Well, I made a nice sum today, again mainly through a great forecast! I put in combinations of my top three rated, and it works well on occasions, producing a big return. P.S. I knew that Acropolis (see 19th March) would win when I was not around to back it, and it won tonight at 11/1! Don't say I didn't tell you!

29th March: Karate (2.10 Lingfield) is working towards a win, but perhaps wants further. I detest it when they come third in a seven horse race! I thought the odds-on favourite might get turned over in the 2.20 Taunton, but all went like clockwork! Not much between the two on ratings. I thought Roninski might beat Ashva in the 2.30 Southwell, but no, favourite again! Is it going to be one of those days that I detest? I wondered whether best in Gallantry would win the 2.40 Lingfield, as its form figures suggested not, and I was right! It's not how good they are, but what they want them to do on the day, and we are completely in their hands. I will never learn, but I had to back it just in case! Then I did the wrong forecast with the first two. How to get a return? It's very difficult! Why do I back the winning distance when only one horse finishes? Hudibras unseated early in the 2.50 Taunton, which makes me spit! I was suspicious of Karasenir in the 3.00 Southwell, so I did a reverse forecast with Baileys Agincourt and Little Jazz. Not a bad return (£25+)! Looksmart was best in for the 3.10 Lingfield, but dropped out after leading early. Will do better, along with Out Of The Storm. Keep an eye on Lang Shining, which was a top-class flat horse, and must do better over hurdles soon, possibly in a handicap. I did not think that best in Dickie Le Davoir would win over five furlongs today, silly me! From the betting, not many others did either! It normally comes from well off the pace over six furlongs and just gets there! If I had done it, I would have had the tricast! System bet Clear Ice second. Bertbrand never seems to run two races alike, but was second best in today. You can toss a coin in these match races, with Kingscroft beating Bunce, which was apparently going better at halfway! Well, on my system Cold Mountain was the last one I expected to win the 3.50 Taunton, so Petite Margot must be waiting for a bigger handicap! I had La Estrella in the 4.00 Southwell, but I wish Calculating would run to its best once in a while! I had Dream Number 5/1 and Secret Queen 25/1 for the forecast in the 4.10 Lingfield! Research does pay off occasionally. The latter was best in, but they rarely win with such poor figures. Wish I'd put my free bet on it! My recent tip, Drumbeater (see 24th March), 5/1 winner of the 4.20 Taunton. It was too short a price not to be trying! If Orion Express had not fallen, I might have had the tricast! Keep an eye on that one now, but it will probably be backed. What is the point of having a system bet (Coax, 4.30 Lingfield) if it finishes fourth? I had my doubts about best in Suhailah in the 4.40 Lingfield, because of its form figures, and I was right again! It's a never ending pattern! Of course Dansilver was the first to catch my eye, and it won! How come Ours could get so far behind in the 4.50 Taunton? Considering how well it has run recently, it must be going on the downgrade for a while! I knew that Hindu Kush (see 2nd February) was thrown in for the 5.00 Southwell, but I did not trust it, and was obsessed with next best They All Laughed, which did not perform today! Now I wish I had put my free bet on Hindu Kush! I had the forecast with Cativo Cavallino 4/1 and Prince Of Thebes 11/4 in the 5.10 Taunton, with my third choice, Chief Exec in third! I did a little each on the first two, and a reverse forecast. Second, third and fourth for me in the 5.20 Taunton, with Maid Of Silk, Bahira and Jaya Bella! No wonder Jaya Bella was a big price, typically finishing fourth! Do they know that will happen before the race? I cannot believe that King's Calcot Rose is as bad as it showed today! He doesn't train bad horses! They like to exaggerate how bad they are, don't they? Well, I did all right today, mainly through a few good forecasts! That seems to be the only way to make money at this game.

28th March: Chigorin and Showtime Annie should have done better in the 2.30 Towcester, so look out for them soon. Best in Sieglinde did not figure at the end of the 2.40 Plumpton, and will do better, as will King Of Leon. I did not see the race until later, and did not know that King Of Leon was in a clear lead when falling at the last, and that Sieglinde finished like a train in third! Just shows that bare results do not show everything! There were five runners in the 3.00 Towcester, and only one of the top three rated performed. the other two, including Good Old Days and best in Liberty Seeker, were hopeless. They don't like winning small races, do they? I suppose the latter will throw in a -0 next time now! It makes me really annoyed when they apparently set out not to win and cost me my free bet! A stinker! I wondered why Williams Way was 12/1 in the 3.20 Wolverhampton - answer - it was not going to win, although it came up on the outside full of running before getting pipped into third place! My God, you have to have some patience with this lot! Second best Duar Mapel also flattered to deceive. Couldn't even get the forecast in the 3.30 Towcester with certainty Araldur beating Lombardy Boy (I did the other two)! What a farce! Are they out to do us totally? Why are most of the field under pressure after a few furlongs in long races? Is it for show? I thought Zimbabwe and Ethiopia were going to come back in the later stages, but they did not reach the leaders. The last horse on my list, Absolute Shambles won the race, which again illustartes the perils of betting in small races! This went right against my system, as it had a first place at the front of its form. Shouldn't be allowed! Yet another race where the three best in did not compete, with Stevie Gee, Baltimore Jack and Valdan running very poorly. I can only surmise that they don't like competing against other well-handicapped horses. At this rate I might as well pick all the ones I don't fancy on form, because that is the way they are working out today! I feel I'm just having a constant rant today, with three more hopeless runners in Crank Hill, Silver Bay (fourth) and Von Galen. What do we have to do to get a good run out of them? You might as well toss a coin all day today, as best in Lemon Silk, which normally comes with a late rattle, finished fourth in the 4.10 Towcester. I might as well throw my money down a drain today, because that is what I feel I am doing! I had second, third and fourth in the 4.30 Plumpton, but did not fancy the winner, Connectivity! Kilbeggan Blade (-05 again!) was thrown in, but the big price was not encouraging, and it faded too tamely for my liking.The two best in again for the 4.40 Plumpton had already decided to come third and fourth before the race, I reckon, but a faller made them second and third. How devious is that? I had Lonesome Boatman and Monsieur Georges (system bet) each-way in the 5.00 Towcester, but did not do the forecast! Mister Watzisname pulled up, but was probably too big a price at the start to suggest it was going to win today! Carmond is also much better than its run today. I had a look at Bach To Front in the 5.10 Plumpton because of its sire, but its form was very poor and I ignored it. You can never tell! King's Astralogical was very poor again, and I refuse to believe that it ran to its true form. They are so in and and out at times! I had a feeling that Henderson's outsider Tony Ginozzo (22/1 second) would run well in the 5.30 Towcester, but should have done it in a forecast with the favourite, although I thought Henderson would get a 1-2 at one point! Well, if all racing days were like today, I would probably give up, but I enjoy the challenge of finding the winners too much! It would be nice (but too convenient) if horses ran to their ratings all the time, and would detract from the fun of guessing when it is their turn!

27th March: Why didn't someone tell me the clocks went on today? Consequently I missed the first couple of races, but no harm done! Another odds-on favourite beaten in Waldvogel in the 2.25 Wincanton, but that did not surprise me unduly. I fancied Mesariya 6/1 in the 2.30 Leopardstwon, as it was fairly short in the betting and in powerful ownership. Just wish system bet Palinode had stayed there too! I wasn't sure that Attaglance would do the business in the 2.40 Hexham, but I was wrong on this occasion. My choices, Hobsons Bay, Talk Of Saafend and Sediym only produced a third place, and I was just about to have an each-way on Below The Deck (second) when the race went off! Best in January 9/2 winner of the 2.55 Wincanton! City Of Doral ran very poorly in the 3.10 Hexham, and is much better than its fourth place suggests? Handicap soon? Like Magic was best in for the 3.30 Leopardstown, but did not figure, so keep an eye on it in Ireland soon. I got the forecast with Charingworth 12/1 and Bollin Ruth 7/1 in the 3.40 Hexham, and almost got the tricast with Teenage Idol (fourth!). A pity, as the Exacta paid over £200! I had Hoochie Mama 4/1 in the 3.50 Downpatrick and there were two system bets in second and third! Best in Fire And Rain ran very poorly in the 3.55 Wincanton, and I wondered why it was not favourite - I soon found out! Ridiculous! I took the wrong O'Brien runner with Wild Wind (second) in the 4.00 Leopardstown! Why are they so crafty? I backed Majestic Mayhem each-way in the 4.10 Hexham, finishing second, although it had no chance with Eyre Square at the weights! Should have done the forecast! I had Goring One to beat Ban Uisce in the 4.25 Wincanton, just getting back up again! I had first, third and fourth in the 4.40 Hexham, with Morgan Be, Camden George and Dawn Ride! Why did that blasted Lockstown have to get in the way? Seaneen Mac Ri, all F's, 5's and 6's, 25/1 winner of the 4.50 Downpatrick! I back horses like that, but not today! First and second in the 5.00 Leopardstown with Haziyna 9/2 and system bet Flavia Tatiana 12/1! The three best in for the 5.20 Wincanton all ran like crabs, and it is amazing how often that happens in small races! Kielder Rise, Kingsstory (fourth) and Kaycee can all do much better, and should be noted to show soon. They make it look so convincing, but it is all an act! How often have I said that in this commentary? I noticed the Jaber Abdullah colours in the 5.30 leopardstown, but hardly expected them to produce a 33/1 winner in Best Hello! Another Bygones winner in the 5.40 Hexham with Bygones Sovereign. Those horses seem to be very strong, even when they are often not related!

26th March: No show from Rowe Park in the 2.00 Lingfield. Best in, so very annoying! System bet Silaah second with that menace horse, Anne Of Kiev the winner! Best in Chrysander won the 2.05 Bangor, but second best Cursum Perficio made no effort to get into the race! That one will do better soon. Le Corvee should also have done better. Easter Legend and Magical Legend for the 2.15 Newbury, but I only backed the second! I had Dubawi Gold in the 2.35 Lingfield, but Bathwick Bear was not backed and was very disappointing. Our Mick fell when looking like making a good contest of the 2.40 Bangor! Everything but the forecast in the 2.55 Stratford, as I had the first three, including system bets Sun Tzu and Rhyton (14/1 second), but not the forecast! I had second, third and fourth in the 3.10 Lingfield, as I left out the favourite on principle (silly me!). Far too much racing today, hence I am finding it very difficult to comment in between! Best in Alfie Flits dropped out before running on in the 3.50 Bangor, and cost me my free bet! Was hacking most of the way and will do better. Fortunately I had the forecast with my two other selections, system bet Pouvoir 9/2 and Simarian. Best in Mad Professor ran on too late as usual in the 4.05 Stratford, finishing about sixth. Why do they always do this after a run of seconds? It seems a deliberate policy. Next best Masterpoint was never sighted either! No money for Ouzbeck in the 4.20 Bangor, but it disputed the lead much of the way, and must win when wanted. Liberate, next best, also finished fifth, which is so annoying! The two best in horses, manmoon and Talenti, finished fourth and third in the 4.35 Stratford. Were they afraid of each other, or was that the arrangement? Who knows, but they persist in not running to form! Scamperdale threw in a poor finish in the 4.45 Lingfield, and it was left to my other choice, Tominator to finish second. It's been a very frustrating day today, just like most of my Saturdays! Best in Peak Seasons just got up on the line to win the 5.10 Stratford at 9/2. Another of those races where I was too late with the bet! Yet another race where none of the best in figured in the 5.20 Lingfield. It was obvious that Titan Triumph had plenty more to give, but left its effort too late, and Dens Gift and Halsion Chancer were also out of the frame. All three will do better when wanted, but you need to see money for Halsion Chancer, as that stable rarely lets a horse win at a big price! Why do some horses never win bumpers when they were placed first time out? Sir Charlie Hutch dropped out tamely in the 5.25 Bangor, but I also backed my other choice, Granville Island, 11/4 winner.

25th March: I had Scriptwriter and Bridlington Bygones for the forecast in the 2.20 Sedgefield, and also backed Alpha One 33/1 each-way for good measure! I had Welsh Inlet 14/1 each-way and the forecast with the favourite in the 2.30 Lingfield! Crystallyev in fourth will do better. System bet Calusa Cladera 11/1 winner of the 2.40 Newbury! Emperor Concerto was very poor today, and should do better as a system bet next time. I looked sure to get the tricast over the last in the 2.50 Sedgefield, with system bet I'm Your Man (15/2 second), Mardood (9/1 winner) and Cornish Castle, but the latter faded into fifth despite the third and fourth hampering each other at the last! I got the forecast, but very annoying! I did the favourite to beat Lucky Meadows in the 3.00 Lingfield, but of course it went the other way (odds-on favourite again!). I also backed Eljowzah each-way and that finished third, so no return! I had Counting House 22/1 and system bet Master Eddy 14/1 for the forecast in the 3.15 Newbury! No money for Baccalaureate, which was thrown in on old form! Bear that one in mind, as it should show very soon. I had a little each-way on Umverti (led much before falling), Wadnaan (fourth) and Provost in the 3.25 Sedgefield, which finished a little way behind the leaders. I feel sure that on flat form the latter will do better. I had Hinton Admiral to beat Bonnie Prince Blue in the 3.35 Lingfield, but the latter dropped out to third. The favourite was best in on official ratings, but the other two were better in on old form. I knew at least one of them would not perform! Persian Run looked to be going better than the others in the 3.50 Newbury, but dropped out tamely into fifth. Keep an eye on that one and Buffalo Stampede soon. The favourite was brought down by a loose horse which fell in the 4.00 Sedgefield, which just shows you can never count your money in national hunt races! The two system bets therefore finished second and third at big prices! Best in Qadar was never going to win the 4.10 Lingfield, and next best Lastkingofscotland finished fourth. They are so annoying with their variations in running, presumably all to improve the prices for later! Fortunately I also backed Curtains, 6/1 winner. System type bet What An Oscar 16/1 second, with system bet Kyleno Fairy 33/1 third in the 4.25 Newbury, and I also backed system bet Raduis Bleu (fifth) and Forest Rhythm (sixth)! Typical! When Oniz Tiptoes (4.35 Segefield) was backed in and was favourite, it chose today to finish out of the places! It really annoys me. But on the plus side, that usually indicates a big run next time. Even second best Teenando finished fifth, leaving third best Elzahann to win! Curses! Why do they always do that? The thrown in Profit's Reality refuses to win, coming fourth again in the 4.45 Lingfield. What is the point of running so many races without winning? I was positive today was the day! Must be next time now, but watch for a gamble! Enfuriating! Even second best Indian Ghyll finished third, just pipped! You get some days when everything works, and other days when they seem to be out to cock a snook at whatever you do! At last one of my good things, system bet Turko, won the 5.00 Newbury, with Battlecry for the forecast! Best in Samizdat fell in the 5.10 Sedgefield, and next best Woody Valentine was never sighted at the back. I got everything but the forecast, as I also fancied the winner Hi Dancer 25/1 and the second, Lap Of Honour, with system bet Waterloo Corner third! I got the forecast with Fanditha 9/4 and Baylini 9/2 in the 5.20 Lingfield, but wanted The Scorching Wind (missed the break) for the tricast. The latter should show very soon now. System bet Rio Gael 12/1 winner of the 5.35 Newbury. The Cayterers was too bad to be true, and can do much better than that when wanted. I kept looking at Century Dancer (sys+1) 22/1 winner in the 6.15 Wolverhampton, then didn't back it. Scream! On Wings Of Love, which led most, is due to finish off very soon now. Well, at least I got Snowflake Dancer 9/2 and One Kool Dude 3/1 for the forecast in the 6.30 Dundalk! Well, I have had almost every winner and a number of placed horses on my shortlists today, including several big outsiders. How many can say that? If you would like to join in with my selections, please email me.

24th March: System bet Shammy Buskins winner of the 2.00 Southwell, and I put Rebel Melody in for the forecast. Odds-on favourite American Ladie turned over in the 2.10 Chepstow! Can't boil an egg by ratings, I suppose the winner was a better price, which seems to be what counts quite often! System bet Lago Verde was a big price in the 2.20 Carlisle and ran accordingly, but I did have the right forecast with Lady Bluesky and Quest Eclair. Best in Leamington Lad never travelled at all in the 2.30 Southwell, and is much better than that, as is Fighting Chance, but neither were out to win today. Both will do better. Best in Won More Knight could only manage second in the 2.40 Chepstow (a few burnt fingers there), but I also had a fancy for Spinning Waters and got the forecast. I had my £5 Free bet on Locksmith 12/1 each-way in the 3.00 Southwell (won at 8/1)! Brilliant! System bet Oscar Prairie 11/1 winner of the 3.15 Chepstow from system bet Strongbows Legend! Best In Waltham Abbey took a clear lead in the 3.25 Carlisle, but as often happens, settled for a place with very poor form figures. Can win soon. Next best Newman Des Plages did not show, but will do better. I had a look at Almutaham (22/1 second) with system type figures. Wizard Of Odds and Ballagio should have done better in the 3.35 Southwell, and I also had a fancy for Tribal Dance. Keep an eye on all of these soon. The winner, Traffic Chaos, typically had won point to points, but had had three duff runs in hurdles. Clearly better than it had shown previously! Best in Night Orbit and Westlin' Winds finished second and third in the 4.10 Southwell. It's very easy for the winner if you know your main opponents are not going to beat you! Vasodilator is obviously looking for a handicap soon. I honestly thought I was going to get the tricast in the 4.25 Chepstow with Drumbeater leading nearly all the way before packing up, and Always Waining also competing for a long way. These two were well clear of the others on ratings and must do better very soon. In the end I had to settle for third best Gilwen Glory 7/1 winner. It looked as if Ballycarron Lad and Baltic Pathfinder were going to finish third and fourth in the 4.35 Carlisle until both the leaders faded very tamely! Lucky, because it gave me the forecast! The two best in for the 4.45 Southwell, Thompson and Chadwell Spring, both looked like winning at different stages before finishing fourth and fifth! Ridiculous! Keep your eye on them soon. Pickworth, which I looked at with system type form, finished second at 9/1. None of my selections made any attempt in the 4.55 Chepstow. These were Back To Bid, Black Beauty and Ultimate Limit (third). Ok, the latter did try. I hate it when they seem to know from the betting that they will not get involved. Best in The Green Hat 17/2 and Frith finished third and fourth in the 5.10 Carlisle. Why can you never get a horse to win when its form is poor? Are they afraid of the stewards? Spirit Calling winning with three ducks' eggs is another example of that trend. Conflictofinterest is thrown in when wanted, but never seems to have any money for it. Best in King Of The Titans looked like taking a hand in the 5.20 Southwell before packing up. They knew it wouldn't win! King's system bet Gospel Preacher 6/1 looked to be full of running in the 5.30 Chepstow, but could not catch the winner. I had Articular 13/2 winner in the 5.35 Thurles, just failing to get the forecast with Anonis! Better Self missed the break in the 5.40 Kempton (why is it always mine?) and ran on well for third, which of course was no good in a seven horse race! What is up with Gosden's runners at present? I expected a good run from Fortunateencounter in the 6.10 Kempton, but obviously they didn't! Ok, it will be a system bet next time, so let's hope for better then! The winner dwarfed all its rivals and was very impressive, so somebody knew something! Sing Alana Sing flattered to deceive in the 6.40 Kempton, and perhap needs shorter? I thought with the poor lot of runners here it would have done better than that! Turner always puts claimers on his horses, so I was not worried on that score. Humungous was reluctant coming out and reluctant going forward in the 7.10 Kempton. First Lucky 15 bet down again! They never seem to work! Thrown in when wanted. I also backed system bet Beat Route, which finished third. Thundering Home is also due very soon now. My second Lucky 15 bet went down again (Party Palace) and I think I will give up on those bets!! Fortunately I had the forecast with Kadouchski and My Valley! System bet Party Palace must do better soon now, as it was best in here. The fact that it did not figure suggests they were worried about something in this race. I couldn't pick any of the first three in the 8.10 Kempton, which is annoying, but it doesn't mean a thing, depending on plans of connections. There was no reason why I Confess couldn't get involved, other than not intending to, and the same applies to Nezami, which was best in on my ratings. If Thunderball could win with a 7lb claimer, I Confess should have done even better. Conclusions?

23rd March: Red Merlin to beat Paddy Partridge looked like a no-brainer in the 2.00 Hereford, and so it proved. Could have more than doubled my money if I had the courage to back more heavily! Best in Daldini is taking its time winning, and finished only third in the 2.10 Haydock. Next best Lahib The Fifth should do better soon. The 2.30 Hereford was a real minefield as to which horses were best in, and several of them pulled up at various stages. If Cornwall has a favourite, it's very likely to win, but I backed Mister Watziname each-way, and of course it finished third! Our Bob should have won the 2.40 Haydock, but finished only third. That -05 again! What a menace! With Thumbs Up being withdrawn, what a frustrating race! Knew I should have backed Astrodiva, which I have backed recently on the flat! Damn! I had Master Fong in the 3.15 Haydock (I got 4/1), but Vivarini and Holoko Heights (fourth) were rather disappointing. Arnold Layne finally won a race in the 3.30 Warwick, but cannot be as good as previously, as it was retired at once after the race! Best in Tiger Dream looked a certain winner in the 3.40 Hereford, but between them, horse and jockey contrived to throw the race away on the run-in. Deliberate? Who knows! Showtime Annie was next best and will do better. System bet Mad Moose 14/1 winner of the 3.50 Haydock, with system bet Glingerbank 40/1 second! I could not believe the price on the latter, as I quite fancied it, but did not include it in my forecasts! Tobago Bay was still best in, but contrived to come fifth today. Amir Pasha will do better soon. I really fancied Pullyourfingerout in the 4.05 Warwick, but only backed it to beat Head Hunted (third)! Couldn't pick Gentleman Anshan in the 4.15 hereford (in fact it would have been last on my list!). Tyup Pompey was best in, but looked as if third place was all that was wanted. System bet Nikos Extra winner of the 4.25 Haydock. Rory Boy was by far best in, but completed its run of dud runs instead! Will do much better soon. Typical again in the 4.40 Warwick, with best in Zepnove being ridden like a crab and tailing off! Will probably win next time, but might be backed also. Next best Laureate Des Loges finished fifth and third best Thedeboftheyear at least finished third. Best in Cary's Lad dropped right out, then ran on for third in the 4.50 Hereford. Damn! I got the winner but just missed the tricast, as Ortega ran a mare! That horse (not its fault) has a habit of upsetting my bets! I had A Bridge Too Far to beat Solis in the 5.00 Haydock, but the bet was rather ruined by the defection of Cantlow. I can't believe how badly system bet Ton-Chee ran in the 5.10 Warwick! Dropped out far more tamely than it should have. Of course it had that 7lb claimer (I'm not going to win today) on it! Keep your eye on it again soon. I had the first three written down in the right order for the 5.20 Hereford, and backed My Way De Solzen 9/2 to beat Takeroc! MacManus' Ballyclough 28/1 winner of the 5.30 Haydock! I backed King's system bet Aldiva each-way, but they rarely win at that sort of price. King's Valdez 6/5 winner of the 5.40 Warwick, but I should have included the only horse with form, Thomas Crapper! Best in Pictures is due soon now after a poor run in the 5.50 Kempton. I also backed Market Puzzle (third) each-way, but these horses never seem to win straight off, and are happy to run on from the back for a place. Grey Boy and Aine's Delight should also do better again soon. Best in Vinces refuses to be run properly, and dropped out again in the 6.20 Kempton, despite having plenty in the tank. It is beginning to annoy me! Surely it must show soon now? I also backed the following, which were best in: Eastern Gift (won 13/2, I got 14/1 earlier), Absa Lutte (fourth will do better soon), Little Perisher (thrown in on old form), and Cavalry Guard (seventh, system bet next time). All of these should be followed until winning.

22nd March: I had Shuil Royale to win in the 2.10 Kempton and looked like getting the forecast with Croan Rock until Smart Catch took second. My three selections for the 2.20 Southwell finished in the last three. Since they were best in on my ratings, it suggests they had no intention of getting involved today (two of them had claimers on them, which is often not a good sign). I was wary of Heresellie because of its outstanding first place. What happened to Johnston's Elusive Love (never sighted)? System bet Leopard Hills 13/2 winner of the 2.30 Exeter with my other selections, Stir On The Sea 13/2 and Ladies Best 6/1 second and third. System bet Lordsbridge 100/30 winner of the 2.40 Kempton. Platin Grounds was best in, but the writing was on the wall with an early mistake. I also had Approved Force (third) better in than the first two. Could not pick the winner in the 3.00 Southwell, although you can never write off Nicholls! First and second with Laustra Bad 11/4 and Be Definite 8/1 in the 3.00 Exeter. Should have stuck with J'Adhere for the tricast! Dixie Bull was very disappointing in the 3.15 Kempton, and can do better. I backed Basford Bob last time, so left it out today, of course. System bet Romulus D'Artaix looked like coming to win the race, but did not finish off in third. Although out of the handicap, Yossi was still best in for the 3.30 Southwell and will run better as a system bet next time. Next best Maslak dropped out then ran on again for fourth, and is also due a success soon. You can oiften tell from the form figures how they are going to run, and I was not optimistic of either today. I looked to have a sure forecast with Hidden Keel and Our Bomber Harris in the 3.35 Exeter, but the latter fell (perhaps being pushed too hard?). Best in Ned Ludd was a big outsider in the 3.50 Kempton, but ran well for a long way and will do better. Georgian King was equally well in, but fell early. Gee Dee Nen will also do better (weak in the betting today). I cannot believe that the winner could still win when put up 30lb! Best in Lucayan Dancer was again disappointing, but I also backed Sir Haydn, 7/1 winner in the 4.05 Southwell. Pity, I wanted it with My Mate Mal (third). Picture In The Sky was best in for the 4.10 Exeter, but you can never trust -05 figures (finished fifth again today). It looked like winning for a long time before dropping out, and I imagine this was a trial run. I also had high hopes of Take A Mile, which fell. Best in Riddle Of The Sands went off like a bat out of hell in the 4.25 Kempton and still finished fourth! Shows that it can win with less frenetic tactics. Next best Cortinas came to win the race, but finished only second. I also fancied Viable, which finished third. Kornati Kid 7/1 was the first one to catch my eye in the 4.45 Exeter, and I backed it as an afterthought. Best in Crystal D'Ainay was disappointing, but will be a system bet next time. Burntoak Boy and Over The Creek are two others to bear in mind soon. Keep an eye on Al Amaan, which made eye-catching progress in the 5.00 Kempton before backing out again. Next best Apache Chant had a non-going day today, and will do better soon. At last Ruth Carr had a winner with Lucky Art (which I backed without much confidence at 14/1) in the 5.10 Southwell! Perhaps some of her better handicapped runners will satrt winning now! The Magic Of Rio was best in, and should do better soon, along with Ronnie Howe. One of my recent tips, Bertbrand, finished second. I kept looking at Rockabilly (14/1 winner) in the 5.20 Exeter, but in the end did not back it! Best in Mauricetheathlete presumably only wanted third place today, which they often do after a win. I had I Have Dreamed 5/1 winner as best in and Sovereign King 11/1 second on my list for the 5.30 Kempton, but could not get the bet on in time! They decided to come third with best in Kyncraighe in the 5.40 Southwell, but they often do that before making a winning attempt. Keep your eye on it soon now.

21st March: I had Wyse Hill Teabags and Quel Elite for the forecast in the 2.10 Kelso! System bet Powerful Pierre 6/1 winner of the 2.20 Wolverhampton. Beckermet was best in again, but I despair of that stable at present. Next best Lethal showed for a long way before packing up, and will do better soon. Cody Wyoming (system type form) 100/1 winner of the 2.30 Lingfield, and I did not back it (fool!). I backed Archie Rice, but it could not quite reel in the leaders. Border Reiver (second) was clear best in for the 2.40 Kelso, but did not want to win today. Very annoying, as it was going better than the other two finishers. I had system bet and top-rated Lord Avon 5/2 to beat Second Encore 6/1 in the 2.50 Wolverhampton with system bet Captain Dimitrios finishing fast in third. King Mak 15/2 winner and Bywell Beau were equally well in for the 3.10 Kelso and I backed them both just in case! The latter should win soon. I also backed system bet County Colours (8/1 third). Rain Stops Play also ran well in fourth and should do better soon. The odds-on favourite beaten again in the 3.20 Wolverhampton, and Johnston's Bird Watcher, with a couple of duck's eggs, won the race! Wish I had gone with my instincts! I thought Green Ensign would have run better with a name like that! I left out the favourite in the 3.00 Lingfield, so got second, third and fourth with Cleaver, Sir Royal and Not Til Monday! Whatcanisay was not wanted in the 3.30 Lingfield, so keep an eye on it next time, as it was best in here. Best in Tartan Snow 13/2 winner of the 3.40 Kelso. Quicuyo will do better soon. I thought system bet Lawgiver was coming to win the 4.10 Kelso, but eventually run out into fourth place. Grandad Bill and Terenzium will do better soon. Best in Dubai Dynamo was yet another failure for the Carr stable in the 4.20 Wolverhampton. I did back Ahlawy (11/1 winner) too. Also back Legal Eagle when there is any money for it. I wondered why Abragante drifted and drifted in the betting in the 4.40 Kelso. It couldn't be that they had no intention of winning, could it? The horse appeared to have plenty in hand, but pulled up before the last. Keep an eye on that one soon. I backed Hot n Holy (third) at a big price. System bet Muta'ab winner of the 4.00 Lingfield. I backed Celtic Ballad (9/1 second) and Barodine, which made ground easily, then finished fourth! Baltrap is definitely due to start showing now, as it is thrown in on old form. You just have to keep backing them until they decide it's time for a touch! Yet another bad run from Charles Darwin in the 4.50 Wolverhampton, despite hacking towards the back most of the way. I despair of these sometimes! With form figures -2050, get on it next time! System French Art was next best, but was another not out to win today! It was the other Art horse that won, of course. Almaty Express will probably do better over 5-6 furlongs. Why put it up in trip unless it's for a dud run? I had Norform Richard and Pyjama game on my list in the 5.10 Kelso, but did not do the forecast! Ridiculous! I despair of Ginolad (not the horse, but the way it is being run), which has been thrown in for a long time now, and refuses to run a good race! What sort of antics do these jockeys get up to, making it look like a donkey? Must win a race soon. Even next best Whatever Next (20/1) only ran on into third when it was too late! What was worse, I took 9/1 on it! I don't understand why Sole Agent was 33/1 when it was third best in and had a second place previously. At last The Tatling got a place in the 5.20 Wolverhampton, running on like a train when the race was all over. Triskaidekaphobia is still very well in, but decided not to front-run and then fade today. Will do better again soon. It has been a day of outsiders today, which is normally ideal for me, but not even I could pick most of them! Prince Pippin was best in for the 5.00 Lingfield, but they decided to get rid of that third place before making a show, probably soon now. Next best Home could also have done better. Looking at the 25/1 winner, Pepito Collonges, which hacked in with any amount in hand, I see that it had 10lb in hand (probably more) on previous form, with a 10lb claimer on it, so I should have had it on my short list. Kavalotti was a huge price, but it should show very soon now. I backed Peintre Ster (to a small amount) 50/1 each-way in the 5.00 Lingfield, because I like the sire! Wish I'd put a bit more on it!

20th March: A good start with Topolski and Falcon Island in a reverse forecast in the 2.15 Newton Abbot! I backed Sir Tamburlane (second 12/1) and Classical Mist (just pipped in fourth) each-way in the 2.30 Carlisle. System bet Man From Highworth 28/1 second in the 2.45 Newton Abbot. This Way was best in, but dropped out tamely after running very well early and will do better. Why is it that the best in horse starts at 22/1 and falls at the first flight (The Last Stand)? Ridiculous! I also backed Are You The One each-way (third 20/1) as I liked its form figures. O'Brien's Sing Softly 8/1 winner of the 3.05 Curragh. I had it on my list! Pennek was best in for the 3.30 Carlisle, but typically finished second to the favourite. I give up on Voramar Two, which should have won several races recently, and continues to disappoint (signal to win a race very soon!). Catch Me, best in for the 3.55 Cork, finished third yet again, and they seem to be biding their time with that one! Must win soon. I had every forecast but the right one in the 3.05 Curragh, with Gemstone second, which I combined with Termagant! Best in Webbswood Lad decided to come fifth today (despite coming up very strongly in mid-race), and my other choice Storm Command finished fourth! How can you back like that? Cinnamon Hill also tailed off and will do better soon. The thrown in Monsieur Jourdain finished only third in the 4.30 Carlisle, despite being full of running coming to the last. Fortunately I also backed the winner, What's Up Woody 10/1. I had Drombeg Dawn (25/1) written down for the 4.35 Curragh, because I like that type of form figures, and I also had the second written down at 12/1, but missed the bet! Three very disappointing performances in the 4.45 Newton Abbot in Stance, Insignia and Zuleta. All three will do better soon, along with Wiesenfurst. None of these were intended to run well today. I had Over The Phone with Quaddick Lake for the forecast in the 5.15 Newton Abbot. Stoneraker was right there, but dropped out, and will do better. All of the fancied runners were useless in the 5.25 Cork. Do they do that deliberately? I might as well not do any Lucky 63's, as every time I do my runners are never sighted. Have they got a special watch on my bets? Jolie Jioconde should have done better in the 5.35 Curragh (system bet next time). Well, in contrast to my last few days, today was pretty poor, but I suppose it is a weekend, when a lot of my fancies do not turn up for some reason!

19th March: I wondered why Super Frank started at a big price in the 1.50 Lingfield, but found out when it dropped out tamely. Chjimes (third) was best in, but I did not like its form figures, and system bet Frequency duly won the race. Just depends what the plans are for the day with horses like Chjimes, because they can win or not win as they wish! System bet Tharaya 28/1 winner of the 1.55 Uttoxeter, and I did not back it! Tar was best in, and finished about sixth. Paquet Cadeau can also do better. Culcabock was by far best in for the 2.10 Newcastle, but apparently let itself just get pipped on the line by Best Prospect. Very annoying, but four horse races are set up for this sort of thing. That errant first place again! I had Annaah Heneeih 8/1 and Uncle Dermot 7/2 for the forecast in the 2.20 Lingfield! Quickbeam was a huge outsider in the 2.25 Uttoxeter, ran accordingly and then fell. Will do better soon. System bet Basford Bob 8/1 second. System bet Mariinsky 7/1 third in the 2.35 Ffos Las. Damn! I looked at Street Dance, which had good form figures, but was a big price. Just shows you can't always go by the price, but usually the ones I do at big prices are useless! Best in Prince Tam 15/8 winner of the 2.45 Lingfield with system bet Cabbyl Doo 7/1 second! Best in Lopinot was hacking through in the 2.55 Lingfield, but did not complete its effort and finished only fourth. Back that one again very soon! I also backed Jonnie Skull (third) each-way. St Ignatius and First Service are two others that are very well in when wanted, proably next time. I had system bet Minella Four Star 25/1 and Ballyfitz 16/1 for the forecast in the 3.00 Uttoxeter! very tasty! If I had put McCoy in, I would have had the tricast! Halcon Genelardais is being held back for some reason, but is thrown in when wanted. Best in Minster Shadow dropped out tamely in the 3.20 Lingfield, and will do better. The same applies to Snake Charmer and The Whisperer. Zed Candy (11/1 winner) was actually second best, but I forgot it! I had also backed Crop Walker last time out! The only two I fancied in the 3.30 Lingfield, She Ain't A Saint and School For Scandal finished fiurst and second. System bet In The Zone 14/1 second in the 3.35 Uttoxeter. I thought for a long way that I might get the forecast and/or tricast with Sarando (fell) and Predictive (pulled up). Almost got the forecast with My Shamwari and Scoterfontaine in the 3.45 Ffos Las! I got place with Lochore 33/1 in the 3.55 Lingfield, where the favourite was beaten and fell. System bet Fanditha 12/1 winner of the 4.05 Lingfield (I got 20/1!)! Tuxedo and Halsion Chancer will do better soon. I backed the second, Bualteoir last time, so why did it suddenly run better today, just because it was backed? Well Refreshed, with system type form, 6/1 winner of the 4.10 Uttoxeter. Keep an eye on Direct Approach, which I feel sure is better than it showed today. They are such good actors, these jockeys! My top two rated, Prince Massini and Storm Of Applause, first and second in the 4.20 Ffos Las! Twelve Paces was thrown in for the 4.30 Newcastle, but as usual, you can never tell what the plan is in small races, and in the end it (or rather the jockey) consented to run on for third place! Keep an eye on it soon in a bigger race. I had the first three written down for the 4.40 Lingfield, but wanted Barnum for the forecast. Isn't it strange how the go -0,4,3,? The three best in, Lake Legend, Quattrocento and Frontier Dancer all failed to perform in the 4.55 Ffos Las, and will do better soon. You can almost see them physically making sure they don't reach the frame. It's quite funny when you know the truth! Best in Sam Patch clear winner of the 5.05 Newcastle, but I thought they were going to have a forecast with Talesofriverbank! That one will win soon, along with Knockaveen, which was just testing today. You can never write off Sherjawy, as I have found to my cost on a few occasions (5.15 Lingfield)! Garstang and Black Baccara should have done better, but may have been wary of each other. Investment Affair was thrown in for the 5.20 Uttoxeter, but after looking like cruising to victory, contrived to get beaten on the run-in. Osolomio, clear second best, decided to drop out of the back! That one is also due very soon now. I thought King would win one of these bumpers with a relative outsider, and his Denali Highway won the 5.50 Uttoxeter at 5/1 (I got 13/2) and I had the forecast with Grand Vision. I didn't think King would have two in a row, and his Hinden Road was miserable in the 6.00 Ffos Las. I feel sure these are just efforts to confuse the punter into not backing the stable blindly. I did fancy the winner, but did not back it. Storm Hawk was the first one I looked at in the 6.20 Wolverhampton, because I backed it last time, but as usual I didn't back it this time! I was obsessed with three horses: Acropolis (thrown in on group form), Magnitude and Swords, but these all dropped out one by one. God, this game is annoying at times! Keep an eye on all of these, because they will all win at some point soon, and will all be system bets next time.

18th March: My selections, sent out before 11.30, gave the first three home in the Triumph Hurdle in Zarkandar, Unaccompanied and Grandouet! Pity I didn't realise there was a tricast (silly fool!)! How many tipsters can say that? That's two tricasts I have given so far at Cheltenham this week, including in the Champion Hurdle! Houblon Des Obeaux was weak in the betting, and is clearly being kept for another race. The best two in for the 1.55 Lingfield typically finished third and fourth in Saviour Sand and Dichoh, although I did say recently that Edgeworth is clearly better than its bare rating. Both of the aforementioned should win soon. My fourthy choice, Get Me Out Of Here finished second in the 2.05 Cheltenham. My first choice, Premier Dane was well there most of the way, and can win a lesser race soon. I was looking at Nearby (third 66/1) before the race, as those figures, -150 often produce good performances. Hobbs had two placed at big prices! I had Sole Bonne Femme as the 7/1 winner of the 2.20 Fakenham. Pity I did not think it would beat Celticello! Better Self should have won at the weights in the 2.30 Lingfield, but never seemed to want to pull in the two leaders! They can get any result they want in these races! I got the first three again (in the right order) in the 2.40 Cheltenham with Bob's Worth 13/8, Mossley 12/1 and Court In Motion 9/1! Again Skybet did not allow me to do the tricast! Erzen should have won the 2.55 Fakenham in a canter, but they are holding it back for some reason. My two other choices, Hudibras and Springfield Raki unseated and dropped out. Not very encouraging! Second is no good, chaps! Saucy Buck looked like winning the 3.05 Lingfield (hacking up towards the leader) before packing up tamely. Will do better, along with the again disappointing Karate. I could not believe the price on Old English, which would have been my third choice, but unfortunately you can't make your main choices run better, which is the main gripe I have with racing. Why do favourites which win easily first time out (Caelis) so often fail next time? For some reason I did not fancy Long Run in the Gold Cup, but it did win. Age probably made the difference! For a long way I thought I was going to get the forecast with Denman and Kauto Star! I had ssystem bet Prince Des Marais and top-rated Knight Legend in a forecast in the 3.35 Fakenham! Roman Flame should at least have got second in the 3.45 Lingfield, but did not seem to want to get there! Unpredictable results, as so often happens! One of my selections, Gone To Lunch, ran on from the back for sixth in the 4.00 Cheltenham. What use is that? Two others, Jaunty Flight and Just Amazing, were also very disappointing. I wanted Chef De Cour in the 4.15 Fakenham for an each-way accumulator, and I think the b... finished fourth! How annoying can you get! I had Very Well Red 12/1 and Shared Moment 5/1 in a forecast in the 4.25 Lingfield! Blast! I knew I should have backed Fujin Dancer in the 4.55 Fakenham, as I had Amazing King (second) each-way. Zorro De La Vega can win again soon. Knew I shouldn't have backed Greenhead High in the 5.05 Lingfield with its outstanding first place! Will do better shortly. Somebody was shouting about Oiseau De Nuit early in the week, but I took no notice (40/1 winner)! Pigeon Island, Oh Crick and I'msingingtheblues must do better soon. Don't know what was the matter with Drawback in the 5.30 Fakenham, but there was no money for it either! Must do better than that. I thought Goodwood Starlight would run well. Dubai Glory should have finished in the first two in the 5.40 Lingfield, but as usual finished only third. Very annoying, these runs! Best in Charles Darwin was hacking behind the leaders in the 5.50 Wolverhampton, but made no progress from halfway. 16/1 was not an encouraging price, but you can never tell! When will they run properly? Silver Wind was next best in, but finished only second. Dhamaan is yet another carr runner that must win when the stable hits form. In the evening Barbirolli won, of course at 12/1, when I wasn't around to back it. Sod's law!

17th March: Two major disappointments in the 1.30 Cheltenham with Mr Thriller and Bouggler, but the prices were not encouraging on either, and we must wait for another day for them. It's rather unfair when the best horses are apparently not allowed to try, in order to have a touch at a later date. One tends to think that they will always try at Cheltenham, but this is not necessarily true. My third choice, Wishfull Thinking, had a great chance on ratings, but finished only second. An Irish winner yet again! How come Pipe had the favourite, but his other horse Buena Vista (sys+2) won the 2.05 Cheltenham? Isn't it strange that it was the first horse I looked at, and didn't back it? None of my choices, including Don't Push It, Gwanako and Essex did anything today. Also keep an eye on Viking Blond, which ran well for a long way. Best in Devils Delight strangely got a slipped saddle in the 2.20 Hexham (why does that happen so often when I back them?) and not even Bollin Ruth could get in the first two! These small races are either brilliant or a menace as far as my bets go! I fancied Francesa and My Viking Bay in the 2.30 Towcester, but put them both to be beaten by the favourite! Best in Voy Por Ustedes did not go through with its effort in the 2.40 Cheltenham, but I also backed system bet Albertas Run (6/1 winner)! Voy Por Ustedes is due a better run very soon. The outsider of three, Woody Waller, was best in on my ratings for the 2.55 Hexham, and won at 7/1! Best in Huckleberry ran appallingly from halfway in the 3.05 Towcester, and must do better soon. I also backed Lonesome Boatman (second) each-way and my other choice High Toby was knocked out of the race! I had the forecast and tricast in the 3.20 Cheltenham with Big Buck's, Grand Crus and Mourad! I backed Bollin Felix to beat Rupert Lamb in the 3.35 Hexham, and just got pipped on the line! I suppose the latter should have won at the weights, but there is something about Bollin Felix which attracted me. I Had second, third and fourth for my tricast in the 3.45 Towcester! Where the hell did that Valid Point come from? Liberty Seeker was clear best in, but finished only third! Olympian will also do better soon. Best in Bible Lord was right up with the pace before dropping back in the 4.00 Cheltenham. I knew that Piraya would either run well or be pulled up, and it was the latter, of course! System bet Aimigayle 25/1 second The first three I wrote down for the 4.15 Hexham finished first, second and third, but I did not do the tricast, fool! Only The Best and Polobury (when in the handicap) should do better soon. I had the first two in my selections for the 4.40 Cheltenham, with Junior (100/30) and Faasel (20/1). System bet Deal Done 20/1 third. Cornish Sett and Richards Sundance will do better soon. Certainty Cute N You Know It crashed out in the 4.55 Hexham, ruining my accumulator! Even second best Almond Court managed to fall! Ballygalley Bob and Blaze Ahead ran very poorly behind Double Mead in the 5.50 Towcester, and one can only assume they did not want to show today. System bet Gouranga 15/2 winner of the 5.35 Towcester. Sovereign Spirit (fourth) was best in, and will do better soon. Best in Ajaafa ran very poorly in the 5.45 Wolverhampton, and must do better soon.

16th March: Two of my three selections for the 1.30 Cheltenham, Chicago Grey and Beshabar first and second! Unfortunately I went for value, and backed Pearlysteps for the forecast! My selection Samizdat 9/2 won again in the 1.45 Huntingdon, with Domino Dancer in third. I think Boo is due a better run very soon, and Bright Sparky fell today, and will do better also. Best in Tancred Spirit was well there most of the way, just getting run out into fourth place, and will do better. The same applies to Trading, which needs backing to be seen to better effect. Second, fourth and fifth for me in the 2.05 Cheltenham, with Rock On Ruby, Oscars Well (bad mistake at the last in the lead) and Minella Class. Best in Elusive Fame and Striker Torres did not perform in the 2.30 Southwell, and no doubt will do better soon. Time For Rupert and Aiteen Thirtythree ran terribly in the 2.40 Cheltenham, never getting into the race! Guess what? Steady Eddy had a 16/1 winner with Bostons Angel, and I did not back it! Curses! Even Mikael D'Haguenet fell when going well. I had Kerkabellec 20/1 and King Of Leon 4/1 for the forecast in the 2.55 Huntingdon! Best in Exit Smiling ran very poorly in the 3.05 Southwell, but is sure to be more competitive soon. I also backed Postman, which won at 9/2. Positivity seemed to be dragged back late on when running well. System bet Sizing Europe 10/1 winner of the 3.20 Cheltenham! I kept looking at it, but did not think it had the class! Master Minded made a bad mistake two out, which ruined its chances. Best in Straw Bear was clearly not out to win the 4.00 Cheltenham, but will be a system bet next time. Next best Arcalis finished eighth, of course! Only one of my selections, Dantari, finished in the first six. How come these Irish are winning all the races? This Orsippus always seems to run well when you don't expect it! I had Red Law in a reverse forecast with Mad Professor in the 4.15 Huntingdon. The latter must win soon. Calculating (second) and City Stable were almost equally well in for the 4.25 Southwell, but omens were not good with a big price on the latter. You don't see Wigham winners at 20/1 very often! I have a feeling that Calculating was intended to come second, as he only pushed it when it was too late. Since the Irish were doing so well, I thought I had better back What A Charm for the 4.40 Cheltenham! I also backed Dhaafer (third), so didn't do too badly. My next best, Kingdom Of Munster ran very well for a long way at a big price! Strangely enough, the second, Kumbeshwar also caught my eye when studying the race. Best in Masterpoint 33/1 looked like challenging, then finished only third in the 4.55 Huntingdon. They always seem to do that, just making sure of a place! It gets very annoying after a while! But I suppose they would be shorter if they were going to win! Kilbready Star will do better soon. Blast! I kept looking at J.R.Hartley in the 5.05 Southwell, mainly because of the TV ad! Exchange looked like figuring before dropping out, and should have done better in a poor maiden. perhaps I should have picked up on the name Cheltenian in the 5.15 Cheltenham! I had Tiradia as my selection for the 5.30 Huntingdon, but should have backed it with the second favourite! The odds-on favourite was disappointing, as so often happens, and cannot be coincidence. Two of the first three in the 5.40 Southwell, with Dickie Le Davoir 18/1 (did they only want a place again?) and Lindoro 100/30! I couldn't have Mata Hari Blue, but somebody knew something! Stonecrabstomorrow and Simple Rhythm are now due soon. I had Lewyn to beat Desert Strike in the 5.50 Kempton, but lots of these horses would have done better in a handicap. Illuminative failed again in the 6.20 Kempton, but should do better next time as a system bet, as it was best in here. Creatures of habit, these trainers! Grand Piano, second in the 6.50 Kempton, should have been running over at least 7 furlongs, so it was no surprise that it did not get going quickly enough. Back it over 7 furlongs or a mile. My two selections for the 7.20 Kempton were useless, and I should have known that Hannon would have a 1-2 with the outsider winning! Crafty man! Obvious in hindsight, wasn't it, especially as Dane O'Neill is probably the favoured jockey? Grrr... What happened to system bet Satin Love?

15th March: Best in Klynch at least finished second at a big price in the 1.20 Southwell, but I wanted either Takajan or Final Salute for the forecast. Ruth Carr may finally get a winner at some point soon. If so, start backing all of her runners, most of which are extremely well handicapped! Cue Card came hacking up in the 1.30 Cheltenham, but did not finish off as it should have. I also backed Marsh Warbler, which dropped out tamely and Spirit Son (second, looked like winning after the last). I thought Glaced Over would have finished in the first three in the 1.45 Sedgefield, just run out of third. I also backed Lady Ida each-way (second). Best in Lucayan Dancer was too big a price in the 1.55 Southwell, and duly finished fourth. Fortunately I also backed Count Bertoni 8/1, with Kipchak for the forecast! Almost got the tricast with Captain Chris 6/1, Finians Rainbow 7/2 and Medermit (fourth) in the 2.05 Cheltenham! Best in Poseidon finished only third in the 2.20 Sedgefield, and will do better. System bet Finlay won the race, although Playing the Field looked to have his measure after the last. I left out Twice Red, which I had on my list for the 2.30 Southwell, to my cost! Favourite Sinadinou ran too badly to be true, and one often wonders whether this is by design? I had Fairalong each-way at 25/1 in the 2.40 Cheltenham, but it would not have got placed but for some late fallers. Razor Royale disappeared at halfway, I suspect it fell. After two good runs, Blazing Bailey ran very badly, but can win again soon. System bet Shifting Gold 7/1 winner of the 2.55 Sedgefield! Bureaucrat was best in, but dropped out after leading early, and will do better soon as will Takaatuf, which seemed to be going better than most. What on earth was up with best in Fremen in the 3.05 Southwell? This was a pathetic performance, and one can only assume that this was the plan. Very annoying - how can you back like that? I almost got the tricast in the Champion Hurdle with Hurricane Fly, Peddlers Cross and Thousand Stars (fourth)! I did get the forecast with first two however. I had Erin Dancer 4/1 and Baraathen 11/4 for the forecast in the 3.35 Sedgefield! Best in Galpin Junior still refuses to win, and I guess we will have to wait until Ruth Carr hits form! Next best Cheveyo missed the break, but was right there towards the end, and must win soon. These horses run so many races without winning and then bang! they come in. The winner, Electioneer, had good form (not), Mr Easterby! Typically best in The Green Hat ran a shocker in the 4.15 Sedgefield, just when you think it is going to win! Must win soon now. Next best Whatcanyasay looked like winning, then was allowed to fade into fourth. Best in Jack Dawkins 11/2 won the 4.25 Southwell, but would Camps Bay get second? No way! Still, I had the winner. Alasi looked sure to finish in the first three in the 4.40 Cheltenham, but backed out late on, and will do better. Ironically it was my old favourite Ocean Transit which deprived me of third place! Yet anothere thrown in horse (Lerida) which did not win, but finished only fourth in the 4.55 Sedgefield. Why do they keep doing it? I also backed Braddock Island, which appeared to be going better than the firast two, but backed out into third. How annoying can you get? Best in Carnac finished second again in the 5.05 Southwell. It did have a first palce at the front, which is often a bad sign, and I got the impression they let the winner go past without too much resistance. Why is it when a Moore horse is heavily backed it nearly always wins? Sea Cliff was very disappointing, but the betting suggested that would happen. Trouble Mountain is an old stager, but there may still be a race in it when wanted. American Trilogy, my nap for the 5.15 Cheltenham, did not perform today, but had asymmetrical form, and will do better. Of the others, Songe pulled up, and Sway flattered briefly. All of these will do better. System bet Vino Griego 20/1 fourth.

14th March: System bet Inner Steel 17/2 second in the 2.00 Plumpton. Twin Bud should have done better. It is unusual for Lawny Hill to have a 33/1 winner! I could not pick the runner-up in the 2.20 Taunton, and I shouldn't think anyone else could either! Manmoon was best in for the 2.30 Plumpton, but finished only third. I also backed second best Horseshoe Reef, so got a return. Both of my choices crashed out in the 2.40 Stratford, Enfant De Lune and Pin D'Estruval (well in the lead)! Why is it when I have two choices for a race, I always pick the wrong one? Penellis looked best in for the 2.50 Taunton, but made a terrible jump and pulled up, leaving my second choice, Fiftyonefiftyone to win! Penellis will be a system bet next time, when perhaps it will perform better! Chocolat was clear best in for the 3.00 Plumpton, but fell when in the lead. I hope it was all right, but it did not look good (apparently it did not survive). System bet Perfect Reward 11/2 winner of the 3.10 Stratford! I thought Ravati would have done better, but probably waiting for a handicap. Best in High Oscar (third 3.30 Plumpton) will win a race one day, and I also backed The Hardy Boy, which should have beaten the favourite, but they won't unless they are wanted! Best in Tisfreetdream front-ran today, then dropped out! Must win soon. Second best Commemoration Day won the race, but I still did not get a return, as I wanted Sultan Fontenaille for second! Best in Kirby's Glen looked certain to win the 3.50 Taunton when falling. Must win again soon. Airedale Lad was best in for the 4.00 Plumpton, and at a shortish price I thought it was trying today, but iut finished third of course in a seven horse race! Next beat Chigorin also finished fourth, so no joy! I don't know when Baltrap is going to try, but it can't be long now! Folk Tune was big price in the 4.10 Stratford, and, despite travelling supremely well, finished only fourth. I feel sure they do that deliberately, and it will finish much closer soon. Why was it that, as soon as Monsieur raced up from the back in the 4.20 Taunton, I knew it would not win? It later fell when dropping out, and I am not sure that it was ok after that. Decision (winner) and Ourang Utan (second) were my next two best in! Zimbabwe was thrown in for the 4.30 Plumpton, but contrived to get beaten, and I had it with Ethiopia (third) for the forecast! Typical! Rapid Return can do much better than it showed today in the near future. I had Openditch or Moscow Court to take second place behind Cork All Star, but they finished third and fourth. You can't win with these blighters! Best in Petroupetrov led nearly all the way in the 5.00 Plumpton, then subsided into fourth! Makes me fume! Must win soon. I had a feeling about both Scales and Jawhary in the 5.10 Stratford, but did not back in the race. Those Trevor Hemmings colours usually signify a good horse! Drumbeater was best in for the 5.20 Taunton, and looked like figuring for a long way, but I don't like -06 figures! Must win very soon. Fortunately I also backed Captain Becket and Jacarado in a forecast!

13th March: I had the two system bets The Boss and Empire Builder for the forecast, but they finished first and third! How unlucky can you get? I also backed The Laodicean each-way which finished fourth! Blast! Giovanna was best in, but ran on from the back and did not get there. Will do better soon. Could have had a good return, but got nothing! I backed Patavium in the 2.20 Market Rasen, but the saddle slipped and the b... pulled up! They wouldn't have a slipping saddle if they wanted to win! I also backed Sacco D'Oro, and that managed to come fourth despite running like the best horse! Won More Night had the worst looking form, and won, of course! System bet Alta Roc 80/1 winner of the 2.50 Market Rasen! Jack The Gent and Dineur cut each other's throats at the front, and I had them for the forecast! I had Wistow and Areuwitmenow for the forecast in the 3.05 Warwick. I don't believe they really wanted to win with Oniz Tiptoes in the 3.20 Market Rasen, as it dropped right back before running on again for second. That horse is thrown in when wanted. Lorum Leader was also disappointing, running well before pulling up. System bet Justabout 9/1 winner of the 4.05 Warwick. The system bets keep coming! I had Muntami and Mad Professor as my selections for the 3.50 Market Rasen, with the latter finishing second. Gainborough's Art was very well in for the 5.10 Warwick, but had that dreaded -05 again! Must do better soon. For a horrible moment I thought Mossmann Gorge was going to win, as I backed it last time out! I am sure that one can do better too. Welcome Stranger will also be competitve very soon now. System bet Himrayn 17/2 winner of the 5.25 Market Rasen from system bet Quipe Me Posted 9/2. Kerkabellec (third 66/1) was miles out of the handicap, but was capable of being competitive off bottom weight. Front-runner Pacha D'Oudairies should have won this race, so keep an eye on it as a system bet next time. Overbranch should also do better now.

12th March: System bet Skint 10/1 winner of the 1.55 Sandown! System bet Dunelight 9/1 winner of the 2.10 Wolverhampton, and I thought I might get the forecast with Duff for a while! System bet Quazy De Joie (see my tip 3rd Jan) 11/2 winner of the 2.35 Chepstow. Best in Georgebernardshaw led most of the way, then packed up in the 3.20 Wolverhampton!" The problem was, my two other choices, Benandonner and Suits Me, did the same! All three are better than they showed today. I always get the feeling they do it deliberately. I backed Tante Sissi each-way in the 3.35 Sandown, and it was going incredibly well before coming second. Best in Wendel finished only third in the 3.45 Chepstow, and would probably have won but for some indifferent jumping! Must win soon. Second and third in the 3.55 Wolverhampton with Dream Catcher and Captain Dimitrios. That does not bring a return, unfortunately. Instructress is due a better run, possibly in a handicap soon. I backed Flipando in the 4.25 Wolverhampton, and thought I might get the forecast with Star Rover (fourth), but the latter probably did not last the trip. I also fancied Jimmy Styles (third). Teenage Idol was travelling all over its rivals before falling in the 4.30 Ayr, and should be worth another bet very soon. System bet Holmwood Legend 14/1 winner of the 4.40 Sandown! My old favourite Admirable Duque 16/1 winner of the 4.55 Wolverhampton! Mohayer (16/1) was hacking all over them in the 4.15 Chepstow, but finished only third, which was I suspect exactly what they wanted! Must win soon.

11th March: The big three trainers in the 2.00 Wincanton, and I have a theory that it is a good idea to back the outsider of three in these circumstances, which worked with Violin Davis (I got 9/2) here. I had system bet Drumbaloo (I got 11/4) in the 2.10 Ayr, and backed China House (fourth) each-way. I think I would have had the forecast if the favourite had not fallen. I had King Brex in the 2.20 Sandown, but wanted either Olympian or Be Definite for the forecast. Zhukov is a better horse than it showed today, and was clearly not wanted. I wondered whether Nous Voila would compete today (assymetrical), but you can't run at the back of the field all the way like that and be credible! System bet Autumn Spirit 6/1 winner, with my second choice, Akarshan, second! System bet Olympian Boy front-ran most of the way going well, and is clearly better than its finishing position. I had Cool Mission to beat Steady Tiger in the 2.45 Ayr, which looked to be an obvious forecast on the ratings. Best in Marodima led for a long way before fading in the 2.55 Sandown and will do better. System bet Owner Occupier winner, with system bet Cortinas in third. Imperial Breeze (-206) 8/1 winner of the 3.20 Ayr, with system bet King's Chorister second. Claude Carter was best in, but did not perform today. Will do better soon. Cois Farraig should have done better in the 3.30 Sandown, but faded tamely into sixth place. Looking back at Blue Teen's form, I can see why it won now! I can't get Kilvergan Boy to run a good race, as it ran in snatches most of the way! Second best Bohemian Rock ran on for third place. System bet Mr Goofy 16/1 winner! My two best in, Easter Vic and Charming Knight 16/1 (I got 20/1) first and 6/1 second in the 3.55 Ayr! Soprano will do better soon. I had a feeling about Time For Spring in the 4.05 Sandown, but could not get the b et on! Best in Phar Again and Rash Moment decided to finish third and fourth today in the 4.15 leicester! Both will do better again in bigger races. I can only assume that all those involved know the score before the race! I don't know what happened to Driving Miss Susie and Commit To Memory in the 4.20 Wincanton, but they were not there at the finish. Will do better soon. Blast! Oracle Des Mottes looked like winning the 4.55 Wincanton, but just got pipped on the line! My three selections for the 5.05 Ayr, Wild Cane Ridge, See You There and Mister Woods could not have run worse if they tried (they probably did try to run badly!). All three will do better, probably next time! Second best Muhtenbar made no attempt to get into the 5.25 Leicester! I hate it when you don't get a run for your money, and they know it will happen! Thus with Jaamid falling, it made it a hopeless task to get the forecast. Keep an eye on Made In Montot also. Yet another race where I couldn't get the bet on, and my choice won (Shinko Moon 6/1 in the 5.30 Wincanton)! That's the problem when a race goes off on a different channel! I hate it when the second best horse deliberately sets out to get third place. This was the case with Nifty Roy in the 5.40 Ayr. It should have at least come second, but only ran on after dropping out. How annoying! They only use these small races to get the required place, which is not fair on the discerning punter. How can you tell when the best in horses are not going to figure? Usually because they are much bigger prices than they should be. This was the case with Efistorm, which skulked at the back (tut tut, Hailey) and is definitely due now and Riflessione, which front-ran for a long way before getting squeezed out in the 5.40 Wolverhampton.

10th March: I backed Coach Lane each-way in the 2.00 Wincanton, finishing second at 16/1. Was best in and can win soon. I thought Eyre Square should have won the 2.10 Carlisle on ratings, but another odds-on favourite turned over! I wanted Kasbadali to beat the favourite in the 2.20 Folkestone, but the favourite was always going better. I fancied The Cayterers as a good flat horse in the 2.30 Wincanton, but took 13/2 on it (9/1 returned). I backed system bet Flaygray each-way (looked like winning for a while), but also had an each-way on Armedanddangerous (-25), 18/1 winner! Erzen ran poorly in third in the 2.50 Folkestone, but I also backed Neil Harvey to win. This Canni Thinkaar always seems to run above its rating! I couldn't see Dovers Hill winning the 3.00 Wincanton, as it was the lowest rated of the top three! Indian Groom was best in for the 3.15 Carlisle, but ran poorly in third after going best most of the way. Must do better as a system bet next time. Best in Poseidon's Secret was clearly not wanted today in the 3.35 Wincanton, but next best Psi finished only second when looking like winning! Both can win soon, and keep an eye on Lady Bling Bling. My selections for the 3.45 Carlisle were useless, including the thrown in Shrewd Investor and Top Dressing! Carmond and Goring One (second) were best in for the 3.55 Folkestone, the former running very poorly. I was not surprised that Sourchamp pulled up, because they rarely run well after an unlucky fall in a previous race! Best in Macmar was backed in the 4.05 Wincanton, but it was clearly not stable money! I had a little each-way on system bet Emmaslegend, 16/1 winner! Speedy Directa was next best and front-ran for a while, but clearly a trial run today! System bet Miss Miracle 9/2 third. Front Rank was best in for the 4.20 Carlisle, but no money for it again! Next best Woody Valentine will run better very soon. Marlborough Sound was also disappointing today. Best in Theophrastus duly won the 4.30 Folkestone, but the next two in, Romney Marsh and Altaranthela ran abysmally! I backed against Management in the 4.40 Wincanton, and of course the two I backed came second and third! Devil Water was best in for the 4.50 Carlisle with its claim, but after looking really threatening, dropped out tamely. Will do better soon, along with Solway Blue, Banoge (third) and Frith (fell). Spider Boy ran poorly in fifth today in the 5.00 Folkestone, despite being as well in as Watergate! I suppose Rojo Vivo had the best form with the claim in the 5.20 Carlisle, but I don't like horses that have had three runs in flat races! Molannarch was very disappointing, and will probably do better next time. I had I Confess to beat Dubai Miracle in the 5.30 Kempton, and I think Ours (third) was probably too highly rated for its previous performances. System bet Dvinsky 10/1 winner of the 7.30 Kempton. How many times have I backed that b... recently?

9th March: I can't believe how badly Zakeeta (2.00 Fontwell) has run recently. It must be better than that, and they clearly did not want it today. They must have plans for it in the future. The winner won despite jumping at the path three times! Fourth and fifth for my selections, Profits Reality (thrown in) and Diamond Twister! When will they decide it's time for Profits Reality to win? System bet Wake Board 6/4 winner of the 2.20 Catterick, with Perfectus for the forecast! Keep an eye on Daraybad for a future handicap. Best in and system bet Ede's finished fast in third in the 2.30 Fontwell, which was a bit annoying as it was a seven horse race! That was probably why it was 12/1! Next best Meneur finished second. Blast that favourite! Best in Tous Les Deux front-ran for a long way and faded tamely. Will do better soon, possibly over shorter. The winner, Miss Bounty had -05 figures, which is not fair! Illuminative should run better very soon. Breezed Well (sys+1) 14/1 second. Conflictofinterest was thrown in for the 2.50 Catterick, but they had no intention of winning today (-05 figures)! Keep an eye on it for the future. Nonotreally was another that should have done better. Top-rated and system bet Gurtacrue winner of the 3.00 Fontwell with system bet Penchesco third. I thought Coolbeg (fourth) was going to figure for along time! Best in Tudor Prince was well there, going well for a long way, in the 3.10 Lingfield, but faded out and will be a system bet next time. System bet Signora Frasi finished third. Keep an eye on Loyal Royal next time, as its form figures are now ideal, and Teen Ager was probably having a trial run too! Best Samizdat (tipped by me recently) 11/1 winner of the 3.20 Catterick, with second best Border Tale third. Waltham Abbey should show up soon. First, second and third in the 3.30 Fontwell with system bet Rapid Increase, Topless and El Jo! I had Cold Secret in a forecast with either Blink Of An Eye or Cool Macavity, and of course the others finished first and second, didn't they, with Cold Secret in fourth! Best in Arctic Echo dropped out tamely in the 3.50 Catterick, and will do better soon. I also backed Bobby Donald and Nicky Tam and had a good run for my money! Hereditary, thrown in for the 4.00 Fontwell, was ridden like a crab, then ran on nicely for fith! Keep an eye on it next time. Wardington Lad is also due a better run.System bet Hurricane Electric 11/2 second. My recent tip, Triskaidekaphobia (see 2nd March) 33/1 winner of the 4.10 Lingfield! Jimmy Ryan was too bad to be true, and must be noted soon. Lidjo De Rouge (4.30 Fontwell) refuses to win, despite being thrown in, and must win soon. The same applies to Orphelin Collonges and Investment Affair. I backed Kiltimoney each-way, and it managed to scrape third place, but should have won failing the other two. Grande Caiman was thrown in for the 4.40 Lingfield, and I backed it, but I wanted either Superius or Evident Pride (third) for the forecast. Superius has now got rid of a first place, and should do better soon. I had Call Me Mulligan 17/2 and Stagecoach Diamond 11/2 for the forecast in the 4.50 Catterick! I couldn't pick Super Ken in the 5.00 Fontwell, because they don't usually improve much from a sixth place in bumpers! I had Prince Apollo in the 5.10 Lingfield, but wanted Free Tussy for the forecast. They rarely seem to work out exactly to their ratings! Serenitatis really caught my eeye on the card in the 5.20 Catterick, but failed to fulfil that promise. Will probably do better next time in a bumper or a hurdle. The money for Bahira proved to be correct, although I fancied McCain's other runner, Landenstown Rose, which ran well for along way. Dubai Glory finished only fourth in the 5.30 Kempton, obviously angling for a handicap soon. The same applies to On Wings Of Love, which should have finished closer.

8th March: My third choice, Exceedingly Good won the 1.40 Southwell easily at 16/1! First choice Westport, which was there for a long way, was a huge price and dropped out. Errigal Lad will do better soon. System bet Meydan Style 16/1 second Best in Dancing Freddy did not front-run today in the 2.10 Southwell and consequently did not win! Will do better. I wondered why Soopacal was a double figure price, and of course it finished fourth! Lucky Sunny ran too badly to be true in the 2.20 Newcastle, and will do much better than that. Was apparently going best at halfway too! Henderson and King first and second in the 2.30 Exeter. So what's new? I was disappointed with Pepite Rose (fourth) which I expected to do better. Hindu Kush was far better in than La Estrella in the 2.40 Southwell, but of course thay had the race sewn up beforehand, didn't they? You can't often back against the odds in these races, but you can only try! Sometimes it does work. It's very annoying when you know the truth! I thought I was going to get the forecast with Cute N You Know It and either Lochore or Final Veto, but they finished third and fourth! Baccalaureate was best in for the 3.00 mExeter, but I did not trust the -06 figures. Pity, I wrote down Pepporoni Pete, but did not back it! Unfortunately the winner also had -06 figures! Must have improved a lot. My others finished fourth and fifth as usual, with Come Out Firing and Wise Hawk! These appeared to back off when there were fallers in front of them. Hawaass ran poorly again today in fourth in the 3.10 Southwell, and is probably getting rid of those first places! Thought it might at least place! My old favourite Byron Bay finished third at 100/1, but I did not expect it to figure in this company! Yossi was also disappointing, and did not run on until it was too late! They've got you every way, haven't they? When you expect them to run well they don't, and vice versa! The two that I fancied for the 3.20 Newcastle finished third and fourth! Cloonawillin Lady looked best in at the weights, and The Ferbane Man normally runs better than that! What a farce! Best in Flight Leader is due a good run now after tailing off in the 3.30 Exeter. Next best Kilbeggan Blade typically finished fifth! I did back River Indus each-way (fourth). Pity, I kept looking at Ammunition, which seems to win when wanted. Best in Sir Haydn ran poorly in the 3.40 Southwell, making late ground but never getting into contention. That 7lb claimer again, it's beginning to get up my nose, but I should know better by now! Will do better soon, probably next time, as will War Of The Roses. My two selections for the 3.50 Newcastle, Euro American and Hi Dancer, finished last and second last. They were both best in (Euro American by a street), so how can you back like that? No intention of winning! Aargh! I had Cobblers Queen and Mister Bennett (system type form) in the 4.00 Exeter, and couldn't believe my luck when Cobblers Queen made a terrible mistake two out! Blast! At last! Lindoro 16/1 winner of the 4.10 Southwell! Best in Beckermet must win soon now and Lago Indiano can also do better. When will Ruth Carr get another winner? She is threatening with a few recent places. Best in Dubai Dynamo was yet another Carr runner not to perform in the 4.40 Southwell, and my next two choices, Trans Sonic and Elusive Fame finished first and third! The only remaining jackpot ticket for the 5.00 Exeter is on my selection, Lupita, so I wish the holder good luck at 4.50! Guess what? My two selections for the 4.50 Newcastle, Camden George and Diamond Frontier finished as the last two again! What are they up to? They never cease to amaze and confound me! You can guarantee that both will run better next time! Well Lupita won the jackpot for the punter (Steve Whiteley apparently) at 12/1 in the 5.00 Exeter, and I backed it too! Tavalu, Sovereign Spirit (fourth) and Tiger Dream will all do better soon. I had Angelena Ballerina 7/1 in the 5.10 Southwell, and Norcroft 10/1 for third. My other choice, Ronnie Howe front-ran for a long way and looked like winning before fading, and this was clearly a trial run. Watch out for it next time! Well, eventually I made a profit on the day, but it was hard work!

7th March: Northern Dare and Chjimes were best in at the weights for the 2.10 Lingfield, but both lost out to Lastkingofscotland. seems to me that horses only win when the connections want them, not whether they are good enough or not! Don't know where that Katchmore came from in the 2.20 Ffos Las, but it wasn't in my considerations! Jolly Roger should have done better, but never really threatened to win the race. Coach Lane was best in for the 2.20 Ffos Las, and looked like winning before fading into last place! Trial run? How annoying can you get? Lovat Lane should have finished better than third in the 2.40 Lingfield, but you could see that the rider had no intention of doing better this time. Killing Me Softly (fifth) was best in for the 2.50 Ffos Las, but The Composer (see 22nd Feb) 8/1 was almost equally well in, and won the race! Keep an eye on Tinalliat, which was there for a long way today. Best in Navajo Nation pulled up in the 3.05 Newton Abbot, and it becomes almost predictable with certain form figures! Bet it will do better next time! System bet Milo Milan 4/1 winner! There was quite a gamble on the scopey Dorothy's Dancing in the 3.15 Lingfield, and it won the race, but unfortunately best in Mini Bon Bon was not there for the forecast! They like backing horses, the Moore stable! Best in Award Winner dropped out and pulled up in the 3.25 Ffos Las, and it was my second rated, Ready Or Not (sys+1) which won at 7/1. I thought it was too short a price for its form! An educated guess suggests that Award Winner's form figures are now bad enough for it to run very well next time! The best two in for the 3.40 Newton Abbot, Rebel Du Maquis and Ikorodu Road finished third and fourth! Can't boil an egg by the official ratings in these races! Keep an eye on Ace High, which seemed to be going better than anything most of the way! My fancy, Baileys Agincourt ran on for second in the 3.50 Lingfield. Bet it will run better than that when they want it to win! I feel sure that Troubletimestwo would have been in the shakeup in the 4.00 Ffos Las, but for being hampered and falling after the last. Keep an eye on it soon. Blast, cost me the forecast! Alesandro Mantegna is another to keep an eye on next time. Best in Emergency Exit dropped out tamely in the 4.15 Newton Abbot, and will do better soon. My second choice, Zed Candy, finsished third at 16/1. Devon Native (sys+1) 11/2 winner. Best in Majuro finished only second in the 4.25 Lingfield. The winner Edgeworth, just confirms my theory that the horse is a lot better than its official rating. Tora Bora was thrown in for the 4.35 Ffos Las, and I knew it would either win or not come in the places! Next best Fourpointone tailed off and will do better also. It makes me cringe, the way they run these races! System bet Bob Casey 5/1 second. I fancied Flyit Flora in the 4.50 Newton Abbot, but it did not run on into second as I hoped! Gosden's Judgement was disappointing in fourth in the 5.00 Lingfield. I bet it can run better than that when wanted! Back Is Back dropped out of the 5.10 Ffos las, then ran on again late, full of running. What sort of ride is that for your money? Must do better in a similar event. I hate it when all the short-priced runners are the only ones to figure! I can usually pick the b...s that are not trying! The Apprentice (5.20 Newton Abbot) looked best in, but jumped like a donkey and pulled up! Makes you scream! Why are we put through this nonsense? I bet it runs (and jumps) better next time! Pearly Star was also well in and can do better. I think we would get better results if there were no jockeys on the horses, because they control exactly how the horses run, for good or bad. Best in Bold Ring could have done much better in the 5.30 Lingfield too, but the jockey made no attempt to get into it, and finished last. A 7lb claimer again. What does that tell you? Get on it next time! It's been one of those days today! Getting a load of weight, system bet Bathwick Junior ran too badly to be true in the 5.40 Ffos las, and no doubt will do better over hurdles. The other system bet Street Dance looked to be going well also, but failed to finish off. I was hoping McCoy would get beaten, but The Rockies ran across the track and threw the race away!

6th March: I did not follow any of the racing today, but noted the following: System bet Sam Lord 16/1 winner of the 2.50 Sedgefield! System bet Wee George 13/2 second in the 3.50. System bet and beaten favourite Gavroche Gaugain 8/1 winner of the 4.20. Sam Patch (4.50) finished third, and should win a race very soon. System bet Ubi Ace 7/1 winner of the 4.10 Huntingdon. System bet Douryna 8/1 winner of the 4.40, with system bet Crystal Prince 13/2 third! System bet Kaylif Aramis 2/1 second in the 5.10. Not bad over only 12 races!

5th March: I backed Cleaver each-way in the 1.45 Kempton, finishing second at 33/1! Next I had Tobago Bay at 20/1, 12/1 winner of the 1.55 Newbury, and almost got the forecast with system bet Saint Are! I kept looking at Arctic Wings too, and could have had a good tricast! Best in Super Baby fell in the 2.00 Kelso, and should be noted soon. My three for the 2.10 Doncaster, Always Waining (led much), Snake Charmer and Go Amwell decided not to compete today, but all three will do better soon. It's annoying when this happens! I wanted to back Araldur in the 2.15 Kempton, but the race was off before I could! Best in Regal Heights finished like a rocket to win the 2.25 Newbury at 5/1! System bet J'Adhere 10/1 second in the 2.40 Doncaster. Keep an eye on Pumboo, which is due a better run soon. Coeur De Fou (-36) 7/1 winner (another for Tom George). I had Fine Parchment 12/1 in the 3.00 Newbury, and had Matuhi also, which ran in front for a long way. I couldn't have Pokfulham at the weights in the 2.05 Kelso, but it won, so must be an improver. Second third and fourth in the 3.15 Doncaster, with Lothian Falcon, Character Building and Ogee! I thought Nemetan was nailed on in the 3.25 Kempton, but it found one to beat it again! Best in Ned Ludd was a huge price in the 3.35n Newbury and ran accordingly. That one, King's Revenge and European Dream will do better. Quinola Des Obeaux ran a shocker in the 4.00 Kempton, and must be better than that! I don't know what happened to Storm Brig in the 4.15 Kelso, but it ran a shocker! I had Captain Sunshine each-way at 25/1 in the 4.25 Doncaster. Best in Silver Bay looked like winning the 4.35 Kempton, but finished only fourth. Will do better. My second choice, Tuskar Rock was the winner. Gus Macrae was disappointing in the 4.45 Newbury, and will do better, as will Our Bob, which ran well for most of the journey. I have been mentioning that Indian Pipe Dream should win a race, but I did not expect it to win the 5.00 Doncaster, although it was best in on old form! Just shows they have been hiding its light under a bushel for a long time! Wish I had put the forecast the other way around! I had Be My Present 10/1 (returned 15/2) in the 5.10 Kempton! I had Medinas each-way in the 5.20 Newbury, and of course Henderson's other runner came second! They've always got a surprise up their sleeves! The two best in for the 5.25 Kelso, Witness Run (ran well for a long way) and Role On (sixth), dropped back through the field, but keep them in mind for a win before long! System bet Leith Walk second. Moon Over Miami was not out to win today in the 5.35 Doncaster, but will do better soon, along with Beggars Cap, which looked like figuring until late on in the race.

4th March: Blaze On By was a big price in the 2.00 Lingfield, but should have done better and will be a system bet next time. I had system bet Red Merlin 6/1 and Kaolak 7/1 for the forecast in the 2.10 Doncaster! Another forecast with Omaruru 7/1 and system bet Two Kisses 5/1 in the 2.20 Newbury! A third forecast in a row with I Confess and Street Crime 25/1 in the 2.35 Lingfield. Boy, it's going well so far today! I don't know what happened to the best in horses in the 2.45 Doncaster, with First Avenue and Tayarat supposedly best in. First Avenue (-05) lived up to my comments on these form figures! System bet Hypnotic Gaze 7/1 winner. I had system bet Victoria Rose each-way in the 2.55 Newbury. I backed Bestwecan each-way in the 3.10 Lingfield, just getting run out of second place when the two had been clear. I had Film Festival each-way in the 3.20 Doncaster, its flat speed just getting the better of Sir Tantallus Hawk. Halla San and Our Bomber Harris were best in, but I had a feeling neither might figure. System bets Fiftyone Fiftyone and Qulinton second and third in the 3.30 Newbury. It's Crucial was best in but dropped out and will do better soon. My three best in for the 3.45 Lingfield, Highland Harvest, Buxton and Silver Wind all showed up at some point in the race, but all three should have done better, especially Highland Harvest, which was travelling better than any of the others before fading late. I had Definitley Lovely 10/1 and Sara's Smile for the forecast in the 3.55 Doncaster! Best in Federstar made a mistake and then fell in the 4.05 Newbury. Keep your eye on that one, Frontier Dancer (fourth) and Babysitter (fifth). Also keep an eye on Karate, which ran on nicely from the back without being pushed in the 4.20 Lingfield. System bets Blue Nymph and Dream Esteem first and second in the 4.30 Doncaster! Best in Eastern Gift 3/1 winner of the 4.55 Lingfield, with second best Dichoh in second and next best Lopinot in fourth. Best in Enfant De Lune would have won the 5.05 Doncaster, but for making a mess of the last fence (eased off on the run-in when could not win). Bear it in mind next time. Galpin Junior, thrown in for the 5.20 Wolverhampton, refuses to win, but will do better when the stable starts firing! The 5.25 Lingfield turned into a seven horse race, and only one of my fancies figured in the finish! Efistorm was best in, but ran like a crab, and Step It Up went off like a scalded cat, then faded. You can never predict these races, because so many are not out to win! Henderson again with Fourth Estate in the 5.35 Doncaster. I wondered why Nicholls' Karinga Dancer was 12/1, but I found out when it looked like getting placed, then finished fourth! I quite fancied Murphy's Choice, but it did not figure, despite travelling really well, and should be noted for the future. Absolute mayhem in the 5.45 Wolverhampton, when most of the horses stopped to a walk after a flag was waved. How can that constitute a fair race? Prince Charlemagne finished third (which I backed) and Swords should do better soon. System bet Six Of Clubs 17/2 winner, but was it a fair race? I had Chocolate Caramel in the 6.15 Wolverhampton, but wanted Minder and Inchando to run better for my forecast and tricast.

3rd March: I fancied Henry King in the 2.20 Taunton, but did not back it to win! My long shot Generous Bob finished about fifth at 100/1! System bet Arthur's Pass 12/1 winner of the 2.30 Ludlow. I wanted Fantasy Fry to beat So Is She in the 2.40 Southwell, and the latter almost made it into second! I had Fin Vin De Leu in the 2.50 Taunton, but wanted either Erzen (fell early) or Earth Planet (third) for the forecast! I did not expect Hector's Choice to beat Phidippides in the 3.00 Ludlow, but the latter did not jump as well as the winner. I had Je Suis Un Rockstar to beat Monsieur Jamie in the 3.10 Southwell, but the former missed the break, so ruined its chances. From the betting, it looked as if they knew that would happen! It hand more in hand, though, judging by the way it ran on from the back. Aureate pulled up in the 3.20 Taunton, but made ground in mid-race before dropping out, and will do much better, as will Wise Hawk, which was travelling well much of the way. System bet Gortenbuie second in the 3.30 Ludlow, with system bets lexicon Lad and Morcambe third and fourth! I had the forecast with system bet Mazovian and Spontaneity in the 3.40 Southwell. Coda Agency deliberately held back from getting in the places in the 3.50 Taunton, and will do better son, as will Arthur's Dream, which is better than it showed today. Laneguy, with system type form, 9/2 winner. Best in and system bet Pigeon Island finished third in the 4.00 Ludlow, but never seemed to want to win the race. Second best Isn't That Lucky 7/2 winner. City Stable should have finished second to Cobo Bay in the 4.10 Lingfield, but its form figures probably explain why it did not. Best in Laustra Bad finished only second in the 4.20 Taunton - a bit annoying as it was clear best in! I wondered whether Fortification would figure today with its form figures, ands I soon found out (pushed along almost all the way. Next best ansd system bet Talenti finished second when it should have won easily! System bet Jonnie Skull 28/1 third in the 4.40 Southwell! Damn! Couldn't get the bet on in time! Martha's Kinsman and Sea Wall should have been first and second in the 5.00 Ludlow, but who knows what the plans were? Give Me Love could also have done better on old form. Jack Dawkins was thrown in for the 5.10 Southwell, but clearly had no intention of winning today despite hacking along at the back, and will do much better. Eastern Hills will also do better soon. Monsieur rarely seems to win these days, and finished second again today in the 5.20 Taunton. Was the 7lb claimer significant again? Next best Tiger Dream tailed off and will do better, and it was third best Webbswood Lad which won the race at 22/1! I was disappointed with system bet Midnight King in the 5.30 Ludlow, which never got in at the business end, despite travelling well. George had yet another winner with Parsnip Pete, beating Henderson's favourite. Best in Kersivay clearly did not want to win the 5.40 Wolverhampton off this mark, and will do better soon, probably in a handicap. Told you that -06 is usually not a good sign, didn't I? It's fascinating that the handicap rating is so well observed most of the time in these sellers! I kept looking at Apache Ridge, but did not back it.

2nd March: System bet Bellaboosh 5/1 winner of the 2.20 Bangor. Best in Crocodile Bay took an easy lead in the 2.30 Wolverhampton before typically fading out of it. I can never get that horse to run well! Should do better next time as a system bet. I did back Grey Boy and Moment Of Clarity (third) so got a return. Another winner for Henderson with Victrix Gale in the 2.40 Folkestone. What is the matter with these favourites? Johnston's Handicraft dropped out tamely after looking like figuring in the 3.00 Wolverhampton. My recent tip Polly Holder finished third at 12/1. Why is that horses win a race one year, then run deplorably the next year? Wishes Or Watches was clear best in, but pulled up today. My next best Rince Donn won the race by default when the leader fell. System bet Akadyr 12/1 third in the 3.15 Downpatrick. Duplicity was best in for the 3.30 Wolverhampton, but probably needs further than five furlongs. Will be almost a certainty when wanted off this mark. Lord Of The Reins, next best, will be a system bet next time, and is due a good run. Best in Amore Mio 5/1 third in the 3.40 Folkestone. Whatever Next must try to do better soon. System bet Mossini 25/1 winner! I backed Drill Sergeant each-way with best in Numide for the forecast in the 3.50 Bangor, and of course Drill Sergeant finished third after dropping back for no reason! Second and third for me in the 4.00 Wolverhampton with Leyte Gulf 8/1 and Duar Mapel 10/1! Couldn't pick the winner although it was a system bet! Warrior Nation is due a better run soon. Best in Sullumo finished only fourth in the 4.20 Bangor, and is working back towards a win, as is South O'The Border (third). Best in Memphis Man finished fourth in the 4.30 Wolverhampton, and no show from Dickie le Davoir, which will do better soon. The winner, Flying Applause 11/1 was my fourth best in. System bet Avonlini 18/1 third. I can't believe that Danehillsundance is not doing better over hurdles. 150/1 today, they must be plotting a handicap win at some point! I had The Tatling each-way in the 5.00 Wolverhampton, but could not pick Sallys Swansong, although it had -36 figures! Almaty Express and Triskaidekaphobia are due better runs soon, along with Misaro. Best in Alhaban ran up with the pace, then dropped out quickly in the 5.30 Wolverhampton. Is thrown in when wanted and will do better. Methaaly was another big disappointment, proved by the fact that my third-rated, Avonrose won the race. Bavarica upset my tricast in the 5.40 Kempton, as I had Kidlat and Aphrodisia first and second! This Kidlat always seems to win when wanted, so is probably a lot better than its official rating!

1st March: My two selections for the 2.10 Lingfield, best in Beach Patrol and system bet Bodie, took a long lead, then both dropped out quickly once caught. I think these were trial runs, and both should do better soon. Annoying today though, when they both looked good for a long way! I backed Tenby Jewel each-way in the 2.20 Ffos Las, but wanted it in a forecast with Alonso De Guzman. Nous Voila was clear best in for the 2.30 leicester, and I suspected it would figure more prominently today, finishing second, and I had it in a forecast with Playing With Fire! Nous Voila must win soon off this mark. Next I had A Little Bit Dusty 11/10 to beat Bountiful Guest 4/1 in the 2.40 Lingfield, and that worked out too! If I'd known Body Gold would run so badly in the 2.50 Ffos las, I would have put Zi Missile in for the forecast! They never seem to run two good races in a row! Should have been better on its flat form. None of my selections figured in the places in the 3.00 leicester. Were they all afraid of each other? Osolomio, Billy Murphy and Phoenix Des Mottes all ran appallingly, leaving the two outsiders to come first and second! This racing can be enfuriating sometimes! Clear best Mohanad finished second yet again in the 3.10 Lingfield, and must win before long! Is this run of seconds deliberate? Thumbs Up could not (or was not allowed to) get into contention in the 3.20 Ffos Las, and should have done better than that! I wonder what they are up to sometimes! System bet Fahrisee 8/1 winner! Clear best in Chord led, dropped out, then ran on again for fourth in the 3.35 Leicester. Another trial run, which gets a bit annoying! Chamacco and Ballyman (third) were next best, and all three should do better than they did today. Should have had the tricast in the 3.45 Lingfield, as I backed Spinning Ridge 13/2, Cavalry Guard 20/1 and Louphole 33/1! But I only got the forecast, silly prat! Cost me hundreds of pounds for the sake of a 30p tricast! Louphole was best in and will do better soon. I backed Heraldry each-way in the 3.55 Ffos Las, and it would finish fourth wouldn't it, despite looking as if it was going really well! System bet Jump Up 11/1 winner. Winchester Red will do better soon. Duneen Point is also better than it showed today. System bet Uncle Dermot finished second in the 4.20 Lingfield, and I backed it in a forecast with Bosambo. I got everything but the right result in the 5.05 Ffos Las, as I backed Derawar to beat Marias Rock. Damn! Why didn't I reverse it? Derawar was clear best in, so I assumed it would win! I had Clearing House 20/1 in the 5.25 Lingfield, but could have done with Very Well Red for the forecast, as it was best in, then hung fire when in the lead! Yet again a point to point winner runs well in a bumper, with Mike Towey almost beating Sertao in the 5.35 Ffos Las! Well, I trebled my bank today with a few good bets, but could have done much better if I had done the tricast with my three selections for the 3.45 Lingfield! Just shows that prices do not always tell the story.

28th February: Efistorm will do better very soon (2.30 Wolverhamton). I had Stagecoach Opal (see 2nd Feb) 14/1 in the 2.40 Catterick! Waltham Abbey (40/1) was right up there before backing out, and I am sure this was a trial run for the near future. Gan On was well in at the weights in the 2.50 Plumpton, but pulled up, so I susggest will do better soon. Best in Border Reiver dropped out near the finish in the 3.10 Catterick, and will do better soon. Best in Prince Pippin ran poorly in the 3.20 Plumpton, and the same can be said of Chocolat, which faded into fourth after going well most of the way. Both of these will do better soon. System Bet Below Zero 5/1 winner of the 3.30 Wolverhampton! Best in The Hardy Boy fell when going well in the 3.50 Plumpton, and will win a race before long. Very annoying! Next best Sumdancer finished only fourth and may take another race before winning. This Restezen D'Amour had been favourite so often that I suppose it had to win sometime! Best in Prince Golan was not out to win the 4.00 Wolverhampton, and will do better soon. What's Up Doc (fourth) can also do better. Clear best in Pennek finished only second in the 4.10 Catterick, and should have won this. Will do better soon. Sieglinde was a big price in the 4.20 Plumpton, and ran accordingly today, but can do much better soon (system bet next time). This Arctic Flow is obviously a much better horse than it has shown so far. Best in Provost (4.30 Wolverhampton) is due a good run soon, as are Ocean Countess and Director General. I had Just Maddie 18/1 in the 4.40 Catterick, but wanted Tchikita to run better for the forecast. I am sure it will do better soon. Best in Gentleman Jimmy decided to finish fourth in the 4.50 Plumpton, and it was system bet Deep Pockets which won at 6/1! Swinbank's Sir Charlie Hutch did not seem to want to win the 5.10 Catterick, hanging fire when in the lead. Are they all in cahoots on the winner? Hazy Bay (-46) 14/1 winner of the 5.20 Plumpton. Anything with Hazy or Haze in the name is often a good animal! How are we supposed to pick winners like Tornado Force (5.30 Wolverhampton) with two fifth places previously. Makes you wonder if it actually ran to its best previously!

27th February: I did not follow the racing today on my birthday!

26th February: The thrown in Profit's Reality (1.35 Lingfield) refuses to win, and hung fire again today when making progress. Must win soon when wanted. I missed much of the afternoon racing, but noted system bet Gee Dee Nen (third 18/1) I kept looking at Follow The Flag in the 4.55 Lingfield, because it always seems to win with poor form figures! My selections, Mister Green, Pegasus Again and Titan Triumph all ran very poorly.

25th February: I had top-rated Kadouchski 12/1 in the 1.45 Sandown! It was clear that Perfect Reward was not wanted today, and it succeeded in unseating rider early on. Must do better soon. I had Loyal Royal 10/1 each-way in the 2.00 Lingfield, but was disappointed with the efforts of Silver Wind and White Shift, which should have done much better. Also keep an eye on Brunelleschi, which is due a good run soon. Best in Nous Voila was well there in the 2.10 Warwick, but dropped out near the end. Must win soon! Second best Monsieur finished like a rocket for second and must also win another race. Viable let me down for the tricast in the 2.20 Sandown, as I had Russian Flag and Dinarius first and second! System bet Mutamaleq looked a nailed-on each-way bet in the 2.30 Lingfield, but finished only third. I backed Pepite Rose in the 2.40 Warwick, just winning in a tight finish. Zakeeta in third should have finished closer, but I think they are holding it back at present, as suggested by its big price. Hildivini was the one I least expected to win out of the top three in the 2.50 Sandown, but they don't like small prices much, do they? Shuil Royale was disappointing in third. Best in Unbreak My Heart was a huge outsider in the 3.05 Lingfield, and ran accordingly, although making easy late progress. Must do better very soon. I also fancied Justcallmehandsome, which front-ran for a long way and will be a system bet next time. Ilie Nastase is another that was not unduly pushed today. Bardolf is better than it showed in the 3.15 Warwick, and will finish off better next time. System bet Red Tiger 16/1 third in the 3.20 Navan. As often happens, the favourite Pepe Simo finished third of three in the 3.25 Sandown! Best in Money Order 4/1 winner of the 3.50 Warwick. System bet Bold Present 14/1 winner of the 3.55 navan! System bet Aviador 14/1 winner of the 4.00 Sandown! Best in Lemon Silk made good ground, then dropped out tamely. Will do better soon. Giovanna and Alhaque were big outsiders, but both will do better soon. Best in Federstar finished third again in the 4.25 Warwick! That horse will win another race one day! System bet Dashing George 10/1 winner of the 4.35 Sandown! Antonius Caesar was best in, but dropped out after contesting the lead for a long way! Top-rated Wily Fox 9/4 winner of the 4.45 Lingfield, and I got the forecast with King Kieren 8/1! None of my fancies, including King's Look Who's Talking, got into the argument in the 4.55 Warwick! They do that every so often, presumably to get a better price with their future ones! Goodbye Cash was thrown in for the 5.15 Lingfield, but had assymetrical form and dropped out after leading. Keep an eye on it next time. I also backed Ivory Silk, so got a good return anyway. Kai Mook should do better soon. Best in Azygous (5.25 Wolverhampton) should make another winning attempt soon, and Carnival Dream (yet another fifth place) and Cocktail Party (missed break) will also do better. I had a sneaky look at Vertumnus, but that was as far as it went. Just shows that poor form figures often bring results!

24th February: I backed Dream Function to beat Line Freedom in the 2.00 Huntingdon, and of course that was the one that made a bad mistake and pulled up, wasn't it? The first and second were the first two on my original list! My selection, Mazovian, made a slow start and could not make up the ground in the 2.10 Southwell, although I suspect it was not allowed to get any closer, hanging inside the final furlong. On ratings the second Ladydolly should have had no chance! I had Aura About You 10/1 in the 2.25 Thurles! And I followed that up with system bet Laterly 7/1 in the 2.30 Huntingdon! Best in Grand Vizier made no attempt to win the 2.40 Southwell, which means it will probably win next time as a system bet! I had Sir Haydn for the forecast, but did not back it each-way. I suppose they were giving Ratcliffe a winner on his last day as a trainer! Keep an eye on Doric Echo, which will do much better soon. I had system bets Wonder Lawn and Espiritu for the forecast in the 2.25 Meydan, getting first and third! Annoyingly close! I had system bet Bay Willow (with Frankie) 11/1 winner of the 3.00 Meydan! Mister Stickler looked like comfortably getting second in the 3.05 Huntingdon, but was overtaken tamely on the run-in! Best in Calculating (3.15 Southwell) refuses to win, despite the pulling up of the favourite! Must win soon. I could not have Eseej at these weights! System bet Pineau De Re 12/1 second in the 3.30 Thurles. I had Fantasy Fry 11/4 and Local Diktator 3/1 for the forecast in the 3.45 Southwell, paying over 11/1! System bets Global City and Iver Bridge Lad 4/1 second and 20/1 third in the 3.40 Meydan. Best in Tartan Snow fell when looking like winning the 3.55 Ayr! Must win again soon. No money for Oleolat, which can do much better when wanted. Clear best in Ginolad dropped out, then ran on for fourth in the 4.10 Huntingdon. What sort of run for your money is that? Tisfreetdream will do better soon, along with Picture In The Sky. Best in Beckermet refuses to run a good race, and the stable is still massively underperforming! When there is money, you know they are trying! Desert Falls is also due a better run when wanted. Best in Quw's Law looked to be going ok in the 4.30 Ayr before pulling up (cost me the tricast). Sammy Spiderman finished only third when it should at least have been second. No money for best in Nacho Libre today in the 4.50 Southwell, and I can see why, the way it ran! Next best Convince finished second. That Wall hardly ever leaves his money behind! I had Mount Benger and Templer in a reverse forecast in the 5.30 Ayr, followed by a reverse forecast on Dark Glacier and Bygones Sovereign in the 5.30 Ayr! I also had an each-way on best in Nevada Desert in the 5.20 Southwell, to make a good comeback after a few poor results! I backed Stoneacre Gareth and Cavalry Guard in a forecast in the 5.40 Kempton, and looked like collecting two furlongs out, but Cavalry Guard backed out into fourth, and can do better very soon! Should have put Grey Boy in for a good forecast! So I ended up dead even on the day, which was quite a good result after a bad middle period!

23rd February: System bet Elusive Love 6/1 second in the 1.50 Lingfield. Two system bets, Raya Star and Kings Grey 13/8 first and 7/2 second in the 2.00 Doncaster. Top-class flat horse Lang Shining made no effort to get competitive in the 2.10 Ludlow, making late progress for sixth place. I guarantee that one will run a lot better soon. I didn't know whether clear best in Chjimes (2.20 Lingfield) would win today with its form figures, but it did! I tipped it on its last couple of runs. I backed Clear Ice to beat it, but that one was withdrawn. Another system bet, Bollywood Style, 9/2 second. Beshabar was clear best in for the 2.35 Doncaster, but I backed Cool Mission to beat it, just getting pipped in a great race! Font was best in with the claimer in the 2,45 Ludlow, but the betting was not promising, and it finished third! System bet Abstract Art 5/2 winner! System bet Majestic Ridge 6/1 second in the 2.55 Lingfield. I was disappointed with Alfraamsey, which never got competitive, but it will do better in time, as will Crazy In Love, which was a big price today. Best in Orpen Wide was a huge price, and will do better when it is a shorter price! Orchard Supreme was best in for the 3.30 Lingfield, but was clearly not out to win today, and will do better soon, possibly in a handicap, where it will be thrown in on old form. I hate it when they are outsiders because they know they will not win! I backed Il Duce and Rambling Minster in a forecast in the 3.40 Doncaster, but Il Duce pulled up and Rambling Minster won! How annoying! System bet Bally Legend 6/1 winner of the 3.50 Ludlow with system bet Tom O'Tara 10/1 second and system bet Big Robert 16/1 third! Not a bad race for the system! They made the 4.00 Lingfield look really good, didn't they, but who knows whether the second horse Colebrooke actually wanted to win the race? They can win by as much or as little as they like in small races! System bet Al Co 28/1 winner of the 4.10 Doncaster! Always Waining and Made In Japan (ran on for sixth place) can do much better soon. Takeroc (fourth - going best, then slowed as if shot) and Battlecry (second) were best in for the 4.55 Ludlow, but neither appeared to want to win. They don't like short prices, do they? It's almost as if they have told someone else they won't be winning before the race! Henderson's Malt Master winner of the 5.15 Doncaster bumper! So what's new? Forever Waining (-425) (from the same stable as Always Waining above) 16/1 third. Perhaps they did not want the other one to win today in case it affected the price of this one?

22nd February: Best in Imperial Royale winner of the 1.40 Wetherby. Unfortunately second best Toby Mac was not out to get second place today! I backed La Estrella to beat The Oil Magnate in the 1.50 Southwell, and looked like collecting for quite a while, but the second favourite eventually went past! They knew what was going to happen! System bet Shoreacres 7/4 winner of the 2.00 Taunton, beating the odds-on favourite Qozak! How often does that happen? System b et and top-rated Mister Syntax 3/1 winner of the 2.10 Wetherby. I wanted it with King In Waiting, but the latter fell after leading early. San Antonio was very disappointing in the 2.20 Southwell, and I thought system bet Postman 9/1 was going to win for quite a while! I had a look at Madame Boot, and should have included it! Dark Lover and Dineur looked a nailed-on forecast in the 2.30 Taunton, but I also backed Dineur each-way, and thought it would win on the run-in! Second and fourth for me in the 2.40 Wetherby, with Oniz Tiptoes and Terenzium! Kummel Excess was best in for the 2.50 Southwell, but was clearly not wanted today. Next best Errigal Lad plugged on for third, and will do better, probably in a handicap. Best in Lidjo De Rouge conveniently finished fifth in the 3.05 Taunton, and second best Kirby's Glen won! My other choice, Rince Donn finished fourth, so all in all it was very frustrating! System bet Vic's World 5/1 second. Best in Pak Jack 13/2 winner of the 3.15 Wetherby! I thought system bet Murrell would have done better in the 3.50 Wetherby, as I had it in a forecast with River Dragon 2/1! The two best in horses, Toulouse Express and Prince Tam finished third and fourth in the 4.25 Wetherby. They can make them finish where they like in these small races! Just makes you wonder if all the stable connections are on the winner? I had a feeling that Kipchak was going to figure in the 4.35 Southwell as its recent form was poor, and it was due a good run, and it was cleverly ridden by Hailey so as not to win, but I am convinced it could have won if wanted today. That one and Ay Tay Tate (third) must win soon off these marks. Best in The Composer ran on late for third in the 4.45 Taunton, and can win soon. Second best Cosavita was ridden into the lead after halfway, quickly dropping out again. I am sure this was a trial, and it should do better next time. Also keep an eye on Red Lancer, which is due a good run soon. I suppose the winner, Body Gold, was a system bet with four duck's eggs! Best in Magnitude was well there most of the way in the 5.10 Southwell, but failed to go through with its effort. Must win soon! Second best Carnac also ran on late, but clearly did not want to win today. Both of those will do better, as also will Duar Mapel. System bet Irish Jugger 12/1 winner! Fourth again with the very well in Killing Me Softly in the 5.20 Taunton! Also sixth place with best in Drumbeater. They seem to ride the race to get just outside the places, which is enfuriating! Just run up with the pace, drop back, then run on again when it is too late! I know what they are up to! If I'd known that, I would have backed Acosta, which I also fancied! Vacario is taking its time, and will also do better soon. The worst part of knowing the form inside out is that you can see exactly what they are doing, but the advantage is that you have a good idea when they are about to strike! Problem is that these horses are usually gambled when they are due! There is nothing worse than having a huge priced horse finish just outside the places, which is probably why they are that price in the first place!

21st February: System bet Jammia 20/1 winner of the 2.00 Carlisle! I think Molon Labe could have done better, but seemed to hang back behind the leaders, as if not wanting to win! Back To Paris was thrown in for the 2.30 Wolverhampton, but its jockey was thrown off before the start! No wonder it was 33/1! Must do better when completing! I had Barbirolli and Trumpstoo, and of course they finished fourth and fifth! Paint The Town Red is due a better run soon. I had Overbranch to beat Identity Parade in the 2.40 Carlisle, but of course they finished the wrong way around, didn't they? Of course on official ratings it was the right result! South O'The Border ran a crap race in the 2.50 Hereford, and looked as if that was the plan! Must be better than that! Acropolis (3.00 Wolverhampton) has either dropped about 80lb in ability or it is not wanted at present! Second best Swords also ran on unwillingly for fourth and will do better. My God, it's annoying when they don't compete! I had Cool Operator 8/1 with Teenage Idol for the forecast in the 3.10 Carlisle! That's better! Bureaucrat dropped out, almost as expected, and will do better soon. Bset in Johnny Hancocks was the outsider today in the 3.30 Wolverhampton, and I can never predict what they are doing with that horse! If it is backed, it usually wins, but does not perform otherwise! Of course I backed it in forecasts with the first and second horses! I had Border Lad 14/1 in the 3.50 Hereford! The two best in horses for the 4.00 Wolverhampton, Duplicity and Hawaass were clearly not wanted today, and must both do better soon. They must have all known what was going to happen in that race! Best in Degas Art ran poorly in the 4.10 Carlisle, and I think they knew that would happen! Will dfo better soon. How come my best of the day, Mujamead, finishes last in the 4.20 Hereford? It's really annoying, but I bet it will do better next time in a bigger race!Why do Johnston horses seem to run either very well or very badly? I s it to put people off backing them blind? Whatever, it's an enigma! My two selections for the 4.50 Hereford, Come Out Firing and Quintero finished second and third, and I had a funny feeling about Take It There, but did not back it! King Caine continues to unseat rider, but is well in when wanted. Best in Corrib was the outsider in the 5.00 Wolverhampton, and finished a running-on fourth. Should do better in a bigger race soon. The only second-placed last time out horse that I did not back in the 5.10 Carlisle, Richie Rob, won! Unfashionable stable, of course. Swinbank's Cometotheboradroom appeared to be going all right, then dropped right out! Must be better than that. The thrown in Cybergenic does not get any closer to winning a race, but surely can do much better than its recent efforts? You don't keep a 135 rated horse in training for lowly handicaps unless you intend a coup with it at some point! Johnston must get another winner sometime, and his Crown Counsel came second this time in the 5.30 Wolverhampton! Of course it came second to a former Johnston horse, so that probably explains it! I had second, third and fourth in the 6.00 Wolverhampton with SpinAgain, Forward Feline and Gordy Bee! There's always one to get in the way, isn't there? At least I got 25/1 on Forward Feline!

20th February: Again, I did not follow the racing, but had a small interest in system bet and top-rated Eastern Gift in the 5.25 Kempton, narrowly beaten into second at 8/1. Watching the race first time around, I thought it had won, but the favourite had its head down right on the line! The other system bet Dichoh also finished third. System bet Mister Chancer 7/1 third in the 2.00 Market Rasen. L'Eldorado (-450) 14/1 winner of the 2.30 Market Rasen. System bet Kauto Relko 14/1 second in the 3.00 Market Rasen with system bet Fiendish Flame 10/1 third! Duke Of Ormond (sys+1) 33/1 winner of the 4.35 Market Rasen. System bet Fortunate Bid 13/2 winner of the 1.50 Kempton. System bet Fairy Tales 33/1 second in the 2.20 Kempton. Humungous (2.50 Kempton) must be worth a bet very soon, as it is thrown in on old form. Best in Prince Charlemagne 33/1 second in the 3.20 Kempton. System bet Big Bay 14/1 winner of the 3.55 Kempton. Lopinot (4.55 Kempton) will be making an effort very soon now. My recent tip, Euro American 5/2 winner of the 2.40 Sedgefield.

19th February: I did not follow the racing today.

18th February: I had shortlisted horses for today's Newbury meeting before it was called off last time, although there are some non-runners today. System bet Stow 12/1 winner of the 12.10 Newbury, with my recent tip Go Amwell 25/1 second. System bet (and top-rated at these weights) Noland 13/2 winner of the 12.45. System bet Tchico Polos 5/2 second in the 1.15. My recent tip Mad Professor 10/1 second in the 1.30 Fakenham. You can usually tell when Cornwall's horses are going to make an effort, because they are less than 20/1! Nous Voila must make a winning effort very soon now. System bet Ymir 14/1 winner of the 2.20 Lingfield, with system bet Patavium Prince 13/2 third! Wellforth (typical system type form -04P) 14/1 winner of the 3.10 Fakenham. Henderson and King first and second in the 3.35 Newbury bumper. Nothing new there then! Surenaga (best in at the weights with the claim) 14/1 winner of the 3.20 Sandown. I always look at these things, and this looked very good value!

17th February: I didn't follow the racing again today, because of the snooker on TV, but will try to get back to it regularly next week.

16th February: I didn't back today, but had a number of winners on my shortlist, including system bet Rossini's Dancer 8/1, Dontpaytheferryman, Zemsky, Mister Green and Free Tussy (first and second), What Of It and Grandioso plus a good number of placed horses. Horses that did not win and should have done better were: Pacha D'Oudairies (2.10 Leics), Final Verse (3.30 Ling), Wotchalike (2.20 Musselburgh), Orpen Wide (3.30 Leics), and Tecktal (2.30 Lingfield). Look out for all of these soon.

15th February: System bet Attrition (a massive horse by Danehill Dancer) 7/1 winner of the 1.50 Southwell. None of my fancies got near the front, including Angle Of Attack, which must try soon now. Typical! Snow Patrol, thrown in for the 2.00 Folkestone, dropped out, ran on and looked like winning, then finished third in a seven horse race! Are they laughing at us? Makes me frume, as I also fancied Spider Boy but didn't back it separately! I had Prince Tam (see 19th January) 7/1 and The Green Hat (see 2nd February) 11/2 for the forecast in the 2.10 Newcastle! System bet Mighty Magnus (third) made a good tricast! I thought Ay Tay Tate would at least place 28/1 in the 2.20 Southwell, but did not expect both favourites to fail, otherwise I might have done the forecast with Nicholls' horse! What a coup that would have been! What the hell was Frost doing on Romney Marsh, front-running, then pulling up? Should be investigated! The big price was not encouraging before the race, but they wouldn't risk riding a finish too early deliberately, would they? Did connections of Delgany Gunner know that? I backed the two for the forecast! I thought the forecast was too obvious in the 2.40 Newcastle, and of course another horse got in the way! System bet Frosty Spring was too big a price, but you never know! Best in Crocodile Bay was going at least as well as the winner (or at least better than the placed horses) in the 2.50 Southwell, but is never predictable, and dropped back into fourth! Getting these horses to run to form is like getting blood out of a stone! Bet it will win a handicap very soon! Several others of the unplaced horses had claims, but were clearly not going to compete today. System bet Canni Thinkaar 12/1 gave Asturienne a real fright in the 3.00 Folkestone, giving me a good forecast! Toulouse Express fell in the 3.10 Newcastle, but was running well, and is due a better run soon. Best in Exit Smiling (3.20 Southwell) ran the sort of race they obviously expected at 14/1, but it was the best in horse, and must do better soon now. It's annoying when it is obviously known beforehand that a horse is not competing because somebody has said so! Dundry ran a poor race for its ability in the 3.30 Folkestone, but it was a huge price today and will do better. I fancied Renard D'Irlande, but not the placed horses. The two best-in horses finished fourth and fifth in the 3.40 Newcastle, in Frith and Devil's Delight. It's so annoying when you know how good they are! King In Waiting was clear best for the 3.50 Southwell, but performed miserably, and will be worth a bet soon after that performance (I can always tell!). I don't understand why these favourites win so easily and make the others look like donkeys, unless this one (Mush Mir) is a 100++ horse! Nobunaga and Union Island were too bad to be true in the 4.00 Folkestone, as I backed Mr Muddle to beat Union Island! I had a look at Peintre Du Roi because of its lineage, but did not back it. I had Wild Cane Ridge in the 4.10 Newcastle, but not sure it would have won apart from a faller! Annoying when so many others pull up, as I had some of the others for the forecast! I fancied Ace Master and Jay Jay's Boy in the 4.20 Southwell, but had them for the forecast! System bet Jordan winner of the 4.30 Folkestone. My trio finished fifth, sixth and seventh! It's uncanny! They were Vacario, Thompson and Hereditary, which were miles clear of the others on my ratings! When they are not wanted, you know all about it! Ravensbill is working up to a win slowly, and I one point I thought it was going to win the 4.40 Newcastle! I didn't back Overyou because of its -05 figures! I backed the two C/D winners in the 4.50 Southwell with Kingaroo and My Mate Mal, but they finished first and third for the forecast!

14th February: I wondered whether Lucky Art (fourth in the 2.10 Wolverhampton) would perform today, as it was best in but the stable is under a cloud. They can't get a result at present! I suppose Mac Aeda should have beaten Eighteen Carat in the 2.20 Catterick, but I backed them the other way around. I fancied Alderluck to beat Fruity O'Rooney in the 2.30 Plumpton. Kersivay and Two Feet Of Snow (2.40 Wolverhampton) have been running well below form and must do better very soon. I wondered why Hi Dancer was such a big price in the 2.50 Catterick, but I soon found out, as it missed the start! Ridiculous! None of my selections, including My Brother Sylvest and Veronica's Boy, did anything. Front Rank is very well in, but is usually backed when performing well. Norse Dame dropped out tamely in the 3.10 Wolverhampton, and will do better when wanted. Must be waiting for a handicap! Only The Best had a chance at the weights in the 3.20 Catterick but was already dropping out when falling! Very difficult to predict the forecast with two fallers, but just shows what can happen if you take a chance! Lupanar and Where's Johnny were probaby afraid of each other in the 3.30 Plumpton, as they were clear best in. Both should do better soon. I didn't think Bocciani was good enough to win the 3.50 Catterick, but Moon Melody and Patavium certainly were! Lennon was thrown in, but folded tamely and will do better, as will Greenbelt. Best in Dream Of Fortune decided to have an off day in the 4.10 Wolverhampton! Would do when I backed it, wouldn't it? System bet next time. I looked at Snow Dancer, but ignored it, fool! I also backed Thunderstruck, so got some return. Calatagan failed yet again in the 4.20 Catterick. When will that horse win a race? Possibly next time. Carrietau must also do better with Double Vodka. System bet De Boitron 17/2 second. Red Perfection was best in for the 4.30 Plumpton, but failed to make the frame. Will do better sometime. Swinbank's Tricksofthetrade 7/2 winner of the 4.50 Catterick, and I also backed Jackson Cage each-way - just wish it had got second for the forecast! I fancied Cresswell Melody at 8/1 off a low weight in the 5.00 Plumpton! Best in Ninth House (5.40 Wolverhampton) is yet another of Carr's horses that is not performing at present. When the stable comes back to form, they have any number of well-handicapped horses! When will that be? Charles Parnell is another that is getting very frustrating.

13th February: I had five horses written down for the 2.00 Hereford, but the best three in failed to perform, namely: Kielder Rise, King Kasyapa (apparently going best before dropping out) and Speedy Directa. The other two, Royal Chatelier and Supreme Team finished first and second! Araldur (2.10 Exeter) continues to find one too good, and I thought it was going to win today, as it was much better in with the weight concession! How annoying when you put all your eggs in one basket with win and forecast! Of course on official ratings it was the right result, but I often think that is why it happens! I had the first three written down! I backed Saludos (2.20 Navan) last time out, and, of course when it should not win today, it does! Makes you laugh! Torpichen looked like coming to win, then faded into third. Best in on paper, which often does not seem to mean much! I had Havenstone in the 2.30 Hereford. but my God, it was hard work. Unfortunately I wanted Kinkeel (third) for the forecast. Paradise Expected should do better now that it has got rid of a first place and will be a system bet next time. Don't they make it look good when they drop out? Despite Cedre Bleu apparently going better than Spirit Son in the 2.40 Exeter, the reverse result happened! I am sure Cedre Bleu was actually the better horse. I had Voler La Vedette as my first choice for the 2.50 Navan, but wanted either Footy Facts (fell) or Moskova for the forecast, but the latter never got into the race. Morgan's Bay was the only disappointment in the 3.00 Hereford, and I had the first three written down in order apart from that one. Why is it when I think I have a value bet (The Sliotar in the 3.10 Exeter) it almost always runs badly? Makes me fume, almost as if they know it will happen! Seems to me that if a Mullins horse is not close to favouritism, it is often useless! Avoca King never got into the race in the 3.20 Navan! Can't get a favourite overturned today, despite backing Violin Davis to beat Mizzurka! Why did Rockabilly drop out, then run on again for fourth in the 3.40 Exeter? Watch it, probably over further. Yet another wrong forecast with Quito De La Roque and Royal De La Thinte! Can't get them today! Normally at least a couple of them go the other way around! Why do the best in horses run so badly so often? Magnifico clearly had no intention of winning the 4.00 Hereford, nor did Crank Hill or Whataboutya (fell)! Crank Hill dropped out, then ran on again for fourth. They do that so often when they should be in the frame at least! One can only assume that connections of the winner and placed horses probably know that before the race! What happened to Bertie May in the 4.10 Exeter? Never attempted to get into the race! I had a feeling about Odonimee in the 4.20 Navan, but backed system bet Lisrenny Lady, and could have had a great forecast! Both of these had nice symmetrical form. Sizing Australia was best in, but no doubt this was a primer for a chase later. System bet Ferry Point also finished fourth. I had every forecast but the right one in the 4.30 Hereford, with Mujamead to beat Rileyev, Rileyev to beat Ours, etc. Damned annoying this game sometimes! Some days you are doomed from the start! Mujamead is becoming very frustrating, but surely must win soon! You know it's not your day when you back the favourite to beat an outsider and the outsider wins! That was the case with Dinarius 14/1 in the 4.40 Exeter! I backed Jokers Legacy each-way and that fell! What do you have to do? And to cap it all, Lady Olwyn leads all the way until the final furlong in th 4.50 Navan, then comes nowhere! Ha! Take your money and throw it down a mineshaft! I give up! Not even best in Monsieur would get into the places in the 5.00 Hereford, running on late for fourth again. What is the matter with them? Well, I finally got a good result with Fingal Bay 9/2 and Great Gusto 15/2 for the forecast. which got back about two third of what I had lost on all the other races! Just shows patience is needed sometimes! Weekends are invariably bad times for me, I haven't yet discovered why, unless there are more progressive horses running then, which nullifies back form to some extent.

12th February: Kokojo ran a lifeless race in the 1.00 Lingfield, and should have done better. I had system bet Peace Corps 16/1 third in the 1.40 Warwick. Magic Sky fell early in the 2.10 Warwick and will do better soon. Dingaan was a huge price today, and ran accordingly in the 2.35 Lingfield, but is thrown in off this mark when wanted. Look out for Al Gillani also in the near future. I wanted Tail Of The Bank for second in the 2.40 Warwick, just getting pipped for second! Innominate and Master Sebastian were the two best in for the 2.50 Warwick, with the former finishing second and the latter always towards the back of the field. Just shows that favourite connections must know they are not going to be threatened by these well-handicapped horses! Nifty Roy ran well for a long way and should be worth a bet soon. I wondered whether the thrown in Chjimes would win today in the 3.05 Lingfield because of its form fugures, and it ran a poor race. My next best Garstang did not appear to want to win, hanging fire before almost catching the winner late on. Keep an eye on Step It Up, which was well there until the closing stages. Even these young claimers seem to know how not to win! The best three in for the 3.10 Warwick were Arctic Echo (led much), Tisfreetdream (looked like winning two out) and system bet Snake Charmer, (see my tip 2nd Feb) which did win at 33/1! Damn! Couldn't get the bet on! Watch the other two soon. System bet Red Mile 8/1 fourth also. Quicuyo should have done better in the 3.20 Ayr, but they decided to have an off-day today! Best in Ebraam ran a shocker in third in the 3.40 Lingfield, and, guess what? I backed it to beat the winner, Breathless Kiss! God, it makes you cringe sometimes! I looked sure to get the forecast with Silver Kate and Alfie Sherrin in the 3.45 Warwick, but the latter dropped to third when looking sure to be there! Annoying! Probably massaging the form for a bigger race! Why do I often pick the horses that are not going to compete on the day? I backed Skenfrith with the winner Garleton in the 3.55 Ayr, and Skenfrith finished fourth, of course! Gets me mad sometimes! Should have known that the first two home would be system bets! System bet Captain Cool 10/1 winner of the 4.15 Lingfield, with top-rated Our Kes in third! Pictures is due a better run very soon, and was not unduly extended today. I hate those -04 and -05 figures, which never seem to produce winners! Top-rated Radetsky March 7/2 winner of the 4.20 Warwick from system bet Romulus D'Artaix 12/1! Court By Surprise looked like taking a hand, but dropped out tamely, and will do better. Best in Oscar Honey dropped out of the 4.30 Ayr, and will do better soon now. I was afraid that Kempski was going to win for a while, but eventually finished fourth and can also do better. Charlie Buckett (-26) 25/1 second. I was surprised at the price of Curahee (33/1 third). Just shows that because I know the form, many others don't, often reflected in the prices! System bet and best in Baylini 11/1 third in the 4.50 Lingfield, with my other choice, Scamperdale 8/1 second! Oh, and by the way, system bet What A Warrior (-30) 50/1 winner of the 4.55 Warwick! How's that for value?

11th February: Best in Nevada Desert was too big a price today in the 1.15 Southwell, but looked as if it could have got third place if pushed a bit harder. Olympic Dream was also disappointing, but not sure if it gets one mile. I backed the wrong King runner with Kings Troop (third) in the 1.30 Kempton, with system bet Screaming Brave 16/1 in second! Marodima decided to have an off-day today, but is still well handicapped for the future. Cnoc Moy will do better when fit. I had Ridgeway Hawk as the winner of the 1.45 Southwell. I had Patterning and Kingdom Of Munster for the forecast in the 1.55 Musselburgh. Top-rated American Trilogy 4/1 winner of the 2.05 Kempton! They are still messing around with Galpin Junior, and, despite going best in the 2.05 Southwell, it managed to come third this time! Fortunately I did back Soopacal to win. The obvious forecast rarely seem to work out in races, and Sitting Tennant fell in the 2.25 Musselburgh, leaving system bet Ballymacduff to follow Alderley Rover home. On the betting, one often wonders if they knew this would happen! Best in Ballyfoy dropped out, then ran on again for fourth in the 2.35 Kempton. Very annoying, and will do better soon. Best in Yossi finished only third in the 2.50 Southwell, and Byron Bay finally showed some form when leading for a long way, and will do better. System bet Mojeerr 22/1 second. System bet Devotion to Duty 6/1 winner of the 3.00 Musselburgh, and I had Amir Pasha for the forecast too! Best in Royal Kicks finished fifth in the 3.10 Kempton, and I had Russian Epic (second) and Original Prankster (fell when likely to be placed). Best in Amary (fourth) had no intention of figuring in the 3.25 Southwell, which was very annoying! Must do better than that! There was nothing between Hill Tribe and Avonrose, which proves the point! I couldn't understand why Toledo Gold was such a big price in the 3.35 Musselburgh, and it almost pulled it off, finishing third! Ravi River was disappointing (test run?) and will do better. Elzahann was ridden like a donkey in the 4.10 Musselburgh, and performed accordingly! Will do better. Best in Rory Boy and Fortification ran terrible races in the 4.20 Kempton, and I can see why they were not backed! Both will do better soon. Unfortunately I had noticed Carrickmines running a good race previously, but did not back it today! My two for the forecast in the 4.35 Southwell finished third and fourth! How can you back like that? System bet Eilean Mor 6/1 winner from the outsider! Ridiculous, and Johnston is having an off day!

10th February: No comments today.

9th February: System bet Riot Police looked like coming to win the 1.25 Lingfield, before being baulked constantly by the winner! Free Tussy is due soon after the 1.55, but will probably be backed if making an effort. Salient and Copperwood can both do better than they did today in the 2.25. Unbreak My Heart (3.35) made no show today when it should have, so keep an eye on it soon. System bet Spin Again 8/1 winner of the 4.40, with my recent tip, Charles Darwin, second at 12/1. The latter was going by far the best, but settled for second place today after a series of poor recent performances. Ivory Lace and Lopinot are due soon. System bet Bow Badger 15/2 second in the 1.35 Carlisle. My recent tip, Tartan Snow (see 31st Jan) 13/2 winner of the 2.40, with another tip of mine, Euro American, (see 19th January) 7/1 second. Good forecast! Mickmacmagoole (sys+1) 3/1 winner of the Ludlow. Smack That must do better soon off this mark, but is better handicapped over fences. System bet and one of my old favourites, Ocean Transit, 16/1 winner of the 3.25 with system bet Sawpit Solitaire 16/1 third! System bet and my recent tip, Bible Lord 4/1 second in the 4.00. I tipped Baan for a better performance after its last run (see 25th Jan), and it finished second today in the 5.00 at 50/1!

8th February: A horse that I tipped recently, Home, 15/8 winner of the 1.15 Southwell, with system bets Laura Land and Tivers Song second and third! Swords (sixth) should be worth a bet very soon. Best in Jackie Kiely 4/1 winner of the 1.45 Southwell, with system bet Bright Sparky 9/2 in second. Credential ran well for a long way today, and will do better soon, as will Barbirolli and Sweet Possession. Railway Park (1.55 Southwell) should do better as a system bet next time. Sam Patch will also do better. The 50/1 winner, Pagan Lightning, as is often the case, had just got rid of a first place from a race in France. System bet Tsar Bomba 10/1 winner of the 2.45 Southwell. Rievaulx World is just hanging fire at present, and is thrown in soon now when wanted. System bet Ezra Church 5/1 winner of the 3.15 Southwell. My recent tip Oniz Tiptoes must win soon, finishing second again in the 3.25 Sedgefield after hacking up to the leaders. System bet Ice Image (see my tip last time out 11th January) 5/1 winner of the 3.55 Sedgefield with system bet Ginger's Lad 13/2 third. Mister Wiseman won again in the 3.35 Market Rasen, and keep an eye on Sycho Fred, which is due very soon now. Gaora Lane is another that can do much better. How on earth Cobo Bay could lose off its current mark unless it has become very poor or the result was known beforehand is beyond me! It came hacking up to the leader then apparently found very little!

7th February: My ratings databases have been working out particularly well lately, so if you want loads of horses for the Flat for £12.50, the NH for £10 or both for £20, please email me. One good winner could pay for them outright! System bet Jaya Bella 15/2 winner of the 1.30 Lingfield! After a bad early jump, best in Vino Griego finished only third in the 2.05 Lingfield, and I could have sworn that Spear Thistle was going much better than the winner before finishing second. Keep an eye on that one soon. I thought Cape Royal was coming to win the race in the 2.25 Wolverhampton, but it dropped back late on. The Tatling also ran a good race in about fifth place. And keep an eye on Steelcut in fourth place. System bets Straboe 9/1 second and Jolly Ranch 18/1 third. Sir Loin led for a while going well, and may be worth an interest soon. Top-rated Not Til Monday 2/1 winner of the 2.35 Lingfield, beating the inexperienced Cresswell Crusader in second. Experience and a good jockey often count in these cases. System bet Brabazon 4/1 winner of the 3.00 Wolverhampton, from top-rated Carnac 11/4 in second. Faith Jicaro (made good progress, then dropped out) should do better soon. I don't know why the rider on Inthejungle kept looking around (although it was travelling the best), because in the end it finished only second! My two top-rated, Tuskar Rock and Master D'Or finished first and third (I thought Master D'Or had got second on first viewing). Perhaps Topless will win a race now that its run of seconds has come to an end? Another odds-on favourite in Orpenindeed turned over in the 3.30 Lingfield! How do they get away with these performances? Despite Snow Patrol being thrown in for the 3.40 Lingfield, I was not surprised to see the classy flat horse Swiss Guard win the race. No doubt Snow Patrol will win a bigger race before long off this mark. Best in Maximix ran a stinker in the 4.15 Lingfield, as did second best Sieglinde, so one can only assume they will both do better soon. Third best Prince Louis 8/1 winner. Best in Mastership finished last in the 4.35 Wolverhampton, was obviously not wanted today, and it is only a matter of time before it does much better. Strange how the two without claimers finished first and second! Best in Cosavita can do much better than it did in the 4.45 Lingfield, as can Airedale Lad, despite being well out of the handicap. System bet Kalamill always looked to be going far better than the winner, so keep it in mind.

6th February: I didn't have an interest in any of today's races, but once again my recent tips came in, including Marodima (see 10th January) 6/1 and Santa's Son (see 8th September) 16/1! When I don't back, they win! System bet Bertenbar 9/4 winner of the 1.50 Fontwell. System bet Wide Receiver 13/2 winner of the 2.50 Fontwell. Behind Marodima (above), system bets Murcar 14/1 second and Just One Thing 28/1 third!

5th February: I decided to have a day off from racing today, although I saw a number of races without having an interest in them. Scamperdale (3.25 Lingfield) was one winner that I have tipped more than once recently, and all three of the placed horses in the 2.10 Wetherby were system bets, which would have been excellent for forecast and tricast purposes!

4th February: Buddy Holly (1.20 Lingfield), just hacked along at the back after dropping out, and will do better, along with Barodine. I had the first four written down in the right order for the 1.25 Bangor, including the winner, Harry Hunt 10/1, which appeared well in at the weights! I also ahd the first three written down for the 1.30 Chepstow, but I did not expect Listenlook to be such a big price! Acropolis was absolutely thrown in on old form for the 1.50 Lingfield, but apparently got no run (deliberately?). If they wanted to win, why would they get in a position to get hampered? They must have known this would happen. Sounded as if it was going very well. I also backed Pinsplitter (second) each-way. Sovereign Spirit front-ran today, and will do better. I backed Micky Taker at 40/1 in the 1.55 Bangor, and guess what? Yes, it finished fourth! They have an uncanny knack of doing that! I also backed Russian Song (sys+1) 25/1 third in the 2.05 Chepstow. Another McCain winner with Pie At Midnight 20/1 in the 2.25 Bangor! Its form behind Mister Stickler looked good, on reflection. Quizwork and Money Finder should do better. Gus Macrae should have done better than fourth in the 2.35 Chepstow. Memphis Man will win a race soon, hopefully next time! I had system bet Bubbly Bellini each-way in the 2.50 Lingfield. Best in Zimbabwe and Macmar ran very poorly in the 3.05 Chepstow, and I was annoyed that third best Cold Harbour ran on, only to finish fourth! God, they can be frustrating sometimes! System bet Loves Theme 6/1 winner of the 3.25 Lingfield. Unfortunately best in Two Feet Of Snow was not out to do the business today! Several disappointing performances in the 3.40 Chepstow with Giovanna, Yetholm and Mae Cigan. Clear best Dashing George finished second in the 4.05 Bangor, and for some reason they always find something to beat them! Probably because its previous form was so bad! I also fancied Ma Yahab which finished third. For some reason best in Factotum and Adajal were big outsiders in the 4.15 Chepstow, and we soon found out why! Both of them finished well off the pace, and can do much better. Why do all the best in horses that I back when starting at a big price run like donkeys? Polly Holder was one such in the 4.35 Lingfield. I hate not getting a run for my money! I backed it in forecasts with George Woolf and Mrs Neat, and guess what? Those two finished first and second! Almost like blowing me a raspberry! Polly Holder will now be a system bet next time, so watch out for it. Should have backed Saint Luke in the 4.50 Chepstow, but did not trust it to win again! Bricks and Porter was by far best in for the 5.00 Wolverhampton, but as usual finished only third. Keep an eye on All Moving Parts, which is due very soon.

3rd February: I was drawn into backing system bet Ajaafa in the 1.30 Southwell, which proved very disappointing. Pity, because I had written down the other two, Fifth In Line and Heresellie on my list! Should have known better than to back against McCain in the 1.40 Towcester, but I backed the favourite to beat it! Another odds-on favourite turned over! System bet Around A Pound 8/1 third in the 1.45 Clonmel. Best in Koraleva Tectona and Positivity finished third and fourth in the 2.00 Southwell, running poorly off these ratings, but no doubt other connections knew how they were going to run. Annoying, however. Rince Donn should have done better in the 2.10 Towcester, but fortunately I had Karasakal as my second choice. I thought system bet Tsarinova might have been placed in the 2.20 Wincanton, but it faded after being third for a while. Best in Laugh Or Cry was well backed, but ran very poorly compared with its previous ratings. Must do better when wanted, but that was not today. Wish they would run to their ability! System bet Orang Outan 5/1 winner of the 2.40 Towcester. I don't know why Nous Voila dropped out, but it was clear best in, and will almost certainly do better next time. I backed Betabob and Mister Stickler in a reverse forecast for the 2.50 Wincanton for a nice return. Best in Woodlands Genpower pulled up in the 3.10 Towcester. You can never tell with that horse, but will probably do better next time. System bet Victory Gunner 9/1 winner. Mister Green failed to perform in the 3.30 Southwell, after a good looking run last time. Must do better next time. Ginolad and Wizard Of Edge are two from the 3.50 Wincanton which are due soon. Guto (4.00 Southwell) will win a race soon, but is taking its time about it! System bet Cape Royal 12/1 third. Lucky Art (Carr stable) made ground, then dropped out and will probably win when the stable hits form. The Lord is also very well in, but is getting on in years. I wrote down the first three home in the 4.10 Towcester in the right order! I thought Halcon Genelardais was a certainty in the 4.20 Wincanton, but just beaten into third on the run-in. Louphole should have done better in the 4.30 Southwell, and will probably do so soon. The two previous winners finished first and second in the 4.50 Wincanton, and I had a small reverse forecast! System bet Revani 40/1 third also! Ballodair was best in for the 5.00 Wolverhampton, and should do better soon. Galpin Junior, best in for the 5.30 Wolverhampton, may win a race one day! First and third for me in the 6.00 Wolverhampton with Star Links and Avonrose ( I thought I was going to get the forecast until that wretched Elijah Pepper came up fast on the outside). Dubai Miracle was just best in and will do better shortly. Crowded House did not perform in the 6.10 Meydan, and must be better than that next time. Well in Bathwick Freeze ran a strange race, racing up to join the leaders at halfway, then dropping back and running on again. Will do better soon when wanted. System bet Not So Bright 7/2 third. A few horses that I fancied to do well in later races, but did not were: Am I Blue (7.00), Corrib and Libre (7.30), Bromhead and Jackson (8.00). Keep an eye on these for the future. At least one of my recent tips, Barbirolli, finished third at 20/1 in the 8.00. Most of my selections either run very well or are right out of contention, but that is a characteristic of the types of horses that I back.

2nd February: I don't know whether to laugh or cry as the best three in for the 1.10 Lingfield finished fourth, fifth and sixth! Sadeek, Ivory Lace (which looked like coming through to win) and Bricks And Porter can all do much better than that! You would think one of them would at least place! Three more pathetic efforts from Manoubi, Teenando and Stagecoach Opal in the 1.20 Newcastle! It would be nice if they competed once in a while! My fourth choice, Talesofriverbank, finished third again at 8/1! Two of my choices were from the same stable and were by far best in, but no show. Anjomarba should have finished better than third in the 1.40 Lingfield, but unfortunately you can't make them run to their best form, and third place was all that was wanted today. Will do better soon. Best in The Green Hat finished only fourth in the 1.50 Newcastle, after looking like winning most of the way. Apache Brave was pulled up, but will do better soon, along with Adare Prince. I had Grafite each-way in the 2.00 Leicester, finishing third at 16/1. Bless The Wings travelled well for a long way before finishing fourth. Another poor performance from my fancy Warm Memories in the 2.10 Lingfield. How can you back like that, when they make no effort? I had system bet Garryowen Star 16/1 winner of the 2.15 Down Royal! My fancy Bollin Felix finished third at 8/1 in the 2.20 Newcastle. Best in Mokum finished fifth again in the 2.30 Leicester, and must win soon. I hate -05 figures! Next best Whatever Next dropped out and pulled up, and my third choice, Phoenix De Mottes ran on for fourth. Seems like they are under instruction not to place in the first three! All three must do better very soon. I had Ede's Dot Com again in the 2.40 Lingfield, but wanted Pab Special (fourth) for the forecast. I had three forecasts in the 2.50 Newcastle, but the only one to finish was not among them! The fact that Stir On The Sea finished last in the 3.00 Leicester suggests that it will do better very soon, possibly in a handicap, so keep an eye on it. I put that blasted Ocean Countess in for my tricasts in the 3.10 Lingfield, and if I had put system Red Willow instead, I would have got it, as I had the forecast with Lean Machine and White Deer! The latter is thrown in when wanted soon. I had the first three home written down for the 3.30 Leicester, but left out the favourite for the forecast! The thrown in Grande Caiman only ran on when it was too late in the 3.40 Lingfield, and will do better very soon. Next best Maslak dropped out tamely, and is another to consider soon. Best in Apache Chant deiced tro run a poor race vtoday after winning last time. I tipped the second, Valento, last time out! Snake Charmer should also do better soon. Best in Dubburg finished third in the 4.10 Lingfield, but next best City Stable was a big outsider, and ran accordingly. That one will do better very soon. Best in Aboukir Bay (4.30 Leicester) is due a good run soon if they can manage it! Imperial Royale was heavily backed, but ran like a donkey for most of the race and finished only third. I looked like getting the forecast in the straight in the 4.40 Lingfield with Salient and MissBootylishes, but both dropped out as if shot! Ridiculous! Both must win a race soon. Front-runners almost always seem to lose out to fast-finishers! Therefore, don't front-run unless you can stay there! My other choice, Perfect Ch'i, unseated rider, resulting in a fiasco of a race! You know when a horse with a realistic chance like Arowana (4.50 Kempton) is a big price that something is going to happen to it to make it lose, and that was the case here. Why are they not allowed to run properly? Will no doubt run better soon. Well, not a very good day today, just as I thought I had cracked it in the last couple of weeks. There are always days like today in racing, or I suppose it would be too predictable for people like me! Negotiation was in the frame everywhere but on the line in the 5.20 Kempton, finishing fourth by a whisker! I can pick 'em! I am sure it will be winning soon, however. System bet Round Won 8/1 second. For once Lay Claim was a winner with -05 figures! Professor John is another to note next time out. Best in Guildenstern was hacking behind the leaders in the 5.50 Kempton, but failed to deliver a win yet again, finishing second. My other choice, Rigid, managed to finish fourth (but it was the stablemate of the winner - funny!). Softly Killing Me in fifth was another that should have figured in the places, but they won't do it until they are wanted! What a farce! Getting horses to run to form is like pulling teeth! And keep an eye on Warrior Nation, which should be much better than its starting price today! How can you waste money on a horse like Hindu Kush, which was absolutely thrown in for the 6.50 Kempton, which fades so tamely for no apparent reason? How I hate front-runners that don't go through with it! I can almost hear them saying " Go into the lead, then drop out." It makes you gnash your teeth in disgust! Even Camps Bay finished second yet again and was second best in by a street! Perhaps when it has a full set of seconds it might win! A horse with three fourth places wins again! It's almost like clockwork!

1st February: I had the first two in the 1.30 Southwell (fairly obvious from the betting), but I was disappointed that Swords did not run better for the tricast! Was the 2lb overweight a signal? Mrs Carr's Light The City (sys+1) filled that place. Are they coming back to form? On my ratings Carnac should probably have won. Best in Manadam ran a poor race in the 1.50 Taunton, and should do better next time as a system bet. Merry Storm was also well in, but the same comment applies. I also had Normally, which finished third, and Inchloch (about fifth). Best in Profit's Reality finished only fourth in the 2.00 Southwell, and no doubt was not wanted today. Must win a similar race when wanted, but I was disappointed, as it was a system bet today. Why is it when I do a forecast that one of the horses always fails to complete? Alwaysonthemove was clear second choice, but managed to fall somehow. How annoying! If I'd known that I would have got it right! I had Qozak in the 2.20 Taunton, but was disappointed with the effort of Tashiba, which should have done better. System bet Bathwick Quest 40/1 third. Best in wit the claim, Dancing Freddy, 7/1 winner of the 2.30 Southwell. It looked as if second best Ponting would figure for a while, but perhaps next time (-05 today), along with Errigal Lad, which should also have been there. Excusez Moi (3.00 Southwell) continues to disappoint, and I don't know how long it will be before it makes a winning attempt. Hard Rock City is an other running well below form. I had system bet Knighton Coombe and Carpincho for the 3.10 Folkestone, the former just getting pipped for second place! System bet Marsh Court 9/1 winner of the 3.20 Taunton. Drumbeater was clear best in, but jumped appallingly, as did Mamba, which will do better. I did not expect Beckermet (fourth) to win the 3.30 Southwell, despite being clear best in. Why? Because it was 40/1 from that stable! Fortunately I had Takajan 5/1 and Elusive Fame 6/1 in a forecast! Commanche Dawn was best in for the 3.40 Folkestone, finishing fifth, but I also had the forecast with Ilewin Tom and Quartz Du Monceau! Damn! I wanted to back Karky Schultz 14/1 winner in the 3.50 Taunton, but the race was off before I could get the bet on! Still, a very good day so far, with several winners and forecasts. I am well up over the last fortnight! I had a good bet on system bet New Latin to beat Kishanda in the 4.00 Southwell. Next I had Spider Boy in a forecast with The Bishops Baby, with Sebastiano in third for good measure! Best in Mujamead hung fire then ran on like a rocket for second in the 4.20 Taunton. Obviously did not want to win today! Next best Suprendre Espere ran very poorly, and will do better. System bet Aloneinthestreet 2/1 winner of the 4.30 Southwell. Yet another for Johnston and fanning - you can almost back them blind! Best in Bernisdale finished third, which you might have expected at the price in a small race. Best in Meneur did not justify support in the 4.40 Folkestone, and I almost got second with outsider Nomadic Warrior, which ran on well late! Henderson and King had three horses between them in the 4.50 Taunton, and, of course none of them or the favourite figured in the places! Most unusual, but it must be planned like that, because they have such classy animals! It makes you laugh sometimes, because you can see what is happening! You might as well look for outsiders in these circumstances. Definite Artist was the only one of the placed horses I looked out, although Lavelle does have some quality at times. I expect Astralogical to do better in due course.

31st January: I had Vivaldi each-way at 9/1 in the 1.15 Ayr, finishing third, just missing the forecast with the winner, Darna. I also had Downhill Skier 6/1 in the 1.45 Wolverhampton, and had written down the third, Ivestar, on my list. Grand Palace and Cocktail Party should do better soon. I thought BallaBriggs looked a certainty in the 1.45 Ayr, but was disappointed with the efforts of Vivona Hill and Kingsmoss, which should have done better. I had Lethal (see my tip 4th Jan) 20/1 in the 2.05 Wolverhampton, but Memphis Man was just best in, and only ran on too late! Just says that -05 figures do win occasionally! System bet Caraziyan 20/1 fourth in the 2.05 Cagnes-Sur-Mer. Steady Tiger made smooth headway in the 2.15 Ayr, but did not finish off, and it was its stablemate that won the race. Keep an eye on that one, which nwas best in today. System bet Almaguer 12/1 winner of the 2.40 Cagnes. Jack Junior should have won, but was unplaced! Appeal Denied was thrown in for the 2.50 Ayr, but spat the dummy out early and was pulled up. Don't give up on it, however, as it must win when wanted. System bet Dallas Bell 8/1 third, with second rated Lahib The Fifth 16/1 second and system bets also in fourth and fifth! I don;'t know what happened to Sir Randolph in the 3.15 Wolverhampton, but it ran no sort of race! Must be better than that! I had Quicuyo 11/2 and Tartan Snow 33/1 for the forecast in the 3.25 Ayr (the two best in)! Littleportnbrandy was best in for the 3.50 Wolverhampton, but ran a shocker, and will do better soon. Best in Teenage Idol 7/1 winner of the 4.00 Ayr! Inner Voice (sixth) and Autumn Harvest (well there for a long way) will do better soon. Nacho Libre led much of the way in the 4.20 Wolverhampton, and was thrown in if wanted, but faded tamely. Stablemate Wigrams Turn was also well there but also faded. My third choice, Buxton, looked like winning, but got headed near the line by system bet Woolfall Sovereign! I had Swinbank's Anychancedave in the 4.30 Ayr. Strangely I had just sent a text to my friend Dave asking if he could do something, so it was very appropriate! I shouldn't have doubted Johnston's ability to put out a first time winner in Falmouth Bay, all the more so as I am in Cornwall, but I took it on with the second favourite, silly me! Bavarica will do better soon after finishing third in the 5.20 Wolverhampton, but that outstanding first place is always a worry for today's chances!

30th January: I backed Cucumber Run to beat system bet Easter Meteor in the 1.35 Hereford, finishing first and second. I also had a little each-way on system bet Mudita Moment, finishing fourth. Best in Pictures finished only fourth in the 1.45 Kempton, and will do better, a comment that also applies to Bookiebasher Babe, which was up there for a long way today. Another 1/10 favourite, Line Freedom comes a cropper in the 1.55 Fakenham. How can this happen so often? Best in Baby Car probably had no intention of winning the 2.05 Fakenham, as it was never at the races! At least Broadway Star finished second, but Brimley was another to fade tamely. All three can win soon. The best in horses flattered to deceive in the 2.15 Kempton, being Inquistress (fourth), Sweet Possession and Josephine Malines! It would have been nice if one of them got in the frame! System bet Screaming Brave third just pipped Inquisitress! Why is it so many of the horses I back come acropper? This was the case with Laterly in the 2.25 Fakenham. And another short-priced favourite goes down! System bet Meridiem 66/1 third. I can't believe that three of these horses could beat a 122 rated horse if it ran to form! I had Williams Wishes to beat Outside The Box in the 2.35 Hereford! Best in Johnny Hancocks finished only third in the 2.45 Kempton. They are so annoying, the result often seems very arbitrary! And yet another one that I backed, Palypso De Creek, refused in the 2.55 Fakenham! Best in Federstar failed to impress in the 2.55 Fakenham, finishing third after being miles behind! They always seem to do that in a seven horse race! System bet Bench Warrent 6/1 second. Best in Lukie Victor, despite hacking along, did not finish off the race, and will do better. Stage Right was next best, but finished only fourth (it would do in a 15 horse race, wouldn't it?), and it was left to my third choice, system bet Galantos, to win the race at 14/1. Galant Eye will probably do better next time. Best inVhujon decided to front-run, then drop out again in the 3.15 Kempton - and I thought Grayson was coming into form! Lord Of The Reins (second) is due a win very soon now. Best in Chilbury Hill finished second in the 3.35 Fakenham, but perhaps Mannlichen was even better handicapped! I assumed that Johnston's Karate would run better in the 3.45 Kempton, but you can never tell! I also fancied Reginald Claude (second). The two best in for the 3.55 Fakenham finished third and fourth, Enfant De Lune and Marc Aurele. Just shows you can never tell in small races! It makes me laugh sometimes if it were not so obvious! Both will do better very soon. System bet Lord Singer 3/1 winner. Two system bets, Grand Lahou and Postmaster, finished first 6/1 and third 14/1 in the 4.05 Hereford! I was glad that Hatton Flight did not win the 4.15 kempton, because that means it will almost certainly win soon now! As usual when Henderson and King have a horse in the same bumper, one or both of them are not sighted! This happened in the 4.35 Hereford, with Mono Man the winner and Aldiva nowhere! Is this an arrangement? I suppose the 10lb claimer on Cocacabana (second) was a good sign on this occasion, but you can never tell what the signals are. I thought Charlton's Mushroom (led much) would have done rather better in the 4.45 Kempton, otherwise I would have put in the two favourites for the forecast! The problem is, if you don't back them, they usually win! The annoying thing was that they interviewed the trainer of Rich And Reckless, and it looked like winning before finishing third at 66/1! San Antonio seemed to be riding for second place in the 5.15 Kempton (jockey almost pulled it back near the end), and best in Sovereignty ran a very strange race, running behind the leader and then dropping out! That one will definitely win soon. I also backed Prohibition each-way, finishing third at 33/1. There are so many imponderables in these races!

29th January: I had Wilfred Pickles to beat Ippi N Tombi 100/1 in the 12.50 Lingfield! Could not believe the price on the second! On the ratings, I thought Mark Twain should have done better in the 12.55 Cheltenham. Diamond Mm was disappointing in the 1.05 Uttoxeter. System bet Titan Triumph 16/1 dead-heat winner in the 1.25 Lingfield. I had Vino Griego and Pearly Steps in a forecast for the 1.30 Cheltenham, finishing second and third! Best in Just For Leo decided not to compete in the 1.55 Lingfield, and should do better soon. Pity, because it cost me some multiple bets! I had Calgary Bay (second 7/1) each-way in the 2.00 Cheltenham. Perfect Reward was best in for the 2.05 Uttoxeter, but ran miserably. How can you back like that? Makes me mad! System bet Neptune Collonges 11/2 winner of the 2.30 Cheltenham! I had system bet Mister Wiseman 7/1 in a forecast with Pacha D'Oudairies 9/2 in the 2.35 Uttoxeter! Loyal Royal and Dvinsky failed miserably in the 2.55 Lingfield. Seems to me they either try or are useless! System bet Dancing Welcome 8/1 winner (also Bradley's, which probably explains the poor run of Loyal Royal!) I didn't get any of the first three in this race, despite dutching several! Best in Jimbatai ran very poorly in the 3.10 Uttoxeter, but fortunately I also backed system bet Pegasus Prince 8/1 each-way too! Jimbatai should do better soon. Best in Folio (3.30 Lingfield) continues to disappoint, but will probably be backed when wanted soon. Saviour Sand is another which was probably getting rid of that first place today (annoying when they do that, but bat least should be competitive soon now). Hidden Glory (system type form) 16/1 winner of the 4.05 Lingfield. The Cayterers was best in, but they rarely run well with -04 figures! I also backed Scamperdale (second). Aather (4.10 Cheltenham) should do better soon, but I did back Art Professor each-way too. I had Azione each-way in the 4.20 Uttoxeter, just getting pipped by Inkberrow Rose. Keep an eye on Royal Chatelier, which finished with a rattle!

28th January: Two system bets first and second in the 12.50 Doncaster - Solis 16/1 and Exotic Man 100/1! How's that for a system? In these cases the claimers did make a difference. And I didn't back either of them! Spirit Is Needed was very disappointing. I expected Straw Bear to beat Definity in the 1.00 Fontwell, but despite travelling well, it is not such a good chaser as it was a hurdler, apparently. It will probably do better in a handicap. Upark Flyer ran a poor race in the 1.10 Lingfield, but the price was not encouraging, and it ran accordingly. No doubt being kept back for a handicap later. System bet Plan A 7/4 winner of the 1.15 Gowran Park. Best in Monsieur ran on for fourth at 20/1 in the 1.20 Doncaster. Prize Fighter and Royal Flynn must do better soon. Raya Star looked the likely winner before crashing out in the 1.30 Fontwell. I had winner Accordintolawrence and third placed Pepite Rose on my list. Silver Guest should have finished in the first two in the 1.40 Lingfield, so ruined my forecast! Will win again soon. I had the forecast with Whispering Death 12/1 and Milgen Bay 11/2 in the 2.40 Fontwell! Lidjo De Rouge was best in for the 2.05 Fontwell, but was terrible today, but will win when wanted, probably soon now! Love's Theme and Knox Overstreet should have finished closer in the 2.15 Lingfield, and will do better soon. I had a look at Balustrade (5/1 winner) in the 2.40 Fontwell, as it had made good ground recently, but did not back it! System bet Twin Bud 16/1 second with system bet Ban Uisce 7/1 fourth. Milan Deux Mille is absolutely thrown in when wanted soon (not today!). Captain Becket was another that was right there, then drifted back, and will do better soon. Best in Chjimes ran a shocker in the 2.50 Lingfield, and will win when wanted. System bet Prize Point 3/1 winner. Triskaidekaphobia was best in for the 3.25 Lingfield, and front-ran before packing up. Two others to bear in mind from this race are Ten Down and What Katie Did, which also packed up tamely. Best in Double Vodka finished second in the 3.40 Doncaster, and can win soon. System bet Dune Shine 20/1 winner of the 3.50 Fontwell! My three choices finished third, fourth and fifth, which happens so often! Laustra Bad (hacking behind) must win soon. My other choices were Sebastiano (16/1 third) and Sun Quest (fourth). Best in Mini Bon Bon hung fire before finishing second in the 4.00 Lingfield, which really annoys me when I know they should be winning! I also backed Quadra Hop (third). As soon as Shutupandrive went into the lead under Hayley Turner, I knew that it wouldn't figure, but I feel sure it will in the future. I backed Jack The Gent and Basford Bob in a forecast in the 4.10 Doncaster, but they were beaten into second and third by a Nicholls' horse. Seems inevitable that Henderson or Nicholls will have a horse for every occcasion! You can't always rely on King and Nicholls to win bumpers, as both Batonnier and Tiep Tiep were very disappointing in the 4.20 Fontwell. I bet they will both do better when wanted! I had a feeling about apparent Gosden second string Songjiang in the 4.30 Lingfield, winning at 14/1, and I also got the forecast with Blaise Chorus! Very nice! I had Very Well Red 11/2 and On The Cusp 12/1 for the forecast in the 4.40 Wolverhampton, but wanted Al Rayanah for the tricast. Nothing like being greedy, is there? Even so, I went from an opening bank of £5 to over £19 today. Not bad! My subscription service is still open, so please email me.

Why is it when I fancy a well in horse, it often tails off at the back? Tiger Dream was one such in the 5.10 Wolverhampton. Very annoying! No apparent reason, and will do better. Aviso was best in, but drifted in the betting and finished fifth. System type form What's Up Doc finished third at 22/1. This April Fool must be much better than its official rating!

27th January: One of my selections, Six Wives, 6/1 winner of the 1.00 Southwell. Six Diamonds was best in, but ran poorly. Perhaps the forecast with both was too obvious? Will do better. King's Dhaafer 5/1 winner of the 1.10 Warwick. System bet Molon Labe was disappointing, but the big price was not promising, not that it always matters! System bet Ballinteni 14/1 second in the 1.20 Ffos Las, and I got the forecast with Pateese! I expected Ay Tay Tate to finish as runner-up in the 1.30 Southwell, but the b... got caught for second place near the line! Should have known it was too big a price, but it can win a race soon off this mark. Best in Arnold Layne finished only third in the 1.40 Warwick, and next best Pancake ran on for fifth when it was too late. Both will do better soon. System bet Shaking Hands 7/2 winner. I thought Fiddledeedee (ran on late) would have done better in the 1.50 Ffos Las, but I did get the forecast with Doctor Foxtrot and Rangitoto. System bet Yossi 20/1 second in the 2.05 Southwell! I did not trust it to run well off this low rating in a claimer, so left it out of my forecasts! Unbreak My Heart did not finish off, despite running comfortably most of the way, and its big price was a good indication. I had Nemo Spirit (fourth) and Zakatal (third) in the 2.25 Ffos Las. Excusez Moi (2.40 Southwell) and its stable continue to disappoint, although it made progress, then dropped out of the race. Don't know what to make of it! Of course Elhamri won when I had backed it numerous times previously, with system bet Clear Ice second. Best in Ridgeway Hawk finished second at 7/1 in the 3.15 Southwell, and was due a good run. Several horses disappointed in the 3.25 Warwick, including Gritti Palace, Tisfreetdream and Mister Bennett, all of which are much better than that. I had clear best in Carnac 6/1 in the 4.15 Southwell, but wanted Tivers Song for the forecast (dropped out as usual). As usual in bumpers, point to point winner Young Victoria ran well in second at 12/1 in the 4.25 Warwick. Nicholls' Themilanhorse was weak in the betting, finishing fourth, and, as often happens, Gospel Preacher did not show after a second place last time! Ballytober was another example in the 4.40 Ffos Las, and I backed the Nicholls horse Karinga Dancer each-way, finishing third at 11/1 (thought I was going to get the forecast for a long time).

26th January: My two selections for the 1.25 Lingfield, Ede's Dot Com 7/1 (I got 12/1) and system bet Ivory Lace 20/1 finished first and third in the 1.25 Lingfield! Pity about Pilgrim Dancer for the tricast! I had Sarah's Smile each-way in the 1.35 Musselburgh, and thought it was going to win for a while, eventually finishing third. My two selections, Yvonne Evelyn and Ezdeyaad, fought out third and fourth in the 1.50 Huntingdon, and the latter made good ground late on and will probably be looking for a handicap soon. I had National Hope and Sofia's Number One in a reverse forecast for the 1.55 Lingfield, and included a 13/2 winner! Best in Releyev finished only third despite coming upsides the winner after halfway. That one will win soon, and don't ignore Herald Angel either. I don't know what they are doing with Charles Darwin, but it was thrown in for the 2.25 Lingfield and finished last. No doubt it will come in soon now, hopefully at a big price! Trade Centre was also well in, but ran a stinker too! When they are not wanted today, the only thing you can do is wait! I fancied Waldvogel in the 2.35 Musselburgh, winning at 20/1! Pity, I had Mister Wall Street (fourth) for the forecast. Go Amwell was definitely going to be in contention in the 2.45 Huntingdon, but fell towards the end. Pity, because it was at 66/1! Sullumo and Stow were disappointing, and will also do better. Mister Green was thrown in for the 2.55 Lingfield,but finished third, hanging fire near the finish. I had the winner, Lastkingofscotland, and almost got the tricast with Rubenstar! Best in Vallani almost got up on the run-in in the 3.05 Musaselburgh, and my other choice, Soprano, finished third! System bet Everaard 9/1 winner! More Equity should be worth a bet soon. Othermix should have won the 3.15 Huntingdon, but was very disappointing. Keep an eye on it next time. Voramar Two also ran very poorly. Ridiculous result in the 3.25 Lingfield, with Sgt Schultz finishing second and Tifernati finishing last! They should have finished first and second, so it just shows the perils of small races! Sgt Schultz has been consistent disappointing, and only wins when wanted. Best in Talenti was very disappointing in the 3.45 Huntingdon, along with Premier Des Marais (fifth). The latter ran on when it was too late, and will do better. Both of these had claimers on them, as usual, not a good sign! King Of Leon and Beau Lake were my best in for the 4.15 Huntingdon, finishing third and fifth! The former appeared to be going best, and Beau Lake could have finished closer if ridden out. Should have taken notice of the 10lb claimer this time on Be My Light! Prince Of Thebes (fifth) was thrown in for the 4.25 Lingfield, but as the outsider was probably not going to win today. Fortunately I got Lockantanks and Tuxedo for the forecast! Indian Wish should at least have got in the first two in the 4.35 Kempton, but tailed off miserably. I included it in two forecasts, so it was rather frustrating! Fromsong (5.05 Kempton) is abit long in the tooth, but is still capable of winning on his day, probably soon now, and Whiskey Junction can also do better when wanted. Marmooq (5.35) is another who can also do better soon.

25th January: Best in Convince finished fifth in the 12.50 Southwell, and Bertbrand finished only fourth after being right there most of the way. Others to consider are Charles Parnell and Fathey for the near future. System bet Shan Blue 33/1 second in the 1.00 Sedgefield and I didn't back it! Ideal form figures! System bet Alpha Tauri 9/4 winner of the 1.20 Southwell. I don't know what happened to Moon Lightning, but that one ran abysmally, and can't be as bad as that! Even best in Elusive Warrior finished only fourth! Baan will be much better than its finishing position in the 1.40 Leicester, as it made ground through the field, then dropped out again! Keep an eye on it. Blast, to top that Invictus would have won but for sliping up on the flat, and cost me the forecast! Best in Positivity finished only fourth in the 1.50 Southwell, and will do better, along with Flores Sea, whose stable has been on the cold list for quite a while. System bet Bentley finished second. Samizdat, Railway Park (fourth) and Mister Fizzbomb all underperformed in the 2.00 Sedgefield, and will do better soon. No good for today, however! I backed the first three in the 2.10 Leicester, but only did the forecast, not the tricast, silly fool! I'll never do the right thing! Best in Crocodile Bay backed out tamely in the 2.20 Southwell, but I also backed San Antonio as the winner. Ninth House is another from the Carr stable that will do better when wanted. Carys's Lad is due a good run after the 2.30 Sedgefield, but I also had Sea Cliff as the winner. Sam Patch (fourth) is also due soon. Oniz Tiptoes disappointed again in fourth in the 3.00 Sedgefield, but I also backed the winner, Midnight Diamond. The best in horses did not figure in the 3.20 Southwell, including another Carr runner, Galpin Junior, which is thrown in when wanted. Colorus did not compete today (getting rid of a first place?). My other choice, Where's Reiley finished fourth. Best in Diktalina dropped steadily out of the 4.10 Leicester, and must do much better than that soon. Deep Reflection (getting rid of a first place) and Amore Mio (ridden as if it had no chance) are two others that will do better soon. System bets Wood Yer and Pocket Too finished second and third. In fact the winner Najca De Thaix and Pocket Too were equally well in on my ratings, well behind the other three mentioned, which proves something about their performances. Well, some good results today, but some disappointing ones as well. If I had done that tricast earlier, I would have been well in!

24th January: Lil Ella and Almutaham should have finished much closer in the 12.55 Wetherby, but the betting was not promisisng. You always have the feeling that they are at those prices for a reason. I feel sure that both will do better in the future. Grams And Ounces had been prominent on the flat, and finished third at 33/1. Hannon's pair were never at the races in the 1.05 Kempton, which is very unusual for that stable! Somebody thought Apache Brave was a good thing in the 1.25 Wetherby, but finished fourth again! How often do they do that? I did not think that Allanard was a good thing, but it made the others look like hacks. In fact, in my book, most of the others were better in! Funny game, this racing! Littleportnbrandy was by far best in at the weights in the 1.35 Kempton, but only ran on for third when it was too late! How can you back horses on that basis? It makes me fume! In cases like this, you strongly suspect that the jockey was told not to win! Is it going to be one of those days today? No, it's not, as I had Borero 17/2 and Arctic Echo 50/1 for the forecast in the 2.00 Wetherby! I had these two and Petroupetrov as my best three in! The latter should run better next time. I fancied Memphis Man each-way in the 2.10 Kempton, as it was about time it put in a better run! Jonny Ebeneezer finished fourth, and Figaro Flyer should win again soon. Could not pick Princess Gail in the 2.20 Wolverhampton, as it had no form to work with. Look'n'listen should do better before long, however. Best in Le Corvee did not make much effort in the 2.45 Kempton, and will probably run better next time (getting rid of a first place today?). I was also disppointed with Astrodiva, which was running very comfortably behind the leaders. The latter is also due very soon, and may do better over shorter. Faith Jicaro should also do better soon. Best in Final Verse ran poorly in fourth place in the 2.55 Wolverhampton, and must do better when wanted. Even Cobo Bay (third) was better in than the winner! Strikes me that they only win very sporadically and you can't ever trust them to run well until wanted. Sweet Sugar should have done better in the 3.10 Wetherby, and Chief Buccaneer should also have finished closer than fifth. On flat form Danehillsundance has been disappointing so far over hurdles, and must do better. Best in Josephine Malines did not perform in the 3.20 Kempton, and must do better soon. It's Dubai Dolly front-ran for a long way, and this was probably a trial run for the near future. This John Potts must be a very well handicapped horse to win again in the 3.30 Wolverhampton! Fortunate Bid appeared to be going better than anything in the straight, then faded into fourth! Keep an eye on best-in Libre, which made no show today. Best in and system bet Shrewd Investor 6/1 second in the 3.40 Wetherby. Alhaban (3.50 Kempton) did not compete today, and will do better, along with Big Bay and Negotiation. I was disappointed that system bet Minsky Mine did not finish in the first two in the 4.05 Wolverhampton, especially as it was quite well backed! Best in Cute N You Know It 10/1 second in the 4.15 Wetherby.Most times when I back a well-in outsider, it runs in front, then packs up! Such was the case with Inquisitress in the 4.25 Kempton, and I bet it doesn't do that when it wins! Second best Tous Les Deux was favourite, and will do better, along with State General. System bets Striker Torres and Tiradito second and third in the 4.35 Wolverhampton. Best in Fishforcompliments has been running well below form for a long time, and must be better than it showed today, along with Mastership, which was never put into the race. Both of them had claimers on them today, and that is often not a good signal. The only good thing about these frustrating performances is that you know they will win soon! Well, I finally got another good result with Dart 7/1 and Accompanist 12/1 in the 5.05 Wolverhampton! Accompanist was best in and will win soon. Ravi River has been running over too far and will be worth a bet when back over 7-8 furlongs. System bet Loyalty second in the 5.35 Wolverhampton, I had Brouhaha, Postmaster and Veroon (third), all of which were well in contention most of the way.

23rd January: I had the first three in the 1.20 Market Rasen, with Problema Tic to beat St Are and Wistow (system bet and well-rated) 50/1 third! I thought Gentle Bob would have done better in the 1.30 Towcester, but it was eased up when apparently going well. Keep it in mind. Lemon Silk ran a poor race today in the 1.50 Market Rasen, and will do better next time. Fortunately my second choice, Apache Chant, won at 14/1! Carrickmines looked like winning at one point, but dropped back when in the lead! Worth a bet soon, along with Hippodrome. Organiz was well backed in the 2.00 Towcester, and I thought today was the day, but it dropped out and pulled up! Must win, probably next time. Unfortunately I put it in a forecast with the winner, Kinkeel! System bet Duke Of Malfi 9/2 second! My two best in, White Shift and Tudor Prince ran poorly in the 2.10 Kempton, and it was my third choice, Abriachan, which won the race at 7/1! Best in Bajan Sunshine travelled well most of the way in the 2.30 Towcester, but finished only fourth! Must win soon. Out of the best three for the 2.40 Kempton, only Dvinsky finished in the frame! Desert Icon and Mogok Ruby will do better when they run properly! Best in Mokum finished about fifth in the 2.55 Market Rasen, and Lorum Leader looked like winning before dropping into fourth. Both can win soon. Best in Dinarius never showed in the 3.25 Towcester, and second best Texas Holdem travelled supremely before finishing fourth! Why do they keep doing that? Both can win soon. Fortunately I also backed Fujin Dancer each-way (finished very fast!) There was no money for Georgebernardshaw in the 3.45 Kempton, but this ex-O'Brien horse is very well in when ready to win. I had Suits Me each-way as my second best. Best in Little Rort made swift ground in the 4.05 Towcester, then dropped out again! No doubt this was a trial, and it should do better very soon. Others to note are Bridge Of Fermoy and Red Perfection. The three best in for the 4.15 Kempton, Humungous, Free Tussy and Prince Charlemagne were the complete outsiders, and ran accordingly. Do they tell the others that they are not competing? They must do, as these three were hopeless, although Humungous ran well before dropping into fifth place. The equally well in Spinning Bailiwick and Avonrose almost dead-heated in the 4.45 kempton, but fortunately I only backed the former and the forecast! So all in all I broke just about even on the day, and am still well in over over the last few days! There are still a few places left for my subscription service, so please email me if you are interested.

22nd January: System bet Rougham 9/2 winner of the 12.40 Ascot. The other system bet, Lordsbridge, finished last, and will do better. Polly Holder (1.50 Lingfield) ran in snatches and is better than it showed today. I had Grandouet to beat system bet Two Kisses in the 1.15 Ascot. Quite a good forecast bet! The well-touted Plenty Pocket did not perform to expectations. The miserable City Stable could not even finish in the first three in the 1.25 Lingfield, which was very annoying, as it appeared to be a certain forecast with Unbreak My Heart. Why do they rarely run to form? Im suppose it may have been tired after running yesterday. System bet King's Revenge 14/1 second in the 12.40 Wincanton. Helen's Vision was best in, but tailed off for no reason, so keep that one in mind. Cortinas is another that should have done better. Best in Cornish Sett 10/1 winner of the 2.10 Wincanton! I backed Kalahari King to finish second to Master Minded in the 2.25 Ascot, but it was badly hampered before finishing fourth! I had Imogen Louise each-way in the 2.35 Lingfield, but did not back it to beat the favourite. Golden Shine was best in on form, but made ground before dropping out tamely. Keep an eye on that one soon. Best in Lupanar just got pipped on the line at 25/1 in the 2.50 Ascot with system bet Shoegazer 10/1 third! I thought old-timer Lough Derg was going to win the 2.55 Ascot, but eventually run out into third. I also thought I was going to get the forecast with Walkon, but had to settle for second and third! Best in Chjimes finished only fourth in the 2.05 Lingfield, but is thrown in when wanted. Double Dizzy ran a poor race in the 3.25 Wincanton and will do better soon. Unfortunately I put it in with Bugsy's Boy, which won the race! Best in Tatenen 22/1 winner of the 3.30 Ascot! I also had the forecast with I'm A Legend! I almost got the tricast with Piraya (fourth)! Best in Green Manalishi ran a shocker in the 3.40 Lingfield, and must do better soon! Next best Five Star Junior finished second, with system bet Sioux Rising third. How can you tell when aq best in horse is not going to compete? Usually it has a 7lb claimer on it, is an outsider in the betting, then runs like a crab! This was true of Penang Cinta in the 4.15 Lingfield, and it will probably run like a dream next time! Beau Fighter and Force Group are two others from the same race to bear in mind. A 66/1 winner for Sherwood with Furrows in the 4.30 Wincanton! Funny how it made late progress then weakened in its two previous bumper races! I often back his horses, but didn't do so this time. Keep an eye on Cap Elorn, which made good late progress.

21st January: System bet Voxna 15/2 winner of the 12.40 Cagnes-Sur-Mer (France). Missed it, as usual! I don't know when Elhamri (12.55 Lingfield) will win another race, as it keeps getting beaten by apparently inferior horses! System bet Cape Melody won, but I'm not sure how much effort was really made by the three other main participants! The drift on Vhujon for its new stable was significant. On all other known form, it should have come fourth! Really odd! Claimers with their relative official ratings are a minefield! Harlech Castle must win a handicap off its current mark in the near future. Best in Judgethemoment dashed off in front in the 1.25 Lingfield, then packed up for no apparent reason! Why do they do that? Blast, I really fancied it today, but obviously the stable did not. To cap it all, I had Rare Coincidence in third in a seven horse race, and Gandalf in second, so got very little back for my efforts! I had system bet DJ Detzky 7/2 in the 12.40 Arlington, with system bet Test Act each-way in third. The drift on best in City Stable was prophetic in the 1.55 Lingfield. Why do they run below par just because they drift in the betting? Obviously waiting for another race! If it was going to win today, it would probably have been backed from that stable! Couldn't see why Sheila's Bond was backed, but they knew something! System bet What I Really Mean 6/1 winner of the 2.15 Arlington (and I was on it!). System bet Tartampion 25/1 second in the 2.45 Cagnes-Sur-Mer. Quite a few good system results in France and South Africa today! Proves that it does work! Best in Aflaam and Vinces were very disappointing in the 3.05 Lingfield, but perhaps they nwere too closely handicapped with each other, and Vinces did have the unpromising -05 figures. That one led for a long way, before typically packing up, and both will do better very soon. System bet Resuscitator 14/1 winner of the 3.20 Lingfield! I ignored it, and went for the known form of Dichoh (second 15/2), Wavertree Warrior (useless) and Lopinot (fourth). System bet Serious Drinking 7/1 third. I am always torn between system bets and top-rated. Of course, if they are both, I think I have a good bet! Fly Dream (sys+1) 25/1 winner of the 3.45 Cagnes-Sur-Mer! I can never work out why horses like Advertisement (4.15 Lingfield) win so easily if the others are really trying! Must be a 100+ horse if that is the case, but Buxton and Lastkingofscotland did not compete, so perhaps that explains it? Tukitinyasok led for a long way, and must do better soon. Those naughty pundits gave it a good mention, which is usually fatal! I had Black Baccara (second) and My Best Man (fourth) in the 4.35 Wolverhampton. The latter was a -05 again! Unfortunately the second finished too late and would have got there in a few more strides. Both can win soon. Grand Palace was clearly not wanted today, but will do better also. System bet True Red led for a long way and may be worth an interest soon. Another horse that had shown nothing and had a previous rating of 28 (Kitty Fisher) wins the 5.05 Wolverhampton. How can you back something like that? They've got you over a barrel! Misty Morn completed its hat-trick of fourth places, usually a good indicator for next time! If I get any more fourths, I shall scream! Typical! I missed Barodine both times when it won, and when I finally backed it, it ran like a crab! Will win again when wanted. Golan Heights is another to keep an eye on soon. I finally got a result with system bet and top-rated Fettucine beating Bint Susu in the 6.05 Wolverhampton! Well, I see Peter Grayson finally got off the mark after about a year with Rightcar 18/1 in the 7.35 Wolverhampton. Jason Weaver was quite bullish about it on Get In, so I suppose he had had some information from connections. perhaps some of Grayson's handicap good things will start performing now! Olympic Dream and Tyrannosaurus Rex failed to perform in other races and must be due soon now.

20th January: Top-rated Zafranagar 9/2 winner of the 12.50 Lingfield, with system bet New Den 3/1 second. I had the winner, but expected Vivarini (fourth) to run a bit better. Best in Dubburg 4/1 winner of the 1.20 Lingfield. I had Cossack Prince equally well in, and that one should win a race soon, as it was going well, but not ridden out at the end. Keep an eye on Diamond Twister, which was not backed today and can do better soon. System bet Shammick Boy 9/1 winner of the 1.30 Taunton (I got 10/1). Pity, I put it in a forecast with Bermuda Boy (third). Still, can't complain, started off with three winners today. Wish I'd done a treble! My two best in for the 1.50 Lingfield, Ten Down and Misaro ran contrasting races. Ten Down led most of the way, and must win soon, whereas Misaro only ran on for third when it was too late, and is getting a bit long in the tooth for fast run races. Best in Wizard Of Edge is usually backed when it si due, and there was not much money for it today. Keep an eye on it. System bet River Indus finished second at 20/1 and I also backed system bet Son Histoire, which led for a long way before finishing fourth. Chico Time was also well in, but started very slowly before making a mess of a fence early on. Did they know that would happen? Cavalry Guard has been very disappointing for a long time, but was possibly running over too far today in the 2.20 Lingfield. Fortunately I also fancied Very Well Red very strongly, and had my main bet on that one. I thought system bet Big Knickers would do better in the 2.30 Taunton, but it was never sighted during the race! Best in One Way Or Another (2.50 Lingfield) will be winning a race before long, as it was well there on the inside, finishing about fifth. I also backed Ocean Legend (second) and Kings Colour, both of which were well there, and can win soon. The three best in for the 3.00 Taunton, apart from Stoway (second) ran poorly, and both Award Winner and Coach Lane should do better soon. You can tell from the way they are being ridden whether they are competing or not. How could Masta Plasta finish more or less last at Meydan? Ridiculous! I also backed Mister Mannanan, which looked like winning for a long way until getting overtaken late on. Best in Lovat Lane was travelling strongly behind the leaders in the 3.20 Lingfield, but typically finished fourth, and will do better soon. Blast, I put it in the forecast with Aquilifer, which looked like coming off for a while. I had best in Ciceron 8/1 with Karasenir 5/1 for the forecast in the 3.30 Taunton. Very nice! Best in Sultan Fontenaille finished only second in the 4.00 Taunton, beaten by a Hobbs' horse, which you can never rule out! I suspect that Colonel Arthur is very well in on old form when wanted (pulled up today). System bet Orpens Peach 15/2 winner of the 4.20 Wolverhampton, with system bet Hi Spec 20/1 second. Guildenstern (fourth) was by far best in, but has been a very disappointing animal in general. Carnival Dream was my second best and typically led most of the way before packing up. It's a regular pattern! Ingleby Star should have finished second on my ratings for the 4.50 Wolverhampton, but, from the betting, third place was all that was wanted today. Annoying when you are counting on them to run to their best for the forecast! Keep an eye on it for a handicap soon. My two best in for the 5.20 Wolverhampton, Hypnosis and Bold Ring, both failed, so keep an eye on them soon. My third choice, Dualagi, won at 16/1! How the hell could Carlton Scroop beat Munsef in the 5.50 Wolverhampton, with about 40lb difference in ability on all known form? That is, to quote an extreme case, rather like me beating Seb Coe over 1500 metres! It beggars belief, but such things happen so often in racing! Even Kames Park was much better in than the winner! Strikes me that anything can beat anything else on the day! In these cases the form book means absolutely nothing.

19th January: I had a little each-way on Transact 9/1 in the 12.40 Newcastle, and on Devil's Delight 9/2 in third. Almost got the forecast! Hair Of The Dog was going better than most for a long way, and should be noted soon. I ignored the favourite in the 12.50 Lingfield, and had Materialism and Ana Emarati for the forecast! These odds-on favourites first time out (or any time) disappoint so often! Another odds-on favourite beaten in the 1.00 Newbury, and I had Cedre Bleu to beat it in the forecast! Three winning returns so far! I wondered why Quinola Des Obeaux was such a big price compared to the second favourite in the 1.10 Newcastle, but soon found out when it unseated rider at the second! Then the favourite fell too, so there was a very good forecast! Just shows that these forecasts are often worth a small investment just in case! Best in Harlech Castle's rider made no attempt to get into the race until it was too late, then ran on strongly. That really annoys me, as he clearly had no intention of figuring! Keep an eye on it soon (system bet next time). Dingaan was also well in, but I despair of that stable at present! I fancied Ceasar's Return and Oil Burner in the 1.40 Newcastle, but the first unseated rider and brought down the second! Neither would have won, I suspect. I don't know how you pick a horse like Dorcas Lane in the 1.55 Lingfield, as we have no idea how good it is! Bow River Arch was another disappointing favourite. Makes you wonder, sometimes! I thought Radetsky March would have beaten Pride In Battle in the 2.05 Newbury, but probably King's horse had a bit more improvement in it. Best in Daldini finished only fourth in the 2.15 Newcastle. How many times do they finish fourth twice in a row? Quite often! I backed Morgan Be each-way, and it finished very fast, but too late. Negus De Beaumont should have done better, but they often throw in a bvad run after a good one, as my system suggests. I also fancied the second, See You There, but was put off by its form figures and the price! Clear best in Northern Dare 8/1 winner of the 2.30 Lingfield, and I also did Efistorm for the forecast! I was pretty amazed at the price of the winner, but usually they run badly when that happens! Best in Sway decided to throw in a poor run today in the 2.40 Newbury. They are annoying sometimes. Hence the forecast worked out as a good one again, with system bet Asturienne finishing second. Best in Euro American looked like the winner past halfway in the 2.50 Newcastle, but finished only fourth! Must win a race soon. Next best Double Default finished second, and could have won if wanted. Robbie Dye was well backed, but did not run well. I despair of these results sometimes! How could Camps Bay get beaten in the 3.05 Lingfield, unless that was wanted? Peplum (sys+1) 50/1 winner of the 3.15 Newbury! Big price for that stable, but I was on it! Amble Forge and Abey M'Boy were disappointing, but I'm not complaining! Best in Dark Gentleman (-26) (see my tip 3rd January!) 20/1 winner of the 3.25 Newcastle! I also backed Teenando (third) and the only one that should have done better on my list was Prince Tam (look out for it next time)! Three horses that should have done better in the 3.50 Newbury were: Ginolad, Trigger The Light and Wind Instrument, the last two both Alan King's. It was obvious that none of them were intended to get in the shakeup today. Tchikita should have least have got placed in the 4.00 Newcastle, and it's quite amusing when you look back through the field and see it finished seventh, because that is a typical finishing position! keep an eye on that one, as it will do better soon. I am beginning to despair of Memphis Man, which is never allowed to run a proper race, but is very well in when wanted. I have tipped Radiator Rooney recently, and it won the 4.10 Lingfield at 11/2. Loyal Royal decided to thrown in a bad race also today. Only they know what will happen, it seems to me. I got Tour D'Argent with Millarrow for the forecast in the 4.20 Newbury, which was quite a nice return. I thought Norcroft was due today in the 4.30 Kempton, but perhaps the distance was too far for it. Must win soon, possibly over shorter. Another to note very strongly for the future is Woodsley House, which is thrown in off this rating. A Pocketful Of Rye is also much better than it showed today. It is so frustrating when you back three well-in horses, and none of them even get placed! A good day, today, however, I more than doubled my opening bank! How many can say that about a day's racing in which they back in every race?

18th January: Top-rated Patman Du Charmil 5/1 winner of the 1.00 Southwell, with third rated Phoenix Des Mottes 33/1 third. Tifoso should have done better, and should be noted soon. Best in Mad Professor (1.30 Southwell) should do better soon, and second best Mujamead looked like getting placed before dropping back to fourth place on the run-in. Peak Seasons is another to keep in mind. Clear best in Snow Patrol finished third at 8/1 in the 1.40 Folkestone, and must be due a win soon. Just wish it was today! Rolanta and Bridge Of Fermoy were prominent for a long way, and will do better. Prize Fighter, by far best in for the 2.00 Southwell, came hacking up behind the leaders, then finished fourth. A very disappointing run, and will do much better soon. Second best Wise Hawk finished third, and will also do better. I could not pick Sacco D'oro, which must be much better than its bare rating. I think that Solo Choice can also do better, judged on its running in a novice hurdle earlier. Best in and system bet Karasakal 8/1 second in the 2.10 Folkestone. Blast, I had a feeling about Jeczmien too, but Nomadic Warrior (unseated) was my second choice. I thought the price was too big on clear best Rievaulx World in the 2.20 Wolverhampton, and so it proved. After leading easily for a long way, no doubt it was eased up late on, allowing itself to be caught! Some stables like to work up to it slowly! Must win a race soon. Ashammar had to be in the shakeup in the 2.30 Southwell, finishing third at 10/1. I had the first four written down, but did not want Henderson's to win! The only two with official ratings finished first and second in the 2.40 Folkestone, with the lower rated Lady Willa winning! Typically, I really fancied Meglio Ancora and it finished third in a 7 horse race! Do they do that deliberately? Braehead and Just For Leo were the best two in for the 2.50 Wolverhampton, but were outsiders, and did not finish off their races as expected. Both must do better when wanted. You can never tell with Evans' runners, as sometimes they win at big prices, and other times they are heavily backed. Best in Tora Bora finished second in the 3.00 Southwell (28/1 in to 12/1), and I feel sure it could have won if wanted. Osolomio was second best in, but pulled up, so watch out for it soon now. System bet Whatcanisay (11/1 second) was clear best in for the 3.10 Folkestone, but they don't always win first time! Wasntme in third was next best in. Clear best in Elhamri disappointed again in the 3.20 Wolverhampton. Why don't they ever seem to win, these hugely well handicapped animals? I also had Jack Rackham (8/1 winner) written down, but only put it in for the forecast! Tourist should run a better race soon. Carys's Lad and Aspolan were best in for the 3.30 Southwell, but the first unseated rider and the other dropped out after going really well most of the way. keep an eye on both soon, but I wish they would make an effort sometimes when I back them! They take such a long time to show! Signatory (no money today) and Theophrastus (fourth) were the best two in for the 3.40 Folkestone, and should be noted soon. Whatever Next is also due a better run. Lady Excel should have done better in the 3.50 Wolverhampton. I had the first two written down for the 4.00 Southwell, including 14/1 Florafern! I couldn't believe how badly Varkala ran in the 4.10 Folkestone! There must be an unwritten rule that they don't win with -25 figures, as it seems to be getting progressively worse! The winner, Madame Allsorts, was by Double Trigger, which I didn't spot until too late, and I suppose it did have the best jockey on it! Best in Dubai Legend led for a while in the 4.20 Wolverhampton, but soon faded, and will do better. Second best Olney Lass finished only third, but appeared to be going better than most. What a ridiculous situation in the 4.20 Wolverhampton! Second favourite withdrawn, leaving four runners, you get nothing back if you backed the 50/1 second each-way, and there is a huge rule 4 to boot! The rule should be surely that you get place money on the number of runners at the time you backed the horse? Bookies must have had a field day on this race, especially as the third favourite won! Odds-on favourite flopped again!

17th January: System bet Briefcase 5/1 third in the 1.10 Plumpton, and system bet Two Cloudy finished a close-up fourth. My recent tip, Wishes Or Watches, 10/1 second in the 2.10 Plumpton. Ede's will be due a better run soon, as will Lukie Victor. System bet Rith Bob 7/2 winner of the 2.40 Plumpton from system bet Cloudy Wager, 9/1. Manmoon (3.10 Plumpton, is still very well handicapped, as is Rouge Et Blanc, and both will do better. Investment Affair is another worth bearing in mind. Best in Stop The Show 4/1 winner of the 3.40 Plumpton. Very short price considering its form figures! My recent tip, Where's Johnny, 4/1 winner of the 4.10 Plumpton. Mamlook was very well in at the weights in the 2.30 Fakenham, and amazingly went off as second favourite. Can't understand the thinking there! Even the trainer of Tullamore Dew said it was not well in! Sweet Seville was better in than Loco Grande in the 4.00 Fakenham, and won at 16/1! For once a Quinlan gamble went astray on Petroglyph, so they will probably get their money back soon! Desert Dreamer (2.20 Wolverhampton) is just biding its time, and must win a handicap before long. Kames Park was hacking behind the placed horses in the 3.20, and is due a win very soon. It seemed to be a day for 7lb claimers at Wolverhamton today, which is not often the case, as for the majority of the time, they seem to be useless!

12th-16th January: I have had a few days away from racing, as I have been following the Masters Snooker. I hope to resume very soon, so keep visiting! Incidentally, I see that Vhujon finally won on 13th, probably when it shouldn't, as Matsunosuke (another big disappointment) should have won on these terms! Racing predictions are almost impossible at times, for whatever reason.

11th January: Fentara (sys+1) 33/1 winner of the 12.40 Newcastle. That -6 put me off! I had Spic N Span to beat Your Gifted in the 12.50 Southwell. On its flat form, Ezdiyaad was disappointing in the 1.00 Leicester, and will do better in due course. Bun Oir in fourth should also have got closer. Best in Negus De Beaumont was a big price, but at least got second in the 1.10 Newcastle. Should have done it with the favourite (which nearly fell!). Ajzal flattered for a long way in the 1.30 Leicester before pulling up. Will do better. Fortunately my second choice, Phar Again, won the race. Organiz is also very well handicapped when wanted, hopefully soon. Quicuyo was best in for the 1.40 Newcastle, but dropped out tamely. Will do much better, along with Hi Dancer and Agglestone Rock. The Magic Bishop (-306) 18/1 winner. -06 put me off again! System bet Delorain 10/1 winner of the 1.50 Southwell! Capable Guest must win a race soon (obviously not wanted today) as must Carnac. Knight Legend was best in for the 2.00 Leicester, but most of the best in horses made little or no effort. Those who backed Laborec must have known that! Verasi is thrown in now for a handicap, and Earth Magic threw in a terrible race after an easy win last time. System bet Abstract Art 25/1 second. Best in Manoubi finished only third in the 2.10 Newcastle and the next best Shrewd Investor and Master Sebastian both dropped out tamely. The three best in for the 2.30 Leicester, Marc Aurele, Another Trump and Shalamiyr failed miserably, and I can only think they were not wanted today. All three will do better soon. Damned annoying, though! Best in Lukey Luke and Toulouse Express (100/1) failed to perform in the 2.40 Newcastle, and both must do better. Wor Rom was a good price at 16/1 in third. Best in Northumberland finished third in the 2.50 Southwell, but at least it was at 33/1! Best in Apache Brave finished fourth in the 3.10 Newcastle, but despite being out of the handicap, will do better soon. Ice Image unseated rider when getting into it, and should win soon, as should Stolen Light. It's so annoying when horses do anything other than win! Why is more often than not, that when I back a short-priced favourite to beat the outsider, the outsider wins? It's incredible. Topsham Belle was my second best, and it won the race after appearing to be out of it! True Blue Saga (50/1 today in the 4.00 Leicester) is due a better run soon, but usually it is backed by this stable. System bet Whereveryougoigo 5/1 third. Not a great day for the top-rated today, but it varies a great deal from day to day.

10th January: Best in Marodima continues to run below form, and the annoying thing was that I put it in forecasts with the first and second horses Chrysander and Cockatoo! Scommettitrice was best in for the 2.05 Wolverhampton, showed up well, then finished out of the places! Must do better soon. System bet Morcambe (the Queen's horse for Henderson) 16/1 third in the 2.25 Towcester. Pepporoni Pete will almost certainly do better soon, probably on a handicap. Some Secret, with system type form, 50/1 third in the 2.45 Taunton. Top-rated Warne's Way 14/1 winner of the 3.55 Towcester. Strange why they run so badly in between! One of my favourites, Ocean Transit, 8/1 third. System bet Deep Pockets 12/1 second in the 4.15 Taunton. Petroupetrov should do better again soon. A horse that I tipped last time out (see 29th December), Black Coffee, 4/1 winner of the 5.05 Wolverhampton, with system bet Lucky Diva 13/2 second.

9th January: I did not follow the racing today. I shall only make occasional contributions while the Masters Snooker is on.

8th January: Phew! I had Silver Kate to beat Voramar Two in the 12.35 Chepstow, just getting it right! I also got Buck Mulligan 8/1 and Round Tom 7/1 for the forecast in the 12.45 Wincanton! Buxton decided not to try too hard today in the 12.50 Lingfield, but can win again soon, along with Pilgrim Dancer, which I suspect deliberately came fourth again! System bet Banjaxed Girl 6/4 winner of the 1.00 Sandown. I thought Alegralil would have done much better, so keep an eye on it. I was really impressed with Marsh Warbler on its previous runs, and backed it again at 8/1 in the 1.10 Chepstow! Commit To Memory was best in for the 1.15 Wincanton, but dropped out too tamely for my liking. Wise Hawk was another that should have done better. I had Rio Royale for the 1.25 Lingfield, but am still waiting for White Shift to make a show! I had Ballyfitz each-way in the 1.45 Chepstow, but was disappointed with Flight Leader, which was well there most of the way and must win a race when wanted, along with Royal Rosa. Reblis should have won the 1.50 Wincanton, so keep an eye on it soon. I backed Quattrocento (-W6P) each-way at 33/1 in the 2.05 Sandown, finishing second at 33/1! Nozic is thrown in when wanted, and I had a feeling that fourth place was all that was wanted in the 2.20 Chepstow. Unfortunately I backed the wrong Hobbs horse to win in Or Bleu! Karanja should do better soon. Mastership (2.35 Lingfield) is due a win very soon now. I thought it would be today! I did back Alhaban (third) each-way. Viva Ronaldo is another one that must do better soon. Dansimar finished fourth in the 3.00 Wincanton. Grrr... Typical! I also backed system bet Dr Livingstone, which ran on late from the back. Just For Leo (third) and Golden Shine were two disappointments in the 3.10 Lingfield, and should do better soon. Damn! I did Oh Crick and Cornas for the forecast in the 3.15 Sandown (first and third!). Best in Regal Heights 6/1 third in the 3.30 Wincanton. Best in Wingman ran a terrible race in the 3.45 Sandown, so the money was obviously not stable money! Clear top-rated Ballabriggs started at an amazing 100/30 in the 4.05 Wincanton, which I snapped up willingly!

7th January: I had Silver Guest and Desert Dreamer as my top two for the 1.10 Lingfield, with Silver Guest winning at 10/1! Desert Dreamer should do better very soon now. Straw Bear would have eaten these opponents over hurdles in the 1.30 Fontwell, but is taking its time returning to form over fences. Should not be long now! I can't work out why the best horses do not figure in some races! Active Asset was clear best in for the 1.40 Southwell, but backed out very tamely (was it the third place on the front of its form?), as did Its Dubai Dolly. I detest it when horses are big prices because they know beforehand that they will not compete. Both of these should do much better, but for some reason they did not want to compete with the favourite! Jenny Potts (-W60) 40/1 second. These figures are often productive. You can't often back against the betting (for some reason) and best in Broadway Star ran a shocker in the 2.00 Fontwell, finishing a distant third! Next best Dalrymple was always under pressure, eventually pulling up! What can you do in these situations except curse? Another ridiculous result in the 2.10 Lingfield, where my two picks, Ten Down and Cape Royal blazed off in front, then dropped out as if shot! Even the old boy The Tatling ran like a crab. I refuse to believe that all three of these could not have run better, as I'm sure they will soon. It's just a guessing game as to what they are going to do on the day! You feel that the jockeys have their instructions, and nothing we can do can change the outcome! Very frustrating and we are powerless to intervene! I did tip Radiator Rooney (third) recently. Poor old Topless finished second again in the 2.30 Fontwell, after looking like winning most of the way! I backed Addwaitya to beat Barodine (see 20th June) in the 2.40 Lingfield, never dreaming that the reverse would happen, although I have backed Barodine on countless occasions in the past! Just shows they can make any result happen! Poor b...s who backed the 1/10 favourite! What do the stewards make of that? On my ratings Barodine was best in, but hadn't shown that form for yonks! But a good opportunity today to get a good price! I had Can't Remember to beat Jordan in the 3.00 Fontwell, which was obvious on my ratings, but not from the betting! Copperwood and Syrian were out with the washing in the 3.30 Lingfield, but it may be a different story next time. When a horse is not out to win, it often misses the break (Syrian), which naturally ruins its chances. Third best Kilburn won the race at 7/1, which proves my point about the other two! The three best in for the 3.30 Fontwell, Lidjo De Rouge, Coach Lane and Commemoration Day ran appallingly, so keep an eye out for improvement next time! Best in Lord Theo beat Catbells in the 3.40 Lingfield, but I did it to beat Vinces, which ran well for a long way! The latter is due a better run soon now. Elhamri was best in on old form for the 4.10 Wolverhampton, but I am not sure if it still retains its old ability, as it should have walked this one, but the same could be said of most of the other races it has been in! Oak Leaves (third 16/1) was best in for the 4.40, but, same old story! They don't like to win when they are badly off on official ratings and have come down as the result of a number of bad runs. I must take greater note of that in my calculations in future... Our Kes (fourth) and Tres Froide (second) were best in on old ratings for the 5.10, but the younger horses often seem to have the edge in these contests. Perhaps the older horses have lost some of their edge over a period of time, but they do win races eventually. Jane Chappell-Hyam seems to have picked up a lot of these dark horses recently.

6th January: Otay Kawn was very poor in the 12.35 Thurles, and must do better than that soon! Best in Jacarado finished second in the 12.40 Huntingdon, with next best Raki Rose in fourth. I think age got the better of Jacarado, which looked sure to win at one point. System bet A Fistful Of Euros finished third. Best in Figaro Flyer, that I have tipped on its last few runs, finally won at 5/1 in the 12.50 Southwell, and I missed it, having followed the 12.40 Huntingdon on the other channel! Always the way! System bet Omaruru dropped back, then ran on again, narrowly getting pipped into fourth in the 1.10 Huntingdon. Should do better over further. Should have known that Hobbs' Tony Star would be thereabouts! Best in Harlech Castle got left well behind in the 1.20 Southwell, then, when it got into contention, was not allowed to challenge the first three, despite being clearly full of running! What a frustrating run! Must do better than that. Pity, as I had Onceuponatime as another of my best in and did not back it! Silver Wind should do better soon. I did not expect Punching to start at 8/1, so you can never tell! I backed Antipode and Over Siberia as the best in at the weights in the 1.35 Thurles, and guess what? Yes, they finished fifth and sixth! Must have been planned. Harbour View was another that should have done better, and it faded gradually after getting into contention. Bajan Sunshine looked like getting into the 1.40 Huntingdon, but eventually finished fourth! Will do better than that soon, and Feeling Peckish finished third again! Very annoying! There is no way that Fred Willetts should have beaten So Is She at these weights, but that appears to be what was wanted today! This game amazes me sometimes! Best in and system bet Windsor Knights finished only fourth in the 2.20 Southwell, and this day is proving frustrating so far! I had Colliers Court and system bet Lerida for the 2.40 Huntingdon, with the former dropping out tamely, but will do better soon. Mad Professor flattered to deceive, as usual. Clear best in On The Cusp was too big a price today in the 2.50 Southwell, and predictably finished fourth. Must win a race of this type when wanted, hopefully soon! Radetsky March was clear best in on chase ratings for the 3.10 Huntingdon, and won at 20/1!

5th January: Another odds-on favourite, Bellvano, beaten in the 12.40 Southwell, but, to be fair, it did make two or three shuddering mistakes near the end. Best in Orchard Supreme at least finished second in the 12.55 Lingfield, but disappointment again from Traphalgar, which should be doing much better in these races. No doubt it will do better when wanted. I fancied Hollo Ladies to beat Be There In Five in the 1.10 Southwell, and it just prevailed in a tight finish. I also fancied Hannon's Paco Belle in the 1.25 Southwell, so not too bad so far! Best in Daldini led most of the way in the 1.40 Southwell, eventually finishing fourth, and could win soon. Gaora Lane disappointed, but should do better soon. System bet Pliny second, with sys+1 Raise You Five the 8/1 winner. I had Satwa Royal and Al Jaadl on my short list for the 1.55 Lingfield, finishing first and second! Ortega was best in for the 2.10 Southwell, but, as usual with the Cornwall horses, dropped out tamely. They have lots of well handicapped horses, but they rarely win any races! Next best Talesofriverbank finished third, and the other horse on my list, Dancing Daffodil, was the winner! The concession of 25lb just proved too much for the favourite. Sonic Anthem (asymmetrical form) finished fourth in the 2.40 Southwell, and will probably do better next time. Wishes Or Watches is another to keep an eye on soon. Clear best Humungous (2.55 Lingfield) was obviously not out to win today (-05 figures), but must do better very soon. Free Tussy is another that should be doing better, but I can never read what they are going to do with that horse! I had Khun John as my third rated, finishing fast in second at 20/1. Best in Highland Harvest finished only fourth in the 3.25 Lingfield - they don't often win two in a row, do they? Second best Lastkingofscotland was hampered in finishing second, and should probably have won on merit. Strangely the trainer before the race said that it would 'nearly win'. How could he know that? Eventually Lastkingofscotland was awarded the race, but I agree with Matt Chapman that the second horse was not at fault. Were the stewards on? Top-rated Resplendent Alpha continues to disappoint, and second-rated Lord Deevert finished second at 8/1 in the 3.55 Lingfield. Kersivay should do better soon. Best in Bathwick Scanno finished third at 9/1 in the 6.05 Kempton, and should do better soon.

4th January: Abbondanza ran another below par race in the 12.40 Southwell, and you never know what to expect these days! Is it really as bad as it is showing at present? Beginning to get frustrating! Another disappointment in Les Verguettes! These horses lose so often when favourite that you have to wonder! Did Araldur really want to beat Frascati Park in the 1.20 Leicester? I doubt it, as it seemed to be going much better than the favourite! System bet High Hoylander 25/1 third (I had a little on it). Best in Lethal finished only fifth in the 1.40 Southwell (was the jockey told to do that?), and second best Olympic Dream finished second. With Mackintosh finishing fourth, it was a frustrating race for me! I really thought best in and system bet Phar Again was going to win the 1.50 leicester, but it eventually got overtaken by two horses on the run-in! Two other system bets finished first and second in Autumn Red and Monty's Moon! Should have done the three for the tricast! Kinkeel and the disappointing Kerkabellec should do better. Avonrose (third) was best in for the 2.10 Southwell, but the jockey did not push it out, despite hacking near the finish! Revelator was next best at a big price, but finished only fourth. How can you win when the important horses are not in it to win? Gower Sophia has been very disappointing in all types of race, and should at least have come third in the 2.30 Kempton. Elhamri (3.00 Kempton) is driving me wild, as it never seems to win, although it should be winning every race it enters! I bet it will win when they want it! Lord Of The Reins is another that will probably be backed when its turn comes. Dunaskin should have spreadeagled these in the 3.10 Southwell, but of course it had to get beaten by the favourite, didn't it? I must assume that such races are arranged beforehand, because both Dunaskin and Savaranola should have beaten the favourite! I would like to hear what goes on between them beforehand! Mister Watzisname and Katalak had no money for them today, but must do better soon. I get annoyed when the best in horses start at big prices, because the implication is that they are not going to compete. Barbirolli, Hatch A Plan (going well before fading) and Vinces were three such in the 3.30 Kempton that must do better when wanted. Mini Bon Bon has been running well below form (about 13lb), and the price today for the 3.40 Southwell was not encouraging. That one and Ridgeway Hawk (fifth) should do better when wanted. Best in Aboukir Bay threatened for a while in the 3.50 Leicester, then packed up, but I have given up on Cornwall's horses! Apache Chant, next best, dropped out, then ran on again for fourth. You can't win with these blighters! Results get more ridiculous as best in Final Verse and Cobo Bay finished third and fourth in the 4.00 Kempton. Is there no end to these fiascos? I am sure they just use these races to get the appropriate finishing position for their own purposes! Does this result mean that these former high class horses are indeed only capable of ratings in the 70's? I am sure we will find different before long! Best in and system bet Hatton Flight appeared to be full of running in the 4.30 Kempton, but only ran on at one pace in the closing stages to finish fourth. Could probably have finished a couple of places closer. Which one of these horses wins appears to be a toss-up in most cases! Ok, I admit that Porgy was well handicapped! Record Breaker is another that I have found very frustrating of late. Best in Bushy Dell may win a race one day, but it's a long time in coming! Looked like taking a hand today, but dropped out again! Perhaps the 8lb drop in the weights was the reason? I knew that Inside Knowledge would win sometime, as it has threatened on a few occasions. Pocket Too is another to keep an eye on soon.

3rd January: Keep an eye on Kingdom Of Munster (12.30 Ayr) which made good ground, then did not go through with its effort. Dark Gentleman should have done better in the 1.35 Ayr, and Prince Tam travelled by far the best before coming fifth, and must do better very soon. Zakeeta was top-rated for the 1.45 Lingfield, but folded too tamely for my liking. System bet On Gossamer Wings totally outjumped the others in the 2.05 Ayr, but finished only third. Must win a race on this form! Banoge is also worth keeping in mind. Stradbrook should have won the 2.15 Lingfield, but a bad mistake put it out of the race. Kasimali should also have done better, finishing only fourth. System bet Kersivay 16/1 second in the 2.35 Wolverhampton (almost won it!). Wild Cane Ridge was thrown in for the 2.40 Ayr, but dropped out despite going very well! My other choices, Oil Burner and More Equity were also well in contention. System bet Arctic Court 8/1 winner with system bet Oil Burner 7/1 second. Keep an eye on General Eliott (2.50 Lingfield) which was a 100+ rated horse on the flat, and should do better over hurdles. Best in Diktalina dropped out quickly in the 3.00 Hereford, but must win soon when wanted. Second best Double Eagle finished third, and can also do better. Best in Manoubi (3.10 Ayr) is not getting any younger, but should still be capable of winning a race off this mark. Was the 5lb claimer a negative signal today? Ran well today before finishing fifth. Best in Quazy De Joie 7/1 second in the 3.20 Lingfield. They usually get a place before winning when their form doesn't look good! Kiltimoney is due another win soon. I had a feeling for Memorabilia 7/2 winner in the 4.05 Wolverhampton, as it had typical figures as recommended by my system! System bet Bene Lad 6/1 winner. System bet Rosoff 15/2 winner of the 3.50 Lingfield. Best in Wavertree Warrior (see 16th August) 37lb in hand, plus 5lb claimer, 50/1 winner of the 4.35 Wolverhampton! I did not back in the race, unfortunately! I kept looking at it, thinking that it would not win at that price, but you never know! I hate it when I miss a bet on a horse that I have backed several times recently, but they always seem to put off winning so many times! Merrymadcap, Know No Fear and Ocean Countess are three to keep in mind.

2nd January: Best in Fault was clearly wanted for the 1.00 Southwell, but will do much better in due course. She's Humble (1.15 Folkestone) should have run better than it did today, and will do better soon. Bilko Pak was too bad to be true in the 1.30 Southwell, and one can't help thinking that it was not out to win this race! They don't like odds-on, do they? Even next best Miss Moneypenni ran a terrible race, probably for the same reason. Best in Mirage Dore travelled supremely well, but finished only fourth! Lampion Du Bost (fifth) should do better when it has got rid of that remaining first place. Kawagino made a bad mistake in the 2.10 Southwell, which may have cost it the race, finishing fifth. Martys Mission is also due a better run soon. I was so annoyed with Bywell Beau, which led by miles in the 2.25 Ayr, then dropped out into sixth place! Just a trial run, must win soon! System bet Nodforms Violet second. Another ridiculous result in the 2.35 Southwell, with clear best Hard Rock City (fifth) just going through the motions, and second best Aviso finishing last. What can you do when such things happen? Both must do better very soon. Best in Wheres Johnny dropped out then ran on again for fourth in the 2.45 Southwell. Typical! Must win soon. System bet Manshoor beat system bet Beside The Fire. Best in Norcroft finished only fifth in the 3.40 Southwell, and will do better, as will Sophies Beau and Sweet Possession (sixth). Don't believe my luck! Thrown in Snow Patrol unseated rider in the 3.45 Plumpton! What else can go wrong? Must win, probably next time. How did Arctic Flow win the 3.45 Plumpton off a rating of 37? Ridiculous! Top-rated Manmoon 16/1 winner of the 3.15 Plumpton. Just shows they only have to throw in a poor run to get the price up again!

1st January: I was out during racing, and will add comments later.

31st December: A Happy New Year to all visitors to the site and purchasers of our racing documents! I don't know why top-rated and system bet Littleportnbrandy ran so badly in the 12.00 Lingfield, but the price was not encouraging, and it ran accordingly. The favourite was only third rated and duly lost to the second favourite, but it's annoying when they appear to know that a horse is not going to win before the race. Official top-rated Maxdelas 100/30 winner of the 12.10 Uttoxeter. System bet Roman Strait 10/1 winner of the 12.30 Lingfield. My top-rated, Loves Theme, 50/1 third! Three Monkeys (sys+1) 20/1 winner of the 12.35 Tramore with system bet Coolharbour Breeze 7/1 second. Best in Gentleman Jimmy should have won the 1.50 Warwick, but just plugged on for third, and can win again soon. They are taking their time with Aspolan, which is very well in on old form. Three of the horses for the 1.00 Lingfield were better in on all time ratings than the favourite, but not on official ratings, with Traphalgar and Mustajed finishing third and fourth. You have to think that they allowed the favourite to win because of the official ratings, as three of them could have beaten it, but probably did not want to compromise their handicaps! Top-rated Eastwell Smiles 6/1 winner of the 1.20 Warwick. Best in Desert Dreamer was a big price in the 1.30 Lingfield, and clearly had no intention of winning, but must do better when wanted, as will Spinning Bailiwick, which ran on really well late to finish just outside the places. It's annoying when you know they can do a lot better! Smokey George (sys+2) 11/1 winner of the 1.40 Uttoxeter. Samizdat must show very soon. Best in Loyal Royal 5/1 winner of the 2.00 Lingfield. It is about time that Tyrannosaurus Rex put in an appearance, together with White Shift. Best in Deep Reflection was very disappointing in the 2.10 Uttoxeter, and one suspects they might get rid of that first place before making another attempt. We'll see! True Blue Saga can also do better. Best in Arnold Layne finished only third at 5/1 in the 2.20 Warwick, with my second choice, Mr Big 5/1 winner. Antonius Caesar should also do better soon. Best in Chjimes ran a terrible race in the 2.30 Lingfield, and second best Misaro led for a long way before folding. Both should do better soon. I had a look at Nubar Boy (-266), but did not back it. In races like this you have to look for the third or fourth rated, as the best in often do not perform, and the others seem to know that beforehand. System bet Norville 15/2 third. Radiator Rooney is also due a better run soon. Fromsong, Silver Prelude and The Magic Of Rio should all have done better in the 3.30 Lingfield, and should be noted soon. Sometimes the best in horses just do not perform, and I often wonder whether each is put off by the presence of the others.

30th December: Rookery Rebel should have done better in the 12.10 Down Royal, and should show soon in Ireland. I also backed Firm Foundations, which led for a long way before dropping out. System bet Joe Smooth 16/1 second in the 12.30 Leopardstown, giving me the forecast. Best in Negotiation folded very tamely in the 12.35 Lingfield, in a race which provided a 50/1 winner! Perfect Reward should have beaten I'm In The Pink in the 12.45 Taunton, but they obviously knew otherwise! I thought Fearless Falcon was a stonking each-way bet at 20/1 in the 1.00 Leopardstown, finishing second. I looked at Sailors Warn, but did not back it. Best in Goodbye Cash finished only fourth in the 1.05 Lingfield, and will do much better soon (ran on late with loads in hand). Athakeel caught my eye, but again I did not back it! I backed good flat horse Spirit Is Needed each-way in the 1.15 Taunton, finishing second at 25/1. Fongoli was clear best in for the 1.50 Taunton, but performed poorly in fifth place. Must do better than that soon! Next best Walk Tall won the race, which proves my point! I backed Realt Dubh to finish second to Mikael Daguenet in the 2.00 Leopardstwon, but of course it won, didn't it? Steady Eddy's selection again, which was rather annoying! Hence the second and third rated finished first and second! Lean Machine and Royal Etiquette were the best two in of those which had run in the 2.10 Lingfield, but finished second and fifth to a horse that had not run on the flat. Some Legend was going by far the best in the 2.10 Down Royal, but did not go through with its effort. Keep an eye on that one soon in Ireland. Top-rated Chilli Rose was very disappointing in the 2.25 Taunton, and must do better than that soon! I backed Mizzurka, which seemed to have the race in the bag before getting pipped on the line! Best in Levera cruised along at the back of the field in the 2.45 Lingfield, but was never put into the race! Keep an eye on that one. Gallantry was also disappointing in fourth. Blast! I looked at Marleno in the 3.00 Taunton, but did not like the price! Best in Cavalry Guard ran a stinker in the 3.20 Lingfield, and I always feel they had no intention of winning when that happens (and it was a -05)! Two others to consider soon are Teen Ager and A Pocketful Of Rye (third). Best in Norcroft finished only second to the gambled Tell Halaf in the 3.50 Lingfield. Alos keep an eye on Suhayl Star (fourth) and Royal Envoy, both of which are capable of better. Two gambles by the Quinlans today, both of which were successful! Best in Sultan Fontenaille 4/1 winner of the 4.00 Taunton. Two horses that I also fancied, Aconitum (third) and system bet Lavenoak Lad (fourth) were also well there. System bet Mossgorda 16/1 third in the 4.40 Kempton.

29th December: Mango Music and Efistorm both ran disappointingly in the 1.25 Wolverhampton, and both should do better in the near future. Camps Bay did not win again in the 2.35 Wolverhampton, and was made to appear to be struggling, but will probably win again very soon. Baron De Feypo and Ballytrim (3.05 Leopardstown) are both due soon in Ireland, so keep them in mind. Best in Lord Theo failed to repeat its winning performance in the 3.10 Wolverhampton, but can do much better than that! They always seem to throw in a poor run after a good one. Black Coffee also ran very poorly. I had Big Bucks with Lough Derg 40/1 for the forecast in the 3.20 Newbury! Best in Spectait finished only third in the 3.40 Wolverhampton, but ran on well at the end. They keep doing that, coming third after a win, it's just an annoying habit! Must win again soon, and keep an eye on Dream Lodge and Scamperdale, which are also well in for the future. Amical Risks appeared to be going best in the 4.10 Wolverhampton, but finished only third. Keep an eye on that one, together with Astrodiva and Dubburg, which were both disappointing today. Sacrosanctus was well in for the 4.20 Kempton, but finished only third, and will do better. Pineapple Pete should also do better than it has done recently. I had three written down for the 4.50 Kempton, including the first two, Feeling Foxy and Ebraam! I have almost given up on Vhujon, but no doubt it will win when wanted at some point.

28th December: Lord Deevert was clear second best in the 11.30 Lingfield, but allowed itself to be caught for second place by an inferior horse, which was very annoying for my each-way and forecast bets in a seven horse race! Of course it is running off a much lower mark for handicaps, so should win soon in that sphere. I had the first three home in t5he 12.35 Lingfield, with Buxton, Dichoh and Rubenstar, but only did the forecast. Silly me!

27th December: System bet Ntandane 10/1 winner of the 12.25 Turffontein! So the system works in South Africa too! Horses that I backed today, which should have done better were Veeb (third), Sapphire Girl, Elhamri, Jack Dawkins (third) and Orpen Wide. I don't know what they are doing with Matsunosuke, but it should have won the last three races it has been in, so must win when wanted. There is no excuse for not winning off its current mark against inferior opposition! Mangham (3.35 Southwell) is due a better run soon.

22nd December: Fourth and fifth for me in the 12.35 Lingfield with Gandalf and Soundbyte! Did they know they were going to finish inn those positions? Cossack Prince was also very well in, but faded after taking the lead. Perhaps better over shorter than two miles? Blast! I had a feeling about Coda Agency, but did not back it! I had the tricast in the 1.05 Southwell, with top-rated Lord Theo 9/2 (see my tip on its last outing, 15th November), Catbells 8/1 and Lunar River 5/1! That was nice! Know No Fear will probably do better next time. Flichity was very disappointing in the 1.20 Southwell, although it was a flat race rather than a hurdle. Disappointing runs from Quartano and Pyracantha in the 1.50 Southwell, but perhaps they were preserving their hurdles form figures? Lastkingofscotland did not perform as well as expected in the 2.35 Lingfield, and is due a better run soon, along with Dingaan, but the latter's stable's lack of form is a worry for that one. System bet Den Of Iniquity 5/1 winner of the 2.50 Southwell. I wanted it with Khachaturian (third). Alfie Flits was very disappointing, but I don't suppose Swinbank could win them all! Best in The Magic Of Rio (asymmetrical form) decided to wait for another day in the 3.05 Southwell, and never got into the picture. Must do better than that soon. I did not back my old favourite Anjomarba 12/1 winner (see my comment 20th November) today! Spoof Master, next best in, front-ran for a long way before packing up, but has been generally disappointing for a long time. I thought Swinbank might be looking for a 1-2 with Priceless Art and Go On Be A Lady in the 3.20 Southwell, but the latter finished only fourth. Although I expected Chjimes to win the 3.35 Lingfield, I was suspicious of the price on next best Memphis Man, and my fears were well founded when it was not pushed unduly in finishing fourth. Had plenty left, and will do better soon. Best in Durgan did not win the 3.55 Kempton, and I should imagine it was backed by people like me, going on its back form. Unfortunately second best Co Dependent won at 5/1, and I did not back it! Durgan is probably looking for an easier handicap. Best in Elhamri (7lb claimer) did not figure in the 4.25 Kempton, but next best Vhujon finished second at 13/2. I always think that horse needs 6 furlongs. System bet Breathless Kiss 100/30 winner.

21st December: Best in The Magic Of Rio was well backed for the 12.35 Southwell, but I suspect it was each-way money, as the horse led most of the way, then got squeezed out into third late on (I thought it had come fourth). Perhaps the tactic of leading was designed to judge how to not win the race? Must win a similar race soon. Thoughtsofstardom was disappointing, as it should at least have got placed off this mark. In the 12.50 Kempton, one of only two previous winners, Mintiverdi, 12/1 winner! King's Aldiva finished third at 4/1, but appeared to have more to offer than it produced at the end. Best in Guto finished about fifth in the 1.05 Southwell, and was squeezed out in mid-race, whether by design or otherwise, I know not. Must win when wanted. A 66/1 winner in Let's Move It, which had system type form (-060), but I expected a shorter price form that stable! It had previously finished second and third here off similar marks, but thoise places had conveniently disappeared! Sophie's Beau was another that should have done better, and will probably do so soon. I don't know why three horses finished so far ahead of the field in a handicap! Henderson and McCoy with Blue Monster 10/1 winner of the 2.20 Kempton! Unusual for that stable and combination to win at such a big price! Nicholls and King had the second and third, so nothing new there, just the prices! Top-rated So Is She was backed in from 8/1 to 11/2 late on in the 1.35 Southwell, and I fancied it despite not having a bet in the race! The commentator actually said mid-race that it was not landing a blow! How wrong can you be? Pepperoni Pete made a brief effort in the 1.50 Kempton, but was clearly not wanted today. Will be a system bet next time, probably over the jumps, so keep an eye on it. Vertige D'Or made no real effort to win, simply running on too late to figure in the first two. I had Follow The Flag as best in for the 2.05 Southwell, but it was a seven horse race, and it finished third at a big price, so no doubt they knew that as regards the betting. Will probably win again soon. Snow Bay (second) was my next best in excluding the favourite. Keep an eye on This Masquerade, which led most of the way in the 2.20 Kempton, and I think could have finished closer at the finish. Henderson and Nicholls first and second again! National Trust was disappointing and will do better. System bet Dubai Hills 9/4 winner of the 2.35 Southwell. Best in and also system bet Fault finished only third at 15/2 and should have done much better. Another one to keep an eye on is Amary, which has been dropping down the weights for some time now, and must try soon. The top three rated over hurdles finished first, second and third, but Nicholls won this time with Advisor 8/1 (much better price than Eradicate!). Was the claimer on Eradicate significant? System bet Juwireya, (-460) tipped by me recently (see over hurdles 28th October), 25/1 winner of the 3.05 Southwell! Greenbelt should have done better, so keep an eye on it soon. System bet Free World 14/1 winner of the 3.20 Kempton! Top rated over jumps Magic Sky finished third at 25/1! Best in Carnac finished third at 12/1 in the 3.35 Southwell, but they rarely win off a string of bad results. In fact the only five with course and/or distance form all finished in the first five! Yossi (fourth) and Marafong are both due a better run soon. A 1-2 for Nicholls in the 3.50 Kempton, and no doubt they knew what order they would finish in! System bet Fountains Flypast 16/1 third. A few good system results today, including 25/1 winner and a 14/1 winner! So the system does work!

19th & 20th December: No racing worth talking about!

18th December: The outsider of four, Dunmore Boy, won the 12.30 Southwell, and for once the 7lb claimer was not a negative sign! Bachelor Knight ran on well at the finish, and may do better over further. I backed Silverlord in the 12.45 Navan, and it made good ground, looking the likely winner until a couple of mistakes at the last two hurdles cost it the race! Glam Gerry was never sighted! Second best in Ramora finished only fourth in the 1.00 Southwell. Why do they run to form so rarely? 12/1 was not encouraging, but it has won at a much bigger price. The winner Kumbeshwar was best in including the claim. Dunaskin was best in on old form for the 1.35 Southwell, but after forcing the pace early, dropped out. Will do better now that it has got rid of that first place. If I'd known that I would have backed stablemate Yossi for the forecast (that's probably why Dunaskin was such a big price)! I thought best in Aitmatov was going to lead all the way in the 1.50 Navan, but the b... dropped out and finished last! How can you explain that? Ridiculous! Obviously not wanted today, and it was just saps like me that backed it! Silver Wind was just best in for the 2.05 Southwell, but at 33/1 backed out after leading early. Must do better soon, possibly in a bigger race. That left Everymanforhimself as next best and it won the race at 5/1! I did it in forecasts with Silver Wind and Bonnie Prince Blue, but not separately, duffer! System bet and best in Baron De Feypo 20/1 second in the 2.20 navan (beaten by the gambled on favourite). Should have done the forecast! Nuvelli and Paco Jack should do better soon. I had Something as best in for the 2.40 Southwell, with Docofthebay as second best, but the money was for the latter, just getting pipped by Nightjar in the closing stages. Thunderball front-ran for a long way and should do better. My old favourite Trans Sonic finished third at 25/1, but is getting a bit high in the weights now. Best in The Last Stand had -05 form in the 2.55 Navan, and guess what? It finished last, of course! Bet it won't finish last next time! Next best and system bet Cantrell threatened briefly, but dropped out, and will do better soon. Another system bet Miss Fancy Pants 5/1 third.

17th December: Hard Rock City is much better than it has shown of late, and should at least have been in the shakeup in the 12.05 Southwell. Failing that, Abbondanza should have won, but came only second. That first place at the front of a horse's form is always a worry to me, as they rarely seem to win for some reason. Phase Shift was disappointing in the 12.35. I would have had the forecast in the 1.10 if I had backed in the race. Maison Brillet was best in for the 1.45 but the price was not encouraging. Should win in its next couple of races. Best in Malpas Missile duly won the 2.05 Wolverhampton, but Zeavola was disappointing, and now has three fourth places to its name. Will do better. I had Granny Anne as best in for the 2.20 Southwell, winning at 5/1! The price was too short considering its recent form! Cloud Illusions appeared to be going much better than the winner in the 2.40 Wolverhampton, but did not find much in the finish. Should do better. Olympic Dream and Itsthursdayalready were my best two in for the 2.55 Southwell, finishing first and second at 3/1 and 11/4! Fathey (fifth) was almost as well in, and must win a handicap soon. Stef And Stelio was my best in for the 3.30 Southwell, but is obviously waiting for another day. Should do better soon. Best in Isabella Romee only ran on when it was too late in the 4.20 Wolverhampton. Why do they always do that? Well it's figures were -05, so I only have myself to blame for backing it! I hate those figures! Next best Carnival Dream was right up there most of the way, then dropped out. System bet No Complaining 5/2 winner. Best in Our Kes was again disappointing in the 4.50 Wolverhampton, finishing fifth. Must do better Next best On The Cusp came second at 18/1, but I doubt if a win was wanted after a poor string of results. Mullitovermaurice is due a better run soon. Best in Eastern Gift finished second this time in the 5.50 Wolverhampton. They like to string us along! That's three best in seconds I've had at the meeting. Gets a bit enfuriating sometimes! I had Black Coffee as second best in, so they should have finished the other way around! I entered the At The Races tipping competiton, and had no winners from the first four races! No doubt the last two will go down too! Yet another one down with Barbirolli (fourth) in the 6.20. Clear best in, but 16/1 in a five horse race was not encouraging! It seems that they keep running these horses and just land one touch when they feel like it! Not good for the serious form student! Keep an eye on it for a win soon. First and second favourites came in again! Seems you can't back against the money most of the time.

16th December: Pity! I was going to do the obvious straight forecast with If You Whisper and Mazovian in the 1.30 Southwell, but decided not to do it! Quite a good return, too! System bet De Forgotten Man 7/1 winner of the 12.40 Towcester! System bet Naughty Naughty 6/1 third in the 12.50 Exeter. I backed Veeb each-way in the 1.00 Southwell, but it ran on too late and just got pipped into fourth! Dandy Nicholls' runners are flying at present, but I didn't really fancy Je Suis Unrockstar off top weight! But top weight in a nursery again! Best in Raki Rose looked sure to get placed in the 1.10 Towcester, but faded out at the end. Will do better soon, along with Quazy De Joie. Manmoon was best in for the 1.20 Exeter, but had an off-day today. Can win again soon. Miss Bootylishes was my best in for the 1.30 Southwell, and seemed to be going well, but finished only fourth. That General Tufto always seems to turn up at good odds (7/1)! System bet Man Of Principles 9/1 second in the 1.35 Clonmel. Best in Dinarius finished fourth at 12/1 in the 1.40 Towcester, at least giving me a place. Hoh Viss at 100/1 was not going to figure, apparently, and fell to confirm my fears. I looked at Grafite, as it had system type form (-255F)! I backed Fascination to beat Stadium Of Light in the 2.00 Southwell, just getting pipped on the line in a dingdong struggle! Mr Big was best in for the 2.10 Exeter, but got beaten by the horse I backed last time, Bobby Gee! Keep an eye on The Vicar and Lorum Leader very soon. Bible Lord (fourth) is also due a win soon. Requin was double enetred today, and won the 2.20 Exeter at 7/1! Laustra Bad and Numide were best in, but did not do as well as I expected. Lakeman and Starry Mount were my two best in for the 2.30 Southwell, but as usual in small races somebody had arranged otherwise, apparently, as I could not see why Diggeratt was favourite. It won, of course, but very strange! System bet Dune Shine 11/2 second in the 2.40 Towcester. Should have done it with the favourite! I had Sway and Amber Brook for the 2.50 Exeter, but the latter would not get second place! Very annoying! Couldn't see how Bathwick Quest could come second! System bet Rosewin 7/2 winner of the 3.00 Southwell, and I did the forecast with Not Til Monday! Best in Organiz finished third in the 3.20 Exeter. They do that so often before winning! It's as if they want to justify their future winning performance to the stewards! Mujamead and Kinkeel (fifth) should do better soon. System bet and top-rated Tres Froide finished third in the 3.30 Southwell, but should have done better, along with Mackintosh (fourth). They take so long to win with these horses! Perhaps they are just trying to frustrate us form students? Young Victoria (by Old Vic) 33/1 winner of the 3.40 Towcester! I often go by the sire in these races, but not this time. Varkala was very disappointing (beat the runner-up previously), but that often happens for some unknown reason. Pocketwood caught my eye when I first looked at the 3.50 Exeter, but its form was nothing to write home about! Best in Baby Car only ran on late for third at 10/1, which was once again annoying, but they do that a lot! Next best Kilvergan Boy was too big a price (I have waited ages for that one!), but must win soon when wanted, as must Terrible Tenant (assymetrical today). Coeur Brule looked like winning easily until dropping out late, so worth keeping an eye on.

15th December: I had Merrymadcap (led a furlong out), Dichoh and Quanah Parker (18/1 third) in the 1.05 Lingfield, and all had chances, but found two too good! I got 4/1 on Dan Breen in the 1.15 Bangor, which was a good price, but wanted Gus Macrae for the forecast. I got fifth, sixth and seventh in the 1.25 Newbury with Three Chords, Reblis and Space Mission. Typical, as they all should have done better! I feel sure they run to these positions on purpose quite often! Snowy Peak looked to be full of running in the 12.35 Lingfield, but was not unduly pushed, finishing fifth. There will be more improvement in that one next time. Best in Hever Road pulled up in the 12.45 Bangor, and must do better than that, along with Ours and Pistol Basc. The price was too big on Hever Road, and it will probably be there next time. Keep an eye on Lang Shining, which made good ground in the 12.55 Newbury, then eased off late. On flat form should do much better if handling hurdles (a bit ponderous today). Best in Shrewd Investor led for a long way in the 1.15 Bangor, then his rider almost jumped off! Must win soon, along with Petite Margot, which was too bad to be true! I thought Coach Lane was going to win the 1.30 Newbury, just getting pipped on the line at 25/1! Blast! Mokum should do better soon. Stand Guard was disappointing in the 1.40 Lingfield after travelling well most of the way. Must do better soon. How do they know that the first and second favourites are going to finish first and second unless it is known beforehand? Doesn't make sense otherwise! There never seems to be any value when a horse is not shortish in the betting, which annoys me a lot! I backed Sarah's Smile each-way at a big price in the 1.50 Bangor, and of course it finished fourth, didn't it? Typical! Fourth again with Officier De Reserve and fifth with Marty's Mission in the 2.05 Newbury! You just can't win! Unfortunately I had been so disappointed with Cornish Sett (second 20/1) that I didn't back it today! Second and third again in the 2.15 Lingfield with Memphis Man and A Pocketful Of Rye! There always seems to be something to beat my picks! Woodsley House should do better shortly. I always seem to back horses when they are not going to compete on the day! Helen's Vision and Flintoff were by far best in for the 2.25 Lingfield, but neither was out to win! Very annoying! Both will do better soon. System bet Worth A King's 16/1 third. I backed Pride In Battle last time out and the b... went and won today! How can you back like that? I even had Court By Suprise each-way and it weakened into fourth on the run-in. So frustrating! This game gets you really mad sometimes! Another favourite wins when the two best in horses finished second and third! Goodbye Cash and Grand Honour were my two choices for the 2.50 Lingfield! It's as if they know what will happen before the race! System bet Nouailhas 7/1 winner of the 3.00 Lingfield. Of course I had Vin Rose and Sonic Anthem for the forecast. Always one horse out! Why is it when I back a horse with Cornwall on it (best in Mad Professor), it always runs uselessly? Why can't they run properly for a change? I backed the luckless Twist Magic to beat Tartak in the 3.10 Newbury, but unfortunately he lost his life in a fall when in the lead. Best in Robby Bobby dropped out in the 3.25 Lingfield, when I had it with the first two for the tricast! I can see why it was 13/2 now! You can never get the three best in to run first, second and third in a race! There's always one missing! You would think you could get three out of six right when they are clear best in! Sorry if I'm whingeing a lot today, but I'm getting a bit fed up! Egerton's Avoca Promise 4/1 winner from King's Raya Star, so the better bumper trainers to the fore again. I didn't back in the race, too many imponderables. King's horses first and third again in the 3.45 Newbury, with Who's Afraid and Tante Sissi (apparent second string won, which I have highlighted before)! Why are they so crafty? Because they can get better prices, of course! I have had so many seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths today that I have lost count! System bet Valkov 20/1 third in the 5.25 Kempton. Decency lost ground at the start, then looked to be going best before fading towards the end. Told you -05 figures are usually no good! Keep an eye on that one soon! System bet Duff was best in for the 5.55 Kempton, and I was a bit disappointed that it came only third. My old favourite Spirit Of Sharjah 20/1 winner, and I didn't back it! Every time I have backed Jimmy Quinn previously, his mounts have not performed, so you lose faith after a while!

14th December: Best in and system bet Manoubi 12/1 fourth in the 12.15 Catterick, with system bet Bocciani third. Railway Park, Samizdat and Play The Rock are all due a better run soon. I don't know why Mr Syntax ran such a poor race in the 12.45 Catterick it must be better than that, but dropped steadily out! The two others apparently best in, Si Bien and Four Strong Winds, both fell. My recent tip, Kumbeshwar, (see 3rd December) 9/1 winner of the 12.55 Southwell. Should not have beaten the favourite Trip The Light if the latter ran to form, but just shows they prefer the longer prices! 7lb claimer on the favourite, often not a good signal! System bet Triggerman 9/2 winner of the 1.05 Folkestone. Another disappointing run from best in Pause And Clause! Neptune Equester was best in for the 1.15 Catterick, but finished only fourth even with two horses falling in front! I had also written down Lethal Glaze and Moon Indigo, which finished first and second! Best in Galpin Junior ran terribly in the 1.25 Southwell, and must do better than that. The stable is still well out of form, unfortunately. Equuleus Pictor should also do much better soon. System bet Silaah 100/30 second. Best in Keepitsecret was going better than anything in the 1.45 Catterick, but, after looking sure to get placed, was allowed to finish fifth! Very annoying, but must win a race before long. Antonius Caesar will also do better soon. System bet Jack's Lad winner of the 2.05 Folkestone. Thrown in Oniz Tiptoes plugged on for seventh place in the 2.15 Catterick, but should have won this, and should be noted next time out! Lemon Silk was thrown in for the 3.05 Folkestone, but decided to come third today! Can win another race shortly. I wondered why Prince Du Seuil was such a short price. Where's Johnny was a big price, and will do better soon. I backed system bet High Hoylander in the 3.15 Catterick, but it disappeared halfway round! Must have pulled up, but was not seen by anyone, including me! Charles Parnell and Fathey are becoming increasingly frustrating, and it is about time they showed their true colours. Alpha Tauri was an ex-Cecil horse, and won the 3.25 Southwell easily at 20/1! Three fairly equally handicapped horses, Pete The Feat, Sailor's Sovereign and Kiltimoney in the 3.35 Folkestone, and of course I backed the wrong one, Kiltimoney, with Pete The Feat winning at 8/1. Should have noticed that two of them were asymmetrical. Typical! Gosh, it gets me annoyed, as you kind of assume that the lower priced horses will be trying harder!

13th December: Jetnova is obviously considerably better than its official rating, unless Brackloon High ran well below form in the 1.05 Plumpton, which it probably did. You can never tell how good King's horses actually are! I was also surprised at the price of On Trend (10/1 third). Best in on hurdles form Medermit 6/4 winner of the 1.35 Plumpton. Next best American Trilogy crashed out, and I hope it was ok. System bet Himrayn appeared to be going better than anything in the 2.05 Plumpton, but did not go through with its effort. Must do better, along with Mega Watt. I almost got the forecast with The Winged Assasin and Star Links in the 2.15 Wolverhampton, the latter just hanging fire to finish fourth in the closing stages! My Sister was a big price, but was well there for a long way, and I thought at one point I was going to get the tricast! I backed system bet Jackieandy in the 2.20 Cork, and I thought it was going to win at the second last! Was this a trial run, as I think it could have done much better! System bet Well Insured 16/1 second. Best in Verasi front-ran for a long way before packing up, and should do better. Arnold Layne, next best, was also disappointing in fifth, and must win soon, along with High Oscar, which seemed to be going better than most. I had Neytiri 8/1 each-way in the 2.45 Wolverhampton, but didn't put it in the forecast with Takeaway! Silly me! Red Gold And Green made a poor effort after being up there early. I had system bet Backinthere 20/1 second and Burn And Turn 7/1 third in the 2.50 Cork, which wasn't a bad return! I had Gentleman Jimmy in the 3.10 Plumpton (10/1) but unfortunately took 7/1 on it! Englishtown and Manadam should have done better, and it appears that they do not compete when there is a better handicapped horse in the race, which is very disappointing! Both will do better soon, probably. I wanted to back system bet Steps to beat Quality Art in the 3.20 Wolverhampton, but the race was off before I could do so! Always the way! Mujamead, Aspolan and Stop The Show were best in for the 3.40 Plumpton, but none of them competed, so I can only assume they were wary of each other! Very annoying, but keep an eye on all three soon. Two more that did not get into the places in the 3.50 Wolverhampton were Stolt (fourth) and Almaty Express. Clear best in, these two must do better. They make me really wild sometimes! Best in Bluebok is probably nothing like as good as it was, but finished second to an improver in the 4.20 Wolverhampton. You never know how much ability a horse retains, especially the old stagers, so their ratings must be viewed with some scepticism. Clear best in Houston Dynimo finished second at 9/1 in the 4.50 Wolverhampton. They like to take their time in winning a race, which can be very frustrating at times! Bushy Dell was next best in, but was out of the handicap and faded after leading for a long way. Both will do better soon.

12th December: Again, concentrating on the UK Snooker, I did not see much of the racing today. Just a few comments: Odds-on favourite Majuro beaten by Avonrose 7/1 in the 1.15 Southwell. They don't seem to like being odds-on, do they, and second favourites are often good value in these races. Amary and Crocodile Bay should do better soon, probably in a handicap. System bet Steed 8/1 winner of the 1.45 Southwell. Lean Machine and Olney Lass are both due a win soon. Fishforcompliments is thrown in on old form for a race soon, but was clearly not out to make an impact today in the 2.15. Keep an eye on it, together with Viva Ronaldo from the same stable (Fahey). Misaro (2.45) was best in, so must do better very soon. I expected Dandarell to win the 3.15, but it was shorter than I expected.

11th December: I have often said in the past that horses with winning point to point form often run well in bumpers, and Solaise (1.50 Lingfield) was a case in point, winning at 20/1! Wish I had a bet in the race! The only three with official ratings finished first, second and third in the right order in the 12.10 Cheltenham, with Akula third at 50/1. Quite a nice each-way price! Best in Resplendent Alpha finished third in the 12.25 Lingfield, but never looked likely to win. I don't know how much ability it retains, but was thrown in on old form. Super Frank (sys+1) 11/4 winner. Strange how they run two or three bad races, and are suddenly joint favourite! I had Bernisdale (third 25/1) as best in on all known form in the 12.35 Southwell, but there were a couple of unknown quantities off low marks in Fearless Poet and Johnston's Investment World, which finished first and second. Bottom weights from top stables, always worth a look! On old form, Flight Leader was best in for the 12.45 Cheltenham, but was clearly not out to win today! A ten year old which had not been out for a while, but may do better soon. The next two best in, Time For Rupert and Chicago Grey finished first and second. Orchard Supreme should have walked the 1.00 Lingfield, but apparently made very hard work of it (probably had a ton in hand). Second best Transfer should do better soon, along with Sovereignty over a shorter distance. I never know what to make of these races, as they seem to be only out to get a particular placing in many cases. Crocodile Bay was clear best in on old form for the 1.10 Southwell, but just got touched off by William Morgan. Must win a race soon. Starry Mount was disappointing off this mark. Louisiade will do better in a handicap (system bet next time). Half Sister is certainly due a win after finishing fifth in the 1.45 Southwell. System bet Island Sunset 6/1 winner of the 2.45 Lingfield. Transfixed and Goodbye Cash are due better runs after the 3.20 Lingfield. Royal Island is working back to another win after the 2.55 Southwell, but should be walking races like this! Clever Omneya (sys+1) 9/1 winner.

10th December: Concentrating on the snooker on TV, I have not seen much racing recently, and saw none today. A few comments on results: Horses that should have done better today and are due soon: High Kickin (11.20 South) Figaro Flyer (2.40 South), Capable Guest, Free Falling (1.30), Albaher (3.15), Othermix (fell) (12.10 Chelt), Knight Legend (1.15), Afsoun and Quickbeam (1.50), Knowhere and Irish Raptor (2.25). A few system results today: Zed Candy 5/1 second (1.30 South), Finn's Rainbow 6/1 second (12.20), Miss Bootylishes 6/1 second (12.55), Your Gifted (sys+1) 10/1 winner (3.15). No doubt there were others.

9th December: Ebraam was clear top official rated for the 1.45 Wolverhampton, and best rated by me, except for The Tatling, which is obviously not as good as it once was. The latter (third) is certainly due for a handicap soon off its current mark. I also had Better Self (-25), 6/1 winner, as top-rated for the 2.15, so, so far, so good! Private Joke and the 80 rated D'Artagnan were also two obvious picks for the 2.45. Royal Island should have won the 3.15, but so often these exceptionally well handicapped horses have a win, then fail to repeat it next time. This cannot be coincidence. Mighty Clarets (3.45) at 12/1 was an unusually big price winner for the Fahey stable. System bet Johhny Hancocks 7/4 winner of the 4.00 Kempton from system bet Majestic Ridge 20/1 second! Folio was clear best in for the 4.30, and now that it has got a third place, perhaps it will try to win soon! System bet Nothing To Hide 7/2 second in the 5.30. System bet Quasi Congaree 8/1 second in the 6.30.

8th December: Silence Is Bliss looked well in at the weights on previous performances for the 12.40 Lingfield and obliged at good 4/1 odds over the odds-on favourite. Looked much better value. Lord Deevert was marginally best in on old form for the 1.10 Lingfield, just getting pipped on the line by official top-rated Prize Point, so I suppose the result was about right. Should win a handicap off this mark. Boundless Applause ran a huge race in third, and off a rating of 39 must be very well in for a handicap, even if it will be out of the handicap proper. And don't forget old Louisiade, which is due a good run soon. Official top-rated and my top-rated overall, Brandywell Boy (see my comment 30th November) 3/1 winner of the 1.40 Lingfield. Looked like a good price! Archie Rice (see 15th November) 13/2, was my clear best in for the 2.10 Lingfield, but was beaten by Musson's Cozy Tiger, with another Musson runner, Bold Adventure, in third! Unusual for Musson's to win at 12/1! Best in Lord Of The Reins is due a good run soon after the 2.20 Kempton. Desert Strike, 9/2 winner, was my next best in. Feeling Foxy will also do better soon and there is more to come from Boragh Jamal. Salient was my clear best for the 2.40 Lingfield, but normally comes late and does not front-run. I suspect that this was a trial run, and we can expect better soon. My third best Requisite finished third at 12/1. Second best Dingaan was running for a stable that has been a long time without a winner. Official top-rated Ivan Vasilevich a surprise priced 4/1 winner of the 2.50 Kempton! Does not say much about the others! Stand Guard was my best in for the 3.20 Kempton, but did not perform today. Must do better soon. Eastern Gift (third) was best in for the 3.40 Lingfield, but with the first place at the front, the odds were against it winning! Should win soon though, possibly next time out. System type bet Mountrath 8/1 winner. The first four in racecard order were the first four home in the 4.20 Kempton. Top weights in a nursery - the old adage! Covert Mission (4.50 Kempton) had all the wrong figures for my system, but I know that it wins when wanted! As usual, the best in system bet Nothing Is Forever, led from the start, then packed up. Will do better, as will Blackstone Vegas and Softly Killing Me.

7th December: I can never work out why the best horses do not compete in many races, but just to say the Hart Of Gold, Fathey and Memphis Man (fourth) were far better in than the winner and placed horses, but all connections know somehow? that they are not going to get involved. It would be nice to think that everybody kept their plans to themselves. All three must do better soon, but will probably not be at such big prices when this happens! Orchard Supreme (fourth) was clear best in for the 12.50 Lingfield, so must win a race soon. I was surprised that Officer In Command was as big as 7/1! System bet Love Delta 4/1 winner of the 1.00 Southwell. Bonnie Prince Blue (second 8/1) was clear best in on old form, but does not appear to be as good as it once was. Best in Hinton Admiral, tipped by me recently, 7/2 winner of the 3.20 Lingfield.

6th December: I did not see any racing today, so will refrain from commenting.

5th December: I am not concentrating on the racing for a few days, but will note any points of interest: On 19th November I noted that Royal Island and Acropolis are running at about 50-60lb below their best form, and the former won the 1.30 Lingfield today at 8/1 (symmetrical form, sys+1)! How's that for advance information? Will Acropolis do the same soon? A perfect system bet (-260) Perfect Act, 9/1 winner of the 2.30 Lingfield with system bet Even Bolder 7/1 third! Just shows the system does work quite often! Whiskey Junction must show again soon. Estonia (sys+1) 25/1 winner of the 3.30 Lingfield. Ten Down is due a win soon.

4th December: I am having a few days off while racing is decimated and we are down to the all weather stuff, so will only make a few comments over the next few days. If you want to contact me, please email me. Just a few comments on today's racing: System bet Jawaab 7/1 winner of the 1.25 Southwell. Maslak and Kimberley Downs were my two best in, but ran shockers today. I am expecting Buddy Holly to run well soon. Instructress has still not delivered after the 2.25 Southwell, so must try soon. Best in Hard Rock City did not perform in the 2.55 Southwell, so should do better before long. Best in Daaweitza finished only third in the 3.25 Souithwell, and is due another win off this mark. System bet Angel's Pursuit 12/1 winner of the 3.40 Kempton. Methaaly, which I said should have won recently, 5/1 winner of the 6.50 Wolverhampton.

3rd December: Cheveyo was clear best in for the 2.35 Wolverhampton, was hacking behind the leaders, then dropped out. How do you explain that? Must show very soon now. Second best on my ratings, True Red, finished second at 14/1. My two best in, Know No Fear and The Winged Assassin, first 13/2 and second 4/1 in the reverse order in the 3.45 Wolverhampton. Restores some faith in my ratings when they so often appear to mean nothing! I had William Morgan 4/1 as best in at the weights for the 4.15 Wolverhampton, just getting denied by Kildare Sun on the line! Kumbeshwar is due a better run, possibly in a handicap, soon. My top-rated Spectait 4/1 winner of the 4.45 Wolverhampton. It was good clue that it was backed last time and failed to perform, often a good sign for next time out. Just wish I had a few quid on it, but I haven't been backing much in the last few days, as races are so few and far between!

2nd December: Only one UK meeting again today, so just a few words about the races I saw: I had Justcallmehandsome and Merrymadcap as my two best in for the 4.00 Wolverhampton, and both figured prominently at different stages. The former had poor recent form and the latter's form was assymetrical, so I wasn't surprised that they did not win or place. Both should do better soon. As it was well out of the handicap today, expect a better run from Vanadium soon. So Is She (better over 6-7 furlongs?) was my clear best in for the 4.30, but after threatening, it finished in the ruck. Should win a race when wanted. I gave a favourable mention to the runner-up Ad Vitam in one of its previous runs, and it finished second at 80/1, despite having little apparent chance on official ratings, and ran on as if it could win a race soon. It may go up in the handicap as a result of this run, however. System bet Ivan's A Star 11/2 winner. With the absence of Methaaly, Cyflymder was clear best in for the 5.00 Wolverhampton, so when it led, it was either going to stay there or drop out, and it was the latter, eventually finishing fifth. Will it win next time? Your guess is as good as mine, but if it retains its old ability, it should win soon. I often wonder when the first two in the betting finish first and second, as to how someone seems to know that this is going to happen? Chief Exec should also run better soon, and I often wonder if the overweight notice is a kind of signal. Another best-in runner which front-ran in the 5.30 and dropped out was Henry's Air, and that leads me to expect a better run next time. I never know whether -366 is a good or bad sign, as you get varying results from these figures, but -3660 will be more likely. These jockeys certainly put on a good show when their horses drop out! I had Magic Cross as one of the improvers, and this time the 7lb claim did help! Half Sister, best in for the 7.00, had an off night and will do better when wanted. Also look out for Ancient Times when it runs again.

1st December: I thought Abhainn was coming to win the 2.00 Kempton, but got swallowed up by four other horses in the final furlong! I had Straight And Level as best in on past form, and other people thought so too, but it did not show up much. System bet Custard Cream Kid 7/1 winner, with one of my old favourites, Djalalabad, in second. This was a very closely knit handicap, which could have produced numerous different winners on the day, including Inquistress and Brooksby, apart from those mentioned. I suppose jockeyship is paramount in these races, as some horses, including Abhainn, clearly went too early. I backed Danube Dancer and Silver Age against their stablemate favourite in the 2.30 Kempton ( I was suspicious of the 7lb claimer), but I put the wrong horse in for the forecast! I might as well have done all three in reverse forecasts, as I would still have made a profit! Danube Dancer was best in on my ratings, but they knew what was going to happen! All that means is that Danube Dancer will do better soon (but now has a first place at the front)! System bet Jaldarshaan 6/1 winner of the 3.00 Kempton (I got 8/1)! It's nice when your system bets come in! I wanted Faithful Duchess for the forecast, as it seemd to be better in at the weights than the favourite. Reginald Claude appeared to best in at the weights on past performances in the 3.30 Kempton, but finished last of four. May do better in a bigger race soon. It was a total toss-up in the 4.00 Kempton as to which horse was wanted, and I plumped for system bet Gomrath, which finished last, of course. I suppose either of them to beat the odds-on favourite was the most likely result! System bet Nova Blues 13/2 winner of the 4.00 Marseille. I went for another system bet, Chevalier D'Eon. Does the fact that Vhujon and Flash McGahon were equally in for the 4.30 Kempton mean than neither was going to win the race? Possibly. At any rate they finished third and fourth, and Vhujon was kept just behind the leaders all the way without finishing off! I am sure that it can win a race of this type, but unfortunately will probably need to be favourite to do so. Little Perisher is another that can do better. Flash McGahon has now been four years without winning, and I don't understand why they brought it over twice from Ireland if it was not going to win! Best in Resplendent Alpha was running on well down the inside in the 5.00 Kempton, and I am sure will win a race before long. The same applies to Namir, which was a fast finishing fourth, but unfortunately that is no good! Pilgrim Dancer is another well-in horse to bear in mind. The winner Torres Del Paine had system type form. Perhaps best in Dvinsky is not as good as he was, running on into third in the 5.30 Kempton, but Doctor Hilary (fourth) should also have done better. The latter particularly should win soon. Well, it's rather boring at present, with a maximum of one meeting per day. Let's hope we get back to normal before too long!

30th November: Brabazon was well in for the 12.45 Lingfield, and I should have taken notice of the money! I was disappointed that Pocket Too lay so far off the pace that it could only eventually get fifth place with a late run. No money for one or two others, such as Zuwaar and Swords, both of which should show soon. It's really frustrating when you know how good they are, and they are clearly not wanted on the day! Nicholls had two in the 1.00 Southwell, but I didn't realise he was going to pull a fast one with the lesser rated horse! Beyaz Villas was far better in, but did not show at all! Just For Leo was second rated, but finished only fourth. I also backed third best Molly Mylenis, and at least got a place at 16/1. You just never know what the plans are for these races! I would like to hear the explanation for Beyaz Villas today! I was suspicious of Matunosuke in the 1.15 Lingfied, which does not always run its race (how many horses do?), but I backed it to beat Ebraam, which won at 13/2! Because it was such a big price, I almost ignored as the potential winner! Should have done it each-way! Typical. Brandywell Boy was well in for a place at these weights, but only ran on when it was too late! Well, it was -06! Will do better in a handicap, probably. I got Maslak 5/1 and Yossi 100/30 in a reverse forecast for the 1.30 Southwell, so that was the first good return for the day! Any race reader (even a non-discerning one), could have told you that Bilko Pak and Islesman were going better than the other two in the 1.45 Southwell, indeed the winner was going least well of the four, so what do we make of that? I leave it to you to decide! I backed Ace Master and Irie Ute in a reverse forecast in the 2.00 Southwell, and, as usual, something got in the way! -46 figures can be a good bet, despite my system comments! Deva Le Deva should do better soon. Best in Syrian sliced through the pack in the 2.15 Lingfield, and could have won if making its effort sooner, finishing only fourth. The price was ominous, but its performance today was eye-catching! Fortunately I also backed Halsion Chancer each-way, which just pipped it for third place! Salient was second best in at a huge price, and, not surprisingly, did not figure today. I hate in when they mess around with the best horses, when they should be winning! This Final Drive must be very well in (90+) if it won on merit! The 2.40 Lingfield was off before I could put a bet on, and unfortunately I had Dark Promise and system bet Fonterutoli 20/1 on my shortlist for the first two home! Missed a trick there! I can never understand why two horses finish miles clear of the remainder when several of the others are better in (3.30 Southwell)! There must be an arrangement somewhere! Orpen Wide ran like a donkey at the back (normally front-runs), and Plenilune showed briefly before packing up. Both of these and Morocchius will do better soon. What on earth happened to Meydan Dubai in the 3.40 Lingfield? Must be saps like me that were backing it! It was thrown in, especially with the defection of Figaro Flyer, but was clearly not out to show today! They like to keep you guessing, which is all very well, but it would be nice to get a run for your money! I kept looking at Dancing Welcome, which always seems to run well when wanted, but did not back it and it ran away as if the others were standing still! It has never achieved a rating of higher than 58, but is obviously yet another of those dark horses which a few trainers exploit. The only way you can pick them is by spotting them when they have no apparent right to win. Bob's Dreamflight was another which was well in, and I thought it would stay there most of the way, but it packed up too quickly. No excuse though for Meydan Dubai, which must do better very soon.

29th November: Only one UK meeting today and Taste The Wine (system type figures) 12/1 winner of the 2.10 Wolverhampton. I backed King's Revenge, which was heavily backed on the course, but as usual -05 figures meant that it came fifth! However, it did take the lead before being overtaken, and should do better next time. Best in Corlough Mountain was a huge price, but could surprise soon, as could Aberdeen Park, off the track for a long time. The best three in for the 2.45 Wolverhampton were Landucci, I Confess and Rebellious Spirit. There was no money for Landucci, but expect it to run better next time. Fortunately I Confess won at 10/1, with Rebellious Spirit in third at 7/1, although I would have had the forecast if it came second (almost got up). Wooden King is beginning to annoy me, as it always seems to win for no apprent reason, unless it is a much better horse than the bare figures! I thought Bradley would have at least the forecast with Arctic Cape and The Tatling, but it was not to be, although the latter came third. Arctic Cape always seems to run in front and then not win! Both of these should win soon, and Bradley's third horse, Flaxen Lake, is no back number! Pity! I thought A Little Bit Dusty should have beaten Sheila's Star in the 3.50 Wolverhampton, but perhaps it did not get home over the trip. I put all my eggs in one basket by backing it to win and beat the favourite. The favourite was too short in my opinion, but perhaps they knew what would happen! Boogie Dancer should have done rather better also. Urban Kode (-040) 14/1 winner of the 4.20 Wolverhampton. If I don't back Evans' horses they win, and if do back them, they are usually useless! Can't get it right! I had a long look at Aquilifer, which I have backed before, but didn't back it today. I am convinced that Sammy Alexander could have finished in a better position, so keep an eye on it. Windsor Knights will be a system bet next time, and should do better. Joyously was best in for the 4.50 Wolverhampton, but 40/1 was not encouraging! Will it win next time or wait another race? I also backed Ivan Vasilevich, just getting pipped on the line! Better Self and High Kicking should do better soon. I am not sure if Williams Way got the trip in the 5.20 Wolverhampton, but it was clear best in on the ratings. The drift out to 14/1 was indicative of its chances today! Fortunately I also backed Leyte Gulf, 15/2 winner, which I thought would run well. Strangely? the three horses with claimers on them did not figure again! I knew there was something in that! Best in and system bet Shark Man 16/1 third in the 5.50 Wolverhampton. System bet Herecomethegirls 9/1 second, and I also backed the winner, Love In The Park, but no forecast! Bentley (fourth) will do better soon.

28th November: Best in Jonny Ebeneezer appeared to be going the best in the 2.15 Kempton, but just hung in behind the leaders as if third place was all that was wanted (which it probably was)! Second best Braddock also did not figure, but is from a stable out of form. Song Of Praise in fourth was disappointing, and will probably do better in a bigger race. Radiant Dream was very disappointing in the 2.45 kempton, given its breeding and connections, and no doubt will do better than that! Should have known that Beckett's Echo Ridge would run well at a shortish price. Sylas Ings continues to disappoint, finishing fourth in the 3.20 Kempton. Not nuch money either for Baileys Moneypenny, which achieved a fair rating earlier, but is probably being kept for handicaps. Beckett's Ringstead Bay finished third, proving that the stable is in form. A pity, I looked at Butler's horse in the 3.50 Kempton, and remembered that he sometimes has some good first time horses, but did not back it! I see the favourite bombed out again! Beckett's Abysse did not figure this time. Typical! Best in Kings Caprice blazed off in front in the 4.20 Kempton, and looked like getting placed, but did not get home. Is better over 7 furlongs, and should win soon (system bet next time). Next best Provost typically finished fourth when you need it to get placed! Of course that is usually why they are such a big price! I find it difficult to equate a horse's massive ratings advantage with its actual finishing position in most races. Clearly they have not run to their best! Twilight Star is also better in than most of these when wanted. System bet Hip Hip Hooray 25/1 second. How come the best in horse in the 4.50 Kempton, Record Breaker, starts at 14/1, stays at the back of the field and is under pressure most of the way? Doesn't make sense unless it has been planned that way! Oh, yes, it was a 7lb claimer on board! Makes me fume sometimes! And how come they seem to know by the betting which horses are going to get placed? It can't be that easy! How about some of the best rated competing sometimes? Bow To No One (fourth) should do better soon. Best in Sovereignty only put on a spurt to get third place when the bird had flown in the 5.20 Kempton. I thought Super Frank would show today, but probably afraid of Sovereignty on paper? There was no obvious reason why Leelu should be such a short price and win unless it is a lot better horse than it has shown to date. A winner at last with Nacho Libre 8/1 in the 5.50 Kempton! Next best Edes Dot Com was running well down the inside before fading late, and will do better soon, along with Cactus King. Simple Rhythm will do better over a shorter distance than 7 furlongs.

27th November: I fancied Act Of Kalanisi from its flat performances, and it just outbattled Secret World on the run-in! Should have done the forecast, biut I did it with Classic Vintage instead. I backed the second and third in a forecast against Binocular in the 12.25 Newbury, as I suspected it might bomb out this time! Best in Martys Mission was hampered by fallers two or three times in the 1.55 Newbury, and still finished fifth, so worth keeping an eye on soon! Next best Mizuri Bay also fell, and should do better when completing. I thought best in Vino Griego was going to win at a big price (I got 28/1) in the 1.30 Newbury, but just collared into third on the run-in! Canalturn (fell) and Quintessentially should do better soon. System bet Rebel Dancer 16/1 second in the 2.00 Newbury, with system bet The Betchworth Kid just pipped into fourth. Yahrab was best in for the 2.10 Kempton, but clearly not wanted today. That one is thrown in when wanted. Baylini normally comes from the back, so the close-up tactics today were not encouraging! Will do better, hopefully next time. The best three in for the 2.30 Newbury finished first, second and third, and I suppose I was hoping too much for Arcalis to run second off its current mark. As regards handicaps, it should be thrown in soon! Johnny Hancocks should have been well in with a 7lb claimer on it for the 2.40 Kempton, but unfortunately that probably meant that it would not compete, and so it turned out! There is always money for that horse when it runs well. Instructress was best in, but ran poorly, and I expect a better run soon. The two best in horses on old form, Neptune Collonges and Madison Du Berlais, fell and were brought down by the other in the 3.05 Newbury. That left next best Diamond Harry to win the race, with Denman running well in third. Best in The Cheka did not finish off the race in the 3.15 Kempton, and should do better soon. Typically I backed the stablemate of the joint winner, Aldovandri! Best in Man Of Iron (stablemate of the winner, of course) went clear in the 3.50 Kempton, then dropped out tamely. Very well in soon, together with Munsef, which dropped out after being up with the pace. Steady Eddie got the winner, Cheetah again! The other two mentioned will do better soon. I backed Majestic Bright in the 4.50 Kempton, and Lady Rosetti each-way. Possibly I would have got a good return if Handsome King had not been withdrawn. I prefer to back those with solid form rather than a first-time out favourite such as Private Joke (second). I had Gallantry, my recent tip, second at 25/1 in the 5.20 kempton. They don't win straight off very often when their recent form is poor! Prince Of Thebes and Wise Dennis are two that are overdue a win. As so often happens, the favourite failed to fire in the 5.50 Wolverhampton. I had Mr Optimistic 9/1, but wanted it in a forecast with the favourite. Why do they mysteriously fail to show at all? I expect a lot of people had doubles on Grey Missile and Missile Command, hehe! New Beginning was best in for the 6.20 Wolverhampton, and despite being wrong at the weights, was too short in the betting (11/4) not to be trying! I had the first three written down in the right order! Special Cuvee should do better next time. Jibbrya took up a big lead, was well in, but faded out, and will do better. Cobo Bay and Kimberley Downs were best in for the 6.50 Wolverhampton, but I always think West End Lad will usually win when wanted, so I had a little on that too at 12/1 (didn't like the first place at the front, but they do win sometimes to upset the odds! . The first two named will probably win again soon, indeed Kimberley Downs dropped out, then ran on again just outside the places.

26th November: Best in Sam Patch ran in snatches in th 12.10 Musselburgh, finishing strongly when it was all over. Should do better soon. Second best Vallani was well backed, but also ran in snatches to finish fifth. System bet Harp's Counsel 28/1 third. Might have known that the odds-on favourite Dolatulo would get turned ober in the 1.30 Newbury, and it was, almost inevitably, King's Smad Place to do it! Typically I did the forecast the wrong way around! I had the forecast with The Starboard Bow and Meetings Man in the 12.40 Musselburgh, but thought Almutaham should have finished closer. Best in Robby Bobby was tightened up late on, and finished only third to my other selection, Traphalgar, 100/30 winner. I thought Lordsbridge 25/1 was going to win the 1.00 Newbury, but just got pipped on the run-in by King's Little George! Miss Sarenne appeared to be going well, but was suddenly pulled up by McCoy, and should do better next time. Tranos cost me the tricast in the 1.15 Musselburgh by finishing fourth! Damn, I had it with the first two home! Fromsong should have won the 1.25 Lingfield on all known form, but is getting on in years and does not have the pace it used to have, just getting pipped at 12/1. Cape Royal was next best in, but typically does not win after a second last time, and finished fourth or fifth with its stablemate Triple Dream. Wanchai Whisper (sys+1) 12/1 third. Racing Demon front-ran most of the way in the 1.35 Newbury, eventually finishing fifth. Too far? We shall see. Probably suited by 2m4F. Quickbeam also looked like taking a hand, but finished sixth. Oscar Park was too big a price, but is also well in when wanted. I did one of my flat horses, Chocolate Caramel each-way in the 1.50 Musselburgh, but should have done it with system bet Jago River for the forecast! Top-weight in a handicap did not work in the 2.00 Lingfield, and of course I had Poyle Judy in a forecast with the winner Podgies Boy! Another turn-up in the 2.10 Newbury, and Celestial Halo could not even win when Spirit River fell! System bet Cois Farraig 10/1 winner! You just can't tell what is going to happen in these novice chases! Why do horses rarely win after a second place last time out? Pillar Of Hercules could finish only fifth in the 2.25 Musselburgh, and my other pick, Long Distance finished just ahead of it in fourth. These were the two best in horses, so draw your own conclusions! I am sure that Heart O' The West is capable of better soon, based on its bumper form. I had Flash McGahon, Methaaly and Wallis for the 2.35 Lingfield, finishing first and third! Flash McGahon was well backed, but never showed. Why did he bring it over? My first selection and system bet Aigle D'Or 13/2 winner of the 2.45 Newbury. My other selection, Perce Rock, fell, but can do better. System bet First Point also finished third at 10/1. Kit Carson was thrown in for the 2.55 Musselburgh, but I doubted it would win at 25/1, so I backed it straight and put it in the forecast with the favourite. Ceremonial Jade was by far best in for the 3.05 Lingfield, but did not show up well enough to get placed. Must do better soon. I backed three horse each-way in the 3.15 Newbury: Somewhatinevitable fell at the first, Dixie Bull fell at the last when in contention (ran down the last two hurdles), and Merehead finished fourth! What a load of bad luck! The latter looked very scopey, and no doubt will win when put into the race properly. I wanted First Rock to beat Thurnham in the 3.30 Musselburgh, but of course the latter had to finish third, didn't it? Best in Scorn ran another shocker in the 3.40 Lingfield, finishing fifth! Never put into the race with a chance, despite going better than the winner at halfway! Why do they keep doing that, is it waiting for a handicap? Mavalenta was another that should have figured more closely.

25th November: My first selection, Via Galilei 16/1 winner of the 12.30 Newbury! I also fancied Monetary Fund, but did not put it in for the forecast! What are they doing with Border Castle, which was thrown in for the 12.40 Taunton, but came nowhere? Even next best Cortinas came only third, when better in than the first two! Doesn't make sense! Couldn't even get the forecast in the 12.50 Uttoxeter, with Moorlands Teri finishing only third and second rated Negus De Beaumont (possibly unfit) pulling up! I backed Sparky May in the 1.00 Newbury, and wanted Line Freedom for the forecast, until it fell at the last! Always something, isn't there? If Nicene Creed could win the 1.10 Taunton, why wasn't My Brother Sylvest, superior rated, involved in the finish? It was going better than the favourite at halfway, then just packed up for no apparent reason! Are they keeping it for a handicap? System bet Bally Legend 25/1 second! I backed Definite Dawn each-way at 12/1 in the 1.25 Uttoxeter, and wish I had done the forecast with the favourite! I also had a small each-way at 80/1 on system bet Duke Of Ormond (third)! If I could have the forecast, I would have backed Finian's Rainbow to beat Hell's Bay in the 1.35 Newbury, but the forecast was not available for some reason! I had Clouseau 9/4 to beat Arctic Ben 2/1 in the 1.45 Taunton. What a nice big horse the winner is, and looks capable of going on to better things! Nous Voila was thrown in for the 2.00 Uttoxeter, but finished only fourth, and probably wants further. Another annoying thing was that Imperial Royale led nearly all the way going well and still finished only third in a seven horse race! There's something wrong when the best three in (including South Bank) finish out of the first three! All it means is that could not have been wanted to figure today! Best in Regal Heights was going well in the 2.10 Newbury, but did not go through with its effort. Next best The Vicar ran well for a long way, but of course finished fifth, and third best Thetwincamdrift finished fourth, so you can't win like that! All three will do better soon. Steady Eddy had the winner Buffalo Bob at 7/1! My two selections, Puerto Azul 10/1 and Cantabilly 8/1 finished second and third in the 2.20 Taunton! Pity I didn't do the tricast with the favourite! Consulate should do better soon. I got the forecast with Bellflower Boy and Laborec, and also backed Diktalina each-way, so could have had the tricast in the 2.35 Uttoxeter, but went with the disappointing Black Apache! Bobby Magern ran on strongly from the back in the 2.45 Newbury, but did not figure in the finish. Keep an eye on it next time! Pairc Na Gcapall was very disappointing in the 2.55 Taunton, dropping out quickly after leading. My other selection, Petroupetrov finished third at 50/1 (but was best in on my ratings)! I thought Voramar Two was certain to be placed in the 3.15 Newbury, but thought it would be Tell Massini that might beat it! None of my top-rated fgured in the places in the 3.30 Taunton, including best in Rapid Return (fell), Terrible Tenant (dropped out) and Outside Investor. These should do better soon. I can only assume that they were each concerned about the others. I thought Poole Master might bomb out in the 3.40 Uttoxeter, but it did not, unfortunately. I did not matter anyway, as my choice Aeneid ran a stinker in about fifth! I often wonder whether getting picked in the form preview affects how they run? I couldn't decide between Henderson, Nicholls and King in the 3.50 Newbury, but decided that they might go with the better prices, so backed both of King's in a forecast with Balding Banker, which worked out quite nicely at 11/4 and 9/1! Rolanta started running on from the back in the 4.00 Taunton, then dropped back again. That one is thrown in soon when it decides to run better (but the horse has little choice in the matter). I thought I had the winner with Dower Glen 16/1 in the 4.10 Wolverhampton, but just got run out of it by Boy The Bell! Dower Glen was slightly better in at the weights, but I don't know if the girl jockey was strong enough. Woodwind (fourth) and Mighty Aphrodite were two disappointments, having discounted the favourite. Looking at it, I should have had the forecast, as they were the best two in. Missed a trick there! I got one of the first two in the 4.40 Wolverhampton with Abbondanza 9/4, but best in Excusez Moi, despite making good ground around the outside, failed to run on. Should have eaten most of these! It has cost me a fortune in bad bets in recent times! As I said, the stable is in a very cold spell, but it is only a matter of time for them and that horse. Fifth Commandment was the first to take my eye in the 5.10 Wolverhampton (top weight in a nursery) and as usual I went against it again! My horse Lenjawi Pride, appeared to be going best, but got taken out in the closing stages. Keep an eye on that one. I thought One Way Or Another would have been in the shakeup in the 5.40 Wolverhampton, but it was never put into the race! Must win soon. Stablemate Sutton Veny finished second, which probably explains that one's performance! I backed against my old favourite, Piscean, and every time I do that, it wins! System bet Waveband 12/1 third. Best in Brouhaha missed the break (blindfold came off late), hence lost any chance of winning! Next best Trip The Light was the complete outsider, and those don't often win for Fahey. Hence my two selections were out with the washing! I had a look at Mongoose Alert, and saw it was a middling price, but didn't back it! I hate this game sometimes, and they seem to do anything other than win! I had 10p each-way on Abulharith at 50/1 in the 7.10 Wolverhampton! Best in Given A Choice was useless again, and I don't know when it will run better, but surely it can't be long, unless it has lost all its ability. My other selection, Tres Froide, finished third at 10/1.

24th November: Skybet is currently not functioning, which is rather frustrating! I had Ymir (second 16/1) in my top three for the 12.00 Lingfield. Disappointments included Lord Deevert, Grey Boy and Pab Special, all of which should do better shortly. My top two rated, National Trust and Corlande finished first and second in the 12.20 Wetherby, but it didn't look likely three out, as Corlande appeared to be travelling rather better! Highland Harvest (best in) was right in the shakeup for the places in the 12.30 Lingfield, eventually finishing fourth, and should win very soon. My second selection, Pilgrim Dancer did not figure, and will do better. That 7lb claimer again! My second rated, Mango Music won the race at 7/2. White Shift is also due a win soon. Tailed off and pulled Borero was actually top-rated by me in the 12.50 Wetherby, so can obviously do better than that! Fishforcompliments was well there in the 1.00 Lingfield, finishing fourth, I think. Everymanforhimself was just pipped into second place by system bet Lend A Grand, a 66/1 shot! Getting a bit annoyed with Skybet now, but they have probably saved me money so far! Samarinda and Fault were two that did not compete as they should have. Top-rated Lukie Victor is taking its time winning, finishing third in the 1.10 Chepstow, with second rated Manmoon winning the race at 8/1. Lukie Victor should win a race very soon, now that it is symmetrical and had got its third place. I had Atraaf written down in my top two for the 1.30 Lingfield, and third placed Picture Of Lily was also on my list, finishing late. I never know if Gosden's are backed purely because of the stable reputation and the owner, but Monopolize ran very poorly. More Than Enough made good ground in mid-race, but did not finish off. I also had three of the first four written down for the 1.20 Wetherby. Istron Bay, by far best in for the 1.40 Chepstow, fell early, so we will never know! System bet Turn Up 10/1 third, and the other system bet, Douryna would have been placed but for falling. Diamond Frontier looked like the winner over the last, but eventually finished third! I have always had a suspicion that Viable is a far better horse than it actually shows, and it finished second today at 25/1. Seems to win whenever backed. I expected a better run from Pamak D'Airy (fifth). Another Maktoum runner in Hawaafez finished third at 6/1 in the 2.05 Lingfield. Now I'm getting really cheesed off with Skybet (still out of service)! Stow was well back in the 2.15 Wetherby, then ran on like a train to win at 8/1! Of course, I couldn't get a bet on it, but I woudn't have put anything on it two hurdles from home. I wonder what the in-running odds were at that point? Second best Osolomio ran on steadily from the back to finish seventh ( I hate it when they could get involved and don't), and will do better, as will Only Vintage, which was prominent and apparently going well most of the way. My third choice, Follow The Flag 9/1 winner of the 2.40 Lingfield. Final Verse came up hacking on the outside, but the jockey did not go through with its run. Keep your eye on that one next time! Humungous was a huge price and was never put into the race, but will do better soon now. Gala Casino Star is another to watch out for. I went out shopping during the remaining races because I got fed up waiting for Skybet to come online! System bet Point West 33/1 second in the 2.50 Wetherby! My third best, Najca De Thaix 8/1 winner of the 3.55 Chepstow, with my top two rated The Composer and Lupita third 13/2 and fourth. Both of these should have finished in front of the winner, so it was obvious that a win was not wanted today. Both will do better shortly. The aptly named Lingfield Bound won the 3.15 Lingfield at 14/1! Thrown in Folio will do better very soon, but is likely to be gambled on. Weald Park (3.15 Ling) is thrown in and must show soon, and also keep an eye on Diamond Twister (system bet next time). That will probably be backed too! Wujood and Whatcanisay were too bad to be true in the 3.25 Wetherby, and must do better very soon now. So many best in horses are just not put into their races, and will only run well when wanted. It's such a common practice that's it's almost routine now! Well, overall Skybet saved me some money today, as not many of my horses performed, but it's annoying to miss those nice winners that I would have backed! I might have known that best in Green Wadi would thrown in a dud run in the 4.35 Kempton (-25, and assymmetrical form), even though it was hacking just behind the leaders. I also backed Negotiation, 16/1 second. Bullet Man is now due a better run, and keep an eye on Penchesco. Damn! I looked at the form figures of High Spice (-3440) in the 5.05 Kempton, and thought, "That's a likely winner", but didn't back it! Vhujon (second) has become increasingly frustrating for me, and rarely seems to win these days! It always seems to be gambled when it is actually going to win rather than get placed. I think six furlongs is probably its best trip, as it seems to get outpaced early. Could have had a nice forecast there! Why is it that whenver I back a Hannon horse at a reasonable price with a good rating it never seems to win? Enlightening finished fifth in the 5.35 Kempton, and surely should have done better than that? Gets to the point where you don't want to back them! Is that the general idea? Of course, the one that I put it in the forecast with won. Typical! Most horses that a back each-way at a bigish price seem to finish fourth! This was the case with Suspender Belt in the 6.05 Kempton, which ran on from the back. Why don't they go a bit earlier? It's annoying! Of course I also had the forecast with the second and third, so you can't win. Whatever I back as an outsider on the all-weather runs pathetically! Roman Strait appeared to be best in on its run behind The Mellor Fella, and must do better (system bet next time). Ajaafa was also well in and will probably show next time, having got rid of a second place from the front of its form. All the horses in behind the first three seemed to tighten each other up, with only Sky Diamond managing to extricate itself, and that was one that I didn't back because of that dreaded first place and the long price! King Supreme was best in for the 7.05 Kempton, but ran a shocker, but fortunately I also backed second best Morar, which won at 25/1 (I only got 20/1 unfortunately, but it'll do!)! I like horses whose figures are -11000!King Supreme must do better next time as a system bet, but spoiled my forecast tonight! Perhaps 2 miles was too far, and it will be better over 12 to 14 furlongs? If I'd known that, I would have put in Phoenix Flight! The best in horses ran appallingly in the 7.35 Kempton! These included Spitfire, Duplicity and Buxton! I never know what happens in these cases, as they seem to have no intention of winning! Funnily enough, all three will confirm to my system parameters for next time out, so bear them in mind! If I'd known that, I would have backed Kurtanella each-way, as I have backed it a couple of times recently, but it had no chance at the weights with the aforementioned three, and even Mambo Spirit, which ran well in front and seemed to be going better than most before inevitably packing up! Gosh, these races are hard work to get a result! The first three home were the only ones with truly symmetrical figures. Does that mean that connections of the winner knew that most of the others were not competing? Hmmm...

23rd November: Should have known that Swinbank's Stansonnit 8/1 would improve considerably for the 12.10 Southwell, but no money for it was not encouraging! Top-rated Hoppy's Flyer was very disappointing, and it just proves you should never trust small races, as I didn't get either of the first two in my forecast! Anything can beat anything in these races! Best in Fathey had -05 figures, and of course did not figure in the 12.40 Southwell! Bertbrand was a huge price again, but must show soon. Third best Best One finished third, but Fashion Icon must still be improving, as it should not have won on previous ratings. Best in Maximix had an outstanding first place in the 12.50 Lingfield, and I wondered whether it would win today, and it came only third. Unfortunately Near The Water had -05 figures, so I didn't back it! Bad luck again! I backed Sophonie to win the 1.00 Sedgefield, and it crashed out at the second last when well in contention! It didn't look good for the horse, but I think it got up ok. I backed Miniyamba to win the 1.10 Southwell, but wanted either Odin's Raven (third) or Ice Viking for the forecast. Since the latter dropped right out, I can only assume it will do better in the near future, possibly in a handicap. Apparently Shanavaz now has an official rating of 34, so it will be interesting to see how that works out in a handicap soon, as it could be a good price from out of the handicap. System bet Setter's Princess 8/1 second in the 1.20 Lingfield. Drat, should have done the forecast instead of each-way! I was very suspicious of the price for Soft Spoken Guy in the 1.30 Sedgefiled, and my fears were justified when it was ridden like a crab from an early stage. It is certainly better than that and no doubt will do better when wanted. My next best selection, Bonnie Prince Blue, 11/2 winner of the 1.40 Southwell! Much bigger prices (11/1) available earlier. Second best Charles Parnell did not show (due soon), but third best King's Wonder finished third at 16/1. Just one out for the tricast! Mohayer was top-rated for the 1.50 Lingfield, and, with all the others out of the race, finished alone! The favourite raced off too freely in any case. Hades ran a good race in third in the 2.00 Sedgefield, and looks a good prospect for the future. I backed Endaxi Mana Mou to beat Norton Girl in the 2.10 Southwell, and it won easily despite the -06 figures! I wasn't sure if Recession Proof would act on the ground in the 2.20 Lingfield, so backed the next two against it! Cleaver ran a good race in fifth, and I think it could have finished closer than fifth. Schinken Otto ran a poor race in fourth in the 2.30 Sedgefield, and should have been much closer to my second selection, War Party, which won at 3/1. Nifty Roy is also much better than it showed today, and will be competitive very soon. I got first, second and fourth for the tricast in the 2.40 Southwell with Kingaroo, Yossi and Capable Guest! Blast! Why did I put Madame De Stael in for the forecast? Capable Guest must win again soon. I had Bobby Gee to win the 2.50 Lingfield, but didn't want McCoy to get second, which was a bit annoying! Rare Society probably needs better ground and faded tamely in the 3.30 Sedgefield, but must do better soon. Even Matmata De Tendron faded into fourth! System bet Jeringa 8/1 second. I thought I had the forecat with Rio Sands and Guto in the 3.10 Lingfield, but the commentator was calling the wrong horse, prat! Guto was a big price, but still finished second at 14/1! System bet Sleepy Blue Ocean 25/1 winner, and I didn't back it! Lucky Art must do better very soon, but the stable can't buy a winner at present. I had the tricast with Alph, Perfect Reward and Slew Charm in the 3.20 Lingfield! Fantastic! My nap Prize Fighter just stayed on steadily for fourth in the 3.30 Sedgefield, but is thrown in when wanted! Samizdat fell early, and will do better. Another disappointmewnt was Royal Flynn, which runs all sorts of races! My first selection, Nevada Desert 12/1 second in the 3.40 Southwell. Just working up to a win, as was best in. Daniel Thomas refuses to run a good race, but must show soon. The favourite keys duly won the 3.50 Lingield, but I don't know what happened to Pearl Mountian, which I expected to be second. They often do that when concerned about the opposition. I backed Rebel Flag each-way, and it ran well for a long way. Well, I managed to treble my starting bank today, mainly as the result of a terrific tricast, including my two selections Alph 20/1 and Perfect Reward 6/1, but with a number of good other bets too. I am still looking to increase my list of subscribers!

22nd November: One of my selections, George Nympton, 16/1 third in the 12.30 Kempton. The other, Calusa Shadow, was a huge price, and ran on from the back for sixth place. Couldn't really expect it to place at that price from that stable, but it had good form from a previous race, and will do better. It looked that I had the forecast in the 1.40 Ludlow with the two system bets Flitchity and Milgen Bay, but both got caught by the outsider, Badger's Cove! Difficult to fathom that result! Jewellery was quite a small horse compared with some in the 12.50 Ffos Las, and the price was right, as it came fourth. The interest in which horse would come second never materialised, as both Oddshoes and Qasar D'Oudairies came to grief in the 2.00 Kempton! I looked at the tote odds, and Dee Ee Williams was apparently £4.10 to win! I didn't back it to find out, unfortunately. Best in Inchloch was a huge price, and fell part-way around in the 1.10 Ludlow. They wouldn't fall deliberately, would they? Too risky! Must do better soon. Feelish Peckish, next best in, finished only fourth, but I also backed Azulada Bay and Timpo, so I got a good return. Whitewater Dash and Alpine Breeze ran disappointingly in the 1.20 Ffos Las, considering they were both dual winners, but the betting indicated that for Whitewater Dash, at least. Carole's Legacy should have just beaten Banjaxed Girl at the weights in the 1.30 Kempton, and it worked out just right! I had my doubts for a while before the finish. Santera ran a blinder at the weights, and must be well handicapped unless being put up for this run. A ridiculous run from Marodima in the 1.45 Ludlow, which was thrown in at these weights, but the betting was not encouraging and it faded very tamely! Has it really regressed so much? We shall see in due course. Josephine Malines was next best, but could only finish second. You lose your belief in the genuineness of racing sometimes! Should have known that Betabob would win after all those second places, but you can't trust a horse like that to get its head in front! The betting got it completely wrong in that respect. Smack That was a non runner, but whatever I tip seems to come third in a small race (Oscar Gogo) or fourth in a bigger race! It's uncanny! I backed Picture In The Sky each-way in the 2.05 Kempton, but it unseated rider at halfway (spectactular attempt to stay on) when going well! Sure it would have been placed! Pacha D'Oudairies, my nap, was well back, then ran on late for second at 17/2, but would have finished third if Mud Monkey had not fallen at the last. I had my maximum bet on Topless in the 2.25 Ffos Las, and of course it went down, didn't it? I looked at Prescelli, and it ran very poorly for a long way before coming back to win! Can't believe my luck! Second again with Lupanar 8/1 in the 2.35 Kempton, which finished like a train but too late to win as usual! Blast! Was by far best in, but got beaten by King's horse! Should have known that it would be there! Theatre Dance ran well without troubling the judge, and should do better soon. I backed Sandynow each-way in the 2.50 Ludlow, but unfortunately put Celticello (fell) in for the forecast! Keep an eye on Gentleman Anshan, which ran well for a long way. Counting House just hacked along at the back in the 3.00 Ffos Las, but was never put into the race, so keep an eye on that one. Native Taipan was also very disappointing. System bet Shakalakaboomboom winner of the 3.10 Kempton. Royal Kicks was disappointing in third, but did not jump well. First and second for my selections (much bigger prices when sent out this morning) in the 3.25 Ludlow with Woodlands Gem 12/1 and Jug Of Punch 7/1! The forecast paid £93.70! And another winner with Cold Harbour 7/2 in the 3.35 Ffos Las! Loco Grande finished fourth, but is due a win soon. I can't beat those Bests when they have a favourite in the race! My selection Frosty's Gift finished third in the 3.45 Kempton! Watergate also ran well in fourth (looked the likely winner for a while) and can win soon. Keep an eye on Dalrymple, which I am sure is very well handicapped when wanted. I backed the wrong Vaughan runner in the 4.05 Ffos Las, but that's me, always looking for value. I had another good day today, so if you want to join me, email me for my selections!

21st November: I got a good start with Midnight Opera in the 12.05 Aintree, although I took 12/1 on it! Problem was, I also wrote down Brother Bob, but did not do the forecast! I had system bet Sarah's Smile each-way in the 12.15 Kelso, and had a sneaky look at Moscow Mischief, but didn't back it! One of my selections, Magic Sky 14/1 fourth in the 12.35 Aintree. Two system bets first and second with Frankie Figg and Nikola! The two I backed to finish second to Alfie Flits both failed to complete! Best in Phar Again fell and second best Silver Dollars finished third in the 12.55 Towcester, so I got no return for my efforts. Typical! I also fancied Flying Squad, which finished second, but did not back it, so these small races beat me again! One of my selections, Heron Bay 6/1 third in the 1.10 Aintree. I told you that -05 figures are no good, and Teenage Idol proved it today, finishing fifth after travelling like the best horse through the race! Must do better soon now. Damn! I backed system bet Royal Torbo, which led all the way, then came to grief at the last! Why couldn't it just jump the last properly? I think the rider was getting too anxious, which probably communicated itself to the horse. How unlucky can you get? I couldn't pick the winner, but had the other three on my list! My nap, Royal Rosa ran a fantastic race in the 1.45 Aintree to finish second at 14/1. I thought it was going to win coming to the elbow! Irish Raptor looked like the winner for a long way and should win soon, as should Notre Pere, possibly in Ireland. I backed Quinder Spring to beat Top It All in the 1.55 Kelso, and of course Top It All won! Typical! Best in Woodlands Genpower ran a shocker in the 2.05 Towcester, and second best Kilvergan Boy was not much better in fourth! Both can win soon if they are not ridden like that again! How I hate these apparent charades, but I get used to them over the years! Best in Front Rank ran another shocker in the 2.30 Kelso, and I give up on that one when it is not backed. Quicuyo also ran quite poorly and will do better when wanted. Best in Pocket Too finished second at 25/1 in the 2.40 Towcester, and I thought it might catch the leader, but perhaps second was all that was wanted! Arthurian came up into third, then dropped out again. Just a test? Doctor Kilbride will also do better soon. I backed Sunarri 6/1 each-way and got the forecast with Eighteen Carat 10/1 winner! Keep a close eye on Willie Hall, which was going best of the lot in the 4.05 Kelso, then its jockey forced it to make a couple of mistakes, and it dropped out. Must win a race when finishing properly! Best in Reelwill and Rince Donn finished third and second in the 3.15 Towcester. Coulkd be they let the other one win, but that's the way of it! Thievery fell, but should do better soon. I backed Egerton's Monnow Made 9/2 (I got 6/1) with Inthesettlement 7/2 for the forecast in the 3.30 Aintree for a nice little return (little because I didn't have much on it)! I backed both Hemmings runners, Dark Glacier and Fourjacks for the forecast in the 3.40 Kelso at 10/1 and 4/1! I had a feeling about it, as Grant also had another runner in the race. Bardolf came second in the 3.50 Towcester, and they don't seem to win after a poor introductory run. Probably being kept for a hurdles campaign. For once McCain's Generals Love did not figure, possibly because his runners are getting too much recognition now. Well despite the lack of success of my selections, I did pretty well today, largely aided by some inspired forecasts late in the day. I'll settle for that, and have some ammunition to use tomorrow!

20th November: Charles Darwin was hacking on the outside in the 12.15 Lingfield, but the jockey would not let it go until it was too late (finished right on the heels of the placed horses)! That one is thrown in when wanted (wish it was today), but it can't be long now! Anjomarba and Goodbye Cash were also much better in than the winner, and I can't understand why it wins so many races. I found out why Ballyfoy was such a big price in the 12.20 Ascot, as it tailed off, then ran on like a train at the end for fifth! Is that fair on its backers, as it never got into a challenging position? Very annoying! I backed Dunraven Storm to beat Drill Sergeant in the 12.40 Haydock, and the favourite finished last! Incredible! I wondered whether Resplendent Alpha would follow up its second last time out, and, of course, it didn't! System bet Espy 14/1 winner! I also backed Loyal Royal (second) and Chjimes (fourth), which were very well in. Teddy's Reflection 14/1 winner of the 12.55 Ascot! I don't know what happened to Solitary Palm, but a 14/1 winner will do nicely! I wrote down the first four in the correct order for the 1.05 Huntingdon, but didn't have time to place a bet. Saturdays! Far too many races in quick succession! Smack That, best in for the 1.15 Haydock, ran on from the back when it was too late, and will do better soon. Double Vodka never competed at all! I also backed My Moment, which was competing when falling at the last! My recent selection, A Little Bit Dusty 8/1 winner of the 1.25 Lingfield! Giovanna ran on well from the back to finish fourth in the 1.30 Ascot, as so often happens with well handicapped horses, and will do better soon. My other selection, Asturienne, finished third at 7/2. I would have given Helen's Vision (fifth), but was not sure about the trip for that one. Obviously it does get the trip, and should be worth a bet soon. I don't understand how Clerk's Choice could run so badly off its rating in the 1.50 Haydock! This happens much more often than it should! Second rated Barizan dropped out, then ran on for third! Very strange running! Makes you wonder whether the returned prices are more important than the winning! I had a sneky feeling about Young Dottie in the 2.00 Lingfield, but concentrated on Qalahari (by far best in) and Requisite. Qalahari got no run, and only ran on late for third, which was a bit annoying, but they take so long to actually win these horses! Damn! Got first and third in the tricast, but should have known that Morrison's Valencha would be there! Why is it so many of the horses I back at a reasonable price always seem to tail off? Rory Boy was one such in the 2.20 Haydock! It makes me mad! Best in Icelandic was clearly not wanted today, but my other selection Spirit Of Sharjah won at 10/1 with system bet Elna Bright 11/1 third! I have long been convinced that this Autumn Blades is a group horse in disguise, and it ran very well in second. I backed Lough Derg each-way in the 2.35 Ascot, and it went out too quickly for my liking. I am convinced that horse will win a good handicap in the near future! How did I know that one of the best in, Tighe Caster, would not be placed in the 2.45 Huntingdon? Because it started at too big a price and ran on for fourth! Best in Laustra Bad finished second at 5/1, which happens too often for my liking! They tend to do that when they have not run well for a while! Saphira's Fire did not follow up on its placing last time in the 2.05 Lingfield, and will do better again very soon. It was best in, but someone decided not to compete today! Tatenen can do much better than it did today in the 3.10 Ascot. I hate it when horses drop out that are apparently going as well as those around them. Noble Alan should also have done better. I had Mister Mcgoldrick in the 3.15 Huntingdon, but why could Knight Legend not get second place? Thast really annoys me, as it would have been a good forecast! I wanted Imperial Commander to beat Planet Of Sound in the 3.25 Haydock, but the wretched Tidal Bay ran on too fast at the end! I backed Hitchens in the 3.40 Lingfield, but I always thought that Angel's Pursuit could have done better with a clearer run. I also backed Rowe Park each-way, which was just pipped in fourth! Best in Manadam faded into about sixth place in the 3.45 Huntingdon, but they almost always do that when they front-run! Besides that, its figures ended in -5! My other selection, Acosta finished second at 10/1. Two that are worth noting next time are September Moon and My Rosie Ribbons, both of which dropped out tamely today. System bet Hulcote Rose 10/1 winner of the 6.15 Wolverhampton, with almost a system bet Dear Maurice (-235 and symmetrical) 8/1 second. Yes, I know it ends in -5, but -35 figures are more often successful than -05 ones, as I have found to my cost recently! I thought best in and system bet Wyatt Earp was due tonight, but I hate it when they front-run and pack up. It could have stayed there, so why didn't it? Of course 16/1 was not promising, but they do win sometimes at those prices, depending on the stable policy. Must win with different tactics. I also fancied Silver Wind, as did a lot of others according to the betting, but it was an unexpected runner in Ajara that won! There is always some unpredictable element that surfaces in most races! I have backed Lastkingof scotland (third) several times recently, and didn't back it tonight because of that first place. You can't win! System bets Magic Cross and Slatey Hen second and third in the 7.15 Wolverhampton. I assume from that that best in Scommettitrice is being kept for a handicap win at some point. Cootehill Lass should probably also have done better, so worth bearing in mind.

19th November: I kept looking at Accordintolawrence in the 12.45 Exeter, but didn't back it at a big price! Just shows you can never tell from the betting! My first selection, Cool Operator, 5/1 second in the 12.55 Musselburgh, finishing really fast, and can win soon. Farmers Cross followed him to the last, then did not go through with its effort, and will do better. System bet Cailin Na Ri 9/1 third. System bet and official top-rated Frascati Park 100/30 winner of the 1.00 Ascot. System bet Superior Wisdom 15/2 winner of the 1.15 Exeter. Why don't I go with my system bets? Karanja travelled well for most of the journey, and had more to offer, but faded tamely (-26 form figures again). Watch out for it next time. Sangfroid was touted in the press, which may be why it did not place today. Elzahann was best in at the weights in the 1.25 Musselburgh, but finished only second, as probably its recent form figures were very poor. Next best Big Burrows made a fast forward move, then dropped out after a bad mistake. Both can win very soon, but I couldn't have New Shuil on these terms (about 30lb worse off)! Just shows that anything can beat anything if that is what is wanted! I had Pause And Clause and Captive Audience as my two best in for the 1.35 Ascot, but somebody knew different, as both finished out of the frame. These runs were too bad to be true, and both should do better soon. Even the winner almost came to a standstill after the last, but still managed to win the race! Please explain to me why Penn Da Benn raced up into the lead in the 1.50 Musselburgh, then packed up into a remote third? I can see now why it was the outsider of three, when it should have been second favourite! They know what is going to happen, barring accidents! Best in Pillar Of Hercules just beaten again in the 2.00 Musselburgh. Must be working up to a win (-46 figures today). Faith And Reason at 100/1 was obviously not wanted today, but can do better, and my third choice, Veronica's Boy was well there, but finished fifth! How annoying! I got Megastar and Smokey Oakey for the forecast in the 2.10 Ascot. By Command was a big price, but should do better over hurdles. I wanted Cantabilly with Diamond Brook in the 2.25 Exeter, but Cantabilly finished third, despite being best in. I am convinced they use these small races just to get the placing they want for the future! One of my selections, Dhaular Dhar 7/1 second in the 2.35 Musselburgh. Keep an eye on Jawaab, which finished like a train in third. I didn't have a clue about the winner, Dica (100/1!). System bet Matuhi 15/8 winner of the 2.45 Ascot. Pity, as I wanted Five Dream and Enlightenment for the forecast. I was wondering whether Enlightenment would run as well as last time, when it fell at the last when clear. They rarely perform the next time when this happens! The only one I didn't fancy in the 3.10 Musselburgh, Cybora, won the race! Can't work out where that form came from. Strange things happen quite often in these races! How did I know that Verasi and Tisfreetdream would not peform in the 3.20 Ascot? Because it was a small arce and they were big prices! You can usually tell, but you have to back them just in case! I had a funny feeling about Minnie Hill in the 3.35 Exeter, but didn't back it. A typical crafty winner when its stablemate was backed! Spider Boy was clear best in, but the writing was on the wall for that one a long way out, and it will do better soon. I backed Bygones In Brid in the 3.45 musselburgh, but wanted Blue Blooded (third) for the forecast. Swinbank's are usually shorter when they are supposed to win in this type of race. A suspiciously big price for former top class horse Afsoun, and a suitably bad run to boot! Surely it must be better than that? Ninth House did not place in the 4.15 Wolverhampton (stable not firing), but my second choice, Ravi River, finished second at 5/1. The winner Saddlers Bend had figures ending in -3060, also typical of my system, but its actual achievements were very low previously. My third choice and system bet for the 4.45, Khajaaly, won the race at 25/1, with the others out of the frame. What do you have to do, eh? Namu (sixth) and Musical Script (66/1 today) should be thereabouts next time. As regards Namu, I was suspicious of the -05 figures, which I hate, although they do come in occasionally. I had a sneaky feeling about Fifth In Line (50/1 second) in the 5.15, but did not back in the race. As so often happens, the favourite, Unex Goya performed miserably. Just before the off, I also had a premoniton about the winner Islesman! Pity I don't follow my hunches! Not a good night for favourite backers so far! This all weather racing throws up more surprises than the turf equivalent! I am fuming after the 5.45 Wolverhampton, as none of the best in, including system bet Weybridge Light, finished anywhere near the leaders! Bushy Dell and Faith Jicaro were two others that performed miserably. From what I have seen recently, I can say pretty categorically, "Don't back anything ending in -5!" All three must do better than that! Seaside Sizzler (third) was the only one of the placed horses that I fancied. Yet another big-priced (10/1) winner, which I am usually pretty good at, but I could only find one of them tonight! Jezza is probably another one of these horses that is much better than any rating it has shown so far, but there is no way of knowing that unless you are on the inside! None of my evening selections placed, but Royal Island and Acropolis are only running about 50-60lb below their best form, and must have regressed terribly if they can't win these races! Barraland and Abhainn are two others that should be noted very soon. I fancied both Moyenne Corniche and Tominator in the 7.15, but only backed Moyenne Corniche each-way.

18th November: Attaglance (symmetrical form) 12/1 winner of the 12.40 Market Rasen, a horse whose previous rider had received a 10 day ban for his ride! Our Matti appeared to be going well much of the way before packing up. I don't know how you could pick either of the first two in the 1.00 Hereford, except that the winner's flat form in Ireland was pretty good! I fancied Hernando's Boy in the 1.10 Market Rasen, but couldn't have Kilshannig for the forecast on these terms! A very suspect result, with both Rathcor (pulled up) and Liberty Seeker much better in! Ruby Valentine, which fell was best in for the 1.20 Wincanton, but Stagehand was nest best and finished only fourth after travelling well most of the way. I suspect because its form figures were poor, they didn't want to win this race! Typically Monsieur finished only third in the 1.30 Hereford, despite being thrown in for this race! Cybergenic is taking its time in showing, but was also exceptionally well in and must show soon, despite being a 12 year old. My third best Galant Eye finished fourth, despite looking sure to get placed at one point. I don't know where these Best runners get their improvement from, but they are not slow in backing them! Factotum is much better than it has shown recently, and it is only a matter of time before it shows its true form. Mexican Pete (third) was also very well in, but no money for either today! You can't win very often at this game, as whever you think you have a value bet, something bad happens! Dansimar was about equally in with Easter Legend, but unseated rider! What is going on? Mujamead, by far best in for the 2.00 Hereford, was booked for fourth until one of the horses in front fell! They always make it look as if they are struggling, which is probably not the case, but they only win when they are wanted! Sumner did not perform, but the price was suspicious. I had Sarde to beat Youngstown in the 2.10 Market Rasen, which provided a nice little return! Fortification (fourth) and Ceepeegee should both have been placed in the 2.20 Wincanton, but the prices were not encouraging, and the latter will be a system bet next time. I can't see that so many horses should have finished in front of them off their ratings. I thought Coeur Brule was going to figure in the 2.30 Hereford, but just got ran out of in fifth. From the way it ran, I think it could have done better. Pity, because coincidentally I dreamed about it last night! My two selections for the 2.40 Market Rasen, King Mak and Stagecoach Opal, apparently went off too quickly, but I am a firm believer that both could have stayed there if they wanted to! Keep an eye on both, and Hippodrome, which only ran on when it was too late. Best in Outside Investor tailed off in the 2.50 Wincanton, eventually finishing third, but should have done much better! It really annoys me when they are going well, then drop out for no apparent reason! My other choice, Rebel Melody, at least won the race at 9/4. It makes me grimace when I see the best in horses coming under pressure and dropping out! This was the case with Itea Du Fau, which was clear best, but the jockey put up a good performance (acting wise)! Typically Monfils Monfils was backed by saps like me, but after front-running for a long way, packed up into another fourth place. They never seem to win with -04 figures, so it must be some sort of code for the others. Don't give up on it, as it will probably win a bigger race soon. Since The Dukes Speech finished fifth today, one can assume that it will be trying soon. Not sure if two miles is its best trip now, as it seems to run on from the back when it is too late! January was also disappointing in fourth, but they don't seem to want to get into the race! Couldn't do the forecast in the 3.30 Hereford, and even if I could, I wouldn't have got it right, so what's the point? Donovan was useless again in the 3.40 Mkt Rasen! When are they going to get it to run better? Dark Gentleman ran a bit better in second. Why is it that so many of the horses I back blaze off in front, then pack up? It seems to be constant policy for best in horses! We're Delighted did so, and my other choice, Trump Call, also dropped out. It gets very annoying, as both can do so much better! I backed Varkala each-way in the 4.00 Hereford, but didn't do the forecast with the favourite, silly b...! Sometimes these favourites don't win, so I took a chance! I also had a look at Addiction, which finished fourth. The top three in the weights filled the places in the 4.10 Wolverhampton! They say back top weights in a nursery, but you always think there is something lurking lower down the weights! Not so in this case. In fact the top four filled the first four places! Doesn't work every time, though. They are having a laugh with Galpin Junior, which finished about sixth in the 4.40 Wolverhampton and never got anywhere near the leaders! Must win now, as it has had enough chances to sink a battleship! My other selection, Cape Royal, at least finished second at 14/1 and is due another win. Sir Geoffrey (system type form) 8/1 winner. Steel City Boy must be worth a bet soon when there are no big 'lurkers' in the race. Two system bets, Humor Me Rene and Mary Helen first and second in the 5.10 Wolverhampton. I actually did two forecasts, and included Half Sister, which was narrowly pipped for second place, but it didn't matter which one came second, as long as it wasn't Lauberhorn! Half Sister will be due in a handicap very soon now. System bet Magic Of The Sea 5/2 winner of the 5.40 Wolverhampton. Henry's Air and Coedmore Boy, which front-ran for a while, will probably do better soon. I don't know why the first three favourites seem to monopolise the finish of many races. Probably because the others with a good chance are not out to run well, and consequently are not backed! Gets a bit boring and annoying when I don't back them!

17th November: I was suspicious of the outcome of the 12.20 Lingfield, especially as Takeaway should not have opened as favourite, but I decided to go with the official ratings and the weights, so had Bilko Pak to beat Takeaway, which worked out ok. I also argued that Takeaway was formerly with Hannon, so there might be an agreement that it would not beat a Hannon horse in the same race. Maybe false logic, but it worked! So often these small races throw up a false result! Best in Baby Car was a big price in the 1.00 Warwick, and followed the first three home at a respectable distance, but will do better when wanted. I backed system bet Kvamer Riviera in the 1.10 Hexham, and it appeared to be going best of the lot most of the way around before falling late on. Worth keeping an eye on. Best in and system Joyously had no money for it in the 1.20 Lingfield, but must do better than that soon. I also fancied Oliver's Gold, which disappointing finished only fourth. Isn't it annoying when horses lollop along at the back of the field and make no attempt to get into contention? Violet Ray led for a while before packing up, and I feel there is more to come from History Repeating. As far as I can see, in many cases horses are outsiders because they know they will not figure, rather than a lack of ability. Glengarra (10/1 not promising) decided to have an off-day today, despite being best in, which cost me the tricast, as I had it with Flemish Invader and Mylord Collonges! Best in Phluke conveniently finished a close-up fourth (absolutely hacking) in the 1.50 Lingfield, and you could see the jockey making sure that he did just enough (or not enough!) to get placed! So frustrating! I looked at Sir Ike, but ignored it because of the outstanding first place! You can never tell! Straight And Level was next best in, but decided not to compete today after being right there most of the way! The Old Pretender finished only fifth in the 2.00 Warwick, despite travelling well most of the way. Don't Turn Bach was also disappointing in fourth, and looked to be travelling the best. Can't back against King at the moment! Best in Euro American finished fifth in the 2.10 Hexham, with Manoubi not competing, but it was my third best in, Kempski which dead-heated at 40/1! I thought it had definitely won first time arond! Cost me a fair bit in returns! Why is it that best in horses start at 20/1 and are useless in the finish? My nap, Maze was right there going well, then dropped out tamely at the end of the 2.20 Lingfield! Must win soon. Next best Cymflynder was never sighted, but will also do better. Since it had 27lb in hand, and the winner and second had about 11lb, what does that tell you about its running today? Does it also tell you that winning connections knew that? System bet Nadiya De La Vega winner of the 2.30 Warwick. I was rather disappointed with Gilded Age (third), which I thought would figure. I expected See You There to win the 2.40 kelso, but it finished only third after a couple of mistakes. I did back system bet Pertuis in the 2.50 Lingfield, and got 7/1 on it! I got the forecast with High Benefit and Prince Of Denial in the 3.00 Warwick, but picked the wrong outsider to back each-way, as Bishophill Jack finished third and I had it on my list! Tartan Snow was going pretty well in the 3.10 Hexham until its jockey stopped riding and it fell! Obviously not out to win today, but will do better. Innominate ran on from the back of the field to finish second, incredibly, ahead of my selection, Tifoso. Best in Atherstone Hill ran well in the 3.30 Warwick, but they always seem to get a place instead of winning when their recent? form is poor! This horse was clearly going better than the winner, but contrived to hang in behind it on the run-in. Should win soon. My next best, Williams Way, 13/2 winner of the 3.50 Lingfield! Makes a change to give a winner at present! Vinces and King Columbo should do better soon. I also backed Zama Zama in the 4.00 Warwick, as Ryan does not have too many bumper runners. Best in Florio Vincitore managed to get beaten again in the 4.10 Kempton, but front-ran today instead of coming from the back, which meant it had little left in the finish! I couldn't see how the pundit could pick Buona Sarah, as it was about 20lb below Florio's best form, but he did! System bet Bidruma 4/1 winner of the 4.40 Kempton. Best in Jonny Ebeneezer (getting a bit long in the tooth) and Barraland (fourth) did not figure, but should do so before long. Bluebok typically finished fifth, which seems to happen a lot with these well in horses! System bet Sylas Ings 6/1 second in the 5.40 Kempton. I suppose the winner Run On Ruby (-60) 9/1 should also be considered a system bet, but it is never easy to work out what improvement these maidens will make! I also backed Sleek Gold each-way, which looked like taking a hand, but finished fourth. Worth keeping an eye on, judging by its fast forward move. For some reason best in Traphalgar (sixth) and Kames Park (third) did not figure in the places in the 6.10 Kempton. My God, you have to work hard to get the right results at this game! I don't know why it keeps happening, but some people do! I wish they would explain it to me, but they probably won't! What a waste of money backing is in these circumstances! And look at the money for the winner! Somebody knew something! Poor old bookies, they had everybody on their backs! These two will do better when wanted.

16th November: One of my selections and system bet for the 12.20 Southwell, Bravely, lay second most of the way and looked sure to get at least placed, but eventually finished fourth to two fast closers, one of which was my last time winner, Desert Strike. Stonecrabstomorrow was well backed, but never showed, and will do better shortly, hopefully along with my other selection, Elkhorn, which seems to have regressed over its career. The winner, Accamelia is obviously better than its bare rating achieved so far. System bet Cape Of Storms 14/1 third. When system bet Pepite Rose opened as favourite in the 12.40 Folkestone, I had to take notice, and it won very easily from system bet Kahfre, which I put in for the forecast. Three horses that should have done better in the 12.50 Southwell were Glenns Princess, Henry's Air and Kyncraighe, so keep your eye on them. On its previous claiming win, I suppose Shostakovich was entitled to win, but it won with any amount in hand, and will probably take a hammering from the handicapper. Best in Dansilver finished second in the 1.00 Fakenham, and as usual, -06 figures do not often win races! Satindra and Railway Park were also disappointing, finishing back in fith and sixth. All three will do better very soon. How difficult it is to get combinations of best-in horses to figure together! The winner had been beaten massive distances in its previous runs! While I did not expect Lomitaar to win the 1.10 Folkestone, I thought it would come second, so was disappointed to see it struggling in fourth place. Must be better than that! X Rated and Escala were both disappointing off their respective ratings in the 1.20 Southwell, considering the quality of the opposition. I suppose I should have backed the favourite on its own, as I really fancied it and it wasn't a bad price at 13/8! Another big outsider in the 1.30 Fakenham! How can you pick these animals? It had been beaten over 250 lengths in its previous four races! You can more or less tear up the form book with such results! Wishes Or Watches fell early, so that was a waste of time, and Fongoli finished second, probably by default. The two best in on hurdles rating, Rear Gunner and Arkose, finished third and last in the 2.40 Folkestone! How can you abck them when they run like that? Rear Gunner was definitely going better than the favourite, but only ran on for third when it was too late. I have often backed Canni Thinkaar, but dare not do so today in this company, but that is often when they run above themselves! I had a little each-way on sys+1 bet Face The Future at 9/1 in the 1.50 Southwell, which was quite a nice change! Bernisdale and Dunmore Boy should have done better, so keep an eye on them soon. I also had a little each-way on Joan D'Arc at 11/1, as it seems to run one good race followed by a bad one, and had a useful hurdles rating! Dot's Delight finished third in the 2.10 Folkestone, and looked as if it could have won with a bit more effort, so keep your eye on it soon. Just Beware threatened, then dropped out, and is also due another good run. White Deer, my nap, was clearly always going to run second or third behind April Fool, and my other selection, Special Cuvee was also in the shakeup for second. Pity that Special Cuvee got second, as it cost me the forecast! The problem was that, as White Deer clearly intended to finish behind April Fool, it could not then hold off the challenge of Special Cuvee. i backed Film Festival to beat Plunkett in the 2.30 Fakenham, but unfortunately it was Robo that won. I am sure Film Festival could have done better than fourth, as it appeared to drop out very tamely at the end. Best in Stradbrook was well backed, but could not get in the first two in the 2.40 Folkestone, and will do better. I have been very disappointed with Oncle Kid in its last few runs. Must do better than that! Final Salute (-040) 20/1 winner of the 2.50 Southwell. My two selections, Lethal and Tag Team were up there for a while and must do better shortly, as they were way best in! I don't know if Fyodorovitch will ever win a race, as I have been waiting for it for a long time! Kinkeel ran very poorly in the 3.00 Fakenham, but will do better in a bigger race shortly. The outsider tag was justified here! Even next best Feeling Peckish was on and off the bridle throughout, and was booked for third. There is no way of knowing how they are going to run in a particular race until after the off. Very frustrating, this game! I really fancied Bel Cantor and San Antonio in the 3.20 Southwell, but both finished just out of the places and will do better soon. Are they getting rid of that second place for San Antonio before making a show? We shall see! From my knowledge of patterns, it looks likely. Bel Cantor is usually better over shorter than one mile, so perhaps it will do better under those circumstances. My tip from last time, system bet Florio Vincitore finished third at 18/1. Somebody knew something about the heavily gambled McConnell, which was not even best in on my ratings! I thought system bet Chalice Welcome would have done better in the 3.30 Folkestone, as it is a horse that tends to surprise on the flat. Keep your eye on it. System bet Thewellmeadow 12/1 third in the 3.40 Folkestone. Black Falcon made really eye-catching ground down the inside in the 3.50 Southwell, but once it got into about fourth place, eased off again. That horse is really well in when wanted, and should be backed now until winning. Unfortunately it now has a first place at the front of its figures, so will it win next time? Your guess is as good as mine! The winner, Ramora had system type form (-200000), but was nothing like as well in as Black Falcon. Somebody napped it in the Sporting Life! My other selection, Credential was a non runner, so keep your eye out for it soon. System bet Davana 9/2 third. Well, most of my selections ran very poorly today, but that just means they will do better soon. Let's hope so!

15th November: I don't know how My Brother Sylvest could finish out of the frame in the 12.50 Leicester off this rating, but it did! That means that the second and third must have run well over 100 to beat it! The Snatcher should do better than it has done so far. I did the reverse forecast on Union Island and Beau Fighter in the 1.00 Plumpton, and they finished almost in a dead-heat! Second, third and fourth in the 1.20 Leicester, with Arnold Layne, Hever Road and Shrewd Investor! I don't think any of them were really out to win this race! There's always one to spring a surprise, isn't there , as all of these were much better in! Ray Diamond should have done better in the 1.30 Plumpton, but the 40/1 price was not encouraging, and it ran accordingly! They must know how it is going to run before the race! Keep an eye on Aurora Lights, which was obviously not out to win the 1.40 Wolverhampton at the price, but cruised up towards the leader a couple of furlongs out, then packed up into fifth place. Marie Cuddy was never sighted, but should have been in the shakeup. Lilly Blue has been hanging fire for a long time, but should show soon in a handicap (conveniently seventh today, to keep the string of duck's eggs going). Why did Hellieorbia drop right back, then run on again in the 1.50 Leicester? It's really annoying as it was obvious it was not out to win! Not only that, but it cost me a place on Nicky Nutjob, which was another that had no intention of winning, despite being best in! Big Talk (-306) was best in at the weights, but I didn't back it! I had King's Jetnova at 7/2 in the 2.00 Plumpton, but wanted Frontier Spirit for the forecast. Best in Landucci dropped out too tamely in the 2.10 Wolverhampton, and must do better soon. I also backed Rebellious Spirit each-way, finishing second at 20/1. William Morgan and Ravi River must also do better soon. I don't understand how they could make The Big Haerth an odds-on favourite in this race unless they knew something about the other runners' planned performances. Marc Aurele keeps running like a crab, and did so again in the 2.20 Leicester. Should have been second in this race. There must be a plan for it, presumably a handicap? Second, third and fourth again in the 2.30 Plumpton, with High Oscar, Abey M'Boy and Sumdancer. Beaten by King's horse this time! Must be some horse if the others ran to form! Something very strange in the 2.40 Wolverhampton, where the best three in finished out of the first two. It was obvious from the betting that Houston Dynimo (third) and Archie Rice were not wanted, so does that mean that the first and second were earmarked before the race? It's not a nice thing to contemplate! Even Trachonitis was better in than the first two home! I got the forecast with Spear Thistle 9/1 and Numide 5/1 as a saving bet in the 2.50 Leicester, as I was suspicious that Calatagan would not win again. -04 figures are not usually encouraging but it was by far best in, and I had to give it as a selection. Ban Uisce had no right to win the 3.00 Plumpton at the ratings, but somebody knew something about the performances of the others! Monash Lad was best in, but finished only fifth, and my other choice, Wheres Johnny finished second at 20/1! Best in Sheila's Star just got up in the 3.10 Wolverhampton. I was a bit disappointed with A Little Bit Dusty, which was under pressure a long way out, which I don't like to see. Another farce in the 3.20 Leicester, where Donald Will Do was under pressure too early (for show?) and lost to Irish Guard, which was marginally worse off. How can you back like that? After the other horse fell, I thought I had a sure forecast, but nothing is straightforward in this game! Best in Mister Pink ran pathetically again in the 3.30 Plumpton, and must win soon. Red Kestrel, Chocolate Caramel and Dalhaan did not figure in the finish of the 3.40 Wolverhampton, which just shows how patient you have to be! What use are ratings if they don't run to them? I don't understand why the horses I give as best in invariably tail off and finish last! Kielder Rise was one such, and it's just so annoying! That one will do better, and the last place is a good omen for next time! No good today, however! Jaunty Dove dropped out, then ran on again, which is equally galling. I was amazed at the prices of Global Power and Divine Folly in the 4.00 Plumpton, and had a little bit on the forecast, thanks very much! Best in Angus Newz ran deplorably in the 4.10 Wolverhampton, and will now be sold. Let's hope it does better for its new stable than it's done for me recently! System bet Dark Lane third. No doubt Feeling Foxy will run better next time as a system bet! Clear best in Eastern Gift finished third at 20/1 in the 4.40 Wolverhampton. I would suggest that it is being set up for a win in the near future. Whether that will be next time is debatable, if my knowledge of patterns runs true to form. Must be backed now until it wins. Second best Lord Theo should definitely be followed in its next outings.

14th November: First and third with system bet Pete The Feat and Curragh Dancer in the 2.20 Fontwell! Pity, because I backed Sail And Return last time out and could have had the tricast! Bow Badger should have come second but for two mistakes ast the last two hurdles in the 12.30 Market Rasen. Best in My Rosie Ribbons and Isintshelovely dropped out very tamely in the 12.50 Fontwell, leaving the outsider to win. Can you see why I hate small races now? Best in Kingscourt Lad led for a long way in the 1.00 Market Rasen before packing up. Will do better. Baltrap (second best in) was also clearly not wanted today at 100/1, and ran like a crab! I was also disappointed with Trans Sonic (fourth), which I am sure will do much better over hurdles. Daring Approach should have finished second in the 1.25 Fontwell, but was never put into the race until the closing stages. Couldn't pick the winner in the 1.35 Market Rasen, but there are always turn-ups in these small races. My selections, Degas Art (thrown in) and Dontpaytheferryman finished second and third. Oh Crick ran very poorly in the 1.45 Cheltenham, and must do better than that in the future! First and second for my selections in the 2.00 Fontwell with Warnes Way 7/2 and Ned Ludd 17/2! First and second again in the 2.10 Market Rasen with Ursis 5/1 and Victoria's Groom 5/1! Three of my top four figured in the 3.10 Fontwell, with Kawagino second and Pass Me By third at 20/1. My first choice, Petite Margot was running on strongly towards the end before strangely pulling up at the last. Is that a cosmetic P? I have backed that horse so often recently without it winning that it owes me now! Kerkabellec led nearly all the way in the 3.20 Market Rasen, then packed up for no apparent reason. This must have been a test, and I am sure it will win a race when wanted. Sycho Fred was also disappointing, running on in fourth. Yabora led nearly all the way in the 3.30 Cheltenham, and appeared to be going better than most of the others, then inexplicably packed up! That one must do better when wanted. Bentley Brook was travelling best of all the runners in the 3.40 Fontwell, but just packed up as if shot! Keep your eye on that one for a future jumps race! Rocks Rule, having hacked up previously, proceeded to come fourth in the 3.50 Market Rasen! You never know what they are going to do! Even Our Mick got caught on the line by Jukebox Melody. Surely it can't be because of the better price? No, can't believe that! I was disgusted when Kartanian could clearly have got second place in the 4.00 Cheltenham, but ran all over the place in the closing stages and came third. That cost me the forecast, and was not appreciated!

13th November: Top-rated Syrian 4/1 winner of the 12.30 Lingfield. Florio Vincitore should do better as a system bet soon. Top-rated and system bet Pret A Thou 5/2 winner of the 12.40 Uttoxeter from system bet Highway Code 11/2. System bet Lady Pacha 11/1 winner of the 12.45 Wetherby! Neither of my selections apparently tried very hard in the 1.00 Lingfield, with best in Ivory Lace and Woolston Ferry not placing. I did not see the race live, so cannot comment until I see the full result, but both should have done better. I am sure the plan is not to get involved on certain days! I can never work out why these favourites win on the ratings! Chicago Grey looked likely to win the 1.20 Cheltenham before falling, which was very annoying! Young Simon should have finished second to Baby Dottie in the 1.30 Lingfield, but did not run on fast enough and finished third. If best in Ballinderry Park had decided to come third instead of fifth in the 1.40 Uttoxeter, I would have had the tricast, but it dropped out into fifth place after going well in the lead! Best in Highland Harvest and White Shift did not show in the 2.00 Lingfield. I can never work out what the plans are! Wind Instrument never showed, and Ballyfitz was also out with the washing in the 1.55 Cheltenham. One of those days? Looks like it! Best in Oniz Tiptoes finally consented to run a better race in second in the 2.20 Wetherby, but could have won if wanted. next best Border Tale finished fifth, but was never put into the race with any chance. One of my selections, Resplendent Alpha finished like a rocket for second in the 2.30 Lingfield, but it would have been better if it had won! You can usually tell when these horses are going to show, as they are significantly shorter in the betting! Charles Darwin must show very soon now. Best in Catch Me did not really figure in the 2.35 Cheltenham, although it was well there for a long way. That one and Pigeon Island will do better. The two I fancied for the 2.45 Wetherby, Pacha D'Oudairies and Western Whisky fell and unseated rider! What a day! Matsunosuke was still best in for the 3.00 Lingfield, but they probably thought they had raised its handicap mark enough recently, and it finished fourth despite being full of running. I am always very suspicious when a dual winner starts at 12/1 and I was right in this case. After leading most of the way, best in Is It Me dropped out quickly, but will do batter very soon. The same applies to Nozic, which was thrown in on old form, but was a big outsider today, and Quickbeam is also worth keeping an eye on. Best in Madman ran a terrible race in the 3.20 Wetherby, and with the defection of both Nous Voila and Flying Squad, should have won this race. Will do better soon. Best in Lunar River did not figure in the 4.00 Lingfield, despite the commentator saying that it was going well. Will do better as a system bet next time. Next best equal, Ajool, finished third at 16/1 with system bet Sheila's Bond in second. I kept looking at the form figures of this Atacama Sunrise, but did not back it to my cost! Brooklyn Spirit should also do better now. Well, what a bad day, a typical Saturday! Must avoid such days in future! There were so many well handicapped horses in the 5.50 Wolverhampton that it was inevitable that many of them would not get involved. Silver Prelude, Harry Up, Canadian Danehill and Aalsmeer are all horses to bear in mind soon. As soon as I did not back The Tatling, it almost won the race, in fact I thought it had done so first time around! Most of these horses are obviously being ridden at about three quarter speed so as not to get involved, but don't ask me why they do this. How many races do they need to run before they try? More and more in many cases, just to try everybody's patience. I am sure that is part of the plan! Then, when you get fed up with them, bang! In they come! I am still trying to find out where the tissue prices come from, as presumably they must tell the bookmakers or somebody connected that they are not out to win? On the basis of breeding (by Danehill Dancer), I suppose I should have backed Midas Moment 20/1 in the 6.20 Wolverhampton, but it's easy with hindsight! These maiden races are so unpredictable that most of the time you might as well leave them alone, as they throw up totally unexpected results in many cases!

12th November: I put Storm Brig 11/2 winner in with Warrior One for the forecast in the 12.35 Newcastle, but did not back Storm Brig on its own. Idiotic! I had a little each-way on Cigalas at 200/1 and it front-ran for a long way before packing up! Should have known at that price! I suspect it will do better later on. Romantic Wish was clearly well in on its third to Mushakaraat previously, but I didn't see it until too late! Sticking with Channon's Saucy Buck proved disappointing yet again. They never seem to run two races alike! System bet Rustarix 14/1 winner of the 1.15 Cheltenham (I got 16/1), with one of my selections, system bet Knowhere 7/1 third. Cornish Sett fell, and I am not sure if it retains much of its old ability. Should have known that Fahey's Crimson Cloud would be competitive in the 1.30 Lingfield, but ignored it to my cost! Neither of my selections, Cute N Y Know It or Appeal Denied, figured in the 1.40 Newcastle, and both (particularly the latter) were too big in the betting for my liking. This is often a good indicator of a dud run. Both should be worth a bet very soon. My third choice, Talesofriverbank finished third at 50/1! System bet Not Talking 5/1 winner. I had Cue Card to beat Dunraven Storm in the 1.50 Cheltenham, which was not rocket science, but looked like a sure profit. I wrote down the first four for the 2.05 Lingfield, but of course the one I backed each-way finished fourth! They ran exactly to the betting! Despite four fallers in the 2.15 Newcastle, I could not get the forecast! I thought Polar Gunner was going to beat the favourite, but just got pipped on the line! Tranos fell at the first fence, and with assymetrical figures, I suppose I should have expected something like that! Then Something Silver backed out into third place at the vital time. Why do I keep thinking that these races are set up before they start? A winner with Daves Dream 100/30 in the 2.25 Cheltenham, and Star Of Germany, having got rid of that first place, should be competitve next time, along with Pocket Aces. System bet Akhmatova 4/1 winner of the 2.40 Lingfield, and I got the forecast with Sing Sweetly. I though Miss Mittagong might have done better, so keep your eye on that one. I got Lacdoudal to beat Garde Champetre in the 3.00 Cheltenham, which was very satisfying! It annoys me when a horse, which is not best in, is backed and wins, as in the case of Halsion Chancer. It is equally annoying when the best in, Aviso and Prince Of Thebes, finish out of the places and fourth! I can't get my head around these performances. Border Reiver and Rare Society finished out of the places in the 3,25 Newcastle, despite the former hacking around behind the leaders. Both should win soon, but they won't win unless that is the plan for the race. Don't you just hate it when a horse is best in, starts at a huge price, and starts to struggle very quickly, when you know what is really happening? Neither of my selections was placed in the 3.35 Cheltenham, Ponmeoath and Mickmacmagoole, but I feel sure both are only biding their time. Naheell 11/4 winner of the 3.45 Lingfield, and Suhailah, my other selection, ran well in fourth and is due soon. I backed both of Sue Smith's runners in the 3.55 Newcastle, and I imagine that a forecast had been planned, but they reckoned without Master Murphy! I backed Time For Rupert and Mr Thriller in the 4.05 Cheltenham, and looked like getting the forecast until Mr Thriller fell. I didn't think that Hell's Bay was good enough, because it had got beaten in much lesser races previously. I didn't expect Turner's Lady Prodee to win first time out in the 4.50 Wolverhampton, but the commentator shrewdly gave it a good mention before the race! I was beaten all ends up with the third and the fourth, although from the angle it looked as if Instructress had got second! How I hate this Mickey Mouse racing, where half the runners appear to be running in slow motion! As usual my nap Royal Envoy failed to perform in the 5.20 Wolverhampton (well it was 40/1), but my second choice, Desert Strike won at 12/1! Royal Envoy must do better shortly, but I can't understand why not today as a system bet and best in! Was it that horrible fourth place at the front of its form? If it was, that's being very picky! Itsthursdayalready is another that is due soon. It's strange that horses that are not so well in do better than the best in! System bet Liberty Trail 5/1 winner of the 5.50 Wolverhampton. Almaty Express, best in, never really threatened to win in third at 6/1, and I suspect a place was all that was wanted. Best in horses often get placed when they should win, it seems a common tactic. No money for next best in Spoof Master, and that is another stable that invariably backs runners that are out to win. I don't know why they run them so often without making any effort. Namu and A Pocketful Of Rye are also due a better run soon. Here is a quote from the race notes on Only A Game: " Behind, headway over one furlong out, weakened inside the final furlong." Please explain to me how a horse can make headway at one moment, then weaken the next. It must either do one or the other, surely? Does that suggest that a test was being carried out? I put on a few bets for the rest of the card, including Baylini 8/1 second. Seradim should have been there, so hopefully will do next time, still as a system bet. I waqs gutted when I saw the result of the 7.20, as the three horses I wrote down were Mullitovermaurice, All Moving Parts and Irish Jugger. Somehow I had managed to put Mullitovermaurice in a forecast with both of the other two, but not with each other (16/1 winner and 8/1 second)! How unlucky can you get? It just needed one more covering bet! I suppose that 7lb claimer should have told me that Mull might not be competing! And of course I didn't back Irish Jugger eachway! You just have to take that little bit of extra care at all times. My two standout bets for the 6.50, Stand Guard and Can Can Star, both finished at the back of the field, so it was a frustrating evening. Both of these will do better, probably next time out. It's strange, but not really surprising to me, given my knowledge of running patterns, that my best fancies often flop so miserably on one occasion, then run very well the next time! It's all part of the mystery of racing, and can be both frustrating and exhilarating!

11th November: I don't know what happened to Whitecrest in the 12.20 Southwell. It was better rated than Laugh Or Cry, which finished third, so something wrong there. Will probably do better next time, but no excuses for this poor run. My two selections for the 12.50 Southwell, Byron Bay and Isabella Romee did not really figure, and both missed the break! Byron Bay came up on the outside, then dropped out again. Both should do better soon. My third choice, It's A Man's World, won at 8/1 and I had a little each-way on it. I don't know why they backed Hatton Flight so heavily in the 1.00 Ludlow, as it dropped back pretty tamely into sixth place. Obviously a good flat runner, but should have done better in this race. Two of my other choices, system bet Colleoni and Silverlord finished first and second. One of my selections, Topflight Wildbird third at 8/1, with Playing With Fire in fifth. Rolanta will do better when wanted. Best in Norcroft was never sighted in the 1.20 Southwell, which suggests it will do better as a system bet next time. My other selection, Fathey, was in the lead a furlong out, but faded into fifth. Must do better than that! Nicky Nutjob was best in for the 1.30 Ludlow, but not on official ratings, so I was not surprised that it did not win. Will do better in a handicap soon. Couldn't even get the forecast right with Rebel Du Maquis and Lake Legend in the 1.40 Taunton. There's always something that doesn't work out right! The price on Abbondanza, thrown in for the 1.50 Southwell, was too big for its ability, and it looks as if they are getting rid of some first places before trying too hard. The horse was well there most of the way, but faded late on. My other selection, Fault, finished second at 12/1! That means that the winner, Salerosa, must be much better than its official rating. The three best in horses for te 2.00 Ludlow, Tisfreetdream, Ordre De Bataille and Chrysander all pulled up one by one! Did they jknow that was going to happen? That is incredible! All three will do better soon, but what happened today? I got Dark Lover 1/2 with Madame Jasmine 14/1 for the forecast in the 2.10 Taunton! System bet Shostakovich 5/1 winner of the 2.20 Southwell. Not the best rated, so what happened to Arabella Fenella and Misty Morn? The last two named were clearly not out to win today! It was more annoying because I wrote down the first two in the correct order, then did not do the forecast! What a ridiculous ride on my selection Rojaaba in the 2.40 Taunton! Blazed away in front, then for no reason stopped riding and dropped out! My other choice, Rapid Return was also ridden with no purpose and dropped out second last! Some of this riding is too bad to be true! As they were the two best in, one can only assume they are waiting for a bigger race and a better price! System bet Justabout was the winner. My first selection, Galpin Junior, 18/1 second in the 2.50 Southwell! Colorus was right in the firing line before fading late on, and will do better. My other tip of a few occasions, Equuleus Pictor, finished third at 7/1. Strangely enough Galpin Junior was previously trained by Nicholls, who now trains the winner La Capriosa! Was there an arrangement there? Galpin Junior was best in, so must win soon. I got Sway each-way and Rougham for the forecast in the 3.00 Ludlow, but was amazed at the antics of Border Castle, which was obviously a big price for good reason! Best in Nothing Is Forever decided to come fifth today in the 3.10 Taunton, when it could have won again, so keep an eye on it. Raise Again will also do better, probably next time. Unfortunately I went against Land And Sea in the 3.20 Southwell, but did manage to get the third, Hambleton at 14/1. I thought Cool Bob would beat Just The Job in the 3.30 Ludlow, but obviously the winner is fast improving! One of my selections, Colliers Court, led most of the way in the 3.40 Taunton, eventually finishing third at 14/1, but I am sure could have won if really wanted. One of my selections, Kingaroo, 22/1 winner of the 3.50 Southwell, with the other Yossi, in fourth! Abydos should do better next time ( I don't like -05 figures), as should Yossi, which was best in on old form. I wondered why Egypt Mill Spirit was 5/1 in the 4.00 Ludlow, but I soon found out when it came up apparently hacking, then dropped out tamely! They know when they are going to run well or otherwise! How come this favourite was so good, with no apparent form? I mentioned a few days ago that the top stables don't do so well in bumpers when they are in opposition, and the same thing happened today with King and Nicholson, with the other contender winning! Is that coincidence? I'll back the others in future if that's the way the land lies! Matsunosuke finally won a race at 3/1 when I wasn't around to back it! Typical, after I had backed it in big races at big odds several times! I am sure they do that just to annoy the form student! I note that it had also won previously, but I must have missed that race! They often bring these winners in on the all weather in the evening, when most people have got fed up with racing for the day!

10th November: I don't know what happened to Indian Shuffle in the 12.30 Southwell, but not only was it not sighted, it was not even mentioned by the commentator! I find that very difficult to explain, and can only assume it was taking a low profile today, for whatever reason. That said, I think it can be assumed that it will do better in the near future. That made it very easy for the Monsieur Jamie to win the race! Geronimo Chief was well in for the 1.00 Southwell and duly won the race at 4/1. Terry's Flutter was also well in, but was probably not going to compete at 80/1 (although you never know, and it did lead for a while). Keep an eye on it. I was disappointed with system bets Endaxi Mana Mou and Icelady. Silver Kate was best in on hurdles form for the 1.10 Bangor, but some poor jumps in the early stages cost her any chance. must do better when improving her jumping. Calgary Bay was very disappointing in second in the 1.40 Bangor, but you never know what the agenda is for these horses in small races! I had Ovthenight at 6/1 in the 1.50 Huntingdon, but wanted Pancake for the forecast! I also had system bet Rowan Spirit 8/1 in the 2.00 Southwell! Jamaica Grande should do better before long, but was a huge price today. Kilbeggan Blade ran poorly today at a big price, but will do better shortly. I thought Minella Boys was sure to win or get placed, but eventually finished fourth! System bet Olympian Boy 20/1 second in the 2.20 Huntingdon. Porters War (fourth) must do better soon. I had Podgies Boy as my first choice in the 2.30 Southwell, but should have backed it on its own, as I did Yorketa for the forecast! Too greedy? Probably! Couldn't have Rath Maeve of this mark, although it had obviously improved considerably. I like Call To Arms on the flat, but dare not put it in with my fancy, Marsh Warbler in the 2.40 bangor! Wish I did now, as I did Royal And Ancient (third). Another odds-on favourite does something extraordinary, Medermit refusing in the 2.50 Huntingdon! How can you budget for that? Even the second favourite did not want to win, which is why you sometimes get these ridiculous results! What happens when they have assumed that the favourite will win, so there is no money for the second favourite? That's what happens! Grande Caiman was by far best in for the 3.00 Southwell, but keeps running well below its best form in third. Fortunately I also backed my second rated Kimberley Downs at 14/1 (I got 16/1)! Black Falcon should be watched closely in the near future. I thought Safran De Cotte would run a good race in the 3.10 Bangor, but wanted it in a forecast with Heron Bay, which almost got there in third! Best in Carys's Lad was clearly not wanted in the 3.20 Huntingdon, and then I thought that next best Loco Grande was going to give me the forecast, but it got pipped into fourth place! Absolute farces some of these races! Most of the horses and riders are just faffing around! They must know what is going to happen before they run, or how else could that favourite win so easily? I thought system bet Silent Lucidity was coming to figure prominently in the 3.30 Southwell, but it backed out near the end. I am sure there is another race in that one soon, and Goodison Park will do better when wanted. I backed Monsieur in the 3.40 Bangor, and the leader stopped near the line, allowing Monsieur to snatch the race! I'm not complaining! Cybergenic ran well for a long way, but was clearly not wanted today, and will do much better! I backed Close House (by Generous) in the 2.50 Huntingdon, but just got pipped on the line by Broughtons Star! Bel Cantor was well backed in the 4.00 Southwell, but never figured! Must do better soon! Fortunately I also backed the winner, Victorian Bounty 14/1! Charles Parnell is another to bear in mind shortly. Blast! I wrote down King's Grace, Tarn Hows and Flemi Two Toes for the 4.10 Bangor, but didn't do the forecast! Ridiculous! Another short-priced favourite beaten in Peligroso in the 4.20 Kempton. I suppose that they were all fairly well matched at the weights, but Peligroso appeared to be going best of the lot. Half Sister refuses to run well, and disappointed again in the 5.50 Kempton, having run wide most of the way around and looking to be well in contention. Was by far best in, so I don't know what they are waiting for! Mater Mater can also do better than it did tonight, held out the back and making no real forward move. I can't work out why they don't run better in these very poor races! It's a real puzzle, and only the trainers can tell you the answer. I had a little each-way on Miniyamba in the 6.20 Kempton, but was disappointed with the efforts of both Pearl (fifth when going well) and Pocket Too, both of which can do much better. Both may do better over the jumps soon, and perhaps this was a tune-up.

9th November: I had system bet Pure Faith as my first choice for the 1.00 Sedgefield, but wanted Dr Flynn for the forecast. The latter jumped across the hurdles and dropped out disappointingly. I had American Ladie and The Bishop's Baby for the 1.10 Lingfield, finishing second and fourth. The latter made good ground in mid-race, but did not quite finish off the race. I had Highland Valley and Daring Orygyn for the forecast in the 2.20 Exeter! I backed Rock Relief each-way in the 1.30 Sedgefield, and the b... unseated rider, then harassed the winner most of the way around! Pity it doesn't count with no jockey! Seminal Moment also ran well in about fifth place. Midnight Diamond, thrown in for the 1.40 Lingfield, managed only second place, running in snatches! It's really annoying when a horse should win easily! Delgany Gunner also finished fourth, to give me no return! It's as if you are being set up for a fall in these races! I doubted whether Captain Becket would win today with that dreaded first place at the front, and the betting and the performance confirmed this. For some reason, form figures are all important when weighing up a race. Captain Becket will probably do much better next time. The lack of favouritism for Scottsbrook Cloud was also worrying. I got On Trend at 14/1 in the 2.10 Lingfield, but did not reverse the forecast with Raduis Bleu! Never mind, good return! I did not see the reaminder of the races, but gave Schinken Otto, 9/1 winner and Panthers Run, third 10/1 in the 3.30 Sedgefield. Of the others, all I can say is that most of them should have done better if they ran to form, particularly Marodima, Teenage Idol, Premier Dane, Harcas, Tiger King, Manmoon and Whatcanisay, several of which were either wary of each other or biding their time, but all can be noted for the near future.

8th November: Lukey Luke finished third and Play The Rock fourth in the 1.55 Carlisle. The latter in particular was going extremely well, and only dropped back near the end. Will probably win a race before long, as will Lukey Luke, but it was annoying that neither won today. Royal Box led almost all the way in the 2.05 Wolverhampton before packing up late. Will win a race before long. Damn! I had system bet Peters Gift on my list but did not back it at 20/1! Key Light should also do better soon. National Trust was by far best in for the 2.15 Southwell, but I wanted Kilshannig for the forecast, but McCoy did not appear to push it too hard for the runners-up spot! System bet Sibenek winner of the 2.25 Carlisle, with system bet Le Roi Rouge third. Everything but the right result in the 2.35 Wolverhampton! I backed the favourite to beat Sir Lunchalott, and the winner in a forecast with Sir Lunchalott. Why do they never run to form? Phar Again, by far best in for the 2.45 Southwell, did not compete today, but is thrown in when wanted. Next best Inchloch also ran very poorly, and keep an eye on Najca De Thaix. All three of these were better in than the placed horse, but that seems to mean nothing in many races! Both Phar Again and Inchloch had assymetrical form, which probably explains their poor running today. Best in Kincraighe was a big outsider in the 3.10 Wolverhampton, and it never looks good when that is the case. It did front-run for a long way, then inevitably backed out. You feel as if that has been pre-planned for the race! That one will do better, and I expected a better run from Looksmart, but not today! There was money for Best's horse, and it is not usually left behind by them! Best in Meydan Dubai ran a stinker in the 3.45 Wolverhampton, and that happens so often! Must win when wanted. Hart Of Gold front-ran for a long way, but never seems to finish off its races these days! The winner, Pinball, missed the break last time when its blindfold was removed too late! One of my selections, Morocchius finished fourth again in the 3.55 Southwell, but I feel it has plenty more to offer. Typically when I back a good flat horse over the jumps, in this case Admirals Way, it starts as a big outsider and runs like a crab! Do they do that just to test it out? I wouldn't mind if it showed something instead of just tailing off! Best in Fair Spin won again in the 4.05 Carlisle, but I wanted Knockaveen for the forecast! The 8lb claimer clearly made a difference for Leith Walk (second). How many of these Whillans jockeys are there? They could almost make a football team! Do I gaive up on Marafong? It always seems to run fourth, fifth or sixth! It was second best in today, made good ground, then dropped back to sixth! You would think it has got to try to win soon! Ok, it was rated 40 today, but that is often when they spring a surprise! Now that its figures are -456, perhaps it will! Well, you might as well finish in the way you have done most of the day, and the hevily backed Spectait finished sixth in the 4.45 Wolverhampton. Don't know where the money came from, but it was badly mispalced! Lastkingofscotland finished fifth, but can do much better, and Cobo Bay finished third and can also win when wanted. A betting day to forget as far as best ratings were concerned! Strangely enough, I had several winners written down on my list, but did not give them as selections. That often happens, as I usually give my top-rated. Well, you can't go far wrong giving top-rated, can you? Don't you believe, my third, fourth and fifth rated are just as likely to win!

7th November: I backed Super Villan in the 1.00 Hereford, but got beaten by Old Wigmore! The 7lb claimer in this case was useful! I backed Grand Award with the favourite in the 2.10 Ffos las, but it slipped up when looking like winning over the last! How unlucky can you get? If Marsh Warbler hadn't bungled a couple of hurdles, I think it would have won the 2.20 Market Rasen, but by the way it was ridden, I am not sure they wanted to win. Clearly had a lot in hand. My other each-way choice, Frequency, lost its irons and pulled up, but the price was not encouraging! I thought Jug Of Punch would make a better effort today (and there was money for it), but it ran on for about sixth place. Also very disappointed with Rojaaba and Lupita, which were also very well in. How do you work out if they are trying or not? It's a minefield. The winner, Bernard was about fifth best in! Dipity Doo Dah was a biggish price in the 1.50 Market Rasen, and ran accordingly. Must be better than that! What on earth happened to Caught By Witness, which never looked likely? Terrible luck! My two against Bobby Bullock, Marked Man and Heart Springs both fell in the 2.00 Hereford! Marked Man was clear best, but was a big price today. Do they know that they are not going to run well today? That is the message being given out. System bet Millers Dawn 12/1 third. Ridiculous! The two best in for the 2.15 Ffos Las, Benfleet Boy and Blacktoft were not wanted in the betting today and finished third and fourth, allowing the outsider to win. What is the use of ratings if they do not run to them! It smacks of "We're not winning today, work it out between you!" It makes you wild! On all known form Potemkin had no right to win this race, and seemed to win it by default! I had three selections for the 2.25 Market Rasen, Railway Park, which was best in but finished fourth, Art Exhibition, which pulled up, and Hippodrome, which finished second at 12/1. One day they will run properly! Mister Chancer was disappointing in fifth in the 2.35 Hereford. A totally unpredictable race, but expect Hadron Collider to run better soon! Damn! I had Moon Over Miami and Enlightenment in the 2.45 Ffos Las, and the latter fell in the lead at the last, and Moon Over Miami got up to win the race! Assuming that Moon Over Miami would have finished second, it cost me a good forecast! Mr Moonshine looked certain to win the 2.55 Market Rasen, but was outrun by Ashfield Dream. Premier Sagas appeared to be coming into contention, but did not run on at the end. Useless runs again from Diktalina and Josephine Malines (fourth) in the 3.05 Hereford. You can't back them when they run like that, although Diktalina was getting rid of a first place. My third choice and system bet, Mud Monkey, third in the 3.40 Hereford at 16/1. My nap, Temple Place finished fifth, but will win a race very soon. Never trust horses at 25/1, as that often, but not always, means that they will not compete. Oncle Kid departed early in the 3.55 Ffos las, but should do better soon, and best in Bob Casey finished only third, which did not surprise me, but it will be symmetrical next time, and should do better. I give up in these seven horse races, where the top-rated horse (Donovan) came third again for no return! Looked to be hacking up on the outside, but made sure not to come in the first two! Must win soon, but I hate the tortuous way they work up to a win! It is incredibly annoying when the best in horse, Stage Right, is (apparently) hard ridden early on and drops out! You know your fate almost immediately! -04 figures are usually a death knell, and so it proved. I am convinced they run to a pattern in these circumstances, a kind of code which usually means not today! If we can crack that code, we will be rolling in it! Fortunately my second selection, Ruby Valentine won at 13/2! I thought Keys would win the bumper, coming form the Charlton stable, and it was quite a good price considering, but was also interested in Conigre, which ran well for a long way, and should be capable of better soon. Look out for it in a similar race.

6th November: My nap, Lemon Silk, just pipped on the line at 8/1 by King's Gold Reef in the 12.45 Sandown! Looked to have the race in the bag! Knew I should have put Gold Reef in for the forecast! Storm Prospect was best in for the 1.00 Kelso, but hung back to far and finished only fifth. You can usually tell their intentions by the way they are ridden. Can win very soon. My second choice, More Equity 9/2 second. Best in Pacha D'Oudairies finished only fifth in the 1.10 Wincanton. Never looked like winning, so a bit annoying! I had Kyoto Summit in the 1.25 Down Royal, but wanted the thrown in Fool's Wildcat (third) for the forecast! Damn! How close can you get? They do that so often, win a race and then come second or third next time. It's almost predictable! System bet Santera 12/1 winner of the 1.40 Wincanton! Damn! Didn't back it! Meglio Ancora was running on from the back in the 1.45 Sandown, but I am sure can do much better over hurdles. It was running faster than those in front near the end, but would not get placed! It's really annoying when you back these bigger priced horses and they finish fourth! As soon as best in Natal's jockey started rowing away in the 1.55 Down Royal, I knew it had had it. No reason for it, just cosmetic for the form figures! One of my selections, Eton Rifles 11/1 second in the 2.00 Doncaster, with system bet Horseradish the winner! Songe just crept home in the 2.20 sandown, with system bet Or Bleu in third. I had Saphira's Fire each-way in the 2.35 Doncaster, finishing third at 20/1! I looked at Ceilidh House, because it was system+1 bet! Alph decided not to compete today (well, he didn't!) and finished fifth. High Bird Humphrey front-ran, which is often fatal, and will do better, probably next time. On a previous run, it looked all over the winner, so is obviously still well in when wanted. It was obvious from the betting that the thrown in Verasi would not be winning the 3.30 Sandown, but I had to back it just in case. Second best Antonius Caesar finished third after looking like the winner towards the end. Best in Tax Free chose today not to run a race, but my second choice, Hitchens, finished second. Russian Spirit must have improved a lot to win this race, but you never know how much they are hiding when they are from top stables! Its previous form was certainly not up to this! I had the first two written down at 14/1 and 25/1 for the 3.45 Kelso, but did not put them together for the forecast. What a prat! One of my selections, Just Posh, finished fifth, and is working towards a better run soon. Front Rank was best in, but there is usually money for it when it competes. System type bet, Itstooearly, finished third at 40/1! Why is it when King and Henderson both have runners in a bumper, neither of them seem to perform? It's amazing! None of the top-rated performed in the 4.10 Doncaster, probably because they were too closely handicapped, and this often happens, but it's very annoying when you back a few and get no return! Keep an eye out for River Falcon, Magic Cat, Fishforcompliments and Game Lad next time out!

5th November: Today's nap and next best: Lidjo De Rouge (2.50 Font) and Monfils Monfils (4.00 South). Typically I picked the wrong Elliott runner with Caracal in the 1.05 Down Royal, which was worse than useless! Next I put Maree Prince in the forecast for the 1.10 Hexham, and that b... pulled up! Looks like being a good day! At last! I had Kauto The Roc to beat Present To You in the 1.20 Fontwell, just getting up on the line! I put system bet Lexington Bay in for the forecast in the 1.30 Southwell, but with the wrong horse (Raw Spirit) as the winner! I wasn't sure if Manoubi would win today, with an outstanding first place, and my fears were justified, coming only second. Must win a race soon. Second-rated Cloudmor dropped out tamely after disputing the lead for a long time and will do better. Dansimar, marginally better in than Easter Legend, fell when going well in the 1.50 Fontwell, ruining my forecast bet! One of my selections, Colorus, third 12/1 in the 2.00 Lingfield! Equuleus Pictor ran a stinker and must do better off this mark soon. Others to note soon: Benwilt Breeze and Pawan, possibly over six furlongs. I have place-itis at present, with Knight Valliant finishing second again in the 2.10 Hexham! System bet Rolecarr 7/1 winner. Should stick to my system bets! Shall I give up on Vacario? I don't think so, but its string of fourths and fifths is not encouraging! Acosta (sixth) and My Rosie Ribbons (fourth) were also well in, so keep an eye on those two also. Could not get one of the first three in the 2.20 Fontwell! There was no rhyme nor reason to the running of the 2.30 Lingfield on the ratings, with Grande Caiman thrown in for this, but finishing only third. I couldn't see how Diggeratt could win on the ratings, unless it was a Hanagan benefit this time! What is going on? Even Ra Junior was better in than the winner, but that one is being held up for a handicap tilt, I suspect. The only one with an official rating, Club Class, 22/1 winner of the 2.40 Hexham! Should not have been able to compete with two or three others on hurdles ratings! My nap, Lidjo De Rouge, decided to have an off-day today, but is thrown in when wanted! I don't think I will nap anything again which has got more than a 3lb claimer on board, as that seems to be the kiss of death in most cases! How many times do horses with outstanding first places finish second or third? It happened again with Take A Mile today! I almost feel like packing it in! I kept looking at Senate Majority (15/2 winner) as a possible improver in the 3.00 Southwell, but changed my mind, silly me! Brink and Blue Zephyr were well in, but did not figure today. Keep an eye on King Sandor from the 3.10 Hexham, which seemed to gain on the leaders easily, then found nothing towards the end. I suspect that one will win when wanted. Dalrymple was at 40/1 and unplaced in the 3.20 Fontwell, but I feel that it is much better than that on its hurdles second earlier. Lepido second again at 100/30 and system bet Posh Emily third. Rowe Park was best in for the 3.30 Southwell, but was too big a price considering the context and number of runners, so one had to assume that it would not win today. It's annoying when you have to back them because they should win! I fancied Camden in the 3.50 Fontwell, but why did Custer Of The West drift out in the betting and finish nowhere? That really annoys me! A winner with Hunters Belt 13/2 in the 4.00 Southwell, but could have had the tricast if Monfils Monfils had run properly (fourth)! That horse is now being worked towards a win, whether that will be next time is pure guesswork! Why is it when I select a horse that should win easily it runs like a donkey? Lerida was by far best in for the 4.10 Hexham, but dropped out tamely. I feel like screaming sometimes! Every time I back a short-priced horse to win, it finishes second, and if I back something at a bigger price each-way it finishes fourth! It's really annoying, but it seems to be a pattern! Fongoli (second) and Wishes Or Watches (fourth) were two examples in the 4.20 Fontwell. It seems to be preordained! Funnily enough, I wrote down the four best in for this race, and they finished in reverse order, with the least well in winning, and the best in finishing fourth! Is this known beforehand by connections? I wonder. One never knows what goes on behind the scenes. A winner at last with Methaaly 9/1 in the 4.30 Wolverhampton, which I did not give as a selection, but which I have been tipping for some time, so that was nice! Keep an eye on Top Bid, which is due a better run soon.

4th November: Today's nap and next best: Di Stefano (2.30 Ling) and Manadam (2.55 Towcs). Satin Love clearly did not run to its rating in the 12.45 Lingfield, unless the others improved considerably. Focail Maith ran well above itself in third, and may be very well in for the future. One of my first selections, Rare Coincidence, 16/1 second in the 12.55 Haydock. This Scottsbrook Cloud must have improved a huge amount recently! You can make a note of Englishtown, which was best in, but finished last today! Next time out should do much better! Picked the wrong big stable to back with Instabella in the 1.10 Towcester, and my other choice, Definitley Lovely, finished fourth. Just pipped both ways! Another second place with Woodcote Place 13/2 in the 1.20 Lingfield! Damn, I had a feeling about Malcheek, but didn't back it! Attaglance was not given a maximum ride in the 1.30 Haydock, and ran on well past beaten horses to finish fourth. Pity, because I backed it each-way. Keep an eye on that one, possibly over further. King Fingal will also do better. Liberty Seeker 3/1 won the 1.45 Towcester, but very poor runs from Wyeth and Perfect Reward, the two Moore horses, both of which should have done much better! Elhamri could not have run to its best form to get beaten in the 1.55 Lingfield, but you see it happen so often in these races! No money for Hinton Admiral, next best in, and you probably need to see it from that stable. That one and Mango Music will do better when wanted. Flake did not perform in the 2.05 Haydock, but will do better. The Jazz Musician led most of the way, but fell at the last, and will also win again. Another place with Romney Marsh 6/1 in the 2.20 Towcester! Can't get a winner yet! Arceye either runs well or appalingly, and today it was the latter, but will do better. The stablemate of the winner, Foxesbowe will do better soon. System bet Me Julie looked like winning before eventually coming fourth.Typical! Di Stefano, thrown in for the 2.30 Lingfield, came nowhere after a second place last time. Why do they keep doing that? Must win soon. Ivory Silk did exactly the same thing, so it looks like stick to system bets! Unfortunately the other two I wrote down came first and third! System bet Rio Gael winner of the 2.40 Haydock 7/1 winner from system bet Gifted Leader 5/1 second. My system bet Master Fong, ran very poorly and must do better, and Laredo Sound was right up there before dropping out. My next best, Manadam, was hampered early on, and ran on for fifth. Should win very soon. System bet Earcomesthedream 16/1 second (looked like winning between the last two). Dashing George and Arctic Echo are two to keep an eye on soon. Williams Way came hacking down the outside in the 3.05 Lingfield, looked all over the winner, then came only fourth! That one is thrown in now! Ridiculous result, as both Boucheron and King Supreme should have been there too! Just goes to show that they can get any result they want, and usually do! Gray Mountain was best in on hurdles form for the 3.15 Haydock, but fell when struggling! Probably needed the run, but they are usually fit from these stables. Second best Born Again won at 100/30, which proves the point. My selection, Bobby Bullock, 5/2 winner of the 3.30 Towcester. I suspect that Nearly A Breeze, knowing that they could not win this, was held back today, but will do better soon. I thought they might pull a fast one with the Hemmings pair in the 3.50 Haydock, but they came in in the right order, unfortunately for me! I also backed The Portonian each-way. Lunar River was very disappointing in the 4.10 Lingfield, but hopefully that is so it can win as a system bet next time. Whenever given by the newspaper pundits, these horses mysteriously vanish! Not enough money for Astrodiva, which is normally well backed when competing, although it showed up well for most of the race. I have been keeping my eye on these Ermyn horses, and both figured, including the winner! Unfortunately I did not back either today. Vinces and Professor John should show very soon. Don't you just hate it when the horse you have backed goes clear in the final furlong, then some first-time outer runs on and grabs yours on the line? That happened in the 4.30 Kempton, where I backed Buddy Miracle, then this other thing, Richmond Fontaine, just wears it down on the line. Like being strangled slowly! The problem is, there is no way of anticipating this unless you are in the know!

3rd November: None of my top-rated got into the shakeup in the 12.15 Nottingham. Hart Of Gold was best in, but never got on the pace (still a system bet next time), and next best Bertbrand was a huge price and will do better soon. Hart Of Gold normally front-runs, but has never won over five furlongs. I can never work out why they run well one day and not the next! Darcys Pride is still well in, but not for today! I had a little look at Jemimaville (third) but it was not as well in as many others I wrote down. System bet Sharp Shoes 10/1 winner. Two to watch out for from the 12.45 Nottingham are Mini Bon Bon and Molly Mylenis, both of which were up with the pace before dropping out. My main fancy for the 12.55 Warwick, Olympian Boy, bolted before the start and was withdrawn! Couldn't pick Park Lane, although I like the name! I wrote down the first four for the 1.05 Chepstow, and of course the horse I backed, Awesome Freddy, finished fourth! Sod's law! I somehow managed to pick Swindy in the 1.15 Nottingham, as I like Cole's runners on their second run. The Godolphin horse, Madison Square dropped out after being up there. If I Were A Boy seemed to be travelling very well in the 1.25 Warwick, but after running wide, dropped out quickly. May be worth keeping an eye on. I got the forecast with Prince Massini and Radmore's Revenge in the 1.35 Chepstow, but Satindra let me down for the tricast and will do better soon. Even with two fallers, I couldn't get a place in the 2.00 Warwick! Vasodilator finished last when it was thrown in, and Rince Donn finished only fourth! A ridiculous result, and not what I was looking for. Both of these will do better. The winner, That's The Deal was my fourth rated! King's Pride In Battle fourth again in the 2.10 Chepstow. When will he get a better result in these races (I know he had an odds-on winner earlier)? What a ridiculous race in the 2.20 Nottingham, with two 100+ horses finishing sixth and seventh! How can you cater for that sort of nonsense? Makes you feel like packing it in! System bet Darbys Turn 10/1 winner of the 2.35 Warwick! I backed it each-way, but didn't really expect it to win! Best in Mister Wiseman and Chevy To The Levy ran very badly in the 2.45 Chepstow, and both will do better soon. Third best Bobby Gee finished second. A winner at last with Flipping 8/1 in the 2.55 Nottingham! Thought I was going to get a good run out of Stow today, but it ran a stinker! Must do better soon off this rating! No joy from any of the top-rated in the 3.30 Nottingham, with Final Verse, Jack Dawkins and Blue Spinnaker all running deplorably. How can you back when they have no intention of figuring? Bold Marc can also do better off this mark. Damn! Thought I was going to get the forecast with Chico Time and September Moon, but the latter just faded to third when looking sure to come second! System bet Cadoudalas winner of the 3.55 Chepstow, but could I get the tricast? The hell I could! I thought Rouge Et Blanc would have done better. My nap, By Command, was 50/1 today and clearly not wanted, but my second choice, Ocean Transit, won at 8/1! By Command is thrown in when wanted soon. Dream In Waiting will also do better, despite being ridden by Hughes and not performing today. I fancied Wassailing Queen 6/1 (by Generous) in the 4.15 Warwick, and got the forecast with Whoops A Daisy for good measure! Monsieur, thrown in for the 4.25 Chepstow, started at 33/1, and I doubted that it would perform, but it came second! Must win soon and probably would have today, apart from mistakes at several hurdles. Dansilver should do better soon. My selections to subscribers today gave three winners, two at 8/1 and one at 7/2, plus a 33/1 place and a 16/1 place! Not bad!

2nd November: Don't know what happened to George Nympton in the 1.35 Exeter, never got into the hunt! It was pretty obvious from the close betting that Mr Hudson and Madison Du Berlais would figure in the finish, but I don't know whether they knew that Madison Du Berlais would not win. Off its chase rating it should have won easily, but was probably being given a confidence booster before going chasing again? I wrote down the first three for the 1.45 Catterick, but decided to back Joe Le Taxi each-way, finishing third at 9/1. I thought Trouble Digger might have done better in the 2.05 Exeter, given its pedigree, but we will proably have to wait a little longer for that one. How can you back the runner-up Alla Svelta when it refused to race last time? You can never tell with Channon's runners! After running numerous races without winning, Barista won again in the 2.15 Catterick, and must have shown improved form. Not the most obvious well-handicapped winner! I was expecting a better run from system bet Ted's Brother (fourth). Zowington (missed the break) was too big a price today in the 2,25 Kempton, but my second choice and system bet, Love You Louis won at 8/1 (I got 9/1) and I had the third, Lord Of The Reins 7/1 for good measure! Thought I was going to get the winner with I'msingingtheblues in the 2.35 Exeter, but dropped back into fourth! I also backed Twist Magic each-way, and nearly won it. Suspicious that Nicholls got a 1-2, and Twist Magic dropped back before running on again near the line! My two selections, Avonvalley and Galpin Junior first 13/8 and second 11/4 in the 2.45 Catterick, unfortunately in the wrong order as regards ratings! Galpin Junior was much better in, but they must have known what would happen. One of my selections, Blackstone Vegas, 20/1 third in the 2.55 Kempton (not much room on the inside). Pictures did not really show (no pun intended), but will do better soon. Weald Park dropped out quickly, but is thrown in when wanted. Well, I had Rock Noir 9/2 as the winner of the 3.05 Exeter, but wanted Qozak for the forecast! Seradim was by far best in for the 3.25 Kempton, but the trip may have been too far, as it was in the lead two furlongs out and finished only third. Must win a race soon. It was obvious from the ouset that best in What A Scientist would not be winning the 3.35 Exeter! I hate it when the jockey is rowing away so early, just for show! Clyffe Hanger ran a good race, but I think fourth place was all that was wanted today also. Both will do better shortly. This Cara's Request must be much better than its official rating, as it beat the very well in Trans Sonic into third in the 3.45 Catterick! I took the Sporting Life Notebook tip with Room For A View 10/1 in the 3.55 Kempton, but was disappointed with both Suntrap and Asterisk! I had Hansome King on my list too, but did not do the forecast. Both Krackatara and Bally Conn ran good races in the 4.05 Exeter, and will do better soon. Fortunately I also backed system bet Victor's Serenade, 10/1 winner! Hernando's Boy was useless in the 4.15 Catterick, but that was only because it was not wanted today! That one, Pegasus Prince and Spahi will do much better soon. This Dubara Reef keeps winning races, so must be much better than its rating! Baby Strange was well backed in the 4.25 Kempton, but was it just the Hanagan factor? Might have to wait another race now. Fullandby ran on late, and may be worth a bet on Saturday. My other choice, Shifting Star, finished second at 8/1.Just got it wrong in the 4.35 Exeter, backing Court In Motion to beat Join Together and Oscar Papa each-way. Much better doing Oscar Papa for the forecast! Still, if we got it right every time we would be worth a fortune! I don't know where the money came from for Gallantry in the 5.25 Kempton, but it was totally misplaced, even though the horse must win very soon. What was more annoying was the lack of sparkle in San Antonio, which was even better in. Just shows that even apprentices know how to get certain positions in a race! It makes you feel like cracking a whip across their backsides! I can never work out why they are so heavily backed and still don't win, unless it is a tip going around, unconnected with the stable! If that is the case, they probably don't win then because the price is too short! I had a strange feeling about Dinner Date, but couldn't see how it could win at the weights! Just shows that very often horses for courses seems to work! I must congratulate the jockeys, who have obviously been well taught as to how to make it look as if they are giving the absolute maximum on their horses, when they could probably go about ten miles an hour faster! Am I cynical or what?

1st November: I fancied Ballinteni and Smokey Oakey in the 1.00 Kempton, finishing second and about sixth. Didn't reckon with King's Iolith, but it is a top stable! King Olav should have done better off this rating. System bet Mister Optimistic 20/1 third in the 1.10 Wolverhampton. Questionnaire and Hygrove Gal were disappointing! Gunalt Joy (-040) (second 100/1) is clearly better than its 47 rating! I backed system bet The Hon Tara in the 1.20 Plumpton, and wanted to back Kaituna too, but the race was off too quickly! If Jay Jay could win the 1.30 Kempton, how the hell couldn't Pak Jack, which was much better in on the ratings? Keep an eye on that one, which must be looking for a handicap! I had the forecast with Insolenceofoffice and Lady Kildare in the 1.40 Wolverhampton, and also backed system bet Paper Dreams each-way which I thought got third, but actually fourth.! My first selection of the day, Just Beware, 16/1 winner (by ten lengths) of the 1.55 Plumpton! Mid Wicket led for a long way, but always seemed to be forced to run. Solitary Palm would have won the 2.05 kempton but for a mistake at the last! Looked to have the race in the bag! Itea Du Fau and Cockatoo should both do much better soon. Red Wine, with a first place at the front, was too long in the betting today, and should be watched for next time. You just have to keep backing that horse until it wins, as it is thrown in off this rating. Given A Choice will also do better, but you probably need to see some money for it. Ramora is another that will probably do better shortly (complete outsider, but third best in). Frustrating in the 2.30 Plumpton, where the top three rated finished third, fourth and fifth! Mister Pink was best in, but finished fourth, and Wujood and Rapid Return (travelled best) were fifth and third! The perils of small races again! Lough Derg is a tricky animal to catch right, but on a going day will win a similar race. My second choice, Backbord, ran on well for second at 10/1. Silence is Bliss was clear best in for the 2.50 Wolverhampton, but was clearly not wanted today, even with Hughes on board! Will do better soon. My other choice, Kissing Clara, won at 11/4. Silly Billy (sys+1) 25/1 second. I got the forecast with Glengarra and The Hardy Boy in the 3.35 Plumpton, which got me back a little of my losses! Best in Petroupetrov ran a stinker in the 3.45 Kempton, and can do much better than that soon! Best in Angelena Ballerina did not really figure in the 3.55 Wolverhampton, but must do better soon, along with Capacity. Perhaps these two were wary of each other, as they were almost exactly matched. Frustrating for me, though! Both should do better soon. Fortunaltely I also backed Powerful Pierre each-way at 33/1. I suppose Just The Job had system type form for the 4.10 Plumpton, but I couldn't pick it! Midnight Diamond was best in, but had no intention of winning today. Next best Spider Boy finished second. I looked at Mark Of Love for the 4.20 Kempton, but thought nah! Off for three years! Then it won! B....! Typically my selection Sun Quest ran right up with the pace, then finished fifth! Trump Call will do better soon. I feel sure there is a race to be won with The Cayterers also. Templetuohy Max 11/1 almost won the 4.30 Wolverhampton, just pipped on the line by Elijah Pepper! Stevie Gee (missed break) only wins occasionally when wanted, but is exceptionally well in, and will probably show next time. Next best in Willow Dancer finished third. One of my picks, Trachonitis, 33/1 second (with Hanagan on board) in the 5.00 Wolverhampton! The first horse I wrote down, Naheell 40/1 winner, despite being 4lb out of the handicap!

31st October: Today's nap and next best: Judge 'n Jury (3.55 Ling) & Figaro Flyer (1.10 Ling). I backed Ballistic each-way and it unseated rider in the 12.40 Lingfield. Gosden's other horse, Cantor, was also poor. You never know what you're going to get in these maidens! I backed Noble Scholar each-way in the 1.00 Carlisle, but just got pipped into fourth. How annoying! Figaro Flyer refuses to run a good race, but fortuntely I also selected and backed Rio Royale! Figaro Flyer normally needs to be backed when winning. Fourth and fifth in the 1.20 Huntingdon with system bet Up To The Mark and Taketimeout! Native Coll, Samizdat and Kings Envoy will all do better after the 1.30 Carlisle. Also just pipped into fourth on Make It Blossom! My selection Meydan Dubai (second 7/1) was thrown in for the 1.40 Lingfield, but they like to get their place first! The money for it was noticeable today (must have been an each-way instruction). Spoof Master (5 furlongs) is due soon, as is Jonny Ebeneezer if it retains any ability. One of my favourites, Bold Ring, won the race, and I think it is much better than its official rating. Pity I didn't put it in for the forecast! I had a little each-way on Cocoa Key 14/1 in the 2.05 Carlisle, purely on its form figures! Kempski led for long way, but was too big a price today. Will do better, as will Cool Operator, which ran on late for fifth. Keep an eye on Euro American over further soon. System bet Pyracantha 6/1 second. None of my top three rated were placed in the 2.15 Lingfield, being Robby Bobby, Mount Hadley and Lang Shining. Robby Bobby at least made some effort in chasing the leader before dropping out. I often think they do not want to take each other on when they are so closely rated. Whatever, it is very annoying! You might as well pick the next best in for such races, as it happens constantly! All of these will do much better, but were terrible today! I wrote down the first four for the 2.30 Carlisle, but still didn't get the forecast! Cape Tribulation, receiving a lot of weight, pulled up after never really running in the 2.40 Carlisle. The two best in horses, Numide and Dalhaan ran the worst of the lot in the 2.50 Lingfield. Why do they keep running so often with no effort? It beggars belief! The fact that they are outsiders from certain stables means that have no chance, but it is very difficult not to back them! Knight Legend was thrown in for the 3.00 Huntingdon, but I don't think intended to win, although running on for third. Typically High Bird Humphrey pulled up after running a cracker last time! One of my tips, Minster Shadow 16/1 second in the 3.10 Carlisle. It was pretty obvious from the betting that Echo Point would not figure today and it pulled up. Why do I always pick an outsider that is going to be useless? In this case it was Sentosa, which appeared to have a lot more to give, but packed up tamely! I had one of those feelings about Primrose Time in the 3.45 Carlisle, but stuck with top-rated Ormus each-way at 12/1! I didn't tip Piscean today, but should have! My second choice, Billy Red second at 25/1! Why is it that my second choice usually does better? Judge 'n Jury has been very well in for some time, so must try soon! Thrown in Madman was a huge price in the 4.05 Huntingdon, but front-raan for a long way and will do better soon. One of my selections, Chalice Welcome, third at 8/1. Mulaazem will do better soon. I have rarely seen a Swinbank runner run so badly in a bumper with Touch Of Spring. Surely it must be better than that? Are they trying to discourage people from backing them blind? Three horses again that would not show in the 4.25 Lingfield in Dichoh, Aflaam and Super Frank! The only other one that I did not back because of its form figures, Kilburn, won the race! You can never tell what is going to happen with these races, but can only make an educated guess! It would be so nice if just occasionally the top three came in as they should (this has happened only a handful of times in all the years I have been backing)!

30th October: Two system bets in Alegralil 7/2 and Issaquah 11/4 first and second in the 2.15 Wetherby! System bet Radium beat top-rated Othermix in the 2.25 Ascot. Godolphin's apparent third string Kingsfort 10/1 winner of the 2.35 Newmarket! I almost put in The Cheka (system type form) for the forecast! Alexandros will do better shortly, looking at the form figures. My nap Berbice 5/1 third with Ingleby Arch 7/1 winner! I don't know why Berbice is taking so long to win, but there was not between it and Ingleby Arch on the ratings. Should certainly have finished ahead of Lake Chini. If it retains its old ability, must win soon. Another winner with Fair Along 6/1 in the 2.50 Wetherby! Good so far today. Dunraven Storm must be better than its previous performances, and the Hobbs stable don't normally back a horse lightly! Why does Nabah keep coming fourth? There's something interesting usually when horse do that. It doesn't pay to overlook Godolphin horses (Blue Bunting another 10/1 winner) usually! I think Sphinx should have won the 3.20 Ayr, but finished ony third, Why do they keep doing that? Will probably win next time as a system bet. I had another winner with system bet Nacarat 6/1 in the 3.25 Wetherby! Pity, I thought The Fifth Member might throw in a bad one today, but it did not! Dolphin Rock finished fifth. I won't go through details of the rest of the races, as I was out most of the time, but I gave four winners as selections to subscribers today, including Best Prospect 9/2, Ulysses 5/1, Fair Along 6/1 and Ingleby Arch 7/1! I did a 15p each-way accumulator on four horses, which yielded two winners and two places, with a return of £7.33. Not bad for 30p! The only time I didn't give Lakeman as a selection it won, when in fact the second, Mississippian, was better in. Typical! It ios so annoying that whenever I go out the horses that I would have backed often come first and second, and I can only do a few token bets. Ah well, C'est la vie, as they say somewhere or other! Horses to watch for soon: Tranos, Greenbelt, Shy Glance, Border Tale, San Deng, Beaver Patrol, Quarrel and Protector.

29th October: Today's nap and next best: Mister McGoldrick (3.20 Weth) (led, ran on again for third) and Calatagan (fourth) (2.45 Weth). Beckett got the first and third in the 1.15 Newmarket, but the 80/1 winner (two poorish previous runs) was not ridden by the stable jockey! Is that a crafty move, and are they all up to those kinds of tricks? Just got pipped for third with Mic's Delight in the 1.30 Uttoxeter! The winner, Kilcrea Kim, had beaten the amazing winner Drill Sergeant previously! Pity, they showed a view of Peter Chapple-Hyam and Hannon Junior just before the 1.50 Newmarket, and I backed the wrong one in Sinfonico! These races are a bit of a lottery, unfortunatley, which is why I am not keen. King's Habbie Simpson 4/1 winner of the 2.10 Wetherby with my hope, Front Of House hampered before coming second, and system bet Eagle Owl fourth. The other system bet Jago River fell at the last when in second. Lyric Street made eye-catching progress at halfway in the 2.25 Newmarket, then appeared to hang fire before running on late again. Keep an eye on that one for the future. My first choice for the 2,45 Wetherby, Calatagan, got outpaced, then ran on really strongly for fourth place! Disappointing, as was Bywell Beau, but my third choice, Royal Max, won at 13/2, so I got a return. I thought system bet Sweet Cecily was the value bet in the 3.00 Newmarket, and got 6/1 on it! Ragsah was very disappointing, but they often are at short prices! My two selections for the 3.10 Uttoxeter, Devilfishpoker Com and Kingscourt Lad, both front-ran for a long way before packing up. These were trial runs, and both will do better soon, as will the disappointing Royal Flynn. I thought Mr McGoldrick had the race in the bag in the 3.20 Wetherby, but was overtaken, then ran on strongly again for third. Is he waiting for a cheltenham race? Thrown in Take It To The Max took the lead briefly, then backed out in the 3.35 Newmarket. Why do they consistently do that? Must have been a trial run! Next best Lutine Charlie also threatened briefly, then dropped out, and will be a system bet next time. So frustrating, these non-runs! My third best, Ostentation, also finished fourth, for a great series! What a ridiculous race the 3.45 Uttoxter turned out to be! Both the top-rated horses failed to perform, with Border Castle pulling up and Sway not running to form. You might as well back the outsiders if that is going to happen! I had a glance at Mao Chinn Tire for the 3.55 Wetherby, because of its flat performances, but didn't dream it would win at 200/1! Fortunately I also backed Two Kisses each-way, which appeared to run in snatches. Issabella Gem was snatched up when making good progress in the 4.10 Newmarket, and you can note that one for a win shortly. Ragdolliana was a big outsider today, but is much better than that. Couldn't pick my nose as regards form choices at present, as every horse I pick seems to be determined not to win! Be My Light (fourth) and Noun De La Thinte (tailed off are two cases in point, especially as the latter loves heavy ground! Sycho Fred was best in for the 4.30 Wetherby, but only ran on late for third at 10/1. Must win soon. I am still waiting for Not Left Yet to run a better race, as it is due soon, as is Shrewd Investor. Knew I should have backed Morache Music to beat Ginger Ted in the 4.45 Newmarket, but I was taken with the form figures of My Love Fajer, which led for a long way. Jamaica Grande must have run well above itself to finish fourth. This Predateur keeps being ridden with no attempt to get into the picture! Now that it has got rid of that dreaded first place, perhaps it will try next time? It was hacking around behind the field, and made ground at one point, but that was just to give me a sudden burst of hope! Cold Harbour is another that was backed today, and will do better. Major Miller was being bumped along almost from the start in the 5.05 Wetherby, so I knew I could forget that one! System bet next time, so make a note! Bow School also dropped out very tamely, and a horse that I quite fancied when looking through, Weyaye, won at 14/1! Isn't it strange that the two horses I picked out as best in both tailed off! It's very hard sometimes! I don't believe the money for Rock Soleil especially as the horse finished pulled up! Obviously not stable money, as it was thrown in for this! Strange how horses run a place then come nowhere next time! It happens so often, and is the basis for my system, of course. No good when you back it on the wrong run, though! Was this a Richard Hughes benefit, since he needs the wins? Magicalmysterytour looked like winning for a moment, but finished out of the places also. A pretty terrible day for selections, but this happens sometimes. All you can say is that, if they didn't try today, they probably will soon, but that's the chance you take in a very tricky game! Here are three to note for the near future from the Wolverhampton meeting, as I thought they should all have won: Sacrosanctus, Royal Intruder and Mymateeric. Diriculous and Cat Six should also do better very soon.

28th October: Today's nap and next best: Phluke (4.40 Lingfield) (unplaced - thrown in when wanted) and Galantos (pulled up - just a blind) (3.30 Fontwell). I could not pick Adorable Choice against the top stables in the 1.40 Lingfield, although -40 figures are often worth backing. Bit of a pin-sticker really! Best in Balzaccio should have beaten Bai Zhu in the 2.00 Fontwell, but just failed to do so. Don't know what to make of that, especially as Psi seemed to going better than either of them. The 7lb cliamer on Kitley Hassle just proved my normal point about these arrangements. Motivado looked capable of winning the 2.10 Lingfield, but seemed to hang in behind the first two near the finish. The lack of money for it was a worry. One of my selections, War Party, 13/2 winner of the 2.20 Stratford. My other selection, Rimini, appeared to be travelling better than the runner-up, but finished only fourth. I looked at Ultravox (third) in the 2.30 Fontwell, as I had backed it a couple of times on the flat, but I had also backed Juwireya, so missed it out. My two selections for the 2.40 Lingfield, Titan Triumph and Excellerator, were both big outsiders and did not figure, but will both be system bets next time and will probably do better. It's annoying when the betting suggests they are not going to compete and it proves correct! I even got a fourth place with Woodcote Place, which is worse than useless! My selection, No To Trident, miles clear when fell at the last! How unlucky can you get? Nicky Nutjob was very well in, but is obviously being held back for a future handicap. Similar comments apply to the long time leader High Wycombe. Space Cowboy has been running well below form and repeated the dose again today in the 3.00 Fontwell. Fortunately my second choice, Qualypso D'Allier won at 4/1. Super Sleuth made most of the running in the 3.10 Lingfield, but in the end finished out of the places. What was more annoying was the late flourish of Siyaadah, eventually finishing fourth. Oh, the frustrations of racing! Helm and Petite Margot were clear best in for the 3.20 Stratford, but were probably wary of each other, finishing third and fourth. The three I picked out for the 3.30 Fontwell ran the worst races of the lot! It's ridiculous, as Galantos was thrown in for this race, and Princely Hero and Oncle Kid should also have done much better. How can you back like that? It makes me mad! Where did the money for Galantos come from, except from mugs like me? Keep an eye on that one soon! I backed Baila Me and Copperbeech in the 3.40 Lingfield, but got the winner and the fourth! Copperbeech was good enough to finish second, so keep an eye on it! I backed Mister Hyde each-way in the 3.50 Stratford, and it finished like a rocket in second at 22/1 (amazing price with McCoy on it)! Pity I didn't do the forecast! Best in Monsieur Georges failed me again in the 4.00 Fontwell Why do they keep doing that? I hate this faffing around! Yes, I know it will be a system bet next time, but that's no good today! I knew that Panzer would win it if he didn't! One of the best in, Lord Theo, led nearly all the way, then packed up! By contrast best in Basra ran on late for about sixth, and Negotiation just got pipped into fourth! How enfuriating! Strikes me that most of the time, if they are not near the top of the betting, they are not going to be there! Annoying when you are looking for non-existent value! System bet Silent Oasis 11/1 second. Why do these system bets always figure over the best in? Looks like they are going to get rid of all winning form for Phluke before making another winning attempt. That horse is so well in, it should blow this lot away! Fortunately I also backed Bold Ring, 10/1 winner! System bet Murrell 12/1 second in the 4.50 Startford. Should have known that Twiston-Davies' would be there (but not a great prospect at 66/1!)! How often does that happen? I got the forecast with Cinders And Ashes (travelled very well) and Zahirah Moon in the 5.00 Fontwell! A good result on a fairly disappointing day! I don't know what happens to best in horses in the majority of races, as they never get into the argument! The only one of my three best in to figure in the 5.10 Lingfield was Song Of Praise, with Cavalry Guard, Abhainn and Special Envoy all useless! All of these three must do better shortly. I couldn't see why Paphos was favourite, but I soon found out! It's easy to win if the others don't compete! I just can't work out where these favourites and winners come from (Grand Stitch in the 5.20 Wolverhampton) with none of the best in horses getting into contention. The mind boggles! Canadian Danehill, Harry Up and Cape Royal ran uselessly. How do these things happen? What I must learn that usually, when there is no money for them, they won't be there in most cases. It's very frustrating, but shows how most of these stables work as regards betting. System bet Made In Time the winner of the 5.25 Stratford. Why didn't I just put in my selection, Time For Spring for the forecast? There is something farcical about these all-waether races! It was obvious from the betting that the thrown in Silver Prelude was not going to win, and it was ridden like a donkey, the jockey constantly not allowing it to run on. No wonder some horse eventually refuse to race or become very difficult! Even worse, Aalsmeer, which was very well in and well backed, was too far back and finished only fifth. What reasons do they give for these runnings, and do they have to give reasons? Whatever, it does not help the credibility of the sport. The worst part was, I thought before the race "If this Perlachy wins (it was 8/1 for no apparent reason), I shall scream! And it did! You are in a constant battle, throwing away money on horses that should win, but for which there is no serious intent on the day. Then, when they are wanted, the price shortens dramatically so that you can't get your money back. What fun is there in that?

27th October: I don't know what they are up to with Berbice, but it has been thrown in for some time now, and is not being allowed to win (fourth today). Surely it can't be long now, but it may need 6 furlongs? Avertuoso, next best in and Distant Sun also failed to perform in the 1.40 Musselburgh. Very perplexing, and not a little annoying! I wonder how many of the other trainers were aware of this? I had a little bet on Parlour Games 7/1 in the 2.00 Nottingham, as it had flopped the previous time and I fancied it to bounce back. Should have put in Jarvis' Ittirad for the forecast, as it was on my list! Didn't give it as a selection again, but I tend to concentrate on handicaps. Mansii made no real attempt to win the 2.10 Musselburgh, just running on well enough to finish third! That horse was by far best in, and must win soon. The first place on the front of its form was a slightly discouraging sign. It's strange when there is a short-priced favourite which is not as well in, as that implies that they know Mansii is not winning today. I have rarely seen an Alan King runner jump so badly as Groove Master in the 2.20 Haydock. Should have easily come third! I was tempted to back Gulf Punch as an each-way, as it has won for me a few times, but I thought it had too much weight. I had the first four written down! How do they justify these odds-on favourites getting beaten? Academy ran a stinker in the 2.30 Nottingham! You just can't pick winners when these things happen, especially Bell's Wayward Glance making a big improvement! A ridiculous result in the 2.40 Musselburgh, with only one of the four best horses getting in the shakeup! How can you back in races like this? Abbondanza (hanging back), Ra Junior (looked like getting at least third) and Fremen were all hopeless. I can't fathom these results, as obviously they have run so far below form! Sorry boys, you will to do better than that to convince me that any of them have actually tried! I despair! The Duke's Speech was at the back most of the way around, then ran on for fourth when it was too late! How can we make them run properly? I looked at Deuteronomy, but did not back it. Ormello unseated rider, but will do better. Of course I left out Whiskey Junction from my selections today, and it was a fast-finishing second at 20/1! Westwood was right up with pace and was eventually just swallowed up by the closing pack! Equuleus Pictor was just in behind also, but got fourth. I had official top-rated Hoppy's Flyer (third) each-way in the 3.15 Musselburgh, and thought it was going to win for a long way! The money for Our Dynasty proved correct, and Quinn (or his wife) doesn't leave his money behind very often! I also backed Swinbank's Stansonnit each-way, finishing fourth. Flake dropped out quickly in the 3.25 Haydock but was best in and getting rid of a first place. You can never trust such horses to run well! My other choice, Wot Way Chief, was a non runner. I had two of the first four in the 3.40 Nottingham, with Capable Guest and Warne's Way. Keep an eye on Calculating (fifth) soon. My tip of numerous occasions, Palomar, finally won today at 3/1! A bit shorter than some of its prices recently! I got the forecast with Bowdlers Magic, but Wicked Daze let me down for the tricast. That one will probably run better next time (front-ran but did not sustain it today). Island Flyer led most of the way before packing up in the 4.00 Haydock, and Twelve Paces never got into it! Those two and Oscar Honey must do better soon. There were no end of better in horses than South Cape in the 4.15 Nottingham, but unfortunately none of then wanted to win today. When Dabbers Ridge was 33/1 I had my doubts! Hurricane Hymnbook has been running well below form, and others to note are Lastkingofscotland and Cobo Bay. Have they worked out this race beforehand? System bet Berberana 7/2 winner of the 4.25 Musselburgh. Rothesay Chancer looked like taking a hand, but was short of room late on. Another odds-on favourite in the 4.50 Nottingham, and I just thought "I'll back the second favourite to beat it," and they duly obliged! Best in Highland Warrior finished second in the 5.00 Musselburgh, with system bets La Capriosa 7/1 winner and Secret Venue third. You can almost back system bets rather than ratings most of the time! I couldn't believe that Drill Sergeant stopped to a walk in the 5.10 Haydock, then ran on to win! How much does it have in hand? Mister Wall Street should have done better. Morning Farewell was about the same rating, but finished third at 66/1! I wanted Daniel Thomas to win the 5.20 Nottingham, but I'll settle for Hurricane Thomas (which I also backed) at 16/1 instead! Keep an eye on Daniel Thomas (best in) and King Columbo shortly. Thrown in Oddsmaker finished only third in the 5.30 Musselburgh. These horses win so rarely when they could win several in a row! They are probably preserving their handicap rating by doing this. but it's annoying when they constantly fail to win! Don't know what happened to second best Toshi, but you can guarantee it will do better shortly. Hunter's Belt came hacking up on the outside, then dropped back, so keep an eye on that one too. I backed Olympic Dream each-way in the 5.40 Kempton, finishing third at 20/1. On old figures it should have won easily, but that's the way they run them, unfortunately. Will probably be backed out of sight in the near future! I am convinced that Aqua Vitae will do better when wanted. I don't know what was so great about Swansea Jack, except that it is by Singspiel.

26th October: Two for today: Categorical (3.20 Catt) & Guto (4.00 Yar). I took a chance with First Mohican each-way in the 1.30 Yarmouth, and had a nice winner at 12/1! Just shows you can never tell from the betting! Well it was a Derby entry, which doesn't always mean anything first time out! Looking back on the form of Focal Maith (2.00 Yarmouth), I suppose it had the form to win this, but I couldn't back it. Call To Arms travelled well in the 2.10 Taunton, but never got fully into the race, and no doubt will do better next time. I was unlucky not to get the forecast in the 2.20 Catterick with Icelandic 11/2 winner and Trans Sonic 7/1 third! Game Lad and Everymanforhimself will do better soon. I had the forecast with Sea Moon and Little Rocky in the 2.30 Yarmouth, although I thought it might get beaten for a while! Aureate should have done better at these weights in the 2.40 Taunton, but fortunately I also fancied Ballinteni to do well, finishing second at 16/1. Di Stefano was thrown in for the 2.50 Catterick, but they like to take their time in winning! I thought it would certainly win so was disappointed in the end. Reddy To Star was thrown in for the 3.00 Yarmouth, but for some reason was not wanted to win today, and finished fourth. I can never understand their thinking in these situations! Well, my nap Categorical did not win, but my other selection, Moonlight Blaze did at 10/1! Remarkable how that happens! System bet Elite Land third. Albaher will be thrown in when wanted, but 66/1 was not encouraging in the 3.30 Yarmouth. Yankee Storm was next best in, but failed to perform today. Tartufo Dolce is another to keep in mind (too big a price from that stable today), but started to drop out at halfway. I had Magic Cat and Solar Spirit in the 3.50 Yarmouth, but unfortunately did not quite get the forecast. Internationaldebut was not wanted today, possibly because of the presence of Magic Cat in the lineiup. The latter will win again soon. It never ceases to amaze me how certainities can get turned over, but Guto managed it in the 4.00 Yarmouth! It was that blasted 7lb claimer again, I am sure they put him on to say we are not winning today! System bet First Blade 11/2 winner. Spring Horizon was right up with the pace, and must be noted very shortly. My comment a few days ago about Pairc Na Cgapall proved prophetic, as it won the 4.10 Taunton today (and I didn't back it!)! Unfortunately (for subscribers) my third choice, Emirate Isle won the 4.20 Catterick at 33/1 and not my first two choices! Gramm was thrown in, but was too big a price, and Yossi led for a long while before fading. Keep an eye on Shanavaz, which made a fast forward move today before dropping out again. This was equally well in with the winner, so must be capable of winning a race soon. It was my fourth choice, Cuckoo Rock which won the 4.30 Yarmouth at 12/1, but I think Miss Chaumiere could have done better. On The Cusp is very well in when wanted soon, but they take their time with such horses very often. My recent tip, Fools Wildcat 8/1 winner of the 4.45 Punchestown! I never saw it, but knew it was thrown in when wanted! None of my fancies figured in the 4.50 Catterick, but Azygous, Ursus and Gower Sophia should all do better soon. It is annoying when none of them compete, though! Quince (and Mr Hodges) is beginning to annoy me, as it keeps running without making any effort! I suppose it will be a system bet next time, which is when it will probably perform! My third choice, Zed Candy finished second at 8/1, and I kept looking at Inside Knowledge, because I knew it was better than it was showing! Barbirolli took the lead too early (silly girl) in the 5.20 Catterick (not sure if it was deliberate), and failed to get home. The price suggested that it was not wanted today. I hate it when these sorts of tactics are used. Must win soon. System bet Without Equal (which I kept looking at) was the 20/1 winner! This horse had a very low rating early in its career, but appears to have improved! This Lady Norlela has run above itself twice now, so should be noted. Barbirolli, Bold Indian and Refuse To Wait are three to bear in mind. Two winners today, but it would be nice to get the correct performances out of many of these others!

25th October: Today's nap and next best: Lethal (5.30 Leics) (unplaced - must win soon) & Fyodorovitch (4.50 Southwell) (heavily backed, did not show). Top-rated Las Verglas Star 12/1 second in the 2.00 Leicester. The top two in the weights first and second! Free Tussy was thrown in for the 2.10 Kempton, but suspiciously no money for it, and so it proved! My other tip, Dancing Queen third at 11/2. System bet Shallow Bay 11/8 winner. Free Tussy, Diamond Twister and Josr's Magic can all do better. I hate it when the short-priced favourite wins when it is not best in! I wrote down the first three in the right order for the 2.20 Southwell, but as usual was too greedy and backed the first two the wrong way around! The problem is, if I do it the other way around, it usually doesn't work! Rough Times (-4560) 10/1 second in the 2.35 Galway, with system bet Brodie's Dubrovnik 12/1 third. When I back the favourite to beat the second favourite, the latter falls at the first hurdle! Amazing! I backed the wrong Godolphin horse in the 2.40 Kempton, but should have known the stable jockey was on the right one! When will I learn (the other one finished last!)? The $500,000 horse Failasoof finished third at 40/1! I didn't fancy backing it at that price, but you never know, as some stables let potential placed horse go off at any price. For once the forecast worked out right for me with Lord Of The Stars and Lenjawi Pride in the 2.50 Southwell! System bet Annamay 16/1 winner of the 2.55 Leopardstown (and I only had 10p each-way on it!). Very suspicious betting in the 3.00 Leicester, as Via Galilei was actually better in than the favourite on old form, but finished last! They are keeping that one back for handicaps later, but I don't know how long it will be! Almost got a winner with Johnston's Oceanway (second 33/1) in the 3.10 Kempton! Best in Hilbre Court 17/2 second in the 3.20 Southwell. Byron Bay was a huge price, but will do better when wanted, as will Full Victory. I tipped Know No Fear recently, but did not back it for the forecast today! A lot of money for Extraterrestrial today, but clearly not stable money! Usually when there is such a gamble, the horse does better next time out, so keep an eye on it! One of my selections, Warning Song 11/1 winner of the 3.40 Kempton! My other selection, Qalahari was best in but finished too late in fourth. I was also interested in Squall (second), because of its form figures. With the absence of Waabel, the forecast in the 3.50 Southwell looked a penalty kick, and duly obliged. I was disappointed that Cerito took the lead in the 4.00 Leicester, then faded out of it. It was thrown in, so was clearly just making a trial run today. Pity, would have been a good winner! Keep it in mind for very soon. My other selection, Fault, was a non-runner, possibly because of the presence of Cerito in the lineup. I also backed Magenta Strait, which was entitled to be there, each-way. One of my selections, Prince Of Thebes, 12/1 third in the 4.10 Kempton. The problem with these races is that dark horses often don't try if there are any dangers in the race! This applied to Gallantry and Mishrif, which led for a long way. I got the forecast with Lucky Punt and Becausewecan in the 4.20 Southwell, which paid quite nicely, thank you! Damn! I had a feeling about Swimsuit (second) in the 4.30 Leicester, but when I saw the price, I didn't back it. Shows again that they are only short prices from some stables when they are going to win! I am making a habit of tipping seconds, and I did so again with Prophet In A Dream 7/1 in the 4.40 Kempton, but fortunately I put Jack Smudge in with it! Fyodorovitch (my next best) was backed off the boards in the 4.50 Southwell. Why must people try to extract every last penny out of a potential winner? Another farce in the race, where Fyodorovitch never showed at all. Why was it backed - next time out( see above)? I am annoyed, because Takajan was my fourth best in and I didn't back it! Sophie's Beau (and next best Miss Red Eye) missed the break, so struggled at the end of the race. How many more farcical things can happen in racing? One can only assume that missing the break with experienced runners and riders must be to some extent intentional! System bet Barista winner of the 5.00 Leicester, with another system bet Three Scoops in third. I have a feeling that Dancing With Fire will do better when wanted, judging by its pedigree! The form figures of Scoglio got me interested, and it finished second. Pity I didn't put it in the tricast! What happened to yet another system bet Alensgrove? Channon disappoints me when his winners are so well backed, because I always associate him with outsiders. Depends on the owners, I suppose. Best in Pictures started at 33/1 in the 5.10 Kempton, and will do better as a system bet next time. Captain Cool made no attempt to go through with its ewffort, despite being backed a second favourite! Blast, I backed Belle Zorro (second) last time, just shows you have to keep the faith! I got the winner and third in the 5.20 Southwell with Darcy's Pride and Norcroft. Although there was money for Angle Of Attack, it did not show (normally front-runs), possibly again because of the presence of Norcroft. They like to be sure, these people! Lethal was not backed in the 5.30 leicester (which doesn't always mean anything) but it was thrown in and must do better very soon now. I had the evidence in front of me in my notebook, with the next three best in front of me, with Eastern Hills, The Human League and Hits Only Jude! Pity I only backed the second and third! It's a shame when I get fixated on one runner which isn't trying today - it's ruined any number of forecasts and tricasts for me!

24th October: Yabora looked like winning most of the way in the 1.30 Towcester, but in the end finished only fourth. Was best in, so must do better. Any Currency was under pressure from a long way out, but still finished in third. Hard to explain that, as Yabora was rated 130 and the winner, Rif, only 114! Donovan made no attempt to get into the 2.00 Towcester, but is thrown in when wanted. Made good ground in mid-race, then dropped out again. make a note for next time! Arnold Layne was thrown in for the 2.30 Towcester, but blazed off in front, then packed up. I hate it when they do that, because it is usually obvious they are not going to win. I bet it will stay in front when really wanted, but this was a joke! Next best Keepitsecret was clearly not wanted either, but will do better soon. The problem with backing horses is that you have no control over how they are run. What chance have you got when the odds-on favourite falls at the first fence, as in the case of Wishfull Thinking? You might as well back the next two in the betting! It is difficult to back against Nicholls' horses, evcen when they have no apparent claims on form, as in the case of Gullible Gordon, which jumped well all the way around. Templer was disappointing as best in. Miss Overdrive was very disappointing in tyhe 3.05 Towcester, as the winner was rated 20lb inferior! There is no explaining such performances, unless they are not wanted! Racing Demon was thrown in for the 3.20 Aintree, but I am convinced that second place was all that was wanted, as the jockey looked around after the last and did not push it out unduly. My tip from 17th October (and system bet), Sainte Kadette, 10/1 winner of the 3.25 Wexford (and I didn't even know it was running!)! I backed Blakeneys Pet (second) each-way at 100/1 in the 3.40 Towcester, and with hindsight should have put it in with Brixen! I seethe when I see a horse like Vacario, thrown in for this race, ridden like a donkey and making no effort to win! It's shameful and a waste of genuine money! I bet it will win very soon now! Bollywood finished second. Some of these races are like the Keystone Cops, the horses run so badly, and the more horses that come down, the further the best horses drop back! It is farcical! Best in National Heritage, Istron Bay and Wild Side Of Life (fell) made no attempt to get into the race, and it makes you despair. What are they up to? I couldn't pick Owner Occupier, although I will say that it had typical system type form with 5's and 6's! How the hell did Von Galen manage to lose the 4.40 Wincanton? I don't believe it, as it was far better in and the other horse made a mess of the last fence! Must have wanted to get beaten. It happens so often that it can't be coincidence! Spider Boy was best in for the 4.50 Towcester, and made a good fist of it, but typically Jonjo O'Neill found one to beat it. They have such ammunition, that trainer and owner! Wujood ran well for a while, but the warning signs were there halfway around. I am sure it can win a race soon. Henderson does not seem to be so regular with his bumper winners, and Eldred was disappointiong in the 5.05 Aintree. I also backed Charminster, but should have backed the favourite with it. System bet Great Esteem was full of running in the 5.15 Aintree, and won at 8/1! Judging by this run, Bottman would have had no chance against Cue Card if they had met! Stage Right was thrown in (although out of the handicap) for the 5.25 Towcester, and I thought for a moment it was at least going to get placed, but it finished fourth. System bet Bocciani (tipped last time by me) finished second at 7/1. Kinkeel ran a stinker, and must win next time out. Damn! I knew Kensington Oval (O'Neill again) was going to be there, but did not include it in my forecast!

23rd October: I backed Thimaar and Sandusky in the 1.30 Newbury, finishing second and about fifth. I think Sandusky will do better shortly. Best in Our Jonathan was nowhere to be seen today, but will do better shortly. the same applies to Arganil, which amazingly missed the break. Very strange! I kept looking at Klammer before the race, but changed my mind! One of my selections, Heron bay, 12/1 second in the 2.10 Aintree! I feel sure he fractionally eased up on Galtymore Lad in the 2.25 Doncaster, allowing two other horses to go past. It's very annoying! None of the best in horses apart from Earth Planet, which should have won, figured in the 2.30 Chepstow. System bet Clowance winner of the 2.40 Newbury. Hot Prospect looked to be coming to win the race, but faded out late. I don't know what sort of race was ridden on Zaidan, but it came up on the inside and looked to be getting there, but it had obviously made too much effort, and petered out again. That's what you get for starting too far back! Fortunately I also backed Casamento. I had best in mister Wiaseman and Diggers Gets Lucky written down for the 3.05 Chepstow, but only backed mister Wiseman each-way (second)! System bet Gouray Girl 6/1 winner of the 3.10 Newbury. Perfect Flight was well there, going well, but was a huge price and did not come through, as did Hairspray. Both will do better soon. I had Monet's Garden and Poquelin written down for first and second in the 3.25 Aintree, then didn't do the bet. Stupid! Best in Tampa Boy fell in the 3.50 Stratford, but I also backed Minella Theatre and Sunday City for the forecast. System bet Daring Origyn 16/1 fourth in the 4.00 Aintree. Keep an eye on Inchloch and Aspolan, which I am sure will do better soon. Chief Yeoman could have done better in the 4.15 Chepstow. Unfortunately I wrote down the first two on my list, but did not do the forecast! I backed Mister Fantastic each-way in the 4.25 Stratford, and guess what? At 40/1 it finished fourth, but then it would, wouldn't it? Royal Rosa did not perform today in the 4.35 Aintree, but I got the forecast with Alderburn 17/2 and Magic Sky 25/1! I also gave a fourth place at 40/1 with Tominator in the 4.40 Doncaster! Centennial is thrown in now, but I doubt if you will get 40/1 next time! Suits Me and Moyenne Corniche were unplaced in the 4.50 Newbury, but the former front-ran for a long way and should stay there next time. Both will do better soon. Marodima should have walked the 5.00 Stratford, but it was not for today. Should win as a system bet next time. I hate it when they drop out for no reason, but at least you know they will probably win next time! I had Planet Waves each-way in the 5.15 Doncaster before it was backed in, and the way it finished off, it could probably have done better! My next best Maslak 25/1 second in the 5.25 Newbury, so a lot of good places today! Typically Monfils Monfils finished fourth at a big price in the 5.30 Stratford. They always put them out at big prices when they do not intend to get placed! Don't know what happened to Monsieur, but it was never mentioned at the end of the race. What an exciting prospect Kaolak will be to hurdling! A giant horse, that one and Dhaular Dhar, plus the favourite appeared to be running away with the race, but Kaolak finished only fourth when I am sure it could have stayed there! Just testing, but note both for the future (it's damned annoying when you back them at huge prices and they are booked in advance to finish no better than fourth!) Still, you heard it here first! I wondered whether Maidstone Mixture (-06) would win today, and was not suprised to see it drop out, as this is a common pattern. I was disappointed that system bet Gift Of The Gods could not at least place. Arceye is another that is due soon now.

22nd October: Today's nap and next best: Bond City (5.35 Doncaster) (won 16/1!) Orpen Wide (4.20 Fakenham) (unplaced) That's two winning naps in a row at 14/1 and 16/1! I can provide just my nap and next best each day for £15 per month. Please email me.
One of my two selections for the 2.00 Fakenham, system bet Brilliant, 8/1 winner! Daraybad was best in and will do better soon. I also had Eternal Ruler 7/1 in the 1.55 Ayr (I got 11/1!). A 1-2 for Gosden in the 2.15 Doncaster. I think the second could probably have won, but that wasn't the plan. Should have known it, but there were too many others to consider! Best in Prophet In A Dream decided to have an off day today, as it was clearly better in than anything that Tro Nessa had shown previously. May do better as a system bet next time. I also backed Rothesay Chancer each-way, so got a return. Best in Antonius Caesar ran a shocker in the 2.35 Fakenham, but fortunately I also backed next best system bet Sporting Rebel, 8/1 winner! The former will do better, probably in a bigger race. I backed Bridgefield in the 2.45 Doncaster for another winner. So far, so good! Lindoro did not perform in the 2.55 Ayr (worth a bet soon), but my other selection, Charles Parnell won at 5/1! That's a winner in each of the first two races! I have tipped Dower Glen two or three times recently (see 26th September), finishing third at 80/1! Stolt was a big price, but will also bear watching soon. You could tell from the betting that Astrolibra was not going to do anything in the 3.10 Fakenham. Since it was well in at the weights with the principals, that was a bit suspicious, coupled with the fact that it was getting rid of a first place! Keep an eye on it, as it ran on from the back for fourth today. I backed Humdrum in the 3.20 Doncaster, but was disappointed with Namibian and Lady Gar Gar. Best in Dancing Freddy just got home in the 3.30 Ayr, but I thought it had lost it on the line! Both Advanced and Knot In Wood did not perform in the 3.55 Doncaster, and Baby Strange did a very strange thing in getting left at the start, but is very well in when wanted. System bet Enderby Spirit 33/1 third. Royal Straight finished third at 12/1 in the 4.05 Ayr. I was not surprised that Best Prospect did not show, because it had asymmetrical form,. but should be a different story as a system bet next time. I don't know how many times I have tipped Orpen Wide recently, but it won't be long now! It made a sweeping move around the outside in the 4.20 Fakenham, then packed up! Thrown in when wanted, this was just a test, so keep an eye on it! Zepnove also ran poorly, but was next best in, so that is also worth noting soon. Apart from Pevensey, which threatened briefly, the best in horses ran very poorly in the 4.30 Doncaster. Camps Bay, Red Wine and Highland Legacy will all do much better. It's annoying when these big races all go to well-backed improvers! Either Wise Dennis aha deteriorated dramatically, or they are holding it up for a big bet, but it must do better soon. Absolutely thrown in on old form. Wing Play typically finished fifth when I would have been happy with a place. I am sure they do that deliberately. Nevada Desert must win soon in a slightly lesser race, but they are taking their time! It is only a matter of time before Houston Dynimo makes a show, but it is annoying having to wait when it must win wnever wanted. I thought mu other selection, Lakeman was coming to win, but just got pipped into second by the unexpected Osgood. When a trainer's rep tells you on TV that his horse will win, forget it! I've seen it so many times, including Ceilidh Royal today. Should have done the other two in the betting! At last! My nap, Bond City 16/1 winner of the 5.35 Doncaster from my second selection, Glenmuir! Berbice was going really well behind the leaders in the 5.45 Ayr and could no doubt have won, but the jockey appeared to ease up and it finished in the ruck! You can never tell with -36 figures, but more often than not they don't win! I can almost guarantee a win from that one very soon (system bet next time)! Geojimali (ran as if legs tied together) and Deadly Encounter are two others that are well in when they decide to run them properly! Anyone can pick the fourth rated when the top three don't compete!

21st October: Today's nap and next best: Viking Spirit (2.00 Brighton) (won 14/1!) and Quince (5.10 Bright). My nap, Viking Spirit 14/1 winner of the 2.00 Brighton, with my second choice, Imprimis Tagula third at 15/2! I also backed Kensington, which finished fourth! I thought I was going to get the forecast before Earlsmedic got in the way! I don't know what happened to official top-rated Rowan Ridge in the 2.30 Brighton, but should have done better than that! Still, -05 is usually a death knell, so keep an eye on it soon. Williams Wishes was clear best in for the 2.40 Ludlow, and I managed to get 15/8 on it, and the forecast with Wikaala. My first selection, Appeal Denied, 22/1 third in the 2.55 Carlisle (I got 33/1). Could have won, but wanted a place only! System bet What's Occurrin' 8/1 winner and system bet Of Course 11/1 second! ! I got the forecast with the first two Channon runners in the 3.05 Brighton, but did not do the three for the tricast! Still, I'm happy with that! Tighe Caster (8/1 third) and Prestbury Knight (unplaced) were best in for the 3.15 Ludlow, and keep an eye on Prestbury Knight, which should have done better, but was a big price. Tighe Caster made a mistake at the second last which probably cost it the race (assuming they wanted to win this). Best in Divers beat second best Tara Royal in the 3.25 Ludlow, with third best system bet Premier Sagas in third. A triumph for the ratings! Great day so far today, as I got Maywood and the forecast with Choral in the 3.35 Brighton. Hardly had a bad result so far! It's strange, some days nothing works, and another day almost everything goes according to form! Just as I say that, Liberty Seeker lets me down! By far best in for this, but finished only fourth. There is no explanation other than that they didn't want to win this race! Second best Lodgician did finish second, but was also better in than the winner. High Bird Humphrey 8/1 was going by far the best in the 3.55 Carlisle, but could not get past Amir Pasha on the run-in! I kept looking at the latter, as it always seems to have something in hand! Bocamix will do better soon. System bet Leitzu (Channon again) 11/1 winner of the 4.05 Brighton. My two picks, Goodbye Cash and Transfixed, disputed the lead most of the way before fading, which they did not need to do, as both were clear best in! It's amazing how often the best in do not perform again next time! Third best Daddys Gift also had a bad day, as the form figures suggested it would. I had Havenstone, Classic Clover and Feeling Peckish in the 4.15 Ludlow, finishing first and third! Classic Clover never runs two races alike, and I fell sure that is not its fault! First and third for Catbells 9/4 and Merrymadcap 10/1 in the 4.40 Brighton. I did the tricast with Timocracy, but that one seems to be on a regressive run now. Colliers Court was thrown in for the 4.50 Ludlow, but I expected it to finish unplaced today, which it duly did! Keep an eye on it next time, as I expect a much better effort. Peak Seasons, next best in, looked like winning, but came only third. Could not pick Isla Pearl Fisher in the 5.00 Carlisle - needed a pin for that one. Murphys Beau and Matmata De Tendron were disappointing, but will do better. Every time I tip this Quince, it runs appalingly! None of the top-rated ran well in the 5.10 Brighton, including the thrown in Quince, Carnac and Blue Zealot! All of these are due a better run soon, but there were so many disappointing types, it's hard to keep track! I could not believe how badly Spanish Cross ran either, but that was 66/1!I looked at Always De One (third), because I backed it when it was trained by Johnston. System bet Derby Desire 33/1 winner! There always seems to be something unexpected to come and win these bumpers. How the hell can you pick Sparkling Hand (and it just came to pip my pick, Hannah Jacques)? The mind boggles! Well, someone in the Sporting Life gave it as their nap, but God knows where they got that from! Coconut Ice (fourth) disappointed again in the 5.40 Kempton, and I think it must be waiting for a handicap. Very annoying when you back them so often and they don't deliver! Was clearly best in on old form. I fancied system bet Piscean in the 6.10 Kempton, especially as it was much shorter than usual in the betting, and it obliged at 7/1! It's nice when these horses that I back so often finally deliver, but they have probably cost me much more than I win on the day! I don't know why they run so many races in between, but there must be some method behind it! Tom's Laughter should be worth a bet soon.

20th October: System bet Stir On The Sea should have finished closer in the 2.10 Worcester, but there was little money for it, so I don't know what to make of its performance. I fancied my tip of several occasions on the flat, Spiritonthemount (25/1 third) in the 2.40 Worcester, and at one stage it looked like winning. In fact I put it in a forecast with another good flat horse, Alnwick, finishing second and third! Should have known that Nicholls' horse would run well! My first selection, Curragh Dancer 33/1 winner of the 2.50 Fontwell! How's that for a start? My other choice, She Is A Cracker and Hawk Gold should both do better soon. As a complete contrast, I managed to pick the three to finish last in the 3.05 Ffos las! Ridiculous things that happen in racing! Special Cuvee was by far best in, but was the complete outsider, not promising with Sanders on board! Must do better soon, along with Outland and Oxford City, both of which are far better than they showed today! Huzzah continues to run well below form, but it must be due soon now. -06 figures are not usually good news! The same applies to Aflaam. I had a little each-way on Space War, as Gosden doesn't leave his money behind very often! Fongoli was heavily gambled in the 3.50 Worcester, but it must have been each-way money, as it finished only third at 5/1! I kept looking at Buds Dilemma, because horses with similar names are constantly turning up in these races! You get some ridiculous races where the best in horses all fail to perform, leaving the field wide open for something else to win! Pocket Too, All Things Equal and Kilvergan Boy all ran like crabs, so that was a waste of money! Every so often these inexplicable results come up and one can only assume that the main runners are afraid of each other! There should be an investigation into these runs, as there was clearly nothing wrong with them! You feel as if you are being taken for a ride (or a non-ride) quite often! Idris travelled supremely well in the 4.30 Fontwell, but was clearly not out to win today, as it had a lot in hand of the winner. How annoying! Keep an eye on it for the near future. I thought I was going to get the tricast for a while in the 4.45 Ffos las, until Morrison's Pastoral Player came up to ruin my bet. I had Drawnfromthepast (third), Shifting Star (fourth) and system bet Below Zero (second)! I had a suspicion at the prices that Nudge And Nurdle would not win today, but you have to back it as it was best in! So annoying! Must be next time now! I feel like shaking somebody at times (come on, run properly!). Best in Space Star never got into the argument in the 5.05Fontwell, but fortunately Sumdancer won at 12/1! Best in Josephine Malines was poorly ridden in the 5.20 Ffos Las, just managing to grab second at the end. I couldn't have James Pollard, but it won somehow. Mountain Pass, second best in, was 50/1, so the omens were not good for that one, but it will do better. I fancied Midnight Molly in the 5.30 Worcester, and was more confident when they started to gamble it, but it must have been a snowball effect, because it finished only fourth. I thought Nicholls was going to pull a fast one in the 5.40 Fontwell, as Round About cruised up towards its stablemate, (yes, thought so, 1-2 for Nicholls) but they knew what they were doing and it dropped out again. I could have sworn that it was going better than the placed horses, but we can't control what the jockeys do!!! It can be enfuriating at times! Mini Bon Bon (5.50 Kempton) did not run on at the end, (it was a -06 again!) and will do better shortly. Damn, I was going to back Miss Toldyaso, which I have tipped more than once on here, but I only put it in the forecast. Another close miss with Chester Deelyte (sys+1) in the 6.20 Kempton! I thought from the commentary that it had got third, but no joy! When will the luck swing my way for a change? That one and Molly Mylenis will do better shortly. Even Stevens (almost a system bet) 9/1 winner. Typical! Best One would win tonight when I have tipped it the last twice and there were better in horses in this race, including Almaty Express and Spoof Master. Do the others hold them back for that purpose? It wouldn't surprise me. Why do they not win two or three times when they should, and then win a race that they shouldn't? It's such a trappy game, this! There is a lot more going on than meets the eye! When will Spoof Master win a race, Mr Pearce? Could have been tonight! But it was that horrible second place on the front, wasn't it? I give up for the day. I'm fed up being made a fool of! As soon as I don't back in a race, two of my three choices for the 7.20 were placed (Pastello 14/1 and Lean Machine 16/1). Marvellous, isn't it?

19th October: Today's nap and next best: Bel Cantor (4.50 Yarmouth) (fourth - thrown in next time) & Transfixed (sixth) (4.20 Yarmouth). I wrote down the first three in the 1.50 Yarmouth, but didn't back Dancing Rain each-way or do the forecast! Slipping up, but the race was almost off before I realised! System bet Mohedian Lady winner of the 2.20 Yarmouth. I got the forecast with Moonsail and backed Hunza Dancer (third) each-way too! Could not pick The Holy Man in the 2.30 Lingfield. You have to have a crystal ball for that type of winner! I backed Looksmart each-way, and of course it came fourth! Sylas Ings has disappointed me a couple of times, but will be a system bet next time. I got the forecast with Quinz 11/10 and Cashel Blue 8/1 in the 2.40 Exeter, so quite a good day so far! My initial thoughts were to do a double with two similar named horses, including Hallelujah in the 2.50 Yarmouth, but in the end I didn't back either, and missed a 20/1 winner! Johnston's Luckbealadytonight dropped out tamely after leading. There is no explaining that! I misread the signals in the 3.00 Lingfield, and assumed that it would involve Arawana and Missile Command, as Liam Jones was on Arawana, but Hannon beat both of them! Very clever! The top two fell in the 3.10 Exeter, so it was impossible to get a result! System bet Edward Whymper winner of the 3.20 Yarmouth. Should have known it! Half Sister was best in at the weights, but is probably waiting for a handicap, and the same probably applies to Ildiko, which seemed to be going as well as anything. The favourite was shocking, but will possibly go into retreat for a while now. Best in Red Avalanche was too big a price in the 3.30 Lingfield, and was clearly not out to win today, just running on for third when it was too late. Unfortunately second best Excelling was also too big a price, and it did not perform either, so it was left to third rated Avonvalley to win. It's hopeless when the best tow horses let you down, and you wonder what pre-race instructions were. I wish they would tell us beforehand, but they are not going to do that, are they? System bet Puerto Azul ran a strange race in the 3.30 Exeter, running on from the back then hanging left at the last before snatching third. It was well in on hurdles form, so I couldn't understand the 50/1 tag. Pity I picked the wrong Sherwood runner for the forecast! One Dunlop beats another with Slumbering Sioux and Salvationist in the 3.50 Yarmouth. Drat, I thought Eduardo was going to get placed, but just dropped out late on and will do better. My first winner as a selection came with Elhamri 6/1 in the 4.00 Lingfield. Unfortunately Littlemisssunshine chose today not to compete, possibly because they knew about Elhamri! That one, Goodwood Maestro and Dvinsky are due a better run soon. Predateur was thrown in for the 4.10 Exeter, but was probably too big a price and dropped out tamely. Princess Flame (led for a while) can also do much better. What was really annoying was that I thought my third choice, Captain Beckett had won, but just got pipped! I did forget about Lemon Silk, which was actually best in! Thrown in Transfixed has been messed around for a long time, and finished only sixth today. May not win next time now either, but is due a win soon. Gra Adhmar is also due a better run. System bet Louisiana Gift 25/1 third. You can't ignore them! Thrown in Di Stefano did not figure in the places in the 4.30 Lingfield, so will probably do better next time along with Brandywell Boy and Danny's Choice. I have worked out that the vast majority of times when figures end in -5, the horse does not compete. Whatever, I looked at Freddies Girl, but did not back it! This all-weather stuff seems such a lottery most of the time (Micky Mouse racing, I call it). Another winner with I'm A Legend 8/1 in the 4.40 Exeter! Manmoon was best in, led for a long way and will probably do better next time. My nap Bel Cantor finished fast in fourth, but that's no good in a 15 horse race! I could have sworn it got third as they passed the line! It normally front-runs, so this was not a typical run from it. God, this can be annoying sometimes! Given A Choice was thrown in for the 5.00 Lingfield, but you have to see money from that stable, and there was none.The same applied to Turner's Touch, which I thought sure would try as a system bet. Lunar River was about fourth best in, and finished second. I backed Cousin Khee in the 5.10 Exeter, not much of a price, but a winner. I was disappointed with the runs of Generous Bob and Burning Light, which must be better than that, but possibly did not want to take on the favourite. Thrown in Guto decided not to compete in the 5.20 Yarmouth, and must win very soon now. The same applies to Memphis Man (frustrating!), which has been hanging fire for a long time now. What I would like somebody to tell me is whether the winning connections know that these horses are not competing. Please tell me! If I'd known, I would have done Downhill Skier and Bermondsey Bob too. It's not fair! Apart from two winners, one of those days today that you would rather forget. Form seems to mean almost nothing on some days!

18th October: Today's nap and next best: Ivory Lace (third 12/1!) (5.00 Windsor) Jack Dawkins (5.10 Pontefract (came up hacking on the outside, hampered briefly, did not run on, but must win soon!) My first selection, Sunrise Safari 8/1 winner in the 2.30 Windsor, with Green Manalishi in fourth place! System bet Maze was third and my recent tip, Victorian Bounty second at 10/1! I feel sure that Fahey's Cotton Spirit could have done better in the 2.40 Pontefract, and will be a system bet next time, so keep it in mind. The winner hampered Sinbad The Sailor twice in the 2.50 Plumpton, and possibly cost it the race! That one will do much better, as it seemed to be going best most of the way. My two selections, Prophet In A Dream and Danceyourselfdizzy, third and fourth in the 3.00 Windsor. The latter seemed to be picking up well, but faded late on. May be better over further, being by Danehill Dancer. System bet Fred Willetts second. I got the forecast with Fieldgunner Kirkup and Insolenceofoffice in the 3.10 Pontefract! First ahd second for my selections in thne 3.20 Plumpton with Chord 22/1 and Normandy Landings 5/1 second! The straight forecast paid £123.99! System bet Karate 8/1 second in the 3.30 Windsor. Another winner in Captain Royale 10/1 (I got 12/1) and Strike Up The Band 8/1 third in the 3.40 Pontefract! Sohcatoah was the only one of my top-rated nopt to show in the 4.00 Windsor, so must be worth a bet very soon. My second choice, system bet Safari Sunup 10/1 third, and I also had a little on the winner, Prince of Johanne! Royal Exchange found it difficult to get a run in the 4.10 Pontefract, and was beaten by Zenella, 10/1, the horse I put in for the forecast. Just shows nothing is cut and dried, despite the ratings! The best three horses in the 3.20 Plumpton either fell or ran badly, including Strong Coffee, What A Scientist and September Moon, and it was left to system bet Mac's Lad to win at 11/2! My strong fancy for the 4.30 Windsor, Ermyn Express finished a close second at 20/1! Are these horses that are so strongly backed, such as Song To The Moon, much better than the bare form, as it had shown nothing exceptional? My next selection, Dan Buoy, led all the way in the 4.40 Pontefract to win at 4/1! My other selection, Strikemaster, appeared to be going best of the rest, but backed out tamely for no apparent reason. Keep an eye on that one! My nap, Ivory Lace, looked to be coming to win the 5.00 Windsor, but eventually finished third. Must win soon now. Second best Meydan Dubai led for a long time, and this must have been a trial run, as it could surely have stayed there if wanted. Jack Dawkins came smoothly up on the outside with Karaka Jack in the 5.10 Pontefract, but was briefly hampered and did not go through with its effort. Is thrown in soon now when wanted, and Amanda Carter and Karaka Jack will also do much better. The 5.20 Plumpton produced a very strange result, because both Space Cowboy and Temple Place were far better in than the winner, but there is nothing we can do about it, and it just highlights the perils of small races again! All I can say is that it's just a waste of money for form students! Internationaldebut ran on well for third at 6/1 in the 5.40 Pontefract, but I had a little saver on Divertimenti, which I was amazed to see start at 12/1! I also fancied Bad Sir Brian in the 5.50 Plumpton, because the Gifford stable does not have many runners, and when they are backed, they usually do the business! Well, I gave four winners as selections today, including 22/1, 10/1. 8/1 and 4/1, and also a fantastic forecast valued at £123! I also had two or three other winners myself, including Rodrigo De Freitas at 20/1! What an exciting day! I am still looking for subscribers, so pleaseemail me.

17thOctober: I give up tipping sure winners, as Stamford Blue was thrown in, made a brief effort, then petered out. When will that horse run properly? Perhaps the 7lb claimer was a negative signal again? My other selection Spring Horizon, was a non-runner for some reason, when easily second best in! I did back Captain Kallis (10/1 third, backed in from 22/1) each-way and Cocktail Party (fourth again). Wooden King must be better than the pure form figures, as it has never had a mark higher than 58. Strange that both Johnston runner were up with the pace, then tailed off last and second last in the 2.00 Newcastle. They can't be that bad, surely? I backed The Fifth Member, but did not reckon with that Osteopathic Remedy, for which the money proved correct (and always seems to win when backed). How can Godolphin have a runner which is so bad that it tails off out the back? It beggars belief. No doubt that one will do better in the future! Ru'oud was also disappointing, giving Census a no-contest! No wonder it was backed so heavily if that was going to happen! I thought Gulf Punch would have got in the places in the 2.20 Kempton, but the price was not encouraging. Fortunately I also backed the winner, but would have been better off doing the forecast. You can't go anything on ratings if the best horses don't want to win! This was the case in the 2.30 Newcastle, where Muwalla and Mark Twain were clear best, but finished only fourth and second! Grrr... I hate these small races where anything can happen, and usually does! System bet Medicinal Compound 9/1 winner! I should not ignore my system! I thought Ray Diamond was going to win the 2.50 Kempton, but it started at too big a price and dropped out to third. Seven horse race again, so no return! Two big disappointments in Benfleet Boy and Vino Griego, equally best in. How can you back in races where half the runners have no intention of winning? Ingleby Arch, Captain Royale and Wyatt Earp were all much better in than the winner, but made no effort to compete! Keep them all in mind, but what a waste of money! It really irks me at times! Although, looking at the ratings, I overlooked Magic Cat, which had 30lb in hand on its best form! Naughty, naughty, held back for a long time! It was not even in my database, so slipped under the radar! Viviani finished third at 11/2 in the 3.15 Bath, but Bravo Bravo finished too late in fourth. You can never tell what plans are in these races, but it was well backed. Hatton Flight should have done better on flat ratings than it did over hurdles. You can never tell how they are going to take to hurdles, but I bet it will do better. Typical Dereks did better when I didn't back it, after being pulled up last time! Marc Aurele did not run to form, but perhaps preserving its handicap rating. Fifteen runners again and I got fourth with Game Lad (stablemate of the winner). Typical! System bet Spinning 20/1 second! I looked at Final Rhapsody in the 3.50 Bath, but it didn't have the back form to win this, that is if Figaro Flyer and Best One performed properly. However, they did not, which may explain it! They are really annoying, these people! When you think it's their turn, they don't show! Why is that the best in horses run like donkeys and pull up half the time? Phar Again and Indian Pipe Dream both pulled up, and third best Tampa Boy fell early. Excruciating! Are they waiting for no opposition? Why did Katchit run on like a train when it was too late in the 4.35 Kempton? Very suspicious running after the bird had flown! I don't think this Danum Dancer will ever win a race! It's had enough chances to win four races, but refuses to do so. I left out Foreign Rhythm 25/1 because of its form figures, and the b... came in! It's ridiculous! I hate it when horses win with a first place at the front, as it goes against my principles, but they do it sometimes just to be crafty, as you are assuming they won't try! They also did it yesterday with Trans Sonic, which I backed, fortunately. Top Bid, Bravely and Pawan are three others that could have figured if wanted, but no doubt they will be the subject of a gamble later! A winner at last with Music Maestro 12/1 in the 5.00 Bath! Phluke disputed the lead for a long way, was best in, and it's just a question of when it makes another genuine effort. They are not going to get rid of those placed efforts, surely? I thought Sainte Kadette was going to give me another winner in Ireland, as it seemed to be going very well when sharing the lead. No, it dropped out, but should do better next time as a system bet. Lathaat was hopeless in the 5.15 Newcastle. How can they be under pressure so early and find nothing when they are best in? It doesn't make sense unless you are cynical (like me). The fact that Brink and Spread Boy finished in front of that one and Ezra Church speaks volumes (but doesn't make me feel any better). So Mr Ellison is now becoming an expert in first time out runners? A final winner for my selections with Ocean Transit 16/1 in the 5.30 Bath! That gives a better taste to the day! Choral Festival and Dubai Dolly will do better very soon. System bet Shades Of Grey 16/1 third.

16th October: Two horses that definitely did not compete in the 1.45 Catterick were Lucayan Dancer and Chocolate Caramel, and best in Robby Bobby probably only wanted a place! Watch the first two closely in the near future. Lucayan Dancer was a suspiciously long price, suggesting that they new the outcome for that one! I don't know where Lady Norlela came from, but it finished fast, suggesting the others had run out of steam! I backed Main Aim each-way in the 1.50 Newmarket, finishing third, although I expected Red Jazz to be there too. Cat Junior (second) is obviously still improving. On The High Tops should have been in the shakeup in the 2.15 Catterick, and was well there before finding not much room late on. Worth keeping an eye on, but the price today was not encouraging. I could not have Diamond Vine (second) at the weights, so it must be better than its bare rating. I got the forecast with Mr Jay Dee and Maggio in the 2.30 Kelso. No joy for my selections in the 2.40 Cheltenham, with both Il Duce and Moon Over Miami running very poorly. My nearest was Private Be in fifth. Best in White Deer was never sighted in the 2.50 Catterick, and Hits Only Jude threatened for a while before backing out. The only redeeming feature was system bet Solar Spirit in second at 8/1. White Deer must show very shortly, as it had loads in hand of all of these. I kept looking at Lindseyfield Lodge in the 3.05 Kelso, because it often wins at a good price, but I missed it again today! Best in Storm Prospect and Border Reiver finished third and fourth. Very frustrating! Moorhouse Lad should have done better in the 3.25 Catterick. How many times do I say that? I thought it was about time Johannes showed with six duck's eggs, and it finished fast in third. I can never work out when these horses are supposed to try. The animals themselves are not disappointing, it's just the way they are run on the day! I also thought Favourite Girl might be there with -060 figures in the last three races. There was something very odd about the 3.35 Kelso, where the favourite was under pressure a mile out, won the race and Bow School, travelling like a dream, finished only third. Bears looking at closely! Best in Palomar and Oceans Minstrel at least got placed fifth and fourth in the Cesariwitch, but best in horses never seem to win these big races, just tending to finish fast when it is too late. I kept looking at Aaim To Prosper, but it wasn't as well in as the two named. System bet Plymouth Rock third at 50/1, and has been heavily backed previously in smaller races as if it has more to offer. Top-rated Chicago Grey 13/2 winner of the 3.50 Newmarket. With so many races overlapping, I missed the bet. The curse of Saturdays! Second rated Hell's Bay looked the winner for a long time, but dropped out for no apparent reason. Keep an eye on that one! Why do they back a horse off the boards when it is not going to win? This applied to Pillar Of Hercules, which was very well in but finished fourth. You can never tell with these gambles. I am sure this was just a placed attempt before a better try soon. Second best Border Tale (well in soon) was also very disappointing, but I did get the third with Long Distance. My nap, Is It Me at 33/1 just got pipped into second in the 4.25 Cheltenham. Thought it was going to get back up to win! My other choice, Secret Tune, looked like winning at one point before dropping out again! Keep an eye on that one too! One of my favourite horses, First Class Favour, 11/2 winner of the 4.35 Catterick! I backed Damascus Symphony, which ran in snatches, but should do better. I hate it when you see them being held back with no apparent intention of competing! Motrice should have beaten Tastahil at these weights, but when you back it to win, it comes second! You can't boil an egg by them (but Tastahil was a better price)! I am convinced that Akmal was going best of the lot, but under orders today. A nice little bet with Let's Get Serious and Dark Lover in the 5.35 Cheltenham - clearly the top two bumper trainers in Henderson and Nicholls! Well, I got the forecast with Trans Sonic 10/1 and Captain Macarry 11/4 in the 5.35 Catterick, and just missed the tricast by putting The Hertmitage in! I love it when a gambled dark horse gets beaten by an even darker horse! It does backfire sometimes! Nuit Sombre is thrown in now when wanted, hopefully next time! I think The Hermitage will also show when the competition isn't so hot! Solway Blue (hampered) and Political Pendant were the two best in for the 5.50 Kelso, but, as so often happens, they were not out to win this small race. This partially explains why so many best in horses do not win.

15th October: Active Asset looked certain to get placed in the 1.30 Redcar, but did not go through with it, and finished fifth. Must do better in the near future. Monfils Monfils was also well there for a long way and will also show soon. Orpen Wide is probably better over shorter, and led for a long way here. May also come out over hurdles or chasing, and should be noted. They take a very long time to win, many of these, and all were much better in than the first two home. Refuse To Wait is another to consider soon. Lady Del Sol 5/4 winner of the 2.00 Redcar. Two Feet Of Snow was equally well in, so must be being held back for future handicaps. I thought Splendid Light was going to win the 2.20 Newmarket, but eventually faded into fourth! How disappointing is that? Dettori with Argocat, which I couldn't have on its form figures. Spontaneity ran much better than its finishing position in the 2.35 Redcar and may be worth keeping an eye on. I backed Nicholls' Rebel Du Maquis in the 2.45 Cheltenham, but couldn't understand why Gee Dee Nen was such a big price. Soon found out! They know what is going to happen! Keep an eye on Whey Sauce, which semed to be going better than the placed horses at halfway in the 2.55 Newmarket. Lough Derg dropped out of the 3.20 Cheltenham, but is due a good run soon, possibly over shorter. Raslan finished third at 12/1, running a great race, and I also backed the winner, Amber Brook. Keep an eye on Mac Love, which was just about second best for the 3.30 Newmarket, but did not show, and should compete again soon. Mudaarah and Eldalil made no effort to get into the 4.05 Newmarket, and should have done much better than that! Keep an eye on both for the future. It's really annoying when you get no run for your money. The proof was that those rated below them finished in the places! The thrown in Capable Guest was getting rid of a first place, so I was quite grateful that it finished third at 22/1, although I would prefer it to have won! I kept looking at Bollin Greta, but only put it in for the tricast! Categorical is due soon, whether on the flat or over hurdles. I don't know why Fiulin went off so quickly in the 4.30 Cheltenham, because it just put itself up to be shot at! I feel sure that Mannlichen also could have done better, but was not allowed to run on. Probably explains why it was 10/1 in the betting! I don't know what happened to Golden Destiny in the 4.40 Newmarket, but I never saw it! Beyond Desire (fifth) was much better in than a couple of placed horses, so is clearly working up to it gradually! Why do so many of my selections run on late and never get there in time? Boy The Bell ran on for fifth when it couldn't win, and it is obviously deliberate. Paradise Spectre was hopeless, and will do better when actually wanted, as will Erfaan! The race was won by firast time out Benato The Great, which is also a bit naughty! A 14/1 winner with Quattrocento in the 5.05 Cheltenham! Au Courant is due very soon now. Gamn! The only one of my top-rated that I didn't back, Docofthebay, won the 5.15 Newmarket at 33/1! It was about my fifth rated! Gallagher continues to disappoint, but must be getting ready for a race soon, along with Zomerlust and Spirit Of Sharjah. Did the claimer on the latter tell the tale? I got the second, third and fourth in the 5.30 Redcar with first selection Jupiter Fidius 8/1, second selection Celestial Tryst (28/1) and Reddy To Star! Pity about the winner, that I couldn't pick (typical Channon).

14th October: Should have known that Little Rocky would figure in the 2.10 Nottingham, with Buick not riding for Gosden and a Simcock runner, which I pointed up yesterday! I went with Raajih, which started slowly, made up ground easily, then dropped out again. I feel sure that one will do better. My first selection, Heir To Be, 12/1 winner of the 2.20 Wincanton! (I got 18/1). Vacario disappointed in fourth and can do better, as can Rash Moment. The best in horses could not have tried too hard for Kinigi to win again in the 2.30 Brighton, unless it is much better than its official rating. One of my choices, Whiskey Junction, 14/1 third. The betting drift on Colorus was not encouraging (they must know it is putting in a worse run), although it ran well to a point. Highland Harvest was best in, but was getting rid of a first place, ran on eye-catchingly for fifth, and will probably do better next time. I wrote down Mulaaqen for the 2.40 Nottingham, but did Madison Square for the forecast, finishing third, but I did back it each-way. With Take A Mile a non runner, Some Craic was best in for the 2.50 Wincanton, but a bad mistake ruined its chances. I then wanted Morestead and Hereweareagain, and of course managed to get second and third. Typical! There always seems to be one to beat the best in horses, even if it shouldn't on paper. I thought Desert Location might have run better in the 3.00 Brighton, as Bell's often improve for the run, but at least I had Fly By White as the winner. Gosden again with Plea 6/1 in the 3.10 Nottingham. I was disappointed with both the Hannon horses, and I feel sure Classic Voice (made good progress down the outside) can do better. System bet Beer Flush 25/1 third with Ninfea (-W60) 22/1 second. It is amazing how often those with those form figures run well. I had the first two, Uffa Fox and Unleashed, and the tricast in the 3.20 Wincanton! I thought Uffa Fox was too short a price on its form. I wondered whether best in Corrib would win with a first place at the front, and my concerns were well founded as it finished fifth! Must win soon. It's A Man's World front-ran for a long way, and this was probably a trial run for the near future. I got Outside Investor 14/1 for the 3.50 Wincanton, but didn't give it as a selection today! The fact that second best Wizard Of Edge pulled up suggests that they knew the other was going to run well today. The latter and Converti will do better soon. I chose the wrong two of the big four in the 4.00 Brighton to finish first and second! I think I tend to go for the bigger prices, so that probably explains it, but Strictly Lambada did not appear to be unduly pushed. My selection Jo'burg finished well in second (another few yards please) at 15/2. Don't write off Aspectus, which was 50/1 today and must win soon. First and second for my selections in the 4.20 Wincanton with Nothing Is Forever 9/1 and Raise Again 20/1! Damn! I didn't do the tricast with Slam, despite putting it in for the forcast! Missed a big return there! Giulietta Da Vinci led for a long way in the 4.30 Brighton, and was best in, so will do better soon. Tarita finished third at 15/2 and I also fancied Ermyntrude (second). I got every combination forecast but the right one in the 4.40 Nottingham, but I have done very well today, so you can't have everything! Second with Whisper Wind 7/1 in the 5.00 Brighton. Should have known that Balding doesn't back horses lightly! No money for Gertmagalush in the 5.10 Nottingham, but you can be sure that it will show soon! Bossy Kitty finished fifth of course (well, fourth was just as likely). King's Approach was by far best in for the 5.20 Kempton, but how many times has that horse cost me money? Right up with the pace, then dropped to fourth! Grrr.... I kept looking at Lady Of Garmoran, and even put it in the forecast, but didn't back it, stupid! Again I did every combination but the right one in the 5,30 Brighton, as I backed Daddy's Gift and Desert Falls separately! Best in Danum Dancer (8/1 second) should have won the 5.30 Nottingham, but they like to take it slowly! The winner was a course and distance winner, often significant. Keep an eye on Fromsong and Stolt, which will do better very soon. Despite doing Poyle Judy eachway at 14/1 and the favourite with Whitecrest, I didn't get the forecast in the 5.50 Kempton! But I don't suppose you can cover every eventuality! Well, I've had a very good day today, especially highlighted by the 9/1 winner and 20/1 second in the 4.20 Wincanton, and the tricast in the 3.20. I also got the forecast and tricast in the 6.20 Kempton, admittedly with the first three in the betting, but I couldn't see anything else getting into it! Still gives a good return! Are you reading this page just for fun, or do you want good information? There are still places left for subscribers, so please email me.

13th October: Started with a winner with Muntasib 9/2 in the 2.00 Lingfiedl! I also fancied the Johnston horse, Jalors (third 10/1) but they have disappointed me lately. Nice to start with a winner! Two in a row with Frameit in the 2.10 Uttoxeter! Pity, they had Royal Torbo's jockey (second) on before the races started, and he didn't sound too optimistic of a good run! Blast! I wrote down Bring Sweets and Makbullet (12/1 second) for the 2.20 Uttoxeter, but did not do the forecast! My other choice, Manxman, finished fifth. Not bad picking! Couldn't keep it up in the 2.30 Lingfield, as I backed the next two against the favourite. Just shows that money does count sometimes! I got the forecast in the 2.40 Uttoxeter, but wanted Midnight Opera to get placed, just getting pipped into fourth when appearing to be going better than the third. Could even have got second apart from a couple of mistakes late on. First Fought and Hever Road were best in for the 2.50 Wetherby, but I ignored Pistol Basc (first place on the front), which I tipped last time out! I will never learn! I feel sure sometimes they go against my system on purpose! Both the aforementioned will do better soon, but both seemd to stay deliberately at the back of the field (and were hampered by a faller). A 14/1 winner with Cativo Cavallino in the 3.00 Lingfield! I wondered whether Prince Of Thebes would compete today, as -25 with a 2 at the front is not always good. Prince Of Thebes must do better, hopefully next time. System bet Abhar 11/2 third. Another winner with Heezagrey 7/2 in the 3.15 Uttoxeter, with my other choice Bynack Mhor in fourth. I knew that Portrait Royale would be there, but didn't put it in the forecast! Final Verse just got pipped into fourth in a fast finish in the 3.35 Lingfield, and there is obviously much more to come from that one! Trafalgar Square was well backed late on, but clearly not stable money, as the horse was given a stinker of a ride! Afraid of Final Verse? Possibly, but will do better very soon. I missed the 3.25 Wetherby, so can't comment, but one of my selections, Amazing King finished second at 9/2. Carrickmines should at least got a place in the 3.45 Uttoxeter, and the fact that it didn't suggests that it is being held back for later. Bobbisox was another that I thought would have finished closer. Best in War Party never got in the picture in the 3.55 Wetherby, and this was a dud run. Will almost certainly do better next time. Pity, I didn't back system bet Film Festival, which I fancied. Keep an eye on Daldini, which will also do better soon. My two choices, Kings Sabre and I Confess should have done better in the 4.05 Lingfield, but fortunately I liked the form figures of Fol Liam and had a little each-way on it. One of my selections, Prince Massini 8/1 winner of the 4.20 Uttoxeter! I thought it was a shortish price, and was hoping I knew why! My other choice, Carys's Lad was clearly not wanted today, but no doubt will take its turn soon. Rain Stops Play was hacking behind the leaders in the 4.30 Wetherby, but made no effort to go with them and eventually finished fifth. Keep your eye on it, because I am sure it will win a race before long. Blast, just pipped by Hughes (who needed a winner) into second and third with Dvinsky 9/1 and Rubenstar 15/2 in the 4.40 Lingfield! Ridiculous the way Colliers Court dropped out in the 4.55 Uttoxeter, but it suggests to me that next time is the time! Was thrown in for this, so there was no reason to drop out so easily. Greenbelt did not compete too heartily in the 5.00 Uttoxeter, and its biggish price was a worry, which probably explains why it finished only third. System bet New Shuil looked like winning until the final strides. Almost every time that I have three fancies for a race, I give two of them and the other one does best! It's uncanny, but it happened again with Mixing, Mymateeric and Carnac, the last named finishing third. Why do most horses compete in some races and not others? That's what I have been trying to work out for 20-odd years! I knew that Henderson wouldn't send one horse to Uttoxeter for nothing, and Bear's Affair duly obliged. Pity I didn't put in the only previous winner Champion Court with it! I don't understand why one minute Global was hacking all over his rivals in the 5.30 Wetherby, with the others under pressure, and the next minute it finishes third! Something wrong there, but make a note of Global for the future. System bet Warrior One 6/4 winner. A nice forecast with Whistleinthewind and Officer In Command 12/1 in the 5.40 Kempton! I also got the forecast with Piano 2/1 and Trailblazing 14/1 (which looked sure to win) in the 5.45 Lingfield. I could have had the tricast, because I fancied Eltheeb (third) too! Keep an eye on My Sister for the near future. After looking a sure winner, Hustle backed out into fourth. I feel sure it had much more in hand than it showed here, so make a note! Kimberley Downs should also have done better on flat form, and I feel sure thay just send them out for a trial run and say drop out once satisfied! System bet My Lord 16/1 third in the 6.10 Kempton. Rosina Grey has won a couple of times for me and I knew I should have backed it (put it in a forecast with My Lord). It should have won on the ratings and the weights in any case.

12th October: Yair Hill appeared to be cantering all over Marked Card in the 2.10 Leicester, but found very little in the finish. Should have won on the ratings, so don't know what to make of that! First and third for my selections in the 2.20 Huntingdon, with Iceman George 5/1 winner and Sircozy 5/1 third. I had a look at Keep Talking too! I had three choices in the 2.40 Leicester, and my third choice, Toby Tyler, won the race at 6/1. Fault was thrown in, but they decided to have an off day today for some reason! Jybrrya is also due soon, possibly in a handicap, although clear second best here. Just shows that they value their handicap ratings too highly on many occasions to risk winning a claimer! Fidelis cost me the tricast in the 2.50 Huntingdon, as I had the next three to finish! Ovthenight finished second, but best in Vasodilator was obviously not wanted (despite the trainer's bullishness) and finished fourth again! Just shows that trainers do not always give the whole truth on TV! If he'd said it wouldn't like the ground or similar, I would have been more interested! I had Marden 5/6 and Muffraaj 20/1 for the forecast in the 3.10 Leicester, as Simcock's horses have been in good form recently. I had a few choices in the 3.20 Huntingdon, and fortunately system bet Go Amwell was the 15/2 winner. I was suspicious of the 10lb claimer on Englishtown, and this proved justified, with the horse wandering all over the place. Not out of it when wanted, however. My first choice Manadam finished third at 6/1 after dropping out at one point. I hope that faller Pairc Na Gcapall will be all right, as I like that horse. You never know with Cumani horses, they usually don't perform first time out, but sometimes they surprise at good odds, as in the case of Naqshabban in the 3.40 Leicester! Johnston's horse Mungo Park looked like coming through, then dropped back to fourth, and I don't know quite what to make of his runners at present. Usually if they are 5/1 or shorter they will run very well. Bell's horse Twinkled was too long a price, but I had a small each-way just in case. My first selection Swincombe Rock 4/11 winner of the 3.50 Huntingdon, but next best Ravenclaw was too big a price, ran in snatches and pulled up! What value is there in that? If I'd known it was going to do that, I would have put Pheidias 20/1 in for the forecast! Marafong was best in on all-time ratings for the 4.10 Leicester, but well out of it on official ratings, which was why I doubted if it would win today. It actually came fourth (it now has a string of minor placings), but a bigger disappointment was Easy Terms (the dreaded claimer on again) who hacked along behind the leaders and finished fifth. It is easy for the second rated (Bondage) to win if they know that the best rated is not going to trouble them, but it is annoying for the form student! I tipped Cruichain on 3rd October, but did not tip it today when it won at 11/2! Typical, but I did back it myself. Sonic Anthem, which was equally well in, finished only fourth and will do better (I don't like front-runners much, as they always seem to drop out). Long Lashes 5/2 winner of the 4.40 Leicester, with Super Sleuth in third. I have tipped Seradim three or four times lately in handicaps, and of course it finished second when it had no right to do so on the ratings! I had a little each-way on Twiston-Davies' Bach To Back in the 4.50 Huntingdon, finishing third at 6/1. Ebony Prince dropped out quickly after looking like winning at one point. Pity I put the wrong previous winner in with Bach To Back! System bet Sadler's Risk (Johnston) 5/1 winner of the 5.10 Leicester (and of course I put Estourah with it instead of Sea Moon). But that is just greed, trying to get better value! Nevada Desert did not perform in the 5.40 Leicester, but should do so as a system bet next time (my naps are usually pretty rotten, but they are carefully selected). My other selection, system bet Best Prospect third at 9/1, rounding off quite a good day for selections with three winners and a number of placed horses. Email me for your subscription!

11th October: How come the horse I pick nearly always finished fourth? I backed Sylas Ings, which looked sure to place, then just got pipped into fourth! Should have known that Balding's horse Chef was a significantly short price! I kept looking at April Fool in the 2.20 Kempton, which has surprised in the past, but couldn't back it at 50/1! Tweo big disappointments were Opera Prince (fourth) and French Art (dropped out). Moore did not seem to push Opera Prince when it could have got third place. I don't know what has got to happen for them to win, but they are getting very frustrating! Both must do better very soon. The first two both had first places at the front of their figures, so my system does not always work! Well, I got the forecast with Aldwick Bay 20/1 and Dr Darcey 16/1 (both Hannon and -040) in the 2.30 Windsor! What a great result! The straight forecast paid £293 but the exacta paid only £111! Somebody knew something! Second and third with Desert Shine and Follow My Dream in the 2.40 Salisbury. There was some money for the winner and that is often noteworthy from the Candy stable. I selected the winner, King Of Aquitaine 7/1 in the 2.50 Kempton, but Kissing Clara (7lb claimer again) did not appear to be ridden out at the end, just idled and let the next two go past, and should have got second in my opinion! That one was best in and should win soon. Putin should have done better in the 3.05 Windsor, so keep an eye on it soon. I wrote down the first three in the right order in the 3.15 Salisbury, and had a little on the reverse forecast with Flood Plain 5/1 and Super 100/30. I backed Strictly Pink each-way in the 3.25 Kempton, but the forecast with Googlette was about the only one I didn't do! One of my selections, Ivory Silk 12/1 second in the 3.35 Windsor. I wondered whether best in Kings Caprice would win with an outstanding first place, and it actually finished fifth! Watch out for that one, thrown in soon! As usual the first horse that caught my eye in the 3.50 Salisbury, won the race at 12/1! Why don't I give them and back them? Because I am obsessed with ratings, and Perfect Ch'i and Kurtanella (fourth) were my two best in. The latter was miles back, and only ran on for fourth when it was too late. Must be planned beforehand! Kidlat was a big outsider in the 4.00 Kempton, but led nearly all the way before folding. Will do better, as this was a trial run. I also backed system bet Stand Guard, which finished third at a massive price (40/1)! Miss Antonia just pipped on the line in the 4.10 Windsor at 15/2! Prince Of Dance was going better than the second in the 4.20 Salisbury, but as usual, let itself get overhauled into fourth place late on. Was getting rid of first places, but will do better soon. As often happens, my nap Viking Spirit went down, but the second selection, Green Park won the 4.30 Kempton at 8/1! How do you explain that? Ridiculous! System bet Waabel ran right off the track when in the lead in the 4.40 Windsor, ruining my bet! They can't do that deliberately, can they? I wouldn't put it past them! All I can say is I would have got the foreast right if I'd known that was going to happen! I thought I was going to get the forecast with Captain Dancer and Rock The Stars in the 4.50 Salisbury until Rosco Flyer upset the applecart! Outsider of the lot, as often happens with Teal's horses! Best in Vhujon did not really run on as if it intended to win the 5.00 Kempton, finishing third at 8/1, and my other selection, Baby Strange, finished fourth again! Uncanny! They must know those are the desired positions before the race! You can't ignore Cox's runners in any race, but unfortunately I did in the 5.10 Windsor. I thought I hadf the winner and forecast with a furlong to go, but Constant Craving came up to spoil it! Must remember that! I kept looking at Woolfall Treasure, and it was a much shorter price in the morning. I backed Lethal Glaze (second) each-way, and I suggest you keep an eye on Numide (thrown in and a system bet next time). Best in Desert Icon and Gallantry were very disappointing in the 5.30 Kempton, but it is only a matter of time before both of them get into the frame or win. Tuxedo is another to keep in mind. I hate it when a horse is gambled (Merchant of Medici) for no apparent reason and wins! System bet Chicane 9/1 winner of the 5.40 Windsor, with one of my selections, Dr Finley in third at 9/1. Outsider Thundering Home made good ground, but did not go through with it. Keep your eye on that one soon. Victorian Bounty has been running well below form for a number of races now, and I believe it is now due to strike in the very near future. Don't say I didn't tell you! My other selection, Slugger O'Toole ran well from the back, finishing third at 14/1. Must win soon. Don't give up on Tukitinyasok, which had a rest day today.

10th October: Williams Way was thrown in for the 2.00 Goodwood, made good ground, then dropped out again. Will be very tempting as a system bet next time. Next best Mohanad finished second, and fortunately I got the forecast with Bugsys Boy. Two system bets figured in the finish of the 2.25 Bath, with Diamond Vine 7/1 winner and Indian Shuffle 16/1 third. Pity about my selections, which seem incapable of running a good race! They don't half try your patience! Chevy To The Levy was best in for the 2.45 FFos Las, but when it started at 12/1, I smelt a big rat, and it dropped out tamely. Why did it not run its race? Probably being kept for another handicap soon. I also backed Sonny Mullen, and I hate it when I back at a short price and it finishes second. Soul destroying! I got system bet Double Dealer 4/1 in the 3.10 Goodwood, but would have preferred Colebrook to finish second with it! keep an eye on Mutual Force, which finished fast after sitting at the back of the field. My selection Duplicity 20/1 second in the 3.40 Bath. Could have won, but its form was very poor. I got first, second and fourth with Aerodynamic and Poor Prince. New Latin was disappointing in the 3.45 Goodwood. You always feel that Johnston horses have a lot more to give than they do on some occasions. Sharpened Edge finished third at 18/1 in the 4.10 Bath. Ray Of Joy finished fast down the outside and made the others look as if standing still! I can never work out whre this extra speed comes from unless it is a far superior animal. I thought today was the day for Our Picadilly, which came up hacking, then apparently found nothing. Will do better soon. Why is it very difficult to get the second favourite to run properly? Flodden should at least have got second, but dropped out to fifth, and this happens so often that it is worrying. Whenever I nap a horse, most of the time it comes last, and I am at a loss to explain that in the case of Enlightenment, which was very well in. Dishdasha also came only fourth when it was second best in. System bet Black Jack Blues 7/1 winner. Aalsmeer was thrown in for the 4.45 Bath, and I thought it would win easily, but plans were otherwise. I hate throwing away money on certainties that don't perform. Must win a race when wanted, but why not today. Other poor saps like me must have backed it in on its old form. The betting was suspicious, however, as if they knew something else would win. I feel as if I have been taken for a ride, as it could not be beaten if running correctly. General Elliot and Beaver Patrol were about equal best in for the 4.55 Goodwood, but I was suspicious of the price of Beaver Patrol after a first place last time out, suggesting that it would not be there today. I was therefore disappointed that General Elliot did not win the race, but when their form is poor, they almost always find something to beat them! Treasury Counsel was thrown in for the 5.05 Ffos Las but ran an appalling race! It makes me despair sometimes, because the only possible danger, Prince Massini was a non runner! Hell's teeth! What will make these horses win? Yes, being told to do so, which seems to happen about once in ten races! Even system bet Flag Flyer finished only fourth. I got a bit of compensation in the 5.20 Bath, with Pelham Crescent winning at 8/1. I also had Mykingdomforahorse second, but Lucky Breeze failed to fill out third place for the tricast. Too greedy, I suppose. One of my selections, Seaside Sizzler, finished really fast in second in the 5.30 Goodwood at 20/1! I am still waiting for Street Entertainer and Donna Elvira (led most today) as both are due now. I give up trying to get forecasts, as second favourite Pontyates finished only fourth in the 5.40 Ffos Las. And the jockey makes it look so dramatic, rowing away with about a mile still do go. He's not going to be accused of not trying! Do they think, well we can't win this race, so we might as well drop out? It appears very much like that sometimes, but it's not cricket, is it?

9th October: I had the first three written down for the 1.45 York, including Johnston's 8/1 winner, and the system bet Nicola's Dream, but didn't back in the race, and hence missed the nice forecast! It's amazing how often a horse rated in the 60's and 70's runs well in these maiden races, suggesting the standard isn't up to much. If I had backed, it probably wouldn't have worked out that way. Dubawi Gold was second in on official ratings for the 155 Ascot and won at 25/1! I was suspicious of the price of memen and it duly finished last! The jockey dived off Indian Groom in the 2.00 Hexham, thus ruining my bet. Odds-on favourites! Tell me about them. Bet it will jump properly when it's really wanted! Another odds-on favourite beaten in Drill Sergeant in the 2.25 bangor. You might as well back the second favourite each time! Dinkum Diamond was disappointing in fourth in the 2.30 Ascot. One of my selections, Sphinx, 25/1 second in the 2.45 York. Fortunately I also put it in a forecast with my third choice, Act Of Kalanisi at 9/1 for a nice little return! I had a little eachway on Nearby at 14/1 in the 2.55 Bangor. If it is all right after its fall, Beherayn should do better soon. I thought Tifoso had the 3.10 Hexham in the bag, but just got pipped on the line at 8/1! I thought I was also getting the forecast with Stagecoach Amber (third). I got Katla and Barefoot Lady for the forecast in the 3.20 York! I think Baaher could have done better in the 3.30 Bangor (never put into the race), so keep your eye on that one and Pelo Du Bief. Oniz Tiptoes was right up with the pace, pressing the leaders in the 3.45 Hexham before dropping out. This was a trial run, so keep an eye out for it soon, as it is thrown in. Manoubi is also much better than it showed today, and will be a sytem bet next time. System bet Grafite 33/1 second in the 4.05 Bangor. Pity, as I did Pie At Midnight to finish second, but did back Grafite each-way. Pie At Midnight should do better soon. Syrian missed the break in the 4.30 York. The things they do not to win races! Must do much better soon. Petite Margot and Arnold Layne were best in for the 4.40 Bangor, but Petite Margot always appears to be going well, only to fade out late. Arnold Layne dropped right out, but the betting indicated it was not wanted today. Moyenne Corniche was best in for the 4.50 York, but typically finished third in a seven horse race! You can't win with these! Im mentioned Saucy Buck as being well in recently, and it finished a very close second at 10/1 in the 5.40 Wolverhampton! System bet Espy 16/1 third in the 6.10 Wolverhampton. Second placed White Shift was much better in than the winner Kinigi, but they often like to get a place after a win for some reason. That is something I have never quite worked out, how a horse can keep winning when it is not best in.

8th October: My first selection, Alvarado 3/1 winner of the 2.30 Carlisle. I was tempted to put in Flying Doctor for the forecast, but the big price put me off, as it is usually heavily backed when wanted. Born Again finished fifth and was never put into the race. I wondered why Sibenek was such a big price, but I soon found out when it unseated rider. Will do better. Almost typically, the Maktoum horse Waseet won the 2.45 York with no right to do so on the figures. You never know how good these horses actually are until they suddenly improve massively! Kirklees must have underperformed considerably to get this result, and I felt that Jet Away was not expected on today's betting. System bet Normandy Maid 7/1 winner of the 2.55 Musselburgh. Fahey (but not Hanagan) again! Of course I backed Saxonette and it finished fourth (did the 1lb overweight make any difference?). I had system bet Mulligans Pride and Springaway as my best in for the 3.05 Carlisle, finishing first 6/1 and third 15/2! Advanced will win another race one day when I am fed up with it! How many times have I backed that horse recently? Mastership also never showed after coming third last time out, and is definitely due. What on earth is the matter with Fahey? He can make anything win at any price at the moment. Look Busy and Fol Hollow both ran poorly in the 3.30 Musselburgh and will do better soon. My third choice, Archers Road, finished second at 14/1. Why is it always my third choice? The best in horses performed poorly again in the 3.40 carlisle, with Polar Gunner pulling up and Rayshan right out the back. What are they doing with them? Next best Forty Five finished only fourth. Getting rid of first places again. Best in Oddsmaker decided to come fourth today. It was better in than the winner, Chookie Hamilton, so why didn't it win? It's amazing! Toshi was also better in, but did not compete. Very frustrating! My selection Knight Valliant 9/1 third in the 4.15 Carlisle. Should have done better than that, but at least it's a place. Keep an eye on Appeal Denied and Samizdat soon. A winner with Haajes 7/1 in the 4.30 York, and I had the third for good measure in Mango Music. I didn't put up Newman Des Plages because I thought it was getting rid of a first place! Just shows you can never tell. Twelve Paces and Julius Caesar were useless, but will do better. System bet Veiled Applause 7/2 winner of the 5.00 York. How do they know to make it such a short price? Both Trans Sonic and Motafarred tailed off pathetically. Why do I always pick non-triers? They were the two best in! More non-competitors in the 5.10 Musselburgh, where Avonrose and Dhaular Dhar finished in the ruck. Another of my selections will try one day! This Amethyst Dawn seems to win whenever it is backed, so is obviously hiding something from the handicapper! The three obvious horses in the 5.40 Musselburgh were Berbice, Deadly Secret and Hits Only Jude, and punters seemed to think they had good chances too! But after all three had disputed the lead much of the way, they all dropped out like fragile lilies one by one! Were they afraid of each other, or was that the plan? Whatever, after being full of optimism of at least two of them in the frame, I finished totally deflated! Keep an eye on all of them, preferably when not running against each other! My God, you have to work so hard to get some of these horses to win!

7th October: System bet Tullyraine 16/1 winner of the 2.00 Worcester and I ignored it, prat! I did get the next winner, however, Golden Delicious by Cadeaux Genereux at 7/1 in the 2.10 Newbury! That's better, Mr Morrison! I backed Molanna View and system bet Bally Legend (disputed lead most) in the 2.25 Exeter, finishing third at 11/1 and fourth. I was hoping that Pipe's Dynaste would finish second to Owen Glendower in the 2.35 Worcester, but just tired into third, so the betting was right. I backed Mijhaar (10/1 second) each-way in the 2.45 Newbury, but didn't put it in the forecast with the favourite! It's easy with hindsight! It is noticeable with many top stables that horses are short odds when expected to win, but much longer when a place only is expected. Disappointed with Celtic Ballad and Googoobarabajagal in the 3.00 Exeter, but they are no doubt better than that. My top three clear rated, Glengarra, Space Star and Mad Professor finished second, third and fourth in the 3.10 Worcester, but I couldn't pick the winner The Darling Boy! Where do they come from? I think these well handicapped horses use these races to get a suitable place for next time out! There can be no other explanation! Welsh Dancer and Falkland Flyer were big outsiders in the 3.20 Newbury, but I wouldn't write them off just yet, as both were well in on previous running, and will do better in a lesser races. Best in The Dukes Speech was never pushed unduly (wish it was) and finished an easy-going fourth in the 3.35 Exeter. Obviously not wanted today, but had plenty in hand! Look out for it next time. Triggernometry was a big outsider (getting rid of a first place) and will do better soon. Also keep an eye on Very Cool, which was going well and dropped out for no apparent reason. There were so many well handicapped horses in the 3.45 Worcester that it was difficult to pick which ones would try and which ones would not! Two that were going extremely well and did not go through with it were Supreme Piper and Ticket To Ride, but both appeared to be on trial runs today. Keep an eye on both of them, as well as Heir To Be and Midnight Diamond. I tipped Panzer on its last run (see 26th August), and it won the race at 5/1, but there were several others that could also have won if wanted. One of my selections, Dream In Waiting 25/1 third in the 3.5 Newbury. Typically the race was off before I could get the bet on! You can't boil an egg by ratings with some of these horses, with Triggerman failing again (what a waste of money!) and Persian Run also running pretty miserably. What can we do to make them win? Absolutley nothing! System bet Dovers Hill 3/1 winner. That was the first one I looked at and didn't back! Grrr....! Best in Mark Twain finished fourth in the 4.30 Newbury. Well, who would have thought that? Probably me! This is getting ridiculous! The second, third or fourth rated win a lot at the expense of the best in! First In The Queue, which I tipped last time when it finished third, won the race at 12/1, but you can't really back them when there are better in horses in the same race. Just shows you have to keep following them! Organiz was thrown in on hunter chase form, but was too big a price and dropped out the back. My second choice Captain Becket was also a big outsider and failed miserably. Keep your eye on both of them. Fortunately my third rated Cantabilly won at 14/1! A winner with Dunkelly Castle 13/2 in the 4.55 Worcester! I had that one and Autumn Red as equal on my ratings, and there was a short head between them at the line! Qualypso D'Allier was well backed, travelled well, but did not find much at the end. Will probably do better soon. Rock Soleil's rider must have been told to get third place in the 5.05 Newbury, because he made maximum effort to get up on the line! Pity he didn't make more effort sooner, as the horse was well better than the first two home! Ned Ludd disappointed yet again, but is thrown in on old form. Will it ever win? We'll see! Calculating will also win another race before long. I thought it was time for Wujood today, but it made ground, then dropped right out. No money for Orion Express, which finished fifth today, but that will definitely win soon. Havenstone was also well in, but finished fourth. Fourth! The bane of my life!

6th October: My first selection, Prophet In A Dream 5/2 winner of the 2.10 Nottingham. Not a great price, but a winner! Lindo Erro did not show, but I picked it as a system bet. Sadler's Star should have figured in the first three in the 2.20 Ludlow, but disappointed in a bout sixth after making smooth headway. Must win before long! One of my selections, Little Al, 25/1 third in the 2.30 Towcester! That Man Fox was a big outsider, but was best in and was well there most of the way. Will do better soon. System bet Hernando Torres 8/1 second in the 2.40 Nottingham. Looked like it had won on the freeze frame! I had the winner with Miss Overdrive 7/2 in the 2.50 Ludlow, so not a bad start! Knew I shouldn't have given a short-priced favourite in my selections, but I thought Michael Flips 4/5 second was a certainty (should have been on paper)! I might have known that West Leake Bridge would win with form like that, but I backed the higher rated Lowawatha to beat it! Hannon's favourite was very poor, how can they justify that? Whever I gaive a favourite, it is useless, as in the case of Tritonville Lodge in the 32.0 Ludlow, which dropped out tamely when best in! Wahtaboutya finished sixth and was never put into the race. Nesnaas ran up and down the field in the 3.30 Towcester, eventually finishing about sixth, with Good Old Days in fourth (would have got a return but for a non runner, as usual!). Don't back Cecil and he gets first and second in the 3.40 Nottingham. Typical! Ooh, scream! Fool's Wildcat mad eye-catching late progress but conveniently stayed out of the top six in the 3.50 Ludlow! No money for it, but is a certainty when backed by that stable! My second-rated, Armenian Boy finished second, and keep an eye on Tighe Caster, which did not compete today. Best in Monsieur Georges finishe only sixth, but my second selection, Von Galen won at 11/1! My sure each-way bet Always Bold dropped out in the 4.20 Ludlow. Why do they always run like crabs when I am relying on them? System bet Key Cutter 5/1 second. Typical again! Best in Spent fell in the 4.30 Towcester, ruining my bet, but it must do better if recovering from that. So many unfortunate things happen to my horses! Keep an eye on Graylyn Ruby, which was well there, then dropped out late on. Trial run for something better? Short Break ran terribly in the 4.40 Nottingham, but co-owned Significant Move won the race. Alfonso The Wise appeared to be cruising, but was not pushed near the finish. Keep an eye on Tom Wade, which looked like winning the 4.50 Ludlow until unseating near the finish. The problem is, everybody else will have noticed too, and it may be too short next time. Chord led most of the way in the 5.00 Towcester before dropping out. Clearly a trial run, and will do better, along with Bond Cruz, whixch was also mentioned near the finish. Jug Of Punch was sixth again, and I suspect is getting ready to strike soon. Damn! I also backed Three Boars, which looked certain to at least place, then finished fourth! Danum Dancer, thrown in for the 5.10 Nottingham, typically failed to perform, and must be a sure thing next time. No consolation today, however! A horse that I selected recently, Commander Wish, (see last time out on 10th September) 66/1 winner! It was 8lb out of the handicap, so I ignored it today! But it was probably next best in after Danum Dancer. What does that say about the latter's performance? Kensington is yet another example of a horse finishing second, then bombing out next time. Keep it in mind. The two horses with two first places finished 13/8 first and 16/1 second in the 5.20 Ludlow. Why didn't I do the forecast? I also had Nicholls' horse in third place. Pity there wasn't a tricast! Bluebok looks as if it will never win another race, finishing third in the 5.30 Kempton. Why do I back these horses that constantly let me down? And the worst part is that with the late withdrawal, there were only two places! Surely they should take the number of horses in the race when you place your bet? This is a very unfair penalty when you back on the basis of a certain number of runners.

5th October: One of my selections for the 2.00 Catterick, Avertuoso, 3/1 winner! The other, Officer Mor, ran well, but was not pushed unduly to finish sixth. Will do better, possibly not next time. Cecil's Deslaya did not perform in the 2.10 Leicester. I can never pick his runners! Morrison's Isolate won the race, but not as much money as I expected from that stable, although his outsiders do win sometimes. How can you back horses that tail off in the first few yards? Mr Rooney and Angelofthenorth had no intention of getting into the race and third best Barraland also ran very poorly in fifth. There is no way of knowing what they are going to do beforehand, but surely they can run better than that? You might as well back the fourth or fifth rated if that is going to happen! System bet Marsh Warbler 9/4 winner of the 2.40 Leicester. Damn! I thought Half Sister was going to get second, but just pipped by the favourite! Why did I think Aatash might win the 2.50 Southwell when it had outstanding first places to get rid of? I'll never learn! In fact it was my least fancied runner which won. Typical! Often seems to happen, but I suppose that's what they want! Mayfair Princess was best in on old form for the 3.00 Catterick, but after leading early dropped back. Are they going to get rid of that first place before making an effort? I wrote down Cinderkamp, which I backed a couple of times recently, but didn't back it. Typical! Red Wine was withdrawn in the 3.20 Southwell, and I thought St Savarin would have an easy victory, but typically it finished only fourth despite being thrown in! Somebody like me must have backed it, because it came in markedly in the betting. Must have been looking for a place but not a win! I hate them doing that! Must win very soon. Black Falcon only runs well when there is any money for it, and there was none today. Keep an eye on any market moves for it in the near future. I was disappointed with Nicholls' system bet runner Red Gold And Green in the 3.30 Catterick, which did not seem anxious to get in the places. Must be better than that, so keep an eye on it. Whatever I pick in some of these races, the opposite happens. Some of them are impossible to pick on form! This applied to the 3.40 Leicester, where Cecil's, Hannon's and Prescott's all finished out of the places. Is that planned? Johnston's horse Herostatus failed to impress in the 3.50 Southwell, and I get a bit fed up with them sometimes, as I always expect better from them! I put it in a forecast with Cecil's, which won, of course! Frustrating! This game can put you in total despair sometimes, with none of my fancies apart from First Class Favour figuring in the 4.00 Catterick! You might just as well back Hanagan and Fahey as far as I can see! Finally got a good result with Hajaan beating Divine Call, but I thought it had got pipped first time around! Two good results with Rare Coincidence 20/1 second and Bathwick Xaara 16/1 winner! Avonvalley finished fourth in the same race, but there were only 15 runners, of course! We All Laughed must win or at least place very soon now. It was obvious that Masta Plasta was too big a price in the 4.50 Southwell, and where did it finish? Fourth of course! They must have planned to do that before the race, as it was at least second best, if not best in. Harcas was very well in today, but the jockey made a big point of giving a few slaps at halfway. I bet it runs better next time! Even more frustrating was Smugglers Bay, which looked to be going better than the winner, looked certain to get placed, then finished - you've guessed it! - fourth! Lordship was heavily backed again today, but got beaten by the unfancied Katmai River in the 5.10 leicester. I don't believe it! The first three I wrote down for the 5.20 Southwell finished first 6/1, second 16/1 and third 14/1, and somebody phoned me so I didn't get the bet on! Incredible! That's when you know your luck is out! That is one of the worst bits of luck I have had in ages, and I've had quite a bit recently! They must have known that Kingdom Of Munster wasn't going to win the 5.30 Catterick: "Back it each-way" was probably the instruction, as it was thrown in to win the race and just about scrambled third place. Hurlingham's rider suspiciously lost his irons, so that was the end of that one. Why do they have to keep getting placed, is it just to throw us off the scent? There is so much fineigling going on, it gets very annoying! Well, I could have got all my money back on one bet today if I hadn't been stopped from making my bet, so apart from a couple of winners and a good place, it was a poor day today. Let's hope it gets better!

4th October. Imprimis Tagula 10/1 second in the 2.20 Warwick. I left out Green Park for the forecast after tipping it almost every time recently! Trafalagar Square was going very well in the 2.30 Windsor, but found nothing. I wonder why? Keep an eye on it. My other selection, Prince Apollo, 10/1 third, and I almost got the forecast with Flipping! I thought Hanagan on Brave Dream would have done better in the 2.40 Pontefract, since Fahey had two horses in the race, but it finished only fourth. I was also interested in Las Verglas Star, but it faded tamely. Johnston's Coax was disappointing in the 2.50 Warwick. I never seem to back his when they are going to run a big race! Best in Full Victory at least got fourth in the 3.00 Windsor, but that is no consolation! Must do better soon. I think you need to see more money for Meydan Dubai from that stable, but it is very well in also. Croeso Cusan is clearly one of those dark horses just put in for a touch now and again, if it beat those horses on merit. Johnston's system bet Al Farahidi 16/1 winner of the 3.10 Pontefract, and I did back it this time! Pity I didn't do both of Johnston's for the forecast! Slugger O'Toole was not backed today, but was clear best in for the 4.20 Warwick and will do much better when wanted. Ours missed the break, was almost tailed off, then ran on for fifth place! Typical! I think these horses take their turns, because not many win two handicaps in a row! I kept looking at Phoebs because it had the worst looking form, often a good sign, then didn't back it! Thought Evans might be pulling a fast one with Scarlet Rocks, but it ran nowhere near its best form. Most of selection is pure guesswork when they know what sort of run is planned beforehand! I will never understand why three or four horses are miles clear of the others in a handicap (4.40 Pontefract). Do the others not try at all? Layla's Boy is very well in when wanted, but getting them to figure is like getting blood out of a stone - enfuriating! Centennial was clear best in for the 4.50 Warwick, but was clearly only out for a place today, finishing third. A pity, because my other pick, Red Merlin won the race at 5/2, and I did the reverse forecast! Did they know that Cut The Cackle was not going to cut the mustard today? Clear best in, it finished only fourth, and should have done much better than that! Will do better when wanted. My other selection Essexbridge finished second at 3/1, but the winner always seems to win with plenty in hand, and is probably a much better class of animal. Damn! If I hadn't concentrated on best in Fifty Moore (too big a price) for the 5.10 Pontefract, I would have had the forecast, because I put it in with both the first and second! Amazing how you can miss out like that! I suppose I should have done all three in reverse forecasts, but it's so expensive. Pippbrook Ministar should have done better in the 5.30 Windsor, but when there is little or no money for them, you more or less know that they are not going to figure! It should at least have finished in front of Nadinska! Come on Hailey, give us a fair deal! My other selection, Lay Claim, at least finished third, but no profit in that! I've had a couple of winners today, but some days you know that nothing much is going to run in your favour! An easy winner with Foxhaven 5/1 in the 6.00 Windsor (8/1 available earlier). My subscribers heard it here first, before the TV pundits! Archie Rice and Meglio Ancora (second and third best) are due very soon.

3rd October: A very disappointing favourite in Front Of House in the 1.30 Uttoxeter. I told you they don't usually like odds-on prices! Code Blue appeared to be going etter than anything and is worth keeping an eye on. It doesn't usually pay to overlook Twiston-Davies horses, as I did in this case! Top-rated King Torus was also disappointing at Longchamp, and again I overlooked Fahey and Hanagan! Trial run for Always Baileys in the 2.00 Uttoxeter. Should do better shortly. Mulaazem, next best in, was also disappointing as a system bet. Front Rank was an outsider today, despite being best in, so ran a corresponding race. Tiger King was next best but did not show! Long Distance finished about fifth and will also do better. How do you make them run properly? You can't until they are wanted, when they are backed heavily! Madman was a huge outsider today in the 2.45 Huntingdon, despite having fair form on paper, and front-ran for some way before packing up, so perhaps they are saving it for a handicap? I was tempted to back Workforce in the Arc, but put it in with Fame And Glory instead. Prat! Indian Pipe Dream was as well in as the others on my ratings for the 3.20 Uttoxeter, but failed to perform as usual. Must win a handicap soon. My first winner as a nap selection for Songe at 11/4 in the 3.30 Huntingdon! Ursis made a few mistakes and will do better. Don't take too much notice of the result in the 3.55 Uttoxeter, where Temple Place was thrown in, but finished only fourth (made a good show of labouring towards the end!). How many times does that happen? There is nothing we can do about it, unfortunately. Two non runners for my selections in the 4.25 Uttoxeter! Predateur and Cruchain were too bad to be true in the 4.45 Huntingdon, but I suppose their form figures suggested next time out, so keep an eye on both. The same applied to Forsyth in the 4.55 Kelso, but it could at least have got placed! I am convinced that Pocket Too could have done better in the 5.10 Uttoxeter, but they make it look so convincing! My second selection, Feel The Force, 8/1 second.

2nd October: Second place for Charlie Cool at 10/1 in the 2.45 Epsom, and second at 7/1 for Marodima in the 3.30 Fontwell. The latter was thrown in, so I can only assume second place only was wanted. It is only a matter of time before Smokey Oakey runs a better race, being a big outsider in the Cambridgeshire today. Jo'burg ran a big race, winning the standside group, but finishing out of the places. I backed Humdrum each-way in the 4.15 newmarket, finishing fast for second at 12/1. Dubai Miracle came hacking through on the inside in the 4.25 Epsom, but once it got there, faded out again. This was clearly a trial run, so keep an eye on it. Of course stablemate Pintura won the race, which explains everything! I don't know where Jolly Roger came from, but it ruined my nice bet on Resplendent Light, which I thought was a certainty! Damn! Moon Lightning was well there, going well, but packed up quickly. Why do they do that when they should definitely be second or third? A winner for my selections with Isintshelovely 11/2 (I got 8/1) with Galantos in third at 10/1. I could have had the tricast, but picked the favourite for my third horse! Becausewecan finished third in the 5.25 newmarket, but Macarthur disappointed again. What are they waiting for with that horse, which should be thrown in against these? My tip last time out, Lethal Glaze, 25/1 winner! Mishrif has been very disappointing of late, and I am not sure if it still retains its earlier ability, but my other selection, Aflaam, finished fast in third at 9/2. Both should do better. Galpin Junior (fifth) has been thrown in for some time, but keeps disappointing. No doubt it will win when we get fed up with it! My other choice, Stolt was a very long price, but will do better shortly. It's annoying when none of your picks makes any effort! System bet Reachtothestars (-640) 10/1 winner of the 6.00 Wolverhampton (I got 16/1)! Best in Grazeon Gold Blend finished fifth in the 6.15 Redcar, but, guess what? Stablemates Leslingtaylor and Zaplamation finished first and second! Did they just put that horse in as a red herring? Stranger things have been done! It must win soon, possibly over shorter. Houston Dynimo is also very well in when wanted, but it was a big price today. Another odds-on favourite beaten in Rock Noir in the 5.20 Huntingdon. I almost knew that was going to happen before the race, but still blew my money on the forecast the wrong way around. Will I never learn? System bet Mister Wiseman 14/1 second in the 5.40 Uttoxeter. Whatcanisay was best in, was well backed and was a complete flop. Why did I take notice of the money? Russellstown Boy (see 19th September) 12/1 winner! Strange how Oniz Tiptoes failed at the first hurdle when best in and getting rid of a first place, but it ruined my forecast bet! At least it finished second with no jockey on it. Cute N You Know It (fifth) was very disappointing as the next best in, but it's nothing new to me - I see it all the time! I always had the feeling with Strobe that it did not want to win the 6.00 Kelso, as the jockey dropped back, then ran on again, eventually finishing third and easing up on the run-in. Desperate Dex (winner), Snowy (fourth) and that one were almost equally in on my ratings. The trouble is that often you take the bigger prices for value, but it's not value, because they are not out to win! There were three system bets in the 6.25 Kelso, two of which finished in the frame, but they were all beaten by Rose Dobbin's Rocking Blues, which you couldn't pick without inside information (the TV pundit did mention that it was quietly fancied).

1st October: I wrote down Havant and Look At Me for the 1.25 Newmarket, then got greedy and backed the top two rated, Lily Again and Cochabamba. Why do these top-rated never seem to figure much in these races? Both made an effort at one point, then dropped away. These other horses must have improved a lot or these two ran below form! Another example in the 1.55 Newmarket where the top-rated apparently make no attempt to get into the race! Awzaan and Premio Loco are the two in question. The latter even allowed itself to get hampered when making ground late on. Ok, it had a penalty, but should still have been in the first three! Surely the jockeys are better than that? It is obvious from the betting, and it is very annoying! Surely it can't be just to get a better price when they are out to win? I would just like to get value for money, and not suspect that they know that their horses are not up for it beforehand! M y first jumps selection, Inner Voice, appeared to be going by far the best in the 2.10 Hexham, but finished only third. I also had a feeling about Holiday Cocktail, which always seems to win when wanted. Another pathetic favourite in the 2.20 Lingield in Dubawi Gulf! Hacking behind the leaders, it packed up tamely like so many others. Can't boil an egg by them, and of course the second and third favourites finished first and second! Margot Did should also have done better in the 2.30 Newmarket, but a disturbingly big price again! I would like to know what the instructions are beforehand! I also backed system bet Rimth, which finished 11/1 second. Should have backed Hooray on its own! At last! A top-rated horse that actually runs to form, with Cape Tribulation beating Magical Legend 6/1 in the 2.40 Hexham! I also had a winner in Ireland with Smokey Joe Joe 10/1! Well, the two that I gave for the 2.55 Lingfield, Kings Approach (best in) and Imperial Warrior did not perform, but my third choice, So Surreal won easily at 14/1! Keep an eye on the first two, which must try to win soon. I backed Dream Ahead to beat Temple Meads in the 3.05 Newmarket, but the saddle apparently slipped on that one! Not good policy in a big race, is it? Don't know what to make of that. I backed Approve each-way, so if I'd known that, would have done it for the forecast! Amazing some of the things that happen to these horses! Good job I'm not the cynical type! Couldn't see that Sunnyside coming in the 3.15 Hexham! Amazing! More frustration in the 3.30 Lingfield, where Whiskey Junction ran no sort of race and Cerito ran on for fifth. Makes you want to scream! System bet Dear Maurice finished second at 10/1. Strikes me that only three or four horses are actually trying to win in any given race, and some of them are only out to get placed! Steelcut is another that should do better next time. This Titus Gent is another of those horses that seems able to win whenever they want it! There are so many around just being kept for a nice touch! I managed to get a last place with Gosden's Short Takes in the 3.40 Lingfield. I think White Frost could have won the race easily, but ran across the track as if it wanted to get beaten! Will probably win a bigger race when wanted. One of these days the correct horses will win races! Pistol Basc was thrown in for the 3.50 Hexham, but contrived to come fourth! My other choice, Murphy's Beau finished third at 5/1. Makes me mad! I am very tempted to give up betting, as so many of my fancies fail to make any effort! Victorian Bounty led most of the way in the 4.05 Lingfield, then stopped as isf shot! The same applied to Dvinsky, which was second for a long time. The worst part is that they make it look so convincing! When you look at the betting, you think, why is that one so short when mine is much further out? But you are glad that it's a bigger price, because it's better value. But in most cases it's no value at all, because it has no intention of winning! You soon find that out when one frustrating race after another is played out. Best in Wajir flattered for a moment in the 4.15 Newmarket, but I was expecting too much for it to win, despite being favourite. It has finally got rid of last season's form, so perhaps it will win now? Come on, stop pratting around ! Getting a win is like getting blood out of a stone! If I'd known that, I would have backed Myplacelater to win! Another correct result (that's two today) with system bet Al Qeddaaf 4/5 beating Maggio 4/1 in the 4.25 Hexham. What went wrong? And I also had a little each-way on Dechiper, finishing third at 20/1. Disappointment again with system bet Rose Aurora finishing fourth in the 4.40 Lingfield, and it is unusual for Cecil (Danube) not to get into the argument in a handicap of this class! Well, I suppose they would be too short if they kept mopping up! Storm Hawk will probably do better next time, and keep an eye on The Midshipmaid soon. Best in Levera was a big price in the 4.50 Newmarket, and will do better very soon. Global was making ground when it got hampered, finishing sixth and I often feel that this is not accidental! Of course the otghjer horse that I backed, Reve De Nuit finished fourth! Do you think you are cursed sometimes? Why is it when I give two horse in a race, one is a non runner, the other is useless, and my third choice wins? It's uncanny! This was the case with Panthers Run, Bajan Sunshine and Janal in the 5.00 Hexham, with the latter winning at 5/1! System bet Against The Wind 9/2 second. I don't believe what is happening! After looking certain to finish in the first two, Nom De La Rosa managed to get overtaken by three horses on the run-in and finished fourth! It was that claimer again, wasn't it? Half Sister also looked full of running until being carried wide on the bend! Why can't they ride them properly? Keep your eye on both of them, but I am almost giving up after having to say the same thing so often! Hannah Hawk looked tailed off, then suddely raced up on the outside at halfway. Are they planning something with that one? Almost finished with a winner with Manoubi, but even that one (thrown in) could not get past Sue Smith's Douglas Julian, despite apprently hacking most of the way! I sometimes wonder if they are genuinely out to win. Keep an eye on Mr Midaz, Follow On and Diego Velasquez, all of which should have done better here. Some days you think, whatever I back it will tail off or come fourth. Today was one of those days. I actually finished with another fourth with Little Meadow in the 5.50 Lingfield, whixh was miles back and ran on too late. What do you have to do? Grand Stitch, with system type form (3 followed by 5 0's), 16/1 winner of the 5.45 Wolverhampton. My top-rated would have been Best One, which finished second at 8/1. I always feel that many of the older horses have lost a little ability with age, so their amount in hand should be watered down a little.

30th September: A good start with system bet Auden 13/2 winner of the 2.00 Newmarket. I was dragged into the Gosden interest, so did not get the forecast, even though Academy was third on my list! Another crafty one in the 2.10 Warwick, with Hills' apparent second string, Janicellaine 25/1 winner! Is there no end to their trickery? I assumed that Port Hollow would be the better, being owned by Abdullah, but so did most others probably! So the moral, as I have said before, is keep an eye on second (and third) strings! I got the forecast with Iron Range and Maverik in the 2.20 Ayr (no rocket science in that), although I thought Marina Belle might have done better. You can never tell with Johnston's, but the favourite was very strong. I thought Cecil's Sacred Shield would have done better in the 2.45 Warwick, but you can never tell with his! I was also disappointed that the 90 rated Fenella Fudge lost to Mazagee near the line. Could not get a place with either Press Release or Novabridge in the 2.55 Ayr, and the betting was not encouraging in that respect. Fahey strikes with Mica Mika in the 3.20 Warwick at 10/1. I backed Grand Duchy each-way (second) and system bet Saskia's Dream, which finished fourth (of course). My next selection, Avertuoso, 6/1 winner from 9/1! The Magic Of Rio led for a time, then dropped out. Just testing, but the stable can't buy a winner! My third choice, Divine Spirit, finished third at 5/1. Officer Mor should do better with slightly lesser opposition. Despite its top rating, The Paddyman seems unable to win a race! Disappointing in fourth today. Third place with Dressing Room in the 3.55 Warwick, which ran on well at the end after a slow start. Untypical Johnston's, which normally lead! Burnwynd Boy went into the lead in the 4.05 Warwick, then dropped out again. Absolutely thrown in for this (and any other race), so keep your eye on it. Wonder if it will be such a long price when it wins? They are so annoying when they drag it out! My other choice, Bid For Gold, can also do better. Tawzeea (favourite today) can also do better. System bet Cawdor 12/1 second. Missed it again! Damn! That Tangerine Trees pipped me again on Tax Free in the 4.10 Newmarket, with my other selection, Anglezarke (apparently going well behind) in fourth. Only one of my top three rated got placed in the 4.30 Warwick, and of course it was not one of the two that I gave, but Charles Parnell. Bel Cantor normally front-runs at a furious pace, but not today, and Stamford Blue (system bet next time) did not figure. I despair sometimes! Another winner with Captain Royale 6/1 in the 4.40 Ayr. With Berbice a non runner, I got the forecast with Dubai Hills, but Argentine was very disappointing for the tricast. That one will do better, probably next time, still as a system bet. System bet Cheyenne Red 7/1 third. I don't know why Micky Quinn tipped Angus Newz, my next best, when it was useless, but the consolation was that my other selection, Amitola, won at 14/1! The commentator noted that my selection Kay Gee Bee was going very well in the 5.30 Newmarket, so why did it not figure in the finish? You tell me, but keep an eye on it shortly. Well, I can probably tell you, but it would not be wise to say it on here! Two hopeless performances in the 5.40 Warwick from Septemberintherain and Chasse Coeur! What the hell went on there? Both seemed to be travelling better than anything, then found nothing. You know what that means - they will win later, as they were the two best in on all known form. It is always interesting when something else is backed ahead of them, in this case Fine Lace and even more revealing when it wins! Geojimali (9/2 second) and Klynch may have been worried about each other in the 5.50 Ayr, the latter finishing sixth. It just keeps running, looking like winning, then packing up! Really frustrating! System bet Emeralds Spirit, which I gave as a 50/1 winner recently, won again at 7/1. I had a little bet on Dubarshi each-way in the 6.00 Kempton, as it had the most appealing form figures, but I was made to sweat as it hung at the end! Mt two selections, Monfils Monfils and Royal Composer were not out to to the business today, but keep them both in mind. What was more annoying was that third best Munich was up with the pace everywhere but on the line, where it finished fourth! Grr... You can't win with these people! Best in Tanforan did not run on until it was all over in the 6.20 Ayr. Was that bad riding or the plan for the race? Whatever, it was very frustrating! Please make them run correctly! Shunkawhakan was up with the pace, then was eased off by its inexperienced jockey. Of course, its stablemate won the race, which always makes me see red! Shy Glance and Catbells also failed to show. I suppose Little Village could be considered a system bet with four noughts!

29th September: Grrr.. Prescott's Motivado only ran on fast for fourth when it was too late in the 2.40 Newcastle! Thought it might get third for a moment, but was not pushed too hard. Worth keeping an eye on. I backed Superior Edge (2.50 Newcastle) last time, and of course it won today when I didn't back it! Aalsmeer was best in, but ran alone on this side, and was not for today, and Dancing Freddy was next best in, ran in front in a clear lead, then packed up! Come on Frankie, could have done better there! Keep an eye on both next time. The fact that Danzoe was a non runner may have reflected their concern about the two aforementioned. System bet Bilash 33/1 second. Wish I would back my system bets! Top weight and system bet Going Gaga 8/1 winner of the 3.05 Sligo. That's a nice change after what went before! System bet Indian Giver 13/2 winner of the 3.15 Newcastle. Two winners in a row! What is happening? I couldn't understand the money for Kauau'i Girl from a small stable if it wasn't going to win! No money again for best in Syrian in the 3.25 Nottingham, and Muwalla (ran on, then packed up) was slightly out of the handicap, but next best in. It is so annoying when you see a horse running down the outside, then disappears! Both will do better soon. I also backed Al Muthanaa each-way (12/1 third). I don't know how State Visit managed to beat Sohcatoa in the 3.40 Salisbury, but I am not surprised, as the the latter has cost me a fortune recently! Disappointing animal! A winner for my selections with Clumber Place 3/1 (3.50 Newcastle). Wotatomboy may not have wanted to compete today, but must show soon, perhaps in lesser grade. Course and distance winner Dolly Royal 25/1 second. A crafty little touch with Itishaara in the 4.00 Nottingham, as Richard Hills chose the other Maktoum horse. There appears to be no end to their tricks! I think Coin From Heaven (12/1 second) would have won the 4.25 Newcastle if wanted, but appeared to give the race away. Perhaps it was because of the outstanding first place from last season? My other choice, Pilgrim Dancer finished third at 15/2, so two good places. I got the forecast with Tameem (starred in the Sporting Life) 9/2 and system bet Mia Madonna 13/2 in the 4.35 Nottingham! Stevie Gee obviously had no intention of winning the 4.50 Salisbury (I thought it must be due again now!). Spanish Bounty was also unbacked, so both were disappointing. Must try again soon. System bet Russian Rave 20/1 third. Can't believe some of these miserable performances! Lakeman came only fourth in the 45.00 Newcastle, and I also backed Glenmuir which finished second at 9/1. Keep an eye on Celtic Step soon. I got Titivation and Launchpad for the forecast in the 5.10 Nottingham. Best in Dichoh never got into the race in the 5.20 Salisbury, and Daddy's Gift led before dropping out! What can we do with them, eh? Both are much better than that! Rowan Lodge, best in for the 5.30 Newcastle, ran a terrible race, finishing almost last! Petrocelli was right there, looking like a potential winner, then faded into fifth in the last furlong! Watch them both very soon. System bet Master of Dance 15/2 winner. A 1-2 for Cox in the 5.40 Nottingham. Couldn't see that one coming! How could they be so wrong with favourite Roi De Boeuf? I had a little each-way on Desert Vision in the 5.50 Kempton, coming third at 20/1. Dinner Date must be due very soon now. I got two of the first three in the 6.00 Newcastle with Tenancy 9/1 and Danum Dancer 9/1. The latter noticeably eased up when in a placed position. Cost me the forecast! Guto was a disgrace and should win next time out. Another poor run from Orpen Wide in the 6.10 Nottingham after finishing second last time out. Surely it must win soon? I get a bit frustrated with some of these. Credential is due a better run soon also, and two others which never showed were Tivers Song and Bogside Dancer. How are you supposed to work out which ones are trying and which ones are not? Scarab was by no means best in for this race. Lang Shining 9/2 and Dance The Star 13/8 for the forecast in the 6.20 Kempton! I wonder if Acropolis will ever win again?

28th September: I backed Hannon's apparent second string Face Reality in the 2.00 Newbury, winning at 12/1! And his 'third string' Super also placed at 25/1! A 'tactic' which seems to happen quite often, particualrly with Hannon and Godolphin! My first selection Prophet In A Dream 18/1 third in the 2.10 Brighton. Was thrown in, but finished too late, possibly because a win was not wanted. Goodwood Treasure did not perform, but will do better, and keep an eye on Granny Anne. System bet Ashammar 2/1 winner of the 2.25 Sedgefield. I was hoping for better from Rain Stops Play, but got pipped into fourth. I feel there is more to come from that one. Southerness seemed to be out with the washing, but ran on late to pip me in third! Couldn't pick Norse Blues in the 2.35 Newbury at 50/1! The only good indicator was the colours! I backed Marked Card 14/1 each-way in the 2.45 Brighton, then ironically backed the favourite to beat both Marked Card and Blue Deer, but didn't put them in a forecast with each other! Blast! As I have said before, backing odds-on favourites is a risky business! Teenage Idol was best in for the 3.00 Sedgefield, but when they are too big a price, something bad usually happens, and it unseated the rider! Why do McCoy and Elliott always win when they are favourites? It gets my goat! Darksideofthemoon (fourth) should have done better, but the jockey looking around before the last was not encouraging! Greenbelt's price was also suspicious. I backed Johnston's Home Office in the 3.10 Newbury, but thought I had backed Mantoba. Drat! For once Gosden's Fennica did not perform. Bet it will next time! Record Breaker continues to disappoint - when will that horse win a race? Safari Sunup will also do better as a system bet next time. I never know with -46 figures. Sometimes they win, sometimes they are useless! Goodwood Starlight is also well in, and another system bet for next time. McCoy and Elliott again in the 3.35 Sedgefield! I backed Lady Jinks and Cailin Na Ri against it, finishing fourth and second. Grr.... I thought Willow Dancer was home and hosed in the 3.45 Newbury, just pipped on the line by Oh So Saucy. Club Tahiti looked like getting in the shakeup, but did not finish off at all! Don't see many Chris Wall runners winning at 12/1! My first selection, Curtains, 11/1 winner of the 3.55 Brighton! While my second selection did not figure, I also got the forecast with Fly Silca Fly 28/1! If I had put in the favourite, Cathunter, I would have had the tricast! Jarrow must do better very soon. My nap, Osolomio decided to have an off-day today, but keep your eye on it, as it was clear best in today. They often do that before a winning attempt! My other choice, Phoenix Eye finished fourth, but is better than that. Strangely Style and Panache caught my eye in the 4.20 Newbury, but I din't back it at 66/1! My selection Coconut Ice ran on for fourth again! Has to be deliberate! Dingaan and Fault were best in on these terms for the 4.30 Brighton, and I did a reverse forecast! I knew that Highland Harvest was actually better than these on all-time ratings, and backed it eachway at a huge price, only for it to finish fourth! I have an unerring knack of picking the horses that are going to pull up or tail off over the jumps! New Shuil and Got The Gift were two such in the 4.45 Sedgefield! I feel sure from the prices that these are often the plans before the race! Matsunosuke will win one day when you look away! Ridiculous! Thrown in for the 4.55 Newbury, but never showed! What are they up to, probably looking for a nice price in a bigger race! I shall be amazed if it doesn't show next time! Amazing! I went from looking like getting the tricast in the 5.05 Brighton to finding them swamped by about five runners on the outside! How quickly a race can change in the final stages! Danny's Choice, Maryolini and Matterofact all failed to last the pace! I can't believe how quickly the others finished! Tranos and Stolen Light were the two best in for the 5.15 Sedgefield, but finished only second and third! Blast! Keep an eye on Well Oiled soon. System bet Penny Queen 17/2 winner. Could have had a nice tricast if I backed my system bets with them! Majuro, very well in for the 5.30 Newbury, led most of the way, but packed up. Worth a bet very soon. No money for Baylini either, but that was actually best in! One of these days a best in horse will win, but it's like getting blood out of a stone! Oh, I did get a little back on system bet Resentful Angel in fourth at 25/1. One of my selections, system bet Murphy's Appeal 13/2 second in the 5.45 Sedgefield. Whatcanyasay was best in, but after leading, was clearly not wanted today! Besi, third best, finished fifth and is working up to a better run soon. Best in The Starboard Bow had an off-day today, and will do better again. I thought Rawnaq looked like staying there for a long time, but flattered to decieve. Annoying that my third choice, Hayzoom also got hampered, so a frustrating result (aren't most of them?).

27th September: Button Moon should have done much better in the 2.20 Ffos las. Are they holding it back for a handicap campaign? Fortunately I also backed the winner, Yellow Dandy at 7/1! The Maktoum horse Tamareen 7/1 winner of the 2.40 Kempton. System bet Bearheart 20/1 third. The system bet I backed, Point Du Jour, was very poor! Couldn't even get the forecast right in the 2.50 Ffos Las, where I thought Meia Noite had to get second, but even the favourite struggled to win! Music Maestro was better in than Lutine Charlie in the 3.00 Bath, but finished only fourth. Another one, Ishtar Gate, actually finished last, but was best in of all, and worth a bet next time. You never know what the plans are for these horses, perhaps they want an easier race than the current one? Magenta Strait is another to keep an eye on. It's frustrating when you back three well in horses and none of them figure in the places! Best in Green Wadi came nowhere in the 3.10 Kempton, but system bet Spensley did win the race! My other selection, Trachonitis, was a big outsider today, and clearly not wanted. Both will do better. Another system bet, Aphrodisia, finished third. Bateleur got no run in the 3.20 Ffos las, eventually finishing third at 9/1 after getting out. My other selection, First In Command finished second at 7/1, so we got some returns. Bold Argument is now due a better run. Best in Free Tussy was up with the pace, but dropped out quickly. You need to see money from that stable, and the same applied to Prohibition. Both will do better when backed. Stand Guard is another to keep an eye on. System bet Warlu Way 4/1 winner of the 3.50 Ffos Las. Blast! Couldn't back it in time! Cecil's system bet Dolphina 9/2 winner of the 4.00 Bath. Scorn was disappointing, but did not have the right shape to its form figures. Sounds strange, doesn't it, but it is often important. System bet Mac's Power 5/1 winner of the 4.10 Kempton. Both Shifting Star and Filigree ran poorly, but will do better soon. At last a winner with Rugell 8/1 in the 4.20 Ffos las! Knew I should have done Plato for the forecast! The Composer and Spiritonthemount appeared to be scared off by the oppostion, but should have been there if they ran to their best. System bet Viviani 6/1 second. It is so difficult to get horses to run properly as my selections! Prince Of Thebes is always thrown in, but wins very rarely! Must win sometime very soon now. System bet Hidden Glory 8/1 winner. The race at Bath including The Tatling and Hart Of Gold was abandoned - pity!

26th September: Best in Dower Glen (2.15 Musselburgh) is taking its time winning, and I suspect with the 7lb claimer on it was not wanted today. Must do better very soon. I get a lot of non runners from my selections, but it must be pure coincidence. They can't know what I am tipping, can they? A 12/1 winner for my selections with Capaill Liath in the 2.25 Ascot! The other Aldwick Bay must do better on its breeding. System bet Dormouse 9/1 winner of the 2.35 Market Rasen (I got 16/1). National Heritage was best in, but did not figure. My other selection, Blue Express, was a non-runner. The top-rated Kames Park and Oddsmaker were disappointing in the 2.50 Musselburgh, and both are now due a better run, especially the former, which has been hanging fire for a number of races and is due! I don't believe it! I backed Life And Soul the last twice, and of course didn't back it today when it won, because I didn't like the form figures! Magicalmysterytour is due another win soon, and I was disappointed with Bowdlers Magic, dropping out after front-running for a long way. Berbice came up hacking behind the leaders in the 3.25 Musselburgh, and I am sure could have won, coming third at 20/1. Next best Commando Scott finished fourth. River Falcon was another that should have done better. I had a feeling that Tastahil would not win the 3.35 Ascot, as it had asymmetrical form. I could not have Fictional Account either, unfortunately. Astarador was best in for the 3.45 Market Rasen, made late progress, but would not get into the paces. Keep your eye on that one. Raslan ran well again, finishing second. Callisto Moon moved up strongly in mid-race, and I am sure was just testing for a future attempt. Social Rhythm finished third at 8/1 in the 4.00 Musselburgh, but Tatiana Romanova did not figure. I also had to back Hamloola, which won at 3/1. Ra Junior was best in on my ratings for the 4.35 Musselburgh, but clearly did not want to win on these terms in a claimer. Must win a handicap before long! It shows how much emphasis they place on handicap ratings in claimers! Sayif had the ability for the 4.45 Ascot, but at the price was clearly not expected today. Can do better soon. I hate it when my tips finish fourth, and Tifoso was yet another one! Thrown in for the race, just made late progress, making sure not to get placed! Enfuriating, but it explains the big price! My second tip, San Deng was yet another non-runner! I backed Chookie Hamilton and Amanda Carter in the 5.10 Musselburgh, the first winning at 14/1 and the second dropping out. The latter should do better very soon. Benandonner dropped out tamely after leading in the 5.20 Ascot and is much better than that. Keep an eye on it next time out! I also tipped South Cape, which finished second at 12/1. I also got Dippity Doo Dah (by Slip Anchor) in the 5.30 Market Rasen and narrowly missed the forecast with Dontupsettherhythm (third). My recent tip, Highland Warrior, 6/1 winner of the 5.40 Musselburgh. I had my doubts when it drifted in the betting, but it did the business. Pity, as I wanted Bravely for the forecast, which was equally well in. Sharp Bullet and Bravely will both do better soon.

25th September: The thrown in Gaspara proved frustrating as usual in the 1.45 Market Rasen, finishing fifth. Why don't they put in more effort? I picked the wrong Godolphin horse as usual in the 1.55 Ascot. Couldn't get one of the first four! These big handicaps are often a real puzzle! First and second for my selections, All Annalena 20/1 and Isabella Gem 9/1 in the 2.05 Haydock (sent out to subscribers before noon today)! The straight forecast (given in the right order) paid £189.49! How's that for tipping? The exacta did even better, paying £338.90! My next selection, Palomar, 20/1 winner of the 2.20 Market Rasen! I have tipped it on the flat the last three times! Amazing King was right there, and will do better. That's two 20/1 winners and a 9/1 place (including the straight forecast) from my first four selections today! Despite being second best in, Slim Shadey was the outsider in the betting for the 2.30 Ascot, and ran as such. Will do better when wanted. I got the forecast with Architrave and Two Kisses in the 2.50 Market Rasen, with an each-way on Jubail, so very satisfactory! None of my selections got into the argument in the 3.10 Haydock, including Fullandby (that I really fancied today) and Valery Borzov, which were never sighted. Both of them will do much better. A completely unpredictable result, meaning that the best rated probably did not compete. One of my selections, Five Dream, 15/2 second in the 3.20 Market Rasen. Backbord and Pablo Du Charmil should do better soon. No money for Advanced or Gallagher in the 3.40 Ascot today, but you don't always see it when they win. Advanced was in front for a long way and could have stayed there on all known form, but I suspect they ease up when they are not wanted. If Gallagher retains any of its old form, it must also show very soon. Donovan was thrown in for the 3.55 Market Rasen, but contrived to come fourth despite the third horse being badly hampered at the last. Fourth place was probably the order! Bobby Gee fell when possibly going to get placed, and will do better. I got Gosden's Sense Of Pride in the 4.05 Chester, as his horses can do little wrong at present! I thought Rip Van Winkle was a good price, but of course it found one too good which was not Makfi! I got third place with Sadler's Risk at 11/1, but I wanted the second and third for the forecast. Fishforcompliments chose today to run a stinker, and that is a good signal that it will do better next time. Docofthebay also ran very poorly after a win last time. How many times do they do that? Dabbers Ridge (still thrown in) decided to have an off day also in the 4.55 Haydock (did they set it up for Amazing Star?) , but my second choice, Amazing Star did win the race at 11/2. Best in Royal Max was well backed today, but probably not by the stable, as I suspect it would have done better! Must do better soon. I also backed Mickmacmagoole, which finished fast in second at 16/1. Green Park, which I have tipped several times recently, finally won at 13/2 in the 5.15 Chester. My second choices, Tasmeem, finished fourth and Cornus fifth. System bet Desert Recluse 16/1 second in the 5.25 Ascot. I should also have backed Ermyn Lodge (7/1) as I backed it when it first won. None of my best in for the 5.30 Haydock performed, but that happens so often with closely matched horses! You either get the first three or none of them! Jack Dawkins, Trans Sonic (recommended) and Wigwam Willie are all due soon. Amazingly Six Diamonds beat both Elhamri and Green Manalishi! Should not have done it at the weights, so a rather suspect result? I did not realise it was a claimer, but my comments still hold good on my ratings, as Elhamri had 40lb in hand on old form. I see Elhamri had asymmetrical form, so will do better very soon. Kingdom Of Munster was thrown in for the 5.45 Chester, but was too big a price (marginally out of the handicap), and made me wonder. Will hack up in a race soon when wanted. I was amazed at the price of Not My Choice 13/2 in the 6.35 Wolverhampton, so had a nice little bet on it! Nacho Libre (last in the 7.05 Wolverhampton) has been running well below form and must be worth a bet very soon now.

24th September: I got the winner with Winter's Night 10/1 (I got 14/1) in the 2.10 Ascot and Sylvestris 7/1 third! I backed Muroona in the 2.10 Haydock, and of course it pulled up. Johnston doesn't do often me many favours, I either pick the wrong one or they run poorly! My first selection, Cool Bob, finished fourth (of course) in the 2.20 Worcester. Why do they do that so often? Azulada Bay tailed off at halway, then ran on again late, and will do better. Henderson won the race (who else?). Moynahan dropped out tamely after running easily behind the pace in the 2.35 Ascot. That horse has been underperforming, and must do better soon. My next two choices, Splinter Cell and Reve De Nuit finished second and third. These favourites always seem to win when having no apparent claims on the form! Triggerman should have won the 2.55 Worcester, but perhaps they wanted the better price, being from the same stable? Night Orbit was equally well in with the winner on my ratings, but finished only third. A totally unsatisfactory race, as I got no return at all! Indian Pipe Dream is thrown in for a handicap soon now. I backed Iver Bridge Lad each-way in the 3.10 Ascot, finishing third at 16/1. On form figures (symmetry etc) I should have backed Little Garcon, but failed to do so! I backed Rosina Grey 8/1 each-way in the 3.20 Haydock, and got the forecast with No Poppy 4/1, which I have noticed always runs a good race. I thought I had the winner with system bet and top-rated Meet the Critics in the 3.30 Worcester, and the b... finished fourth in the end! Don't believe it! Is that deliberate, given the big price? One of my selections, Snoqualmie Girl, 33/1 third in the 3.45 Ascot! Unfortunately whenever I take a big price (22/1), they usually drift out! Mark Twain was clear best in for the 3.55 Ascot, but perhaps did not want to win? Stan's Cool Cat was next best in, but was very poor today. Both of these must win soon. I am always wary of this Rockweiler, which is obviously better than the bare form figures. Quarrel (4.20 Ascot) is thrown in very soon now, and Layla's Hero will also do better soon. Icelandic is running well below form, and must make an effort soon now. Fortunately I also backed Captain Dancer, 6/1 winner. My selection, Sea Cliff 9/2 winner of the 4.40 Worcester. System bet Nobby Kivambo 16/1 second. Will Jug Of Punch ever show his previous form? Supercast and Given A Choice were almost equally thrown in for the 5.05 Haydock, which is perhaps why neither figured? Both must make an effort very soon now. The way the first four finished well clear always amazes me! Spring Secret (sys+1) 50/1 second! My first selection, Oneway, 25/1 winner of the 5.15 Worcester! And I got the forecast and tricast with Nikola and Film Festival! The forecast, given by me in the right order, paid over £95! Subscriptions still available. Song Of Praise and Itsthursdayalready are due a good run now after running quite poorly tonight in the 5.45 Wolverhampton.

23rd September: I wrote down Jade (7/1 winner) as my first selection for the 2.30 Pontefract, and also had system bet Lowawatha on my list, but did not back in the race, unfortunately. Top-rated Pepe Simo ran a poor race in the 2.40 Fontwell, and was beaten as odds-on favourite again. I have been following Pagan Sword, but did not back it today. Should have done it each-way, but assumed that the top two would dominate. I managed to get the winner and the forecast with Time Machine and Makhaaleb in the 2.50 Perth. For once Prescott's Memory Lane did not perform in the 3.00 Pontefract, but you can never be sure with his. Should have stayed with Johnston! System bet Yurituni 14/1 winner of the 3.30 Pontefract. I should have known it would be thereabouts! My two selections, Littlemisssunshine 16/1 and Galpin Junior 13/8, second and third! Blast! My system bets are nearly always involved, and I cost myself the tricast! I will learn one day! The best two in again failed miserably with Nesnaas and I'm The Decider! Both must do better soon. I can never see why they try sometimes and not others! My two selections for the 4.00 Pontefract were useless, together with Submariner, and of course Johnston's second string won! Typical! My constant tip, Vacario, must now be due after a series of poor runs (ran on fourth today). My other selection, Is It Me, finished second (must win soon), and my third rated Winsley Hill (see 18th July) won at 25/1! If I had any money I would have had a bit each-way on it. My tip today, and on the flat the last twice, Regent's Secret, 12/1 winner! I did it in a forecast with Front Rank, and the latter would choose today to run a stinker! I cannot believe that Young Tot has not yet won a race! It gets closer and closer, one step at a time, finishing third today at 20/1! What can you do? I backed Or De Grugy each-way in the 3.50 Perth, and it got hampered and unseated on the run-in when in thrid! Strobe ran well for a long way, then packed up for some reason. Was by far best in here, but they don't win unless they want them! One of my selections for the 5.00 Pontefract, Alsahil, 8/1 winner! The other, Royal Premier finished fourth but was actually best in! My first selection for the 5.10 Fontwell, Winning Show, 16/1 winner! I don't know why Charles Darwin, about 30lb well in on its best form for the 7.00 Wolverhampton, finished at the back of the field, but it must be a certainty very soon now, as it has been wasting my money for a number of races. A string of sixes followed by a nought is often a good pointer. Keep it in mind. I had a feeling about Pose, which was showing the right type of form figures, but there were other better in horses which did not compete, including Riflessione (fourth). That's four winners today at 16/1, 12/1, 8/1 and 7/2! Email me for daily selections!

22nd September: I didn't see much of the racing today, so will just make a few comments: System bet Bigalo's Laura B 28/1 second in the 2.50 Redcar. Of my two selections for the 4.00 Redcar, King's Sabre finished second at 66/1 and Charlie Cool (best in) was third at 9/4. Desert Icon was third in the 3.10 Goodwood. Meglio Ancora was the outsider today in the 4.20 Goodwood, but expect a better run very soon. Foreign Rhythm and Bateleur were fifth and sixth in the 3.25 Redcar, but were best in on my ratings and biding their time, so look out for both soon. Robby Bobby and Blue Spinnaker were by far best in for the 4.35 Redcar, but when they are not wanted, forget it! Both should do much better, but the problem is that Blue Spinnaker will probably be backed off the boards again. You can usually tell from the betting with that horse! My selection Twelve Paces 3/1 second in the 4.45 Perth and my other selection Ursis third at 9/1. I would have had the tricast but for Soubriquet winning, a horse that I usually back but not today! I find at this game horses often don't win when I expect them and do win when they shouldn't! Very odd, this form business! Best in Prince Apollo drifted out to 9/2 but won the 5.10 Redcar! My tip today and of the last two or three occasions, Colorus 11/2 winner of the 5.30 Goodwood, with Elhamri 10/1 third. Blasted Admirable Duchess got in the way for my forecast! As per usual, the best three horses failed miserably in the 5.40 Redcar! Tournedos, Greek Secret and Lucky Art were far better handicapped than the others, but two of them were Ruth Carr's, who is having a barren spell! The first horse that caught my eye in the 5.50 Kempton, Speedyfix, won at 10/1 and I didn't back it! I must take more notice of my first impressions! When will Alfraamsey run to its ability? I should have known with a -06 that it wouldn't win today! I fancied Swinbank's Ad Value, which finishede third at 6/1, and was disappointed by the run of system bet Dark Dune. Why did Florestan's Match run on like a train at the end when it was too late in the 6.20 Kempton? And they say that racing isn't dodgy! Sorry, boys, but it could probably have won if strating to run sooner! Whose fault is that? I thought system bet Pictures would do better in the 6.50 Kempton, as it was very well in. Keep your eye on it in the near future. Wasara (sys+1) 16/1 third. yet again the two best in horses were useless in the 7.20 Kempton! I don't know why I bother! Ballinteni was thrown in and Gross Prophet was next best, so why did they finish fourth and well back? It's a total lottery when they are not out to compete! I get really fed up with it at times! They will both win again for sure when wanted, but why do they keep wasting the form stsudent's money, making them out to be useless? Strangely enough, they will both be system bets (well not quite for Ballenteni) next time, so what does that tell you?

21st September: Best in Guto beaten again into third at 11/4 in the 2.20 Folkestone. Why was it so far back? It never ceases to amaze me, especially as Stratton Banker appeared very average! Will be a system bet next time, if that is any consolation! Is thrown in off this rating, but they don't like short prices! Second best Best One (which I tipped last time out) 8/1 second. No money for Pocket's Pick, but that was clear third best and must do better. Well, I backed Kinlochrannoch 10/1 each-way in the 2.30 Beverley, but was not confident that it would win! Nice bet! Form figures of -42 are often worth a bet. Master Macho refuses to run a good race, and that one and Melodize from the 2.50 Folkestone are due better runs. I can never pick Channon's runners, as I have said before. First two in the betting again! Jonhela was below par in the 3.00 Beverley, and should do better than that. Shall I give up on Orpen Wide? Keeps running abysmally under both codes, but is much better than it has been showing, but I was not confident with Mr Cornwall on board, even though I like the name! Now that Welcome Stranger has got a fourth place, we should see a win from that one shortly, but they keep dragging it out! I forgot all about Princess Flame 16/1 winner in the 3.20 Folkestone, and I had tipped it the previous twice! Just shows how careful you have got to be in researching the form! Zaif appears to be a shadow of its former self, but will probably pop up when I ignore it! I wondered why Tangerine Trees kept winning handicap races earlier (and spoiling my bets), and I found out today! Obviously a listed class horse masquerading as a handicapper! Ridiculous! Goodbye handicap mark! That is often the reason when a horse keeps winning handicaps, they are keeping a top class horse for nice touches! One of my selections, Mixing, 50/1 second in the 3.50 Folkestone! The Composer and Ned Ludd (hacking) should have done much better. Why can I rarely get two horses to run well in the same race? One of my selections, First In The Queue 8/1 third in the 4.00 Beverley. Jupiter Fidius was best in, but did not get into the places. The top three came to the fore in the 4.10 Stratford, with my favoured selection Theologist 5/4 winning the race. Almost got the tricast in the 4.20 Folkestone with Rough Rock, King's Bayonet and Silver Wind (close fourth). The latter was best in, so should be noted for the future. Well, my nap, White Deer, did not win, but my second choice, Ours did win at 9/2! White Deer must do better very soon now. The only one I didn't consider, Panache, 13/2 winner of the 4.40 Stratford. Do they go for better prices in these small races? I backed Thomas Bell at 14/1 in second. Silent Oasis looked a good each-way bet in the 4.50 Folkestone and finished third at 14/1, but Sentosa ran disappointingly. It's strange, most times that I go for Cecil's they run poorly! Mingun Bell was thrown in for the 5.20 Folkestone, but as usual finished third. When will it actually try to win? Hartshead made a really eyecatching forward move in the 5.30 Beverley, only to drop out again. I am sure this was a trial run (one of many) and it is due very soon now. It is possibly not as good as it once was, but I have to keep backing it just in case! I had a little each-way on system type bet Bold Indian, which finished third at 50/1. Kingdom Of Munster did the usual trick, making a second place followed by a useless run. Must win when wanted! Monfils Monfils is another that should try soon. I feel sure the money for Dean Iarracht was due to the knowledge that the better in runners would not compete today, as it was a real lottery unless you were in the know. Well, another day of might have beens, with a few good each-ways, but form betting is a very haphazard task!

20th September: Couldn't even get the forecast right in the 2.20 Leicester, where I thought Tinkertown should have finished second on the ratings, but these things never seem to work out as expected. Should have backed Cross Examination each-way in the 2.30 Kempton, as I wrote it down second, but was put off by the 25/1 price tag! I did back Magical Flower 8/1 each-way, however. I would have had a good forecast if I had done my first two on the list! best in Knot In Wood beaten by its stablemate in the 2.40 Hamilton. Wonder how that happened? Perhaps it is now looking for a handicap with its fourth place? Even Global City was better in than the winner! None of my top-rated featured in the 2.50 Leicester! Deely Plaza was best in, so must do better soon, along with Frequency and Truly Magic. What happened there with all of these other outsiders that I did not rate? Some of these races are amazing for their unpredictability! System bet Katmai River at least finished 22/1 second. I backed Lucky Legs each-way in the 3.00 Kempton on its breeding, but 40/1 was not a good omen! Prince Rhyddarch was best in for the 3.10 Hamilton, but obviously only wanted second, because it was not ridden out! Intersky Charm was well there for a while and could have done better. System bet Dramatic Jewel 20/1 third. Almost got the tricast! Shanavaz must make an effort before long now! I doubt whether Fathom Five (8/1) wanted to win the 3.20 Leicester, as it had every chance. Cornus, of course, had to finish fourth, didn't it, but is due a better run now. System bet Michelle's Express (-400) 25/1 winner of the 3.35 Ballinrobe! The system throws up lots of results like that! I backed Aciano and Plattsburgh each-way in the 3.30 Leicester, getting the winner and the third at 16/1 and 25/1! Obviously Flodden should have done much better, with a higher rating than the winner! Nevada Desert is having a very barren spell at the moment, and must do better before long! I also backed Casino Night, which won at 9/2. Bed Fellow is also better than it showed today. Keep an eye out for Shy Glance when it runs again. System bet Essexbridge was best in for the 3.50 Leicester, and won from my other fancy, Layla's Lexi. Marafong was probably not going to compete on these terms, but is thrown in for a future handicap. I failed to get the forecast in the 4.00 Kempton, and should have known that Buick would have been on the more fancied Gosden horse, but it doesn't always work out that way! I thought Crimson Empire would have done better in the 4.10 Hamilton, and as often happens, the odds-on favourite Pearl Huntsman did not figure. I hate to say it, but they don't like odds-on prices! The only one I didn't pick for the tricast in the 4.20 Leicester, Country Waltz, won! System bet Russian Ice 28/1 second. System bet Into Wain second at 14/1 in the 4.30 Kempton. I thought Chelsea Morning was too big a price for its ability! Form figures often play a big part in judging potential performances! With The Bear out and Burnwynd Boy not competing, Argentine (third) should have won the 4.40 Hamilton, and will be a system bet next time. It is really annoying when they come second, then third, when they should be winning! Blast! I backed Red Lite in the 4.50 Leicester, but a nasty unseat when in contention! My nap, Prince Of Thebes, 25/1 second in the 5.00 Kempton! May not be quite as good as it was, but was thrown in on old form. This Night Lily has caught my eye in the past, and must be a very good horse! First and third for my selections in the 5.10 Hamilton, with Rothesay Dancer 7/1 winner (I got 10/1) and Rio Sands third at 5/1! Dower Glen is due a better run very soon. No money for Red Avalanche in the 5.30 Kempton, and, despite hacking along, it was never put into the race and is thrown in now when wanted. Edgewater was also disappointing and I thought Hadeeth (well backed by somebody) could have stayed there when leading. Strange how the top three in the betting filled the first three places again! Fascinating, but a bitter pill! There is absolutely no value for the form punter in such races. It would be nice if they let them run to their real form! Lastkingofscotland was best in for the 5.20 Leicester, but was never sighted. True to the pattern, they like to go -W50 before making another attempt. Very annoying, but I should have known! Aflaam should have done better (system bet again next time), and McConnell was backed off the boards, but did not place. I think You've Been Mowed is also due to run well again soon. Phluke (disputed the lead for a long way) and Convince were clear best in for the 5.50 Leicester, but neither finished off the race, and I suppose I should have known again from the form figures, but you have to back them! Watch them again next time out! Outside of these two, the others ran largely to their ratings, with The Human League winning the race! It's annoying when you pin your hopes on a couple of horses, and neither are out to win!

19th September: System type bet Aughcarra (-060) 66/1 winner of the 1.50 Uttoxeter! My first selection Colliers Court was much the best in on chase form, but dropped back after leading for a long way. Will do better after this trial run. Apache Dawn also pulled up, and my third rated Bocciani finished third. System bet Blackstone Vegas 9/1 second. Cloonavery is also due a better run. I had a little on Gary Moore's Kahfre in the 2.00 Plumpton, as I have seen his first timers run well before. System bet Eilean Mor 20/1 second in the 2.10 Hamilton. Las Verglas Star was best in, but obviously wants to be a system bet next time! My other choice, Cathcart Castle, 5/2 third. Tiermore should have done better in the 2.20 Uttoxeter, and dropped out quickly after being second near the finish. I backed system bet Grassfinch each-way and was disappointed when it finished fifth. One of my selections, Buailteoir, 11/4 winner of the 2.30 Plumpton. I don't know how Mr Micheau got in there, but my other selection, Take A Mile finished third at 5/1 when it should have won! Waveband 14/1 second in the 2.40 Hamilton. I thought Eternal Instinct would have done better. Typically Little Scotland did not perform after winning last time! One of my selections, Royal Flynn 6/1 winner of the 2.50 Uttoxeter! Top-rated Marc Aurele 9/2 winner of the 3.00 Plumpton. Killenaule Boy was best in for the 3.20 uttoxter, but pulled up, as often happens for no apparent reason. I had a little each-way on Manadam, which finished third at 16/1 (I got 33/1). Look out for El Presidente very shortly, especially in a handicap. I had a nice little forecast with Herschel 8/1 and Alph 25/1 in the 3.30 Plumpton! Just wanted Sweet World for the tricast, but didn't make it! System bet Fujin Dancer 7/2 winner of the 3.40 Hamilton. I picked it because the others all had placed form that I didn't like too much. There were reasons that all of them could have won this race. One of my selections, Armenian Boy was best in for the 3.50 Uttoxeter, but clearly only wanted second place today, but a good price. One of my selections, We're Delighted, 16/1 second in the 4.00 Plumpton. My second selection always seems to do better than my first! Masterpoint will do better, but clearly not out to show today! When I saw that Regent's Secret was 66/1, I knew that it wouldn't be winning today! It will probably be backed when wanted. Second best Chookie Hamilton also did not get into the argument. Sporting Rebel third at 8/1 in the 4.20 Uttoxeter. This Frosted Grape is probably a typical Pipe horse, working its way up through the ratings! I hate it when I back the three best horses in a seven horse race and none of them comes in the first two! It's enfuriating! I don't know how Classic Fly got second in the 4.50 Uttoxeter, there must have been a massive underperformance from Nordwind and Quell The Storm, but this often happens for whatever reason. At least I had Pouvoir, 7/2 winner. Ridiculous! Heir To Be and Treasury Counsel made no effort to get into the 5.00 Plumpton, and both will do much better than wanted. Why do they keep doing this? It's so annoying when you waste money on a non-event! Bond Cruz will also do better soon. I have backed Himitas two or three times lately, but not today! Russellstown Boy and Little Al should have done better than their woeful efforts today. So what are the main principles that I have gleaned from backing in horse racing over many years? 1. If there are several horses similarly well handicapped, often none of them try. 2. If a horse starts at 33/1 or gretaer, it is usually not worth backing, but have a little bit just in case! 3. If you have a top-rated horse and it is also a system bet, it is probably worth a bet. 4. Usually seven or less races are not worth backing in, as most of the time the top two in the betting win. 5. Claimers on horses, unless they are exceptional riders, are usually best avoided. 6. Usually horses with figures ending in -06 do not win (there are exceptions), and the same applies where horses have a win or a place at the front of their figures. 7. Well handicapped horses do not usually compete in the very big money races. That will do for a start, I'll add some more indicators at a future date!

18th September: As often happens, the thrown in Zowington ran a stinker today in the 1.45 Newmarket after a win last time, and must do better than that - deliberately held at the back with no effort. After a series of poor efforts, Cornus is dropping back down the handicap and will run better soon. My third choice, Divertimenti, finished third. I thought I had the forecast in the 2.00 Newbury before Easy Ticket got pipped on the line for second (appeared to ease up after being headed). System bet Nine Before Ten 4/1 winner of the 2.05 Catterick. My two choices for the 2.15 Ayr, Sonny Red second at 25/1 after missing the break and Advanced fourth at 14/1! Bear Tobouggie ran terribly in the 2.35 Ayr, and should have won this at a canter. Not in the first three and obviously not wanted today! If it was there to win, it would have been odds-on! What are they keeping it back for? System bet Always Dixie 5/2 winner. Channon's bottom rated Majestic Dubawi 22/1 winner of the 2.45 Ayr. Top-rated Rimth did not even place! Where do they get these runs from? Balding had a 50/1 winner with I Love Me in the 2.55 Newmarket! One of my selections, Demolition 20/1 fourth in the 3.05 Newbury! Resurge did not figure. That's twice I have tipped Damien and Damika, and both times they have failed to sparkle! Must do better soon, along with Knot In Wood, which was well there. Arganil is also due a good run now. Third place again with Ocean's Minstrel at 20/1 in the 3.30 Newmarket! I think they deliberately come third so as not to disturb the winners! Total Gallery has been running well below form and should do better son. Record Breaker is another that should win very soon. My first selection Docofthebay 12/1 winner of the 3.55 Ayr! My third choice Celtic Sultan also finished third at 20/1! Fullandby is due a better run after missing the break today. I fancied the forecast with Tazeez and Steele Tango in the 4.15 Newbury. Best in Kirklees was given too much to do in the 4.30 Ayr, and I doubt that it was intended to win today, although I put it in a forecast with Vesuve. Cigalas and Harcas led for a long way in the 3.55 Catterick, but did not stay there. Both must do better soon off these marks. Another one in Dhaular Dhar that did not repeat a win in the 5.00 Ayr! System bet Tiger Reigns 14/1 winner. I didn't spot it! System type bet Dream Lodge 12/1 third. One of the horses that I wrote down for the 5.25 Newbury, Red Gulch, 16/1 winner! I have backed Not My Choice on the last three occasions, but did not back it today when it won at 20/1! Mind you, I didn't have a chnce to look at the race beforehand, and no doubt would have picked it up! Best Prospect and Camps Bay were the best two in for the 5.35 Ayr, but it was the third best in, Cosmic Sun, which won. keep an eye on the first two mentioned. Almaty Express won at last in the 5.45 Wolverhampton, but it had to be as short as 9/4 before it would win. Just shows that they know it is going to win on some days and not others! Reve De Nuit (5.50 Newmarket) will be worth a bet soon, and keep an eye on West End Lad now that it has got rid of some first places. Karaka Jack will also do better soon. Another of my old favourites, Methaaly, did not perform in the 6.20 Wolverhampton, but will do better very shortly. Loyal Royal is getting rid of a win, as they do habitually, and will be back on form in a race or two. Ginobili (6.50 Wolverhampton) was best in, but was at 33/1 tonight, so it could well be worth a bet very soon. Sweet Gale was slightly better in than Ryedane, so that worked out correctly. System bet Sir Lunchalott winner of the 7.20 Wolverhampton from system bet Better Self, the latter being better in at the weights on official ratings. System bet and a horse I noted recently, Perfect Friend, 9/2 winner of the 7.50 Wolverhampton. Forward Feline was my best in, but was the claimer on board a negative signal?

17th September: There are so many maiden and stakes races today, most of which are like finding a needle in a haystack! Give me some nice tricky handicaps anytime, as that's where the challenge lies for me! I had a little each-way on White Frost in the 1.50 Newmarket, as I like Verglas as a sire, and it almost won the race, in fact it probably could have if given its head a little earlier! System bet Sinadinou 4/1 second in the 2.10 Ayr. The winner, Well Sharp (9/1) was by Selkirk, which I should have picked up on, and interestingly, stablemate of the favourite, which was also a system bet, and no doubt will do better next time (crafty). Choral looked a stonking each-way bet in the 2.25 Newmarket, and duly came third at 9/1. Rigid Rock was best in for the 2.25 Listowel, but faded after leading for a long way. Keep an eye on it in Ireland. Top-rated and one of my selections, Delegator 3/1 winner of the 2.35 Newbury, and a horse I gave a favourable mention to recently (see 4th September), Sir Gerry, 33/1 second! Finjaan can do much better, but is being held back at present. Top-weight Drawing Board (-205) 33/1 second in the 2.45 Ayr. I thought Boundless Spirit was going to figure, but dropped out tamely after leading a long way. Robert The Painter and Blaze Of Thunder will do better. Distant Times is due a good run in Ireland. Keep an eye on Rhum, which was hacking behind the leaders in the 3.00 Newmarket, made smooth ground, then failed to be put into the race! That one goes into my notebook! I am still waiting for Monitor Closely to run a better race, although it front-ran again in the 3.10 Newbury before dropping out. Rainbow Peak was a big disappointment as the top-rated in second. What a waste of time these big races are for picking well-handicapped horses! The best in rarely seem to perform, and save their efforts for smaller races where they can't lose! I hate it when the best backed horses always seem to win as if pre-ordained! Galpin Junior, Indian Trail and The Bear were very poor, despite being able to win easily if put into the race! I give up on these! Stolt is another that will do better soon. I can't see why this Hazelrigg keeps winning, based on its previous form! It won today off its highest ever mark! Nicholls had two of the above, but it was Silaah that got fourth place! No money for Julius Geezer in the 3.55 Ayr, and should have run better off its rating. I can never fathom why these horses do this unless it is pre-planned! Fahey strikes again with Arctic Feeling (-W60)! At last one orf my selections in a big race figured, with Mastership third at 20/1! I had a little each-way on Up In Time at 15/2 in the 4.45 Newmarket, and I suppose the obvious forecast was Songsmith, but Miss Kelleway dustracted me with the heavily backed Tidal Star! Unusual for one of hers not to figure when backed! No money for Top Mark in the 4.55 Newbury, and it ran accordingly, although King's often come in at good prices. Keep your eye on that one, as it is well in and they usually run better after a poor effort. Strategic Mission was a non-runner, but should run well when coming out next. Truly Asia (fifth) will also do better. Summer Soul and Wicked Daze were best in for the 5.05 Ayr, which leads me to doubt whether they tried very hard. Summer Soul looked as if it could have come through on the rails to come at least second, but refused to go past. Both will do better soon. Best in horses never run to their form until they are wanted! Sohcatoa was best in for the 5.30 Newbury, but was never put into the race, and Street Entertainer just kept in behind the front-runners, despite going extremely well. keep an eye on both of them. I can never understand how they know that a horse like Oldrik is going to win on the flat! Best in Jibrrya made good ground around the outside in the 5.40 Ayr, then packed right up and finished last! Will do much better soon, as will Petrocelli. Damn! I backed system bet Hades 13/2 and thought I had a win, but just got pipped by that man Hanagan again! I wrote down Channon's Heart In Motion for the 5.50 Wolverhampton, but didn't back it when it was 25/1. Just shows you can never tell from the betting! Cathy Gannon had another winner with Camache Queen 12/1! Since Gosden's have been going so well, I had a little each-way on system bet Liberty Cap at 20/1 in the 5.55 Newmarket! Made my day! Cathy Gannon again with Hawk Moth in the 6.20 Wolverhampton, and for once Gosden's Apazine did not place! Really disappointing was Prophet In A Dream, which was thrown in, but finished only fourth, despite being full of running! I am convinced they just throw in a string of thirds and fourths before winning! If they don't, the jockey rode a terrible race! There were so many system and system type bets in this race that it was impossible to pick! You have to keep an eye on Sheikh Hamdan horses when they are down the handicap, and Tamareen won the 6.50 Wolverhamton tonight at 12/1. I had a little each-way on Restless Bay, and I am convinced that Memorabilia could have stayed there longer if wanted. Dvinsky and Hustle finished seventh and eighth in the 7.20 Wolverhampton, which is the usual procedure if they are not out to win. Both can do much better when wanted. This True To Form must be incredibly well handicapped if it can leave the likes of New Beginning and Provost trailing in its wake, but I often think that Prescott's reputation is such that his horses have won before they start out! Others that did not come up to the mark were Full Victory and Hilbre Court, the latter being disappointing for a long time. I wonder how much effort these horses actually made, and imagine it was minimal, considering their ability. I hate one-sided races like this where so few compete!

16th September: I mentioned Kensington recently, but did not expect it to get placed today, considering the opposition, but I think they were all afraid of each other! They included Klynch (fourth), Lindoro, Bel Cantor and Dickie Le Davoir, none of which made the frame. I think they like to be sure of a win when they go for it! Burnwynd Boy is thrown in when they decide to have a go with it, which was not today! Keep an eye on it now that it has got rid of all placed form. My next three in finished first, second and third with Mango Music, Argentine and Bravely, which proves the point! In fact, my next four in the ratings including Dispol Kylie finished 1,2,3,4! System bet Old Master Expert evens winner of the 3.00 Pontefract. The other system bet Valerius Maximus did not figure. I fancied Smart's Hygrove Gal, and thought it might win at one point, narrowly pipped into second place at 14/1. Gosden keeps carrying all before him with two winners at Yarmouth. I thought Hayley Turner's mount Trend showed a lot of promise and could have done even better in the 3.10. Best in Grazeon Gold Blend finished fourth in the 3.30 Pontefract. I thought it was too long a price! My other selection, Dabbers Ridge finished third at 11/1. These well handicapped horses only win occasionally, letting the others have their share! I did fancy third rated Daaweitza too! One of my selections posted at 1 p.m., Salvationist, 10/1 winner of the 3.40 Yarmouth! Wise Dennis was thrown in for the 3.50 Ayr, but no doubt there will be more money for it when it is due, possibly next time. Wigwam Willie was also too long in the betting, and that will also do better soon. I also had a small bet on Veiled Applause, third at 16/1. My comment about Who's Shirl earlier (see 2nd Sept) was justified, winning at 33/1 today in the 4.00 Pontefract! Must be a very well handicapped horse! No money for Capercaillie today (never got into the race), but that one will do better soon. European Dream will run better than it did today in the 4.20 Ayr, and the same applies to Mirrored, both of which never figured today. Best in Capable Guest's performances are never easy to read, and I guess that it will run another race now before going for the win. They All Laughed was next best, and I imagine the lack of money spoke for that one's performance too. As they often do, best in Commando Scott decided to come third today after being boxed in for a fair time in the 4.50 Ayr. No money for Deadly Secret, but probably wary of Commando Scott, which was slightly better in. Dance Tempo faded very tamely considering its rating in the 5.00 Pontefract, and I can see why it was such a big price in the betting. This must have been the plan for that horse, as it should have done much better against these opponents. It is annoying when you put money on a horse which apparently they know is going to run badly! Best in Berbice was going really well behind the leaders in the 5.20 Yarmouth until the jockey decided to drag it in behind the leaders, forcing it to finish fifth! This sort of thing should not be allowed to happen, as it could clearly have won! My other pick, Geojimali, was too big a price and ran a stinker at the back of the field. Two horses there to keep an eye on, but they will probably be better backed when wanted. It's really annoying when you get no run for your money! Xpres Maite was thrown in for the 5.30 Pontefract, and I thought it would front-run all the way, but once headed it kept on at one pace and just got pipped into fourth. System bet, I was sure it would win or place today! Incredibly annoying! Must win soon. I could understand the money for Twisted, but couldn't understand why it ran so badly! That one will also do better, as will Alsahil. Well I got Double Carpet at 14/1 in the 5.40 Yarmouth, but only had a little bet on it! Final Rhapsody should do better shortly. No money for Houston Dynimo or Chocolate Caramel in the 5.50 Ayr, and both performed as such. Both will do better, hopefully next time. Oddsmaker was still best in, but allowed itself to be caught in fourth place today. Still, with 16+ runners, it paid its way at 16/1. That can also win again. I had a little on Puy D'Arnac, which finished second at 12/1. This Pertemps Networks and the Bollin horses always seem to win when backed. Are they group horses disguised as handicappers? Bold Marc was by far best in for the 6.05 Ayr, but did not front-run today, and came only second. Must win very soon. Nevada Desert is due a better run, but you usually need to see money for it.

15th September: Hayek seemed to be going best of the lot in the 2.45 Yarmouth, but finished only fourth. Worth keeping an eye on. I backed system bet Rain On The Wind each-way, finishing third at 9/1. As I remarked yesterday, when I back Johnston's horses, they either run well or terribly! Surely Aloneinthestreet was better than its abject last place? What are they doing? Three horses stood out on handicapping for the 3.00 Listowel, but none of them finished in the palces! Pencil Hill, Fit The Cove and Greatwallofchina (led briefly) should all do better soon. I fancied system bet Crazy In Love in the 3.10 Beverley, finishing second at 25/1! System bet Je Suis Unrockstar also finished fourth at 16/1.I am convinced that Muse To Use will win a race off this mark when wanted. Marafong finished only third in the 3.20 Yarmouth, but was best in with the claim. They like to take it slowly, these people! Must win a similar race, but didn't look intended to win this one! probably didn't want to compromise its handicap mark, which is always a problem in sellers and claimers! Power Of Dreams (second best in) dropped out, probably to get rid of that second place! Top-rated Colorado Gold, one minute travellintg well in the lead, gave way far too easily in the 3.30 Sandown, and should have done better against these. The lack of support was ominous, of course. Why do they do it? Is there something wrong with Gan Amrhas, or are they just holding it back? That horse should have won the 3.35 Listowel, but was ridden like a dog! System bet next time, keep an eye on it! System bet Select Committee 7/1 winner of the 3.45 Beverley. The little jockey was grinning his head off! Fortunately I did back it! Tyrannosaurus Rex is due a good run soon. Also keep an eye on Azygous when in the handicap proper or close to it. I was amazed at the price of top-rated Silver Grey in the 3.55 Yarmouth, and was pleased to see it kept going for third place at 18/1! Well, I thought the price on Bronze Cannon was too big, so I backed it each-way with a saver on Skysurfers to win. And what happened? Skysurfers finished second and Bronze Cannon finished third. Talk about Sod's Law, but they knew what was going to happen, didn't they? It often seems as if these races are pre-planned! I backed Blissful Moment each-way at 9/1 in the 4.20 Beverley, and it won! I thought Hail Tiberius might have done better, but probably wary of the big stables in the race. I backed system bet Piccoluck in the 4.50 Beverley, just getting pipped into fourth by two newcomers! I thought Credit Swap (system type form) was well backed today from the Wigham stable, so had a little bit on it at 15/2. General Eliott continues to disappoint, but it's only a matter of time, as it is thrown in when wanted. Mark Twain should probably have done better too. Sophies Beau was thrown in for the 5.20 Beverley, and there was no way it could have been beaten if it was really wanted. I suspect this was a trial run, as it went clear going well before fading tamely into fourth. Must do better shortly. Norcroft made a brief effort in the 5.30 Yarmouth, but I bet it will do better for Christine when she really wants it. Fathey is also much better than it showed today, just messing around with that one! It is also time for a better run from Easy Wonder, who is beginning to get my goat! Manhattan Boy was right there in the 5.35 Listowel, then mysteriously dropped out as if shot! They do that so often for no reason, and I am sure it could have finished much closer. I have tipped Charlie Delta a couple of thimes recently, but did not expect it to win a claimer when worst in at the weights, but that is the sort of unexpected thing these trainers do! I don't know if Kheskianto is ever going to win a race, as it was best in today in the 5.50 Beverley and looked like getting second before dropping back into fourth. Some of these animals are constantly disappointing! Plenilune was another that should have figured, so watch for that one soon, possibly in a handicap, where it is better in than it was here. System bet Hedgerow finished second at 13/2. The problem is that, although I knew that Eastern Hills had to be there, there is no value in backing something that might lose at 2/1! Did they know that the other two were not going to compete for the win?

14th September: I didn't back in any of the first three races, being busy with other things, but I had at least the winner and third written down for each of them, including Mosaicist at 50/1 and Fifth Dimension at 16/1! Just shows if you don't back, they always come in. I backed Silly Billy last time out, and it ran crap! Of course when I didn't put it in today, it came second. Always the way! Channon's Alfraamsey was getting rid of a first place, and I wan't surprised when it ran badly, missing the break! I bet it will do better next time! Of course it was Channon's other runner, Country Waltz which finished third. Rather crafty! I had Cruiser and Johnston's Karate for the forecast in the 2.30 Haydock. I picked the wrong Godolphin runner in the 2.50 Lingfield, trying to get some value as usual! The first two I wrote down this morning came first and second! Almost got the winner with the fast-finishing Obligation in the 2.55 Listowel! I took a chance with Cool Luke in the 3.00 Haydock, as Swinbank's sometimes surprise at good prices. Not this time, however, with the first two with the best form first and second! I wrote down Meia Noite (12/1 second) as one of my picks for the delayed 2.40 Yarmouth, but did not back it in the end. My first two picks for the 3.20 Lingield, Lang Shining and Orchard Supreme, first and second at 5/1 and 3/1, in the right order, giving a £20.20 forecast! I backed third placed Layla's Lexi last time out, but these two were in a different league, assuming they tried! Beckermet was thrown in on old form for the 3.30 Haydock, but you know what my naps are like when it's the carr stable. Finished near enough last! Has it lost all of its old ability? I doubt it! Solar Spirit also did not perform today, and I had a small fancy for Pravda Street - no joy! Athboy Auction was best in for the 3.10 Yarmouth, but did not perform today. Watch out for it soon, as it is lurking! Al Rayanah was also disppointing in fourth. I wonder whether they are actually trying too hard when they do that! The problem was that there were unexposed horses from top stables, including the winner, Destiny Blue, off a very low mark! I thought Fear Factor would do better also. No money for Manshoor or Brooklyn Spirit in the 3.50 Lingfield, but both are much better than that. I thought for a while that system bet Taste The Wine was going to figure, but that packed up too. All three will do much better. I thought We Have A Dream had a squeak of winning just before the line in the 4.00 Haydock, but just got pipped into third place, hence the 25/1 price tag, no doubt! How come the only two backed horses finished first and second again? It's very annoying! I got the tricast in the 3.40 Yarmouth with Astrodonna 7/2, Libre 9/2 and Exopuntia 6/1. I would have given Astrodonna as my second choice if Fools Gold (non-runner) had not been in the original lineup! Looking at the asymmetrical form figures, I didn't expect either Engulf or Streets Of War to win the 4.20 Lingfield, but I thought Hooligan Sean would have at least showed its wrinkled nose! That one will be a system bet next time, and will probably do much better. You have to watch out for these horses from big stables having their second run, in this case Cumani's Saint Pierre! When they don't want them, they stay unwanted! Prince Apollo was thrown in for the 4.30 Haydock and came hacking up behind the leaders, only to drop right out. Will do much better when wanted (dropped too quickly in the weights?). I was also suspicious of the price of Amanda Carter, and that proved well founded, finishing fourth. Both will do much better. I backed Tate's system bet Molon Labe, but as often happens, his other horse, Music Of The Moor won! Amazing what they get up to! I fancied Brave Prospector in the 4.10 Yarmouth, winning at 15/2. Watching the race, Iver Bridge Lad was full of running, and did not get going until too late. Keep an eye on that one. Little Edward, thrown in for the 4.50 Lingfield, was hacking behind the leaders, but was not allowed to stride out. Will be a system bet next time, so get on it! Whiskey Junction had every chance, but just faded into fifth place late on. That one will do better soon, but it's obvious when they are not backed from some stables! The winner, Vintage, is a very useful horse on its day, but I didn't back it on its day today! Despite the saddle slipping, Feeling finished fourth at 66/1 in the 5.00 Haydock. No good for betting purposes, but it proves the selection was right! Must have been an extra value race, because Skybet paid out on the fourth place, which was nice! Magnitude chose today to have a stinker, so keep an eye on it next time! Grethel is also due to run a good race. I don't believe what is happening! Equuleus Pictor led almost all the way in the 4.40 Yarmouth, then finished fourth! Why do they do that? Keep an eye on Colorus now, which was well there most of the way until dropping out, and didn't like the ground today. Yossi finished about fifth in the 5.10 Yarmouth, and should have done much better. How the winner Extremely So won so easily I don't know, as it ran like a group horse! Stagecoach Emerald tailed off, which explains its long price! Karky Schultz and Rocky's Pride were too others that should have run better. I get fed up saying it sometimes!

13th September: Bell found one with no form to beat my nap, Guto (10/1) in the 2.00 Brighton! Nothing else could beat Guto on form, so it was a bit annoying! System bet Salerosa 8/1 winner of the 2.20 Musselburgh with system bet Second Reef 80/1 second and Zabeel Tower (sys+1) 14/1 third! Wish I would do my system bets (although I did have a little on Salerosa). My three selections did not run very well, particularly Cold Quest and King's Point, and my third choice, Klynch, finished fourth. All of these should have done better, but were probably afraid of each other! System bet Maggies Treasure 13/2 second in the 2.30 Brighton. I have mentioned Miss Toldyaso a couple of times recently, and it was placed third today at 22/1! Mini Bon Bon and Saucy Buck should have done better. No money for Mororless or Magneto today, although the latter led for a while apparently going well. Watch for both soon. I also backed Lovely Eyes (third) and Half Sister (fourth). Another fourth from Johnston with Ullswater. I can never get his horses right! They either win, often as outsiders, or don't get placed! I think that one could have done better. I said that Brittain's should be backed when there is any money for them, but didn't follow my own advice with Abjer! Red Kestrel finished only second today (typically to the Johnston horse), but is due very soon now, as is Toshi, which flattered to deceive today. System bet Sonara 33/1 third. Best in Home was right there on the outside in the 3.30 Brighton, but did not go through with its effort. Blast! Is thrown in when wanted, which was clearly not today! Rosy Dawn normally front-runs, but not today, and will be a system bet next time. Ra Junior was thrown in with the defection of several well rated runners in the 3.40 Redcar, but seemed to have no intention of winning the race, finishing a poor third. I have backed Princess Aliuska several times, but not today, of course! I can only assume all the others backed out thinking Ra Junior was going to win! Bolodenka continues to frustrate and did not place again today. System bet next time? Baltimore Jack (third) looked nailed on for a place and came third at 11/2. Zaif refuses to win, although thrown in, and looked like coming through briefly on the rails towards the end before backing out again! How many times do you have to back these horses before they win? It gets very frustrating! Filun got third place at least at 12/1, but should have done better. Barbirolli will run better next time now. I thought system bet Pena Dorada was going to win today, and it dropped out fairly tamely! Keep an eye on Yankee Bright (system bet next time). Coconut Ice, thrown in for the 4.20 Musselburgh, was narrowly beaten at 22/1 by another pick of mine, Earl Wild at 5/1! Pity I didn't do the forecast! Thirteen Shivers will do better. Ivory Lace (third 16/1) finished fast in the 4.30 Brighton, but left its effort too late. I am convinced this is a deliberate policy (system next time now). System bet Bidable 25/1 second. Those system bets certainly do well! This Recalcitrant seems to have favourite tracks where it always wins! Goodbye Cash is thrown in when wanted. I had Tariq Too 5/2 and Silvery Moon 9/2 in a forecast in the 4.40 Redcar. My two selections, Sandwith and Highland Warrior 7/1 winner and 14/1 second in the 4.50 Musselburgh! The straight forecast paid £90.17! One of my selections, Abhainn, 14/1 second in the 5.00 Brighton. I had it in a forecast with Grand Vizier 11/4, with which it was actually better in. Blue Charm must do better shortly. One of my selections, system bet Ryedane, 12/1 winner of the 5.10 Redcar! Thrown in Oddsmaker 11/4 winner of the 5.20 Musselburgh. I wanted Edas for the forecast, but just got pipped into second by an unknown! Super Frank was thrown in for the 5.30 Brighton, but did not perform, and must start to show now! Keep an eye on it. The same applies to Know No Fear and Albero De Guida. Sri Kuantan led nearly all the way again in the 5.50 Musselburgh before finishing fifth. That horse has had two front-running efforts now and must be due to strike very soon (I thought it might be today)! Carnac is another due very soon. I feel sure that connections of winning horses must know that these dark horses are not out to win the race, otherwise betting would be very precarious! I got a dead-heat first at Listowel with Don't Tell The Boys, 10/1! I had some great results today, only two winners (12/1 and 7/1) but also a number of good places and a super forecast paying over 90/1. Email me if you want to join in the fun!

12th September: My nap, Foxhaven, was thrown in, but they can't win if they don't compete! Will win another race when wanted. The other selection, Clear Reef ran well in fourth, but wasn't pushed. Dove Cottage will probably win when back in the handicap proper. King's Bastion and Capacity were best in for the 2.15 Curragh, and both were mentioned as making progress, but never got into the finish! College Scholar is another that will win when wanted again. The winner, Kaamaan, was my fourth rated. Enough said! System bet Adam's Return 9/1 second. Lady Platinum Club was well in for the 2.25 Newcastle, and the fact that it did not show suggests that it will be thereabouts next time. I could not find one of the first three! I wrote down the first and second for the 2.35 Goodwood, then changed my mind! I must cut out this looking for better value when it's not there! I backed Sariska at Longchamp, and it refused to race again! Hope they give me my money back! Will it race again? None of the top-rated figured in the 2.45 Curragh! Where do they get these horses from? System bet Northern Bolt winner of te 3.00 Newcastle. Captain Royale (second) was best in, but not on official ratings. One of my selections, system bet Bonnie Prince Blue third at 9/2. I wrote down Docofthebay and Mujood for the 3.10 Goodwood, but the latter won, with Docofthebay second at 12/1! Could have had a lovely forecast! Docofthebay was by far best in, but had not had a place for a while. Salient will make a better effort next time. Master Macho (fourth) had a first place to get rid of in the 3.20 Ffos Las, so did not compete today. Must do better now it has done that. It always strikes me that only one or two horses are actually out to compete in these races! My two choices, Flaneur and Coolminx first 9/2 and second 9/2 in the 3.35 Newcastle! I had Paradise Spectre in for the tricast, but that one did not get involved. System bet Harlestone Times 10/1 winner of the 4.45 Goodwood! Neither of my selections, Choral Festival or Trailblazing figured, but that probably means that they will next time. When well in horses are outsiders, that usually means that they are not competing. One of my selections, Eleanora Duse, 3/1 winner of the 3.45 Curragh! Long Lashes must run better soon. Night Sky should be better than it showed in the 3.55 Ffos Las, and its fifth place today was a good omen for next time. Desert Icon finished fast in third in the 4.20 Goodwood, but too late! Must win off this mark soon. Victorian Bounty has been running well below form, and must compete soon now. System bet Essex 6/1 winner of the 4.35 Listowel! Lethal Glaze (4.30 Ffos Las), finished fourth, but is due a better run soon. My first selection, Little Scotland 11/2 winner with system bet Mistic Magic 33/1 second! Both of Johnston's dropped out, and both Al Farahidi and Bowmaker are much better than that! Rock Soleil and Crossbow Creek were best in for the 4.55 Goodwood, but bothwere complete outsiders and did not figure. Will do better soon. I gave the first two for the 5.05 Fflos Las, with The Jailer 6/1 and Best One 8/1, giving a forecast of over £50! For good measure I also had the tricast with Ability N Delivery! System bet She's In The Money was best in for the 5.20 Newcastle, but as soon as it got within range of the leader, made no further ground, so obviously third place was all that was wanted, which explains the each-way price! In the last three days I have given several winners to subscribers, including 20/1, 18/1, 12/1 and a few others, including the first two in several races. Please email me if you would like to subscribe.

11th September: Of my two selections for the 2.15 Sandown, Matsunosuke was thrown in but drifted alarmingly in the betting. Must win soon. The other, Piscean, finished fast in third at 16/1. Gallagher, sixth again in the 2.25 Goodwood. When will that horse be run to its true form? You just have to pay out on these horses for nothing! Aspectus was another, the complete outsider, and was clearly not wanted again today. Both must do much better! Spirit Of Sharjah was getting rid of a first place and will do better soon. Hogmaneigh must have been too well touted in the 2.45 Doncaster, because it did not show despite being best in! I am convinced this is planned in advance. My other choice, Arganil, conveniently finished sixth when there were five places! Hoh Hoh Hoh was right up there in the 2.50 Sandown, but inexplicably dropped out. Another one thrown in! What are they waiting for? System bet Arctic Cosmos 12/1 winner of the 3.20 Doncaster! I intended to back it each-way, but bet on the wrong horse! Always the way! System bet Sir Frank Wappat 20/1 third in the 3.25 Sandown. I mentioned how easily Definightly had won a handicap recently, and it bolted up today in the 3.30 Goodwood! Golden Sword is still running way below its best, but no doubt it will be backed properly when it is going to actually win! Only fourth today, with Wajir, almost as well in, third! They've got you over a barrel, as they can get them placed wherever they like! I got Master Mylo at 16/1 in the 3.25 Sandown, with system bet Sir Frank Wappatt 20/1 third! One of my selections. Balthazaars Gift 16/1 winner of the 3.55 Doncaster, with Premio Loco in second at 7/2! System bet May's Boy 40/1 second in the 4.00 Sandown. System bet Tovaria 25/1 fourth in the 4.20 Curragh. I backed Arabian Star each-way at 22/1 in the 4.25 Doncaster, finishing second. System bet Psychic Ability 10/1 winner of the 4.30 Sandown. I noted it was a system bet, but foolishly did not back it again! Safari Sunup is due a good run soon. Also keep an eye on Huygens. Ordnance Row was thrown in for the 5.00 Doncaster, but there was not enough money for it, suggesting today was not the day, as it proved to be. System bet Webbow 25/1 third. Magic Jack was hacking in the 5.05 Sandown, but did not go through with it! I also backed Piano, which finished third. I looked at Stoute's horse, but usually ignore Stoute's first time out, sometimes to my cost! System bet Shavansky 33/1 second in the 5.15 Goodwood. There wasn't any money for Siberian Tiger in the 5.35 Doncaster, but will do better when it is backed. It's Dubai Dolly was best in for the 5.40 Sandown, but dropped out after leading. Must do better very shortly. System bet Babycakes 11/2 winner with Dylanesque (-24) 7/1 second. I would have had the tricast but for that wretched Caped Crusader in the 5.55 Chester! Kingdom Of Munster was thrown in, but clearly only wanted second, and the same probably applied to Muwalla in third. Muftarres finished fifth tonight in the 6.00 Kempton, but should do better very soon. Josr's Magic (second) is also well in. Allanit (fifth) was well in for the 6.30 Kempton, which was probably why it was such a short opening price (just in case from the Curley stable), and no doubt it will win when wanted, which was not tonight (went out to 16/1)! Rosenblatt is another which will win at some time in the near future, possibly next time as a system bet? Most of these long prices are just an indication of intended performance (poor) from many stables. It is nice when the long-priced ones do win occasionally, as it restores some faith. Best in Aalsmeer is obviously being aimed at handicaps after a poor run in the 7.00 Kempton.

10th September: My first selection sent out today, Precision Break, 20/1 winner of the 2.05 Doncaster! I also had the forecast with system bet Jedi 9/1! Desert Sea and The Betchworth Kid will do better soon. My nap Colorus was the complete outsider in the 2.50 Sandown, and performed accordingly, but my other selection, Zowington won at 12/1! Colorus might have been wary of Zowington today, but should do better shortly. Both were equally well in on my ratings, so perhaps they were not both going to get involved. I backed Shooting Gallery each-way at 18/1 in the 3.25 Sandown, and it obliged at 16/1. The stable jockey is often a good indicator for Zarooni horses. One of my selections, Damien, 16/1 fourth in the 3.50 Doncaster. Damika was best in, but decided to have an off-day today. these horses rarely win twice in a row! King's Bayonet appeared full of running in the 4.00 Sandown, but packed up for no apparent reason. Worth keeping an eye on for the future. Another winner with Captain Ramius 18/1 in the 4.15 Chester! Have a look at today's selections and winners here! Zomerlust and Excellerator will do better soon. System bet Rigidity 6/4 winner of the 4.45 Chester. Syrian finished well for fourth, but was thrown in here and should do better very soon. Scamperdale was thrown in for the 4.55 Doncaster, but clearly was not wanted today, being the outsider in the betting, and despite hacking in behind. Must win again soon. Ellemujie was another which should have done better and worth a bet next time. Best in Halsion Chancer was backed today, but it could not have been stable money, as it hit the front and then packed up! Must do better soon. Qalahari, next best in, finished fourth and will also do better, along with the disappointing Exit Smiling. They must all have known that none of these would perform! My selections came first and second in the 5.20 Chester with Clumber Place 11/4 and The Human League 7/2, giving a good forecast. Mountain Pass will do better soon, as will Takajan. So today I gave five winners at 20/1, 18/1, 12/1, 11/2 and 11/4! Email me for your subscription. As usual none of my top-rated figured in the 5.30 Wolverhampton, including Nacho Libre, Methaaly, Albero De Guida (fourth) and Loyal Royal! When will they run better? You tell me! It always amazes me how most of the placed horses always seem to be short in the betting, as if they know the result before they run! System bets Tahitian Pearl and Metropolis 4/1 and 7/1 first and second in the 5.40 Down Royal. Calculating finished only fifth in the 6.30 Wolverhampton, and I noticed that the rider waited until the last couple of furlongs before running on late. Will do better again soon. Cloudy City seemed to be going better than anything in the race, but soon folded. Worth keeping an eye on. Only three horses made any effort in the 6.40 Down Royal, with system bet Lough Ferrib the 3/1 winner. How can the rest finish so far behind in a handicap, unless they are under orders not to compete? Is it any wonder it is so easy to put a winner in? Akin Spirit appeared to be going very well, but found nothing. Worth watching. Royal Holiday was still best in for the 7.00 Wolverhampton, but decided to have the night off! Can win again before long, as there was no reason for its poor performance. System bet Firehawk 20/1 second. Why don't I back them? Hollinshead's horses (Straversjoy) often surprise me when they win, because their previous form is usually no great shakes, but they usually win well when they do. Blue Zealot should do better next time as a system bet. I don't understand why horses that are thrown in and system bets do not try to win races! Guildenstern was one such in the 8.30 Wolverhampton, and just hung behind the leading group! Stonecrabstomorrow was another such, and was never sighted. I even thought that system bet Rigid might run a good race, and indeed , it was in the lead in the straight before packing up. All of these will do better, but they had much better chances tonight than the first three home! Doesn't make sense! Perhaps the distance was too far (not for Guildenstern, certainly)? Is Stonecrabstomorrow getting rid of those fifth places too? Please tell me if you know! Probably Guildenstern didn't win because the stable's Pipers Piping won the last race! Norcroft must make an effort soon, as it is thrown in on old form, and I was also disappointed with Emperor's Well, which should have won a race before now.

9th September: I thought Ella would have done better in the 2.35 Doncaster, but dropped out after leading. Will probably do better as a system bet. As the complete outsider, Cloudy Start was clearly not wanted today, but is also better than it showed. The problem is getting value prices, and most of them are not! Useless again in the 2.50 Bath, with Scorn finishing only fifth - what are they doing with that one? and Land And Sea finishing third. Johnston strikes again with Hawdyerwheesht 11/1 in the 3.00 Epsom, a horse that I backed a couple of times recently! It keeps happening! I got the forecast with Wootton Bassett and Galtymore Lad in the 3.10 Doncaster. In fact I had the first three on my list of four, including Premier Clarets 28/1 third.! The two top rated, which means that Wootton Bassett improved again. Le Corvee was thrown in for the 3.25 Bath, but chose today to be a big disappointment when I tipped it! Why does that happen more often than not? Oh, it was old mate Heffernan! That explains it. Second selection Corrib 100/30 second. I was so suprised with the price of Mid Wicket that I did not back it! Foxtrot Bravo is due a better run next time. I backed Whiepa Snappa each-way at 15/2 in the 3.35 Epsom, but it only ran on from the back late for third. At least it did get a place! Disappointment for the tricast was My Sister, which will be a system bet next time. Suppose I should have known that Fanshawe's Plutocraft would run well! Top-rated Meeznah never finished off in the 3.45 Doncaster, finishing third to Johnston's Eastern Aria again! Of course I backed system bet Polly's Mark, which finished fourth! Veil Of Night, which had a 7lb claimer on it, should have been in the shakeup in the 3.00 Bath, but trailed the field and ran on late for fourth! Diamond Vine, which I backed last time, finished second at 9/1! Bon Spiel did not perform today, but it won't be long now! My second choice, Mohanad, finished second at 3/1. I don't know why it was so well backed when it wasn't going to win! Hurlingham was hopeless, and will do better along with Maslak. System bets Sermon's Mount and The Happy Hammer first and second in the 4.35 Bath. Hart Of Gold and White Shift will do better. You can't boil an egg by half of these horses, even if they should win by a street! Phluke ran as if it was running through treacle, and will do better again, and my other choice, Maze, looked as if it could have won with a bit more effort. Sent From Heaven ran up with the pace, then dropped back in the 4.55 Doncaster and should have done better. The same applies to Habayib, which was cruising, but not put into the race! Then I backed Carioca, and that finished fourth, so it was not my lucky day! The Jobber finished about fifth in the 5.05 Bath, and must win one of these races. My other choice, Namir finished second, and should have won, failing The Jobber. Dancing Freddy will be due a win soon now after blazing off in front in the 5.15 Epsom and then packing up. Form figures look good for next time. Goodwood Maestro is due a good run now, and The Human League typically finished third after a win. How many times do they do that? Is still thrown in for another race, but I am convinced this is a policy and other connections know about it. To compound the Carr stable's misfortunes, Red Cape left the jockey behind in the 5.25 Doncaster. There were better handicapped horses than Baby Strange, but they have to try, and after backing it several times recently, I left it out today. Typical! Abraham Lincoln will win a race (system bet next time), but was just testing today. I did have a little each-way on Sunrise Safari at 20/1. With the defection of my two selections for the 5.45 Bath, Goodbye Cash and Full Victory, Lutine Charlie was clear best in and won at 9/4. The other two will win a race if running soon. I thought Abhar was going to win the 5.45 Kempton, but of course it got pipped by Prescott's again. How annoying! Imperial Warrior must be worth a bet soon. Also keep an eye on Confrontation, which ran well for a long way.

8th September: Wondered why Totoman was such a big price in the 2.20 Uttoxeter, and it fell. Can't do that deliberately, can they? Will be a system bet next time. The other two on my list finished first and second in the right order, but that's no good when I only put the winner in the forecast! One of my selections, Byronic, 10/1 second in the 2.10 Epsom. The two horses with the best form figures finished first and second in the 2.45 Epsom. I went for Embezzle, as Charlton's often run better second time out. Bad pick! Must have been an arranged result in the 2.55 Uttoxeter, as Sadler's Star was much better in, but finished only second! Moorhouse Lad was clear best in for the 3.10 Doncaster, but did not place, so after getting rid of a first place, watch out for it soon. Star Rover also ran an awful race and is much better than that. We should also get a better run from Look Busy now, as it has been very poor lately. I thought Eltheeb would have done better in the 3.20 Epsom, and will probably do better next time as a system bet. What is it with my selections that I get so many non-runners? Eastwell Smiles ran loose before the 3.30 Uttoxeter and was withdrawn! Follow On is due a good run now after not competing today. The ratings meant nothing in the 3.45 Doncaster, with Kinsya, Eastern Gift and Nevada Desert never getting into the argument. How do they know how they are going to run beforehand unless instructed? One of my selections, Ramona Chase, 9/2 winner of the 3.55 Epsom from system bet North Cape. No money for Mut'ab, which is very well in when wanted. System bet Santa's Son, thrown in for the 3.05 Uttoxeter, was the complete outsider, but led for a long way. Should do much better than that despite being a bit long in the tooth! Royal Max ran well, but fifth place is no good! In my opinion Prizefighting was never allowed to run on in the 4.20 Doncaster, and as the outsider, will be seen to better advantage shortly. I thought Four Star General was going better than its finishing position in the 4.30 Epsom, and may be worth a bet before long. Another odds-on favourite turned over! Glengarra was thrown in for the 3.40 Uttoxeter, but after leading, dropped out. Must win again soon. No money for Quincy Des Pictons, but that one can do better. I also backed Buailteoir each-way, second at 16/1. Quarrel was thrown in for the 4.50 Doncaster, and must start to compete now! System bet He's A Hawker 33/1 third in the 5.10 Uttoxeter. That Hazelrigg being backed has really annoyed me recently, but of course it won today in the 5.20 Doncaster. My selection Indian Trail finished third at 16/1. Oldjoesaid was probably last, but that is usual after a sixth place. Frognal is better than it showed today, but the stable is still out of form. Danum Dancer is definitely going to run well when in the handicap soon. Bajan Sunshine was best in for the 5.40 Uttoxeter, and with the early money for it, I thought it would be competitive today, but it finished only fifth. I wasn't surprised to see Quaddick Lake run at the front and then drop out, so watch out for that one soon now. Le Brocquy was in about third place when its jockey lost an iron and it pulled up, but that one is another one for soon. Mini Bon Bon was well in for the 5.50 Kempton and rushed up to dispute the lead, only to finish third. No doubt the gambled on winner Brave Tiger was a good horse in disguise, which they often do and there is nothing we can do about it! That's what happens whenever there is money to be won.

7th September: I couldn't pick Switched Off in the 2.00 Goodwood, but who could? One of my selections, Celticello, only ran on fast when it was too late. Prince Golan is thrown in, but I wasn't sure if it would try today. Is cetainly better than its pathetic effort today, but they do that so often! Basilica (-40) 9/1 winner of the 2.10 Lingfield. I normally back those sorts of figures! If I don't back Beckett's horses they win, if I do back them, they don't! How can you work that out? I thought system bet Baraathen would beat system bet Sassanian in the 2.25 Sedgefield, but can never get it right! There never seems to be any value. I backed Always The Lady and Umseyat each-way in the 2.35 Goodwood, but of course the favourite won! Always the way! The money is rarely wrong for Moore's horses and Thomas Tompion won the 2.45 Lingfield. There was also money for Monsieur Jamie (second) from the Jenkins stable, and that must also be noted. Glaced Over should have won the 3.00 Sedgefield, but unseated after the last! Fortunately that gave me the forecast with Cailin Na Ri and Rain Stops Play! May Be Some Time led for a while in the 3.10 Goodwood and I am sure will do better. Sixty Roses appeared to be going well, then faded to third. System bet Ivan Vasilevich 20/1 third in the 3.20 Lingfield. I would have had the tricast if Empress Charlotte had finished second! I should have noticed that Silken Thoughts (-305) was fairly well up in the betting. My selection Stolen Light 6/1 winner of the 3.35 Sedgefield! Maidstone Mixture did not perform today, but will do better. My nap, Buxton was a non-runner. Curses! Must have been afraid of Fault! The latter dropped out tamely today (a blind) and it is still well handicapped and could have won this. It's annoying when they do that for no reason other than the price! My Learned Friend is also better than it showed today. Exceedingly Bold, having got rid of that tell-tale form, should now be competitive before long. How can you back in races where the top three rated do not compete? Oniz Tiptoes was a huge price and ran accordingly. Will probably do the same for at least one more race now. Why not today? Osolomio and Soubriquet (fourth) were two other that should at least have been placed! I had the first two, Longliner and Sentosa (12/1) written down for the 4.20 Goodwood. I backed Hajjaan (which I assumed would make an effort) to beat system bet En Fuego 9/1 in the 4.30 Lingfield, and it came out the other way! Ridiculous! The favourite had a lot more in hand! Did they want the better price? Best in Schinken Otto and Tiger King finished third and pulled up respectively. Very difficult to get the best horses to win until they are wanted! Calculaite (system type form) 13/2 winner. Meydan Dubai was thrown in for the 4.55 Goodwood, but, after making ground, deliberately stayed behind to finish seventh. You need to see money usually from that stable, so watch for it soon. Next best Salient finished fourth and will do better. Coiled Spring (best in) was in the lead a furlong out in the 5.05 Lingfield, but faded into fourth. Given A Choice ran on at the end to finish about sixth when it was too late! I wish they would run to form, as they were the two best in! System bet Pedasus 33/1 third, when no chance on paper! Typical! You back something several times, it comes nowhere, then comes in third when it shouldn't! Zero Cool might win one day, unless they have given up on it, in which case why persist with it? Look out for Generous Lad now in a handicap. I give up trying to predict horse races! Best in Sunshine Always finished fourth in the 5.25 Goodwood, with my other choice, Kurtanella finishing third, so no return again in a seven horse race! I hate them! They must have been walking for My Kingdom to catch them out in the centre of the track! Couldn't even get Moon Melody to win again in the 5.20 Sedgefield, even with the absence of Treasury Counsel! Sahafh missed the break in the 5.40 Lingfield. How often does that happen? A handler was holding its tail I was told! I backed second string and system bet Pencarrow, which was clearly only out for a place, because it was coasting, then found a lot more when challenged by several horses, but eventually finished fourth! If it had been ridden out properly, it would definitely have been placed! Cumani's Submission finished second at 40/1! Best in Humourous packed up tamely after sharing the lead in the 5.50 Sedgefield. Bocciani looked like winning, then eventually finished fourth. How many times will they run before they win or place? It makes me wild! Zahara Joy (-540) 6/1 winner with World Of Events (-6D4P) second. Is that all that counts, form figures? Should have known River Rhapsody, son of Alderbrook, would figure! Will Lyndseyfield Lodge run better soon now? I backed Cumani's Launchpad each-way at 20/1 in the 6.10 Lingfield, but this Ela Gonda Mou that they were all shouting about online was very over-rated!

6th September: I thought Memorabilia was going to hold on in the 2.10 Bath, but finished fourth in the end. Dew Reward was getting a lot of weight from the others. Despite pulling up in the 3.00 Newton Abbot, Pegasus Lad is due a much better run soon. One of my selections, Baron's Spy 11/2 winner of the 3.10 Bath. The Tatling was not backed, but must win soon off this mark if there is anything left (figures look good for next time)! I also backed Riflessione 7/1 for the forecast! I had a little each-way on Thewinnatakesitall at 40/1 in the 3.20 Newcastle, as I thought it was about time it ran better! Gold Gleam and Erfaan were disappointing off their ratings, which suggests they were not wanted! My next selection, Cashel Blue, 8/1 winner of the 3.30 Newton Abbot! Excellent Thought should have done better in the 3.40 Bath. Neither Elkhorn nor Divine Spirit made any effort in the 4.50 Newcastle, but both are due very soon. My third choice, Bravely, was the 15/2 winner, which proves my point about the other two. One of my selections, Some Craic 20/1 third in the 4.00 Newton Abbot. Tampa Boy was fifth, and will do better, now having got rid of a first place. System bet Jewellery 13/2 second in the 4.10 Bath. I did it in a forecast with the favourite, Isobar. The 4.30 Newton Abbot turned into a five horse race and, despite leading most of the way and hacking, it was obvious that Nothing Is Forever was just waiting for something to go past. It was thrown in for this race and will win again very soon, probably in a bigger race. Even Classic Fly was better in than the first two! It gets me annoyed quite often when the best horses do not win, for whatever reason. Bedouin Princess looked like a good bet in the 4.40 Bath, but 25/1 was not encouraging, and it was made to look very mediocre. I feel sure it will do better. Xpres Maite, thrown in for the 4.50 Newcastle, led most of the way, then let the others go past! The money for it must have been from people like me! Must win next time. Next best Lakeman finished fourth, which was also annoying and Celtic Step will also do better! These small races are a menace, with the third rated horse In The Zone winning at the expense of Nesnaas (third) and Wild Power (fourth), both of which were far better in! Scrap these races! La Columbina finished fourth in the 5.10 Bath, despite being best in. That one and Garafena (disputed most) will also win when wanted. System bet Touch Of Style 11/4 winner. Did they know about La Columbina and Garafena? System bet and my selection Nuit Sombre 20/1 third in the 5.20 Newcastle. Was thrown in, and must have eased up to get passed. With 34lb in hand, the winner and second only had 11lb in hand! Bentley will do better now after a poor run today. Three Boars ran abysmally again in the 5.30 Newton Abbot. I thought it might hat least have got placed! Hartshead has been incredibly disappointing in recent runs, and I thought it would do better with some money for it today. Still no joy! Next best in Olympic Dream was also well there for a while, but packed up tamely. That one must also be looked out for now. What I don't understand is why they start at shortish prices and then drift out, as if they have changed their minds about its running in the race!

5th September: System bet Another Trump just got up after a big gamble in the 1.50 Worcester. My two selections, Mad Professor and Tora Petcha, threatened for a while, then dropped out. My other choice, Take A Mile, just came fourth! How frustrating! All three will do better, hopefully next time! It was third choice, Morestead, tipped by me recently, which won the 2.10 Fontwell at 13/2. I don't know what has happened to system bet Space Cowboy, which is thrown in on old form, and had ideal form figures, but never competed, and nor did the almost equally well in Alrafid (the 10lb claimer was obviously a negative signal). I had the first three in the right order in the 2.25 Worcester, with Pinerock, Stormyislandahead and Rifleman! System bet Bunce 5/1 second in the 2.35 York. I don't know why I give Cornwall's horses (Kerkabellec), apart from patriotism, because they always seem to struggle, even when well in. Lough Rynn made a brief effort, then eased up. Fortunately I did back Rash Moment, which won. Bathwick Breeze ran on well at the end and will be worth a bet soon. I wrote down the first four home for the 3.10 York, but didn't get the forecast! Put up job with Makena in the 3.20 Fontwell? Swordsman and Vasodilator were both much better in, but you never know what is going to happen in these small races! They always put on a great act, though! This horse has gone up stones since it started! Valery Borzov used to lead, but ran on from the back today, and will win soon. The same applies to Abraham Lincoln, which did not show today. It's just a question of backing them until they show! Heir To Be led, dropped out, then ran on again in the 3.55 Fontwell, and must win very soon. Hail The King will definitely do much better when in the handicap. Balladeer was another to disappoint today. Nordwind is much better than it showed today in the 4.10 Worcester, but there is nothing you can do when they only want third place! Damned annoying though! Smack That will also do better. System bet The Last Alzao 11/1 second in the 4.20 York. Wicked Daze led most of the way and will win again, and the same applies to Bergonzi. Also keep an eye on Abayaan (system bet next time). The first winner in two days with Moon Melody 4/1 in the 4.30 Fontwell! Cossack Dancer led all theecond last in the 4.40 Worcester, then finished fourth! Is thrown in when wanted. My second selection, Postmaster 12/1 second! Fishforcompliments looked home and hosed in the 4.50 York, just getting run out of it on the line! I have backed Rough Rock several times lately, but not today! River Falcon and Commando Scott decided not to compete too much today, but are very well in soon. Isintshelovely was thrown in for the 5.00 Fontwell, but dropped out after leading most of the way. Is thrown in when wanted, which I was hoping was today! Damn! I had Happy Fleet 5/1 winner written down, but it was out of the handicap! Didn't realise it was such a short price! I am sure Dora Explora will do better. I just wanted Flying Squad to get a place in the 5.10 Worcester, and what did it get? Yes, that's right, fourth! Why do they always do that to me? I just don't know what they are doing with Palomar and Robby Bobby, both thrown in for the 5.20 York, which is probably why they didn't get placed today. That Antigua Sunrise, I have backed it so often and it had no real right to win today! I wish they would make the horses run to their ability sometime!

4th September: I didn't like the price on Ordnance Row in the 2.00 Haydock, despite it being one of the best in, and I thought it was going to cause an upset for quite a long time, but it faded, of course! Dancing David was also backed, but dropped out. Both will do better in another race soon. French Art, best in for the 2.25 Thirsk, decided to choose today to throw in a bad run! Why do they always do that when I back them? Ballinteni was next best, but finished only fourth, and Rosbay at least finished second, but a very unsatisfactory race! Stike Up The Band came sweeping up the outside in the 2.30 Haydock, then I couldn't believe my eyes, because it (apparently) found nothing! Piscean front-runs usually when winning, and never got into it, and the same applied to Haajes! A complete lottery, most of these races! System bet Confessional 14/1 winner! Man Of Iron only ran on when it was too late in the 2.45 Kempton, and I was also disappointed with Les Fazzani, which put in a lifeless run. I was tempted by Classic Punch (third 28/1, but didn't back it today. Another disappointment in the 2.555 Thirsk, where it was obvious that Kames Park (20/1) was not going to win, even though it came through with a great run (which petered out, of course) towards the end! River Ardeche led for a while then packed up! Watch for them both very soon. Macarthur was clearly still not wanted today at the prices in the 3.05 Haydock, but front-ran for a long way in what was clearly a test. It was thrown in today, so watch for it soon, possibly not at such a long price! I also backed system bet Crackentorp each-way, finishing fourth. Prince Of Thebes was clearly not wanted at 40/1 in the 3.20 kempton, but you never know! Alfresco was also too big a price, but was also not wanted today. Both were better in than Red Somerset, which proves my point! Watch out for them soon now! Funnily enough, Chapter And Verse caught my eye first when looking at the race! A good day so far today, with Monfils Monfils never showing, although running on late from the back, and Jug Of Punch tailing off as usual. Keep them both in mind, along with Fongoli. Well at least I got a place with Petrocelli 50/1 third in the 3.30 Thirsk, even though I didn't have time to back it! Pycian, like its almost namesake, did not get into the places. Regal Parade and Borderlescott did not perform today in the 3.35 Haydock. What can you do? They seem to run completely different races from one day to the next (unless they are wanted, of course!). Look out for Sir Gerry in a lesser race soon. Keep an eye on Above All, which finished third in the 3.50 Kempton, as it appeared to be going as well as the first two until reined back late! Could be a good horse in the making! It gets worse! Of my two selections for the 3.55 Straford, Sou'wester pulled up and De Soto fell! What an amazing (and frustrating) day! Am I fated or what? But it is a Saturday, when little seems to go right! Even third best Parc Na Gcapall finished fifth! I feel some days that I might as well throw money down a nearby mineshaft! Whataboutya is another to keep an eye on now that it has got rid of a first place. Christmas Light (4.05 Thirsk) finished fourth today, but should do better. You can usually tell where they are going to finish in small races by the betting! On The High Tops looked like holding second place for a long time in the 4.10 Haydock, but at 66/1 I was waiting for it to fade, and it did! Will do much better than that, even though it still finished about fifth! I think that the Starboard Bow arranged to come second today, as it was clear best in, and the jockey just ran it in snatches and eventually hung in behind the winner. Very annoying when they do that, but there is nothing we can do! Mostly a waste of time today, with the thrown in Alph and Gaspara making no effort in the 4.25 Stratford! Are there races where they just say to the others "We shan't interfere today"? It look svery much like it on these performances! Even High Bird Humphrey didn't get into it! Avertuoso missed the break in the 4.40 Thirsk, ran on well almost into the lead, then packed up, of course! I get tired saying it! Must win when breaking properly soon. Even the next best Foreign Rhythm ran poorly today. I had a little on Divertimenti, because I didn't trust the others! How the hell could Singapore Lilly beat Measuring Time on what they had shown before? But the price was better (hehe). Bid For Glory and Cobo Bay ran stinkers in the 4.55 Kempton, and will do better. I kept looking at system bet Spiritual Art, which won at 33/1. Amazing! If I backed that it would probably be useless! Ellemujie should also have done better. I wanted Cortinas in the 5.00 Stratford, but also had a little eachway on system bet Blast The Past. Even when the second and third runners fell, it still only came third! How annoying! Will do better, but too big a price today! Mishrif was best in for the 5.25 Kempton, but was not wanted again today, possibly because I think it used to be with Jarvis, who had the favourite! I backed Mambo Spirit each-way, finishing second at 9/1, and watch out for My Gacho soon. Well, a miserable day today, possibly the worst ever as regards selections, but at least I have given a few pointers to follow. Also keep an eye on Beneath and Istidlaal, which were huge outsiders today, but were up with the pace most of the way until backing out, probably as ordered. At least I had the winner Activate at 8/1, which as quite often happens, was the first to catch my eye. Must follow that system more often!

3rd September: My two selections Cold Quest and Berbice were best in for the 2.10 Musselburgh, but finished fourth and third (14/1) respectively, the former running on too late! Will win again when wanted. Dhhamaan was bustled along early, dropped out, but will do better. I can never understand why a thrown-in horse wins one race, then struggles in the next, unless it is deliberate. Whoateallthepius front-ran today in the 2.20 Lingfield, then dropped out, and will do better soon, as will Saucy Buck, running on really fast late on. I had a little reverse forecast on Ninfea and Masonic Lady in the 2.30 Brighton, finishing first and second at 11/4 and 7/1! I have backed Dottie Darroch a couple of times in handicaps, but didn't put it in for the forecast today! Silly me! I had Fear Nothing and Nadinska (fast-finishing second) in a forecast for the 2.50 Lingfield, as they were best in on my ratings. I was sure that Smart Endeavour had got second in the 3.00 Brighton to give me the forecast, but no! Pipped again! These angles are so deceptive! Must win soon now, and my other selection Swift Return threw the race away by crossing the track! System bet Cavendish Road 9/2 winner. The top-rated failed to perform in the 3.10 Musselburgh, and I wasn';t surprised with some of them. The Bear was getting rid of one first place, and the thrown-in Burnwynd Boy was a huge price, being held back strongly on the outside. Two others to consider now are Argentine and Jargelle, but I backed all four today and threw away my money! Resplendent Light (asymmetrical form, hacking behind) and Goodwood Starlight (never put into the race) were the next two to run appallingly in the 3.20 Lingfield. I had the evidence in front of me in the figures, but I am always the optimist! How do I put up with it? The only consolation is that it's just a question of patience, and it's a good job my middle name is Job! One of my tips, system bet Signora Frasi, 9/1 winner of the 3.30 Brighton! Song Of Praise did not compete today, but watch out for it next time! As usual, one did well, the other did not try! Hellbender will also do better. The Carr stable is going through a really bad patch at present, and I said I wouldn't nap any more of their runners until they had a winner, but Raccoon was so well in that I thought it was a certainty! Blast! Not even that could win! Hope they are not doing it to spite me (hehe)! Even Mandarin Spirit seemed to get wedged in the stalls, so that was any chance gone! I had Lunar Victory and Muwakaba second and third in the 3.50 Lingfield, but missed out Sarrsar in favour of Titbits! I always had the feeling that Lunar Victory was being held back until its run was tyoo late, as it put on a great spurt when it couldn't win. Are they all in cahoots? No, surely not! At least the ratings worked out in the 4.00 Brighton, with Timeteam beating Universal Circus! I thought it was about time Dhaular Dar had a good run, and it win today at 14/1! Pity I didn't give it as a selection again! I'm always doing that! The wretched Ahlawy missed the break, and I wondered why it was the outsider! Templetuohy Max ran well in front, and I feel it could have done even better! Red Eddie was eased off in the 4.20 Lingfield, but can do much better than that! My other choice, Mind The Monarch was a non-runner, no doubt both of them scared off by the Prescott and Curley horses! System bet Cuckoo Rock 10/1 third. My two selections for the 4.30 Brighton, Progress and Ivory Lace, 9/1 winner and 8/1 second with a nose between them! I also got the tricast with Russian Rave! Finsbury and Bed Fellow were the best in for the 4.40 Musselburgh, but both decided to have an off day today. Billy Dane ran well in the lead, and looked like winning, but this was clearly a test, as it finished only fourth. All will do better soon. Orsett Lad, thrown in for the 4.50 Lingfield, ran a stinker, and they keep doing tha after a place! Watch out for it soon, as I am pretty sure it will run better next time. My other selection, A Pocketful Of Rye, didn't want to get too involved, so ran on nicely for fourth! Rigid can also do much better. Strikes me that when there rae tow or three well handicapped horses, often none of them try too hard! I wondered why Stamford Blue drifted in the betting in the 5.00 Brighton, and the so and so cost me the tricast by finishing fourth! It never really looked like competing until late on, but I still thought it had got third! It should have won this race, so should win again soon. How many times do they do that, win, then come fourth when they should be winning again! It's trend which is quite marked! Brooklands Bay is better than it has been showing, and the string of fourth and fifth places could be changed shortly when they decide to make an effort with it. Ancien Regime was best in for the 5.20 Lingfield, but after leading early, packed up. Must be getting rid of placed efforts! I also backed system bet Wildcat Wizard, which finished second, with system bet Little Garcon third. Spring Horizon was thrown in for the 5.30 Brighton, but as usual when they have had a poor series of figures, it finished only fourth. Will do much better now that it is starting to show. My other choice Cane Cat ran very poorly, but I had a little on Kinigi too. Gallantry and Hazzard County are two to look out for from the 5.45 Kempton, the latter taking the lead a furlong out, only to finish fourth. Gallantry may take another race before competing. This Expensive Problem won some time ago when unconsidered, and finished second tonight at a huge price, so is worth bearing in mind. System bet Rock Anthem 14/1 dead-heat second, with the winner, My Best Bet also a system bet!

2nd September: Harcas did not perform in the 1.40 Redcar, which often happens after a placed effort. Will win a race before long, as was by far best in today. Shanavaz hung around at the back, but must do better when wanted. One of my selections, Lutine Charlie, 14/1 second in the 1.40 Salisbury. A typical placed effort after a string of poor runs. I expected Loden to do better, but will now be a system bet next time, and better is expected from me! System bets Regal Kiss and Bradbury 7/2 and 22/1 first and second in the 2.00 Redcar! Quite a nice forecast! Cathcart Castle appeared to be going well in the lead in the 2.20 Epsom, but finished only fourth again. Was it ridden out? Surely will do better soon. I was also disappointed with the effort of system bet Zarazar. Oliver's Gold (by Danehill Dancer) was another on my list, finishing third at 8/1. Best in Saltergate ran a terrible race in third in the 2.30 Redcar, and might be better off in a handicap now. System bet Heartbreak 15/8 winner. I usually make a habit of backing Cox's horses in maidens, but missed Azameera 33/1 today, although I did back Gosden's Aneedah in second! Silly me! One of my selections, best in Wyatt Earp 16/1 second in the 3.05 Redcar. I thought it was about time it got at least a place! Who's Shirl is clearly a well-handicapped horse which is being put in when wanted! System bet Sir Nod 9/1 third. Another 33/1 winner (Shim Sham) from Meehan this time! How do they do it? For once Gosden's did not perform, but I suppose if they keep doing it, the prices will drop too much! Top-rated Chat De La Burg (with 5lb claimer beat Cecil's Cat Hunter in the 3.25 Epsom. I thought system bet Interakt would have done better, but they rarely do as complete outsiders in these races! Fishforcompliments dropped back in the 3.40 Redcar, then ran on again for third , proving it still has plenty in hand, but not wanted today! Must win as a system bet next time! What on earth is wrong with Margot Did, which keeps getting beaten off this rating! Must be aiming for a bigger prize somewhere! My tweo picks for the 4.00 Epsom, Falasteen and Seneschal, finished first and second at 5/1 and 10/1! Just wish I'd given them as selections today! It often seems to be the ones I don't give which do best! My two selections for te 4.15 Redcar, Kate Skate 12/1 winner with Uddy Mac 4/1 second (and the third on my list, Romancea, finished third)! 18/1 available about Kate Skate at one point just before the off! Back to reality in the 4.25 Salisbury, with no money for either of my selections, although I feel that Capercaillie was not really pushed to get into contention. Don't Tell Mary was thrown in on old form, but they are obviously getting rid of all form before making an effort. Green Wadi was absolutely cruising behind the leaders in the 4.35 Epsom, but contrived to come fourth! Is thrown in when wanted. I refuse to believe that Dishdasha is as bad as it showed today, and will do better, whether on the flat or over hurdles. I also backed second best Barliffey, which finished second at 16/1. I also had a sneaky feeling for this Aalya, despite its price! Fanshawe at the bottom of the handicap? Another of my selections, Andorn, 5/1 winner of the 4.50 Redcar! Should have done it with Zefooha on the previous running! Mymateeric, Heart Of Dubai and Fossgate will all do better. In the next race, Matterofact and The Jobber first and second at 9/4 and 7/2! Yet another winner with Potentiale 9/2 in the 5.10 Epsom! Zero Cool was thrown in on old form, but keeps running badly. Will win when wanted, as will Marsh Warbler. Nuit Sombre ran a completely untypical race in the 5.20 Redcar, as it always front-runs when competing! Klynch settled nicely on the heels of the leaders, had no intention of winning, but ran on late to snatch third at 25/1. Both of these are thrown in when wanted. Keep an eye on Peligroso, which was hacking in the lead today in the 5.30 Salisbury, and either eased up or did not stay! The pundits always make up some excuse for it! I gave subscribers three winners, including a 12/1, six places (including 14/1, 16/1 and 25/1) and a 1-2 in two races, enabling a good forecast in each! A good profit could have been had today, and I made a good one myself!

With Best One a non-runner, I expected either Figaro Flyer or Mazzola to win the 5.45 Wolverhampton, but Figaro Flyer was still getting rid of a first place, so you can never rely on it in that situation. Isn't it amazing how you can usually tell from some stables whether a horse is going to run well or badly? I have not seen the full result yet, but I imagine it came fourth or last? System +1 bet Captain Bluebird 33/1 third. One of my selections, Darcey, 16/1 winner of the 6.20 Wolverhampton! Loyal Royal was such a big outsider that I could not see it winning from that stable! Of my later selections, Icelandic was a non-runner, Corrib and Tres Froide are due very soon, finishing fourth and fifth. Imprimis Tagula (sixth) must do better very soon now, and I had a little each-way on my recent selection, Malcheek, which won at 14/1! See my comment 19th August: "I guarantee that horse will win again soon"! Baby Strange and Spectait are two horses that you have to back every time they run, because they will run very well when wanted.

1st September: System bet Tiermore 100/30 and Brimley 11/1 (too big a price) should have finished first and second in the 2.10 Hereford, but the latter dropped back, then ran on again for third. System bet The Foxes Decree finished second. First and second for my selections in the 2.20 Lingfield with First In The Queue and Negotiation, 8/1 and 10/1! Paid over £85 for the forecast! Damn! Could have had the tricast with Eye Of Eternity, another on my list! I was too obsessed with Balding's Fire Raiser! Rosiliant should have done better in the 2.30 Brighton, and should be worth a bet very soon. It was the one that let me down for the tricast! My two selections for the 2.40 Hereford, Gunnadoit and Bazart were never at the races, but that doesn't mean they won't be next time, so bear them in mind. My third choice Mycenean Prince won the race at 9/2 with system bet Hollies Favourite 18/1 in second! It's amazing how often those system bets figure! My Manikato was disappointing in the 2.50 Lingfield, especially as the favourite Palio Square did not perform, so watch them both soon. Another fourth for Patrick Hills on Classic Voice in the 3.00 Brighton. I had a little on Raucous Voice at 8/1 (returned 6/1). Best in Rapide Plaisir finished only sixth, and I can only presume that they were afraid of the opposition, as it should have hacked up! My other choice, Sea Cliff finished third. Bond Cruz ( fourth) will also do better. I don't believe how many fourths and fifths I get with my selections, with Spiritonthemount and The Composer this time! Both were probably afraid of the Saddlers Wells horse Bravo Bravo, but must do better. I also had a feeling about Go Amwell today, but didn't back it. A win for my selection Beaver Patrol at 9/2 in the 3.30 Brighton, with system bet Timeteam 10/1 second. Highland Harvest was up with the pace today, dropped out, but will do better soon. My next selection, system bet Chevy To The Levy 7/1 winner of the 3.40 Hereford, but I really wanted it with Winter Star, which packed up tamely! The latter will do much better soon. -05 figures are often not a betting medium, and Electric City proved that in the 4.00 Brighton, but it will do much better, hopefully next time. Red Barcelona (asymmetrical form - aargh!) also shirked the task today, but is well in. Timocracy should have won the 4.10 Hereford, but finished only third. Will do better. Freedom Fire (-26) 14/1 winner. Don't Think Twice should do better soon. My next selection, Frosted Grape, 4/1 winner of the 4.40 Hereford. I was disappointed with my second choice, I'm The Decider, but that did have asymmetrical form and will do better soon. King's Approach dropped out tamely in the 4.50 Lingfield - how often do I say that? Must win when wanted. Orsett Lad finished second, but was too short a price to be worthwhile. I just wonder why one of my two selections almost always finishes nowhere when the other often does well. Is it an arrangement in some cases? Another of my selections, Phluke, 9/2 winner. Master Mahogany (could not have been stable money for it) will do better soon. System bet Markhesa 8/1 third. One of my selections for the 5.25 Lingfield, Swift Return, 6/1 second. Thew other Raven's Rose was well backed, but probably not by the stable! I gave five winners to subscribers today, at 8/1, 7/1, 9/2 twice and 4/1, plus an £85 forecast for the first two at Lingfield!

I didn't see much of the evening racing, but noticed that top-rated Sabatini 3/1 beat system bet Lean Machine in the 7.50 Kempton.

31st August: I had a small bet on Unex El Greco, 12/1 winner of the 2.10 Leicester! Nice start! I backed Royal And Ancient each-way in the 2.20 Newton Abbot, and I always had the feeling the jockey had been told to place and not win, as he kept putting on spurts, then hanging back. I am sure it could probably have won, so worth noting for the future. One of my first selections, Dazeen should have won on my ratings, but at least finished third at 5/1. The other Power Of Dreams, was probably getting rid of that second place. In the 2,40 Leicester Bajan Bullet finished third at 15/2, with Glenn's Princess showing up, but unplaced. Strangely the first two horses home were by Diamond Green! Gold Ring led or disputed the lead almost the whole way in the 2.50 Newton Abbot, and either did not get home (long absence) or was deliberately eased. Don't know why it raced so wide most of the way. Must win soon off this rating, along with Stumped (fifth), also very well in. I didn't really expect the latter to win (first place at the front), and perhaps it didn't want a place either for future odds purposes. Jibaal got no run in the 3.00 Ripon, and would probably have won if getting room, as it was finishing strongest of all. I can never pick Channon's and thought it might have run better today. Blaze Of Thunder did not figure, but is obviously better than that! Red Wine third at 18/1 and Hurlingham second at 7/1 in the 3.10 Leicester! Damn, I looked Fanshawe's Bondage (symmetrical form) too! Real Dandy was just testing today, and will do better soon. Jack Dawkins showed briefly running well in the 3.30 Ripon, but no money for it or Alsahil, both of which were best in. Both will start to show shortly. I was surprised that Mirrored did not compete. Star Rover was best in on old form for the 3.40 Leicester, and duly won at 7/2. Should have taken notice of the form horse, Angus Newz for the forecast! Abraham Lincoln appeared to be travelling very comfortably, so bear it in mind for a handicap soon. I had a little each-way on one of my old favourites, Don Jose in the 3.50 Newton Abbot, but at 33/1 omens were not good, However, it ran really well in fifth, and I suspect it will do better. You can't win in these small races! I did the favourite to beat Mappin Time in the 4.00 Leicester, and of course the latter won, with the favourite only running on fast for third when it was too late! Was that deliberate? They've got you over a barrel! Knew I should have done Slight Advantage for the forecast in the 4.10 Leicester, but went with Hailey instead! Wrong move! Well bred horse, though, that will do better. Vacario has a string of fifth places today after the 4.20 Newton Abbot, but I assure you that it will win when wanted. They tend to do that to make the form look 'better' before they strike, as I have found quite often. The jockey made it look much more under pressure than it actually was, and it was only a few lengths behind the winner in fifth. Cinaman was next best in, but of course it was Vaughan's other horse that won! I had a little each-way on Coeur Brule 10/1 (symmetrical form). I got Abzolutely and Kinlochrannoch 16/1 for the forecast in the 4.30 Ripon, which wasn't a bad return! Kingsmaite was thrown in for the 4.40 Leicester, but as usual when there is no money for it and it ends in -06, it came nowhere. Make a note, because it will definitely show soon now, but you probably won't get 50/1 next time! Of course Bowring had his winner later with High Five Society, which I didn't have among my top-rated! Must be better than the bare figures unless the others didn't run to form! Next best Copperwood at least finished third (ran on too late) and system bet Aflaam finished second at 6/1. Kensington, third best in, should also do better soon. The two best in horses disputed the lead most of the way in the 5.00 Newton Abbot, then finished fourth and fifth! It gets more ridiculous with every race! Young Tot now has a string of fourth and fifth places (I wondered whether it would do that!) Must win now, and Captain Marlon is also due (but that's no good today!) I hate it when they mess around for race after race! I kept looking at the form figures of Lansdowne Princess, because they were ideal! Small races are a minefield, as I say so often! Classic Descent was thrown in for the 5.05 Ripon, but finished last, of course! Is thrown in when the stable start firing again. Ours finished second at 12/1. Given A Choice threatened briefly in the 5.15 Leicester, but never got into the race properly. You probably need to see more money for it from that stable, but it should certainly do better shortly. Always Baileys led for a time, then packed up. Both of these will win when wanted. System bet Peaceful Means finished third (a horse I have often backed over the jumps). Just about everything I have given today has been an outsider, and many have run as such! The trouble with horses that are thrown in is that they don't like to win very often, just enough to keep the wolf from the door, and the rest of the time they are either placed or right out of it, so you can never be sure when they are going to actually win! Capable Guest is one such, but at least it had the good grace to come third today at 9/1. I am beginning to despair of Smugglers Bay, which is showing all the right signs, but fails to compete most of the time! Perhaps it will be hurdles or chases soon? Dove Cottage 14/1 and Barbirolli 33/1 were best in for the 5.55 Folkestone, but they let themselves be headed by Jasmeno, then ran on again for second and third! Fortunately I had an each-way on both of them at good prices. It is so obvious when places only are wanted! Watch for it yourself! I don't think Old Money was ridden out properly in the 6.10 Southwell, as the jockey appeared very awakward in the closing stages. How could it let itself be beaten by Lady Brickhouse? The latter did have system type form, but how could it possibly do that on merit? Whatever, a typical bizarre result, the like of which happens quite often! The betting told the story for Safari Mischief in the 6.55 Folkestone. Do they say to the others (or the bookmakers) that it won't be winning, because it was best in on the ratings? Or was it just that telltale 5lb claimer on it? I'm sure that it will do better soon with that magnificent fifth place now in the book! Well, I am a big prat, because I put Westwood 11/4, Elusive Warrior 40/1 and system bet Elusive Fame 16/1 together for the combination forecast, but didn't do the tricast! I am spitting chips! Cost myself about £80 for 30p! I cannot believe it! I always do a tricast normally! Here is my bet:

And finally, my tip from 22nd August, Royal Holiday, 16/1 winner of the 7.40 Southwell! Just shows they do win when wanted!

30th August: As per normal, the best in runners for the 1.35 Bath failed to perform! Fortunately I didn't tip any of them, including Shakepeare's Son, Norse Warrior and Like For Like! That Wooden King (-325) was not best in on the ratings, but seems to win whenever there is any money for it. If Norse Warrior was not from the Grayson stable, I would tip it for next time out, but the stable can't buy a winner at present! Top-rated Nononenose just failed to catch the winner in the 2.00 Epsom, but seemd to start its run late. Unusual for Balding to have a 16/1 winner! The two top-rated, Stamford Blue 9/4 and Convince 8/1, first and second in the 2.05 Bath, and of course I didn't give any selections at that meeting, although they were the first two on my list! Well, Aldwick Bay didn't win under Patrick Hills (see my comment yesterday), so perhaps they didn't read it, although it was well backed! Funnily enough I wrote down the first three in the right order! Best in Chrysander finished only third at 11/2 in the 2.30 Huntingdon, but at least it was a place, and it will do better. That Man Fox appeared vert reluctant and dropped out, but is better than that and worth a bet soon. System bet Rebel Dancer 13/2 winner. Yurituni 16/1 just pipped on the line in the 2.35 Epsom by Steady Eddy bet Silvee! I thought it was going to win a few yards out! System bet Ruby Alexander 12/1 winner of the 2.40 Bath! Asset was best in for the 2.45 Warwick (excluding the ageing leader Welsh Emperor) but it was stablemate Ashram that came through to win! There must be another race in Welsh Emperor soon! I got the tricast in the 2.55 Cartmel with Mischief Man, Peak Seasons and Murphys Beau! Hapthor refused to race again! What is the matter with that animal? Morestead, top-rated in the 3.05 Huntingdon, jumped appallingly and finished fifth. Must do better with a better jockey on it! Barton Sun was also disppointing in fifth. My two top-rated, Cape Royal 8/1 and Strike Up The Band 12/1 first and third in the 3.10 Epsom! System bet Moody Tunes 9/4 winner of the 3.25 Newcastle. Top-rated Bolodenka continues to disappoint, but no doubt will win one day! Look out for Coole Dodger in a handicap soon. First and second in the 3.30 Cartmel with Silmi 5/2 and Indian Pipe Dream 20/1! £46.45 forecast, with the exacta paying over £100! William Butler should have beaten Carrick Oscar in the 3.40 Huntingdon, but I didn't reverse it and paid the penalty. Damn! Third, fourth and fifth in the 4.05 Cartmel, where the best horses did not compete yet again! Dasher Reilly is thrown in as it has been for months, and I was surprised it did not figure in its own trainer's race! They often do that, though, so as not to make it too obvious. My nap, Foxhaven did not perform today, but I wasn't totally surprised on its form figures. Must win again when wanted. Celticello finished about fifth. Fortunately I also backed system bet Maybe I Won't, 14/1 winner at the last minute! Best in Full Victory finished only third in the 4.25 Bath. Also keep an eye on Tanforan now. Thrown in system bet Clumber Place 12/1 winner of the 4.35 Newcastle! Keep an eye on Refuse To Wait, which I thought would have been in the shakeup today! My recent tip, Act Of Kalanisi, 100/30 winner of the 4.30 Warwick. Plaisterer with system type form, 100/30 winner of the 4.55 Epsom. Ramona Chase finished third again. Will it ever win? Corrib finished third again in the 5.00 Bath, and I doubt if they wanted it to win today, as it travelled supremely well. Master Mahogany was another that should have done better. Best in Captain Royale did not follow up in the 5.10 Newcastle. A few disappointments, including Divine Spirit (fourth). My three selections for the 5.30 Epsom were all clear with a furlong to go, but must have eased up, because they all got caught near the line! Phai Mai Blue and Ermyn Express will do much better. What the hell happened there? Most of the horses I backed in the 5.25 Huntingdon also packed up, but at least I had Mista Rossa as the winner! Takajan and Doctor Hilary were best in for the 5.40 Warwick, but the latter contrived to come fourth, and Takajan never showed. Really annoying! Thrown in Dancing Freddy conveniently third in the 5.45 Newcastle! They certainly take their time winning! Ratings meant very little again in the 5.50 Cartmel, with best in Galley Slave reverting to type by coming third, and the next best horses, Follow On and Devilfishpoker Com just going around in their own time. Wish they could make them run to their ability, that would be much easier! Everybody in the race must have a good idea what is going to happen, judging by the betting! Burnwynd Boy and Bond City were obviously not wanted in the 6.15 Newcastle, so how long will it be before they try again? Bonnie Prince Blue was another that should at least have made the frame, but they can make them finish anywhere they want!

29th August: Can't believe how easily Definightly won in the 2.10 Goodwood.All the others must have run well below form, including Seamus Shindig and Spitfire. The race was run as if none of the others wanted to get into contention apart from the favourite. What a miserable lot! Second and third in the 2.20 Beverley with Fremen 7/1 and system bet Stonehaugh 16/1! With the favourite I would have had the first three! Sunnyside Tom should not have won on official figures, and must be at least a listed class horse in reality. Nevada Desert must start running better now that it has shed its first place. My two selections, Gone'n'Dunnett (5-6f?) and Chandrayan were obviously not wanted today (can do much better), and it was my third choice, Tilsworth Glenboy 15/2 that hacked up! Fortunately I had a bit on it. System bet Broughton's Dream third at 12/1. Somebody must be monitoring my selections, as I already have two non-runners today, including my nap, Trafalgar Square! My other choice Mavalenta finished last of four, but four horse races are a menace! Trafalgar Square must win, hopefully in a bigger race! Whenever I back Godolphin's horses (Dortmund), they don't win! I should stick with Johnston, I think! I got the forecast and tricast in the 3.10 Yarmouth with Exopuntia 7/1, Al Rayanah 4/1and Hi Spec 14/1! Fantastsic! Pity I didn't give them as selections! Wedding March did not perform in the 3.20 Goodwood, and must do better soon. Johnston's Marie De Medici started to come back to form in third. I think Miss Glitters, which led for along way, could have stayed there longer if wanted. Prescott's Krypton Factor 7/2 winner of the 3.30 Beverley. I thought system bet Master Macho would have done better, but never got into it. Aviso (fifth) did not get involved today, and the same applies to Cativo Cavallino (fourth). The latter was the complete outsider, which tells you what plans probably were for that one! Both are much better than that, and were possibly wary of each other, although Aviso could have won easily if wanted. Georgebernardshaw and Himalya were both disappointing in the 3.55 Goodwood. Why do they run so badly? I thought I had the forecast with Oondiri and Gower Sophia in the 4.05 Beverley, but somehow Duke Of Rainford was called second! Guto 9/1 could not have been beaten (went two lengths clear) if it wanted to win the 4.20 Yarmouth, and probably eased up close home. O f course with poor form figures they probably wanted a place today. Must win when wanted. My other selection Nawaaff was a non-runner. With the short price on Wreningham, they must have known about Guto's potential performance. Don't know what happened to Daddy's Gift in the 4.30 Goodwood, and no doubt Grand Vizier was getting its compulsory place, so I was disappointed with Ymir, which trudged on for fourth when it could have done much better. I suppose it's my fault, because I kind of assume that horses are going to run to their best! Now don't be silly, man! It is getting monotonous! I am very good at tipping fourth and fifth placed horses, with Red Kestrel and Kames Park. The latter was the only horse that could have beaten Red Kestrel if it had stayed in front. I wondered at the big prices for two horses which were thrown in, and I soon found out why! Both must win soon, but why make us wait like idiots? Motarid is another horse that can do better. Yoy get some days where almost every horse I tip finishes fourth or fifth (look through recent selections), and it's probably just a way of manipulating the figures! Another last place with Agapanthus in the 4.55 Yarmouth! I don't know why the top-rated run last so often, but it's probably a good sign for next time! I like -W50 figures. My tip from last time, Librettista, won again at 4/1. You can't ignore Cumani's horses in handicaps! General Eliott was thrown in for the 5.05 Goodwood, but after taking the lead and dropping back, tried to run on again for third, but didn't make it! I hate it when these horses are only out for a place! Serves him right! Smokey Oakey is another running well below form. System bet Dunn'o 5/1 second. Battle Study was best in for the 5.15 Beverley, but after taking the lead easily, faded into fourth. I am convinced they are just testing when they do that! Will probably win when wanted. At least my other choice, Akamon, won at 7/4. Marsh's Gift looked like getting third, but also faded. You can't back in races where a top stable has a runner, and they seem to carry all before them! Hippodrome was the clear top-rated in the 5.30 Yarmouth, but was not wanted today. Can win a race for sure when wanted. River Danube also tailed off, but is better than that, as is What A Day! Why did none of them try unless it was for the reason stated? One of my selections, Spiritofthewest missed the break (7lb claimer on it) and tailed off, and the other Calabaza was well there for a long way. Both must do better soon. Fortunately I also backed Witchry and The Human League (see 5th August) in a forecast! What a ridiculous last race, where Folio, best in and heavily backed, failed to win! Not even second and third rated Credential and Sensible managed to get in the places! I just wonder what the plans are sometimes, as the winner Ptolomeos was my fourth rated! Will Sensible get rid of the other place now? Not a great day, although I made a profit myself, mainly from the proceeds of a tricast. As regards the rest, it can basically be forgotten as a non-event! My top-rated will all try one day, but don't hold your breath!

28th August: On its flat rating I am sure Treason Trial can do much better than its third in the 1.35 Cartmel, but probably trying to keep its handicap rating intact. Watch out for it again soon. Why did Blue Tiger's Eye take so long to get going when the bird had flown? Very annoying! Gallagher looked like coming through in the 2.00 Goodwood, then stopped again. Will win a race soon. Mata Kerajang was also disappointing after getting into contention and eased up again! You can't boil an egg by horses when they run like that! Manassas (led for a long way) was probably compromised by being tipped by pundits today. Finzi Contini was best in for the 2.05 Cartmel, but finished only fifth! Will do much better than that soon. Amary, Abriachan and Kumbeshwar were the complete outsiders in the 2.15 Newmarket, but they were at least as well in as the placed horses, so it could only have been that they were not wanted today. All of them will do better when wanted. Fortunately I also backed the winner, Bullwhip 6/1. My nap, Dabbers Ridge was thrown in for the 2.25 Newmarket, but, as often happens, decided to give the others a chance today, and finished only third at 8/1. The fact that it drifted from 5/1 was something of an indicator of this. Will win again when wanted. Golden Sword (2.30 Goodwood) continues to run below form, and I am convinced will win a good race before long after a lame effort in fourth today. Wajir also looked like finishing closer. Tranos (too big a price at 7/1) was also thrown in for the 2.35 Cartmel, but ran on for second when it was too late! If I'd known that I would have done the forecast with my second choice instead of a straight win! I am convinced they lie too far back so that they can't win! I am sure that Planet Waves could have done better in the 2.45 Newmarket, as it was going well in the lead. Getting rid of that first place? Syrian was a big price in the 3.00 Beverley and obviously had no intention of winning, just making good ground from the back when it was too late. Take It To The Max was well in contention for most of the race but did not go through with it. Aatash won again and I didn't back it at 11/1! Aargh! Seymour Weld was equally well in with the first two home in the 3.10 Cartmel and was tested out in the lead today before dropping out. I am sure it will start to make a better effort very soon now. Unfortunately although I backed Cool Running, I did not put it in a forecast with No Panic. Silly! Blast again! I had Advanced (second), Sir Gerry and Doncaster Rover (winner) written down for the 3.20 Newmarket, but did not get the forecast! Sir Gerry must do better again shortly. Having missed the break (what?) Look Busy thundered down the outside, but did not get there! Masta Plasta disputed the lead most of the way, then dropped out! One of those days again! Having backed Mister Hughie last time, I didn't back it today, of course! Typical! Another of my fancies, Anglezarke, finished fourth to round off a bad race for me! Why did top-rated Sonning Rose make no effort and finish last in the 3.40 Goodwood? These performances never fail to amaze me. There must be better to come! Apache Dawn was best in for the 3.45 Cartmel, but disappointed again. Fortunately I also backed Two Miles West! Child Bride should have done much better at the weights in the 3.55 Newmarket, which suggests it was not wanted today. A horse rated 5lb below it off a higher weight finished second! Keep an eye on it as a system bet next time. The thrown in Galpin Junior missed the break in the 4.05 Beverley, but still finished a closing fourth. Strikes me they just mess around with these horses between wins! Must win again soon. No good for place money, however! Unusually King Of Swords dropped out today, and will also do better. My third choice, Caranbola, won, of course! That's always the way! Azygous will do better soon in a lesser race. A winner at last with Front Rank 5/1 in the 4.20 Cartmel. Why did Orpen Wide pull up, as it was almost as well in, as Front Rank? It's beyond me, but keep an eye on it. Third best Santa's Son also ran abysmally! Forget forecasts and tricasts! I have tipped Angus Newz the last twice, and didn't tip it today, when it won! Fortunately I did have a saver on it! The only one I didn't pick in the 4.40 Beverley, Red Roar, won the race, leaving me with second and third! Inexplicable! I thought that Bushwhacker was an almost certainty. Was the lack of a recent place the reason? You can't get any satisfaction from many of my horses! Kerry's Requiem, best in, finished fourth and appeared to be under restraint the whole way. Ok, it ended in -06, which is usually a bad sign! Must win soon now. It never front-runs normally, so I was worried from the start! It's starnge, I had a feeling about Alice Alleyn, but went with the top-rated, which is usually fatal! A first and second in the 4.55 Cartmel with Galley Slave 11/2 and Royal Flynn 5/1! Hurrah! I almost got the tricast with Cornish Castle (fourth), but that's usually too much to ask! Best in Qalahari conveniently faded out of the places in the 5.00 Newmarket, but is thrown in soon. Moynahan only ran on when it was too late for fifth. You can see the plan with these horses, it's just getting them to win! A 1-2-3 for Hamdan Al Maktoum. How much on the tricast? System bet Sancho Panza 33/1 winner of the 5.10 Windsor! I backed Choral Festival, finishing third at 9/2. First, third and fourth in the 5.15 Beverley! I was too greedy with my selections, as I knew that Lucayan Dancer probably wouldn't win with a first place at the front, but it was best in! Fortunately I also backed Cherri Fosfate and Tivers Song, but that's no good for subscribers! Lis Pendens looked like running away with the 5.25 Goodwood, but it was too good to last, and it packed up tamely. This was a trial, and it will do better very soon. Juwireya is another that should also do better. Bottom weight Bravo Bravo (by Saddlers Wells) 25/1 winner! Why didn't I see that? Would it be fair to say they had been hiding its light under a bushel? Don't back Hannon runners with Patrick Hills on them, as they rarely do anything! I put his horse in the forecast with favourite, and of course it missed the break and finished fourth! I'm just waiting for him to produce a winner now, to see if anybody is reading this (hehe)! I didn't back Robert The Painter because it looked like Fahey's second string, but you never tell with those crafty ...s! Who said they will do anything to get a good price? 3lb claimer! Must remember that one! (I did look at it, but that's not enough!) I can pick 'em - not! I thought I was brave to pick Marston Moor against the favourite, but the outsider won! What is going on? If you backed that, it would tail off! There is no end of funny things going on in racing, which you just can't pick! The pundits can talk about the ground, knee actions and whatever else, but the fact is that two bad runs have cost punters money! System bet Whispering Gallery 14/1 winner of the 6.10 Windsor! It was probably the horse that I backed last time, when it ran crap! Don't tell me system bets don't work! Traffic Guard must have vastly underperformed to lose that one, but it happens a lot! Another system winner with Distant Memories (-23) 8/1 in the 6.40 Windsor! I am learning to my cost by backing what I think should win, in this case Flying Cloud. I thought it was suspect with an outstanding first place, but I keep making the same mistakes! Much of it depends on form figures rather than actaul abilty in many cases! That's two good winners I missed! What next? How annoying! I knew that Daaweitza was due a good run, but didn't reckon on it getting beaten by its stablemate! They've got you every way! Should have won off this weight, and must win soon! System bet Harriets Girl 5/1 third. No doubt Rosko and Mujaadel will do better again soon. I guess I'm kinda stupid, but I would have thought the best horses should win, but they only do that about 10% of the time! It's all prt of the intricate plot they weave to make sure that the people with the knowledge don't win all the time and skint the bookmakers! I give up! Just after I backed Hurricane Hymnbook, it burst out of the stalls and was withdrawn. What have I done for this to happen constantly to me? Ruins all my forecasts and tricast! There is someone up there who has it in for me most of the time! Mingun Bell and Lastkingofscotland finished just out of the places, which is annoying, as they were clear best in! Of course Mingun Bell was not symmetrical, so that was no good, was it/ Why don't they run to form until they are backed off the boards in most cases? I am sure most of them know how they are going to run before they start! System bet Ken's Girl 7/2 winner of the 7.40 Windsor, and I actually got the forecast with Miss Bootylishes 16/1, so that was nice! Al Aqabah was best in, but may get rid of a first place before making an effort now. Another system winner with Forever's Girl 5/1 in the 7.50 Redcar! I didn't trust it because of an outstanding first place, but if they are backed, they usually do well. Best in Elkhorn missed the break. When will they stop doing that? Fortunately I backed another system bet, Dream Express in fourth at 20/1. Bentley (fifth) was another that should have done better, and Port Ronan should be worth a bet soon, (flagged up by a pundit today, which probably scuppered it!)

27th August: Almost pulled it off with Beckermet 5/1 in the 1.40 Thirsk, but the favourite was so strong in the betting that it suggested the others were not going to compete. They must know that beforehand, because there were several that should have got involved, including Pearly Wey and Musca. With the absence of the favourites, I got Lucy Limelites 10/1, but a hefty Rule 4 to follow! No joy with Jeu De Roseau in the 2.10 Thirsk, but small race again! These are so unpredictable they I almost don't bother! Why don't I just select ssystem bets as my selections? System bet George Thisby 6/1 winner of the 2.30 Ffls Las. One of my picks, Desert Icon, 3/1 second. Memphis Man continues to run very poorly for no apparent reason. Pipped by Johnston in the next race with Colour Vision 18/1. I don't believe it! When I back his longshots, they usually don't win! System bet Sennockian Storm 15/8 winner of the 3.05 Ffos Las. Of course I backed Enjoyment for the forecast, and that one was useless! You can never tell! Keep an eye on Holiday Snap, which seemed to be going better than anything! A winner with Commando Scott 4/1 in the 3.15 Ffos Las, with system bet Champain Sands 25/1 second. Knew I should have included it! Kings Point finished about fifth, and is either much worse than it was or is being held back for a long time! Kings Sabre is also now due a good run. I had Double Dealer each-way in the 3.30 Newmarket, and also the fourth with Marden, which I thought was going to win at one point. With French Art a non-runner, I was relying on Methaaly to do the business. It started a promising run down the outside, almost going into the lead, then dropped out again! What is going on? It may not win next time now either, with a first place at the front. Sea Salt finished fourth, but should have done even better! Ocean's Minstrel third at 16/1 in the 4.05 Newmarket! Tasmeem, thrown in for the 4.25 Thirsk, was too far back, finishing like a train for second. I feel sometimes they do that deliberately to get a place! Otherwise why lie so far off the pace? The Carr saga continues with the saddle slipping on my nap, Lucky Art and unseating the rider. Amazing lack of luck for the stable! What else can go wrong? I shan't nap any more of theirs until they get a winner! Fashion Icon never competed, but will be system bet next time. Foreign Rhythm is another that should have done better, but the best horses did not compete again, as often happens. Another winner with Frequency 7/2 in the 5.10 Newmarket, with my other pick Flighty Frances just beaten in third. The latter will do better, as will Bell's Ocean, possibly in a handicap soon. Perhaps Viking Spirit and Stevie Gee were afraid of each other in the 5.40 Newmarket, but whatever, it's like pulliong teeth trying to get the best in horses to win! It cannot be long now before a better effort from both. Cornus should also start to compete again soon. System bet R Woody (-23) 16/1 winner! Never even saw it! Berbice finally got in the frame in the 6.05 Hamilton, but the way it ran I suspect they only wanted a place (seven horse races are never a good medium for each-ways!). It's never easy to tell what the plans are, as so many work up to it gradually! Best in Stage Acclaim should not have lost the 6.15 Bath, so should do better next time. I am sure they throw in these losses every so often just to make the form look worse!

26th August: The three top weights first, second and third in the 2.40 Ffos Las! If you backed them for the tricast, thye would probably never come in! One of My selections, Zomerlust, 6/1 winner of the 3.10 Ayr with the other, River Falcon, a fast finishing third at 16/1! I thought it had got second first time around! One of my selections for the 3.20 Ffos Las, Cansili Star 11/2 winner. Duplicity was going well behind, buty did not pick up. Two winners in two races! That can't last! Well, you can't win 'em all, and neither Hinton Admiral nor Vhujon made much effort in the 3.30 Lingfield. I can never get Vhujon right, as it always seems to be backed off the boards when winning! Both of the aforementioned are much better than they showed today. Chief Exec is another, which I thought was going to win for a while, but finished fourth. I think it could have stayed in front if wanted. Kimberley Downs and Jewelled Dagger took each on for the lead and both faded out of it (no reason to really), and it was my tip from yesterday, King Of The Moors which did best, finishing third at 28/1! Both of the first two mentioned can win again soon. I wasn't surpirised to see Admirable Duque win the 3.50 Ffos Las, as I have commented on its ability before now. Fortunately I put it in a forecast with Act Of Kalanisi! I thought system bet Bookiebasher Babe was a certainty to come second in the 3.00 Lingfield, but this wretched Red Willow came up to snatch second late on! Of my two picks for the 4.10 Ayr, Sri Kuantan led most of the way before dropping out, and this was just a test. Can do much better soon. Chocolate Caramel ran on really well to snatch second at 15/2, but I wondered whether it would win with an outstanding first place! I think this was just good timing for a place! keep an eye on both Donna Elvira and Hollow Green from the 4.20 Ffos Las, as I feel that both could have done much better than their finishing positions. Hollow Green especially has been very progressive when wanted, which was not today. Lady Slippers led for quite a long way in the 4.30 Lingfield, and I feel could have finished much closer if wanted. The same applies to Green Earth, and watch out for the well-handicapped Whistleinthewind, which was badly hampered today, whether by design I know not! A ridiculous result again in the 4.40 Ayr, with only Itsthursdayalready finishing third of the best handicapped horse. Weetentherty is thrown in when wanted, which was not today! I bet you any money it will be heavily backed when it is due! System bet Monsieur Pontaven 9/2 winner, but iut had no chance if the others ran to form! Seven horse race, so no return of course. How I hate those races, which are the opportunity for a real upset! Third again with Vinces 6/1 in the 5.00 Lingfield, which I thought was coming to win at one point! The 1lb overweight announcement for Christophers Quest may have been a signal, but it is well in when wanted. I wondered whether my nap Crocodile Bay 10/1 would win today - how often do they fluff it after a second place? Anyway, it finished fourth despite being thrown in, and Bourse finished right upsides. Third best Social Rhythm was the 4/1 winner, so that proves my point! It makes you want to scream! Both can win soon, especially Crocodile Bay. I think the jockey was hitting it with one hand and holding it up with the other! It gets a bit ridiculous after a while, as you can see exactly what is happening! Sendreni is well in when wanted at some point in the future. I told you recently that Dunaskin had run a couple of very poor races, and it justified my faith by winning the 5.25 Cartmel, and giving me a good forecast with Tri Nations. I can't see how Volcanic Rock managed to beat Petite Margot in the 5.55 Cartmel, although my two selections did take each other on from the start. Thunder Hawk still seemed to be going well a couple of fences out, but faded into fourth. Both can do better. Couldn't even get the forecast right in the 6.25 Cartmel, with Amalfi Coast pipping Risk Runner for second in a close finish! What on earth is it all about? In fact the winner eased up so much near the finish that it almost got caught! I think I'll give up backing in small races, because the correct horse never seems to win! Clear best Stolen Light drifted out to 9/2, looked like winning, then came third on the run-in to a horse that was not entitled to win! What on earth is happening? You tell me! I bet it will win in a bigger race! Unfortunately form seems to take second place to winning money on gambles. It's akin to throwing your money down a drain when this sort of thing happens! System bet and top-rated Lucky Score 15/2 winner of the 7.30 Cartmel from system bet Broadway Allstar! I didn't dream it would have been that price, or I would have given it as a selection! That's always the way, isn't it? Wish I'd done the forecast with that one instead of the favourite! As usual the best in Panzer contrived to come third in the 8.00 Cartmel. It is so annoying when they are only out for a place when you know they should win, but as always we have no control over the ambitions on the day! It even got beaten by Corso Palladio, which made a horrific mistake two out and dhould have had no chance after that! Must win when wanted now that it has that plce. Clueless finished only fifth, but is also better than that. But you see what I mean by small races, where the best horses rarely win, but are just using them to achieve the desired position.

25th August: Drat! Just missed the forecast with Jack Smudge and system bet Abzolutely in the 2.20 Catterick, getting pipped by a 66/1 shot for second place! Key Lago looked to be going best, but failed to run on at the end. Worth a try over 6 furlongs? Second and third for me in the 2.40 Cattrick with system bet Barraland 16/1 and one of my selections, This One's For Eddy 11/2. System bet Scapper Smith 13/2 winner also. Hosanna will do better shortly (up with the pace most of the way). System bet Mata Hari Blue 8/1 winner of the 2.50 Catterick, beating the 1/8 shot Engulf! A few fingers burnt there! Just shows they don't like long odds-on! I lost out both ways, because I backed Engulf to beat it, and also backed Premier Contender eachway! Why didn't I just back Mata Hari Blue each-way, as it looked like the obvious forecast? Third in a seven horse race again with system bet UAE Storm in the 3.00 Brighton! These small races always seem to work out like that! One of my selections, El Dececy 9/4 winner of the 3.10 Ayr. Kings Point was again disappointing, finishing fourth and ruining my forecast! Zabeel Tower will do better with lesser opposition soon. Another winner with Andorn 11/2 in the 3.20 Catterick! Kings Majesty was at 40/1, but will do better soon now, as only just less well in than Andorn. I also backed They All Laughed, which finished third. Zefooha would have been my next choice, but I missed the tricast. Best in Marafong finished fifth in the 3.30 Brighton. Can't understand why it didn't do better, unless they were afraid of prescott's horse? Must win soon off this weight. We will have to wait at least another race before King Of The Moors makes an attempt, and it normally front-runs, which it did not do taoday. Keep an eye on it. Moheebb's stable is really under a cloud at present, and some better results are needed bfore backing the Carr horses. I also backed the winner, third rated Arabian Spirit. Elijah Pepper (-203) 12/1 second. System bet Kilt Rock (-320) 11/1 beat one of my selections, Tukitinyasok 5/1 in the 3.50 Catterick. The latter seemed to have the race in the bag until getting pipped close home! My other selection, Just The Tonic did not leave the stalls! I can pick 'em! System bet Secretive winner of the 4.00 Brighton. Mishrif was best in, but finished last! Must do better soon. Talk Of Saafend was disappointing again today, and I expected a much better run from Shy Glance (looked to be going well most of the way) too. I don't know what they are doing, but both can do much better. French Applause should also be noted soon. Raccoon is also from the Carr stable, and did not perform today, finishing about eighth. System bet next time. Countrywide City was also very well in, but only nibbles for it today as the outsider of the field. When I saw Red River Boy coming through, I thought it was Raccoon, also wearing a noseband. You can't back in four horse races where the one you fancy is the outsider (Mujood in the 4.30 Brighton) as they very rarely seem to compete! Mujood was eased off at the end, so what chance have you got? System bets The Hamptons and Statue Of Dreams first and second in the 4.35 Bellewstown! I would have done the forecast, but the race always goes off too quickly! Reach For The Sky was by far best in for the 4.40 Ayr, but when they drift to be the complate outsider, you start to have doubts! So it proved, the horse running very poorly, along with Coolree Star! You just can't get any success when the plans are not to compete! Both of these will do much better, as I keep saying! Keep an eye on Eternal Instinct, which ran on eyecatchingly after being way back. Can't get many to try again today! Electric City, thrown in, was hacking behind the leaders, but finished fifth! Dispol Kabira was one of the complate outsiders and never got into the argument. System bet Cheyenne Chant 5/1 winner. Forget small races! Best in Angel Of Fashion finished fourth and Starwatch fifth in the 5.00 Brighton. Why do they never compete? My recent tip Annia Galeria almost won again from out of the handicap! Might as well finish off with another couple of bad ones in Hold On Tiger (fifth) and Six Wives! Sometimes I feel like throwing the form book out of the window, as it seems to mean nothing so often! Both can do much better! Best in Mr Wolf 14/1 winner of the 5.20 Catterick! I didn't expect it to be that price! Real Diamond (system type form), also a course and distance winner, 12/1 second. Ryedane and Ursus (fourth) will do better very soon. Best in Market Puzzle was running well in the 5.45 Ayr, but it could see that it was being held just behind the pace, and not pushed unduly in finishing fifth. God, it's annoying when they don't go through with it! Johnston's Tobornea 6/1 winner with no placed form. Talking of form, one of my old favourites, Bolton Hall (-256P) won the 5.50 Ffos Las at 12/1 with no apparent right to do so, and Marodima ran a pathetic race in third when it should have won by twenty lengths. I wondered about it beforehand, as it was getting rid of fir st places, and that is often fatal when backing horses! System bet North Island 7/4 winner of the 7.30 Bangor. I backed Majestic Mayhem, which might have won but for misjudging the last hurdle. Little between them on the ratings. I personally thoght that Downward Spiral was going best for most of the race. The Hairy Mutt was given a strange ride before pulling up, and I fancy they are priming that for a handicap attempt before long.

24th August: Sahrati ran very poorly in the 2.15 Sedgefield and should have won at these weights, but you rarely see a horse win more than three in a row for some reason, possibly because of the extra weight to be carried as a result. My old favourite Knar Mardy finished third at 28/1. Best in Eastern Gift got near the front momentarily in the 2.30 Yarmouth, but dropped out tamely, as did Astrodonna and Calahonda. Two of these had -06 form - rarely a good sign. A disappointing result - surely they weren't afraid of the Bell and Cecil horses? System bet Cat Hunter 7/2 second. Three top stables first, second and third! Schinken Otto should have beaten Troodos Jet in the 2.45 Sedgefield, but was a fast finishing second at 4/1. I wonder if it made a true effort to win? The other, Whatcanyasay, was best in, but fell when tailed off. Should do better, possibly in a bigger race. Official top-rated Deep South finished last in the 3.00 Yarmouth. Why do they do that so often? Sadler's Star was best in for the 3.15 Sedgefield, but with an outstanding first place, was clearly not wanted today. Will probably run better next time. Spitfire (ran on, but no real effort to win) and Doric Lady finished third and fourth in the 3.30 Yarmouth. You just can't back against favourites in these small races, because it looks as though the others have had their placings decided beforehand! First Fought ran on like a train to grab third at 12/1 in the 3.45 Sedgefield, but why didn't it start earlier, as it would have won! Because it didn't want to win, perhaps? Thrown in now when wanted. My other selection, Hapthor, refused to race! How do they get them to do that, feed them up before the start, especially as it drifted out to 28/1? Nobel was thrown in for thne 4.15 Sedgefield, but as usual ran a crap race as soon as I napped it! Why do they keep doing things like that? Do they like to put a 6 after a 2 to make it look better? Harcas finished about fifth and should have done better. It now has three fith places in a row, and it's as if they want to establish a pretty pattern. That one can also win soon. I kept looking at Roman History (-54P - almost a system bet) but at 66/1 I couldn't back it! System bet Cornish Castle finished fourth after never being mentioned. The favourite, Louis Ludwig crashed out early, and that happens so often to short-priced favourites! Fun Affair ran on like a train from the back in the 4.30 Yarmouth and could probably have taken second place with a bit more effort instead of hanging fire in the final furlong. That's annoying, as I had it for the forecast! I feel sure the jockey was told not to get too good a place! Inner Voice finished fourth in the 4.45 Sedgefield - typical again. Humourous was badly hampered by a faller and never recoverd. My third choice and system bet, Winged Farasi, won the race at 9/1, and of course that was the only one I didn't back. Marvellous! I think I'll stick to giving system bets, they are more reliable! Should have known that The Hermitage wouldn't win with -05 figures, but I persist in giving them! Try and learn a bit more about patterns, man! It will do better, but that's no good for today. Blue Lyric also ran on late, but made no effort to get in the shakeup. If anyone was to look at these selections, you would think I had deliberately chosen the worst horses, but not true. They are all given as my top-rated with a good chance! Unfortunately most of them only try very occasionally! Well, I got Tevez (-26) 10/1 in the 5.50 Leicester, with system bet Lochan Mor back in third. Unfortunately throughout the afternoon and evening it was a case of none of my selections apparently wanted to win, so much so that the thrown in Aeroplane did not even place and the equally thrown in Williams Way started at 33/1, stayed at the back of the field most of the way and made a laboured effort into sixth at the end of the race! You can't back horses when thsoe are the limits of their ambitions! Must win soon, but not even sure it will be next time now! Graylyn Ruby, Seventh Hill and Bell's Ocean are all much better than they showed tonight, and will do better soon. I did get a couple of places during the evening with Aqua Vitae 12/1 and A Pocketful Of Rye 12/1, but it is very demoralising when none of the well treated horses make much effort! On some days I feel as if none of my picks have even been in the races!

23rd August: Of my two selections for the 2.15 Kempton, Silly Billy finished a very close fourth and the other, Johnny Hancocks, never got going properly. My third choice, Till Dawn, finished third, These nursery races are almost unpickable! On previous performances Roodee Queen was entitled to beat Hortensia with the claimer on, but I had a sneaky feeling that the race had been prearranged, as Hortensia was just 'allowed' to nick it on the line. Certainly Roodee Queen was travelling much the better at most stages of the race. I may be completely wrong, but whatever, I lost the bet! I was disappointed with system bet Inner Angel in the 2.45 Kempton, but the winner, Cheetah, was also a system bet at 6/5. I suppose I should have done Kristalette for the forecast. I had Ming Meng to beat system bet Red Roar in the 3.00 Hamilton, which worked out nicely (£7.31 forecast!). My selection Saviour Sand started slowly in the 3.15 Kempton, took the lead, then dropped out again. Can win soon, along with my other choice, Given A Choice, and Trifti. All three were too closely handicapped for my liking, and will do better when not in opposition. I also backed my fourth choice, Classically, for which there was good money (4/1 winner). I backed Honest Broker 9/4 in the 3.30 Hamilton, and knew I should have put in Fujin Dancer for the forecast, but was too greedy (Plus Ultra). One of my selections, Danzoe 20/1 winner of the 3.45 Kempton (I got 25/1), with the other, Little Edward 12/1 third! That's better! Lord Of The Reins and Riflessione will do better soon. Tallawalla was thrown in for the 4.00 Hamilton, but was clearly not wanted today (apart from being favourite in the betting). My other pick, Miss Chaumiere, 7/1 second. Opera Dancer looked sure to be involved in the finish of the 4.20 Kempton, eventually getting swallowed up to finish fourth. Three top trainers involved in the finish, with Cecil, Hannon and Cumani! I had a little each-way on Poplin, finishing third at 13/2. It is unusual for Cecil's horses to be heavily gambled (from 11/1 into 4/1, but I now understand that 11/2 was the highest price actually available!). Tournedos (thrown in) looked like taking a hand in the 4.35 Hamilton, then dropped out quickly. It usually appears that -06 is not a good indicator! Almaty Express started running on, but not fast enough, and finished fourth. One of those races where the others were probably aware that these would not compete? With Kings Head a non-runner, Magnitude was next best, finishing second at 20/1. Unfortunately the winner was my fourth best in after Maslak and Hurlingham, so a dubious result? When the best in horses drift in the betting, it may appear that something is known about the running in advance? One of my selections, Wild Rose, 11/1 winner of the 5.20 Kempton! There was a lot of money for Front Rank today for the 5.35 Hamilton, but it did not run well enought to justify it, and was lucky to finish third! Regent's Secret ran on late to grab fourth, so another frustrating race! Terenzium (-040) 5/1 winner (a horse that I have backed many times in the past). System bet Hi Dancer 9/1 second. You are better off sticking with system bets with many of these! Two out of three on my list for the 5.45 Windsor finished first and second at 6/1 and 12/1, and which one didn't figure? Yes, that's right - Hannon's Blaze On By! Just shows you can't always rely on them! I am sure they do it deliberately to catch mugs like me! I bet it's better than a 55 horse, and we'll find out before long! Either Miami Gator is much better than it has been showing, or several horses underperformed in the 6.00 Carlisle, including Cono Zur and Jupiter Fidius. What is wrong with the Carr stable at present? They haven't had a winner for ages, which is rather messing up a number of my selections! I backed Sheila's Star each-way in the 6.15 Windsor, then one was withdrawn, so I lost the each-way part. It always seems to happen, doesn't it? I put the first three in for the forecast, and could have had the tricast if I'd done it! Damn! Sacrosanctus was thrown in for the 6.30 Carlisle, but the money for it must have been from mugs like me, as it packed up tamely. Blast, I looked at system bet Tro Nesa (second) but didn't back it, and thought Mini Bon Bon was going to get at least a place (fourth). Robby Bobby was thrown in on old form for the 7.00 Carlisle, but it's not going to win if its stablemate is earmarked for the race! Will do much better soon (still a system bet next time). Of course, with only seven runners I got third and fourth again with the other system bets Royal Straight and Persian Peril! Why is there almost always a non-runner from eight horse races? That seems to happen more often than is nice! The horse with the only official rating (62) Santa Margherita, 7/1 second in the 7.15 Windsor. Either the others were rubbish from top stables, or they didn't try very hard. Races like this are thrown up more often than appears credible! The only USA bred horse in the race won at 16/1!

My first evening selection, Green Wadi (thrown in) 22/1 third in the 6.45 Windsor! There was too much money for Absinthe for it to be likely to win, but you never know! I noticed it hung fire for a bit before running on, so probably it didn't want to win! The only horse that I gave for the 7.30 Carlisle, Berbice, was a non-runner! Waht do you make of that? Will probably be best in when it next runs. Ryedane was getting rid of a first place, so will do better very soon (ran appallingly at the back until running on). How do they get a horse to do that? I suppose Verinco 6/1 was best in with the 7lb claim, but that is usually a negative sign to me. Argentine will do better, but possibly not next time. Best-in Elhamri conveniently broke loose and galloped down the track before the 7.45 Windsor. Is this a ruse not to run? I don't know. How can you pick horses in these races when some are out to win and others run atrociously? I thought The Tatling was going to get placed, but it finished fourth, and my other two selections, Convince and Ginobili were never sighted, although Convince eventually finished fifth, but was never mentioned by the commentator. How do they know that the two shortest horses in the betting are going to come first and second? That always amazes me! The three horses I picked for the 8.00 Carlisle were disputing the lead most of the way, then they all dropped out one by one, Commando Scott finishing fifth and Dhhamaan finishing in sixth. Those two and Bold Marc must all do better soon. I looked at Cara's Request (symmetrical form and ex-Cumani horse) but did not back it! I detest it when the best in horses just drop out as if they are no good! The problem in my opinion is that when connections see that they are in danger from a better handicapped horse, they decide not to compete at all, which rather destroys the spirit of the whole thing!

22nd August: Rolanta appeared to be travelling well behind the leaders in the 2.00 Newton Abbot and may be worth a bet soon. This was not Saltagioo's true form either, and that one will do better again soon. A winning nap for my selections today (sent out at 12.30) with Cold Quest 16/1 in the 2.20 Musselburgh! Unfortunately I backed it at 12/1 earlier, and it then went out to 22/1! Just shows that money doesn't mean everything! Let's hope my other selections come in for my doubles and treble! Officer Mor and Ensign's Trick will do better shortly, possibly over 6-7 furlongs. Flying Squad appeared to be by far the best in the 2.30 Newton Abbot, then packed up suddenly! Must be better than that, so keep an eye on it again! I also backed Mt Hadley each-way, which finished third, disappointing considering its flat form! Another winner with Fault 4/1 in the 2.40 Folkestone, with Landucci in fourth. Landucci was actually best in with the claim, and threatened to come through for my forecast, but no money for it at all today. Must win very soon now. The fact that Johnston's second jockey Greg Fairley was riding Fairlie Dinkum made for a good combination in the 2.50 Musselburgh, but unfortunately I didn't spot it until afterwards! A nice touch! One of my selections, Resplendent Alpha 12/1 third in the 3.10 Folkestone. Was thrown in, and about time it showed some form (not winning form unfortunately!). My other choice, Fathey, finished fourth and should have done better. Valdan was thrown in for the 3.20 Folkestone, but typically finished last! That's another horse I have been waiting an age for! Get on it next time out! Yossi will also do better soon. My next selection, Raslan, 15/2 winner of the 3.30 Newton Abbot! My other selection, Postamaster, was anon-runner. I also backed Secret Tune, 12/1 third! System bet Liberty lady 7/2 winner of the 3.40 Folkestone! My tip Super Frank finished last, but is just messing around, as it is thrown in when wanted. My recent recommendation, Upark Flyer, 4/1 winner of the 3.50 Musselburgh! System bet Basford Lass 15/2 winner of the 4.00 Newton Abbot! One of my selections, Pocket Too ran on for third at 9/2. The other Princess Flame pulled up, but will do better soon. The Bear, thrown in as always for the 4.20 Musselburgh, was right there, but finished fourth today. My other selection, Jargelle was in the lead a furlong out, but packed up tamely. Will do better. System bets Good Harvest and Marufo first and second in the 4.30 Newton Abbot. Surprise, surprise! Both of mine pulled up! Orchard King and Back In Business will both do better soon. It never fails to surprise me how horses that are absolutely thrown in can finish fourth in a race! It never fails to disgust me either, as Oddsmaker cost me a good double! It is so frustrating! Should have won in a hack canter today, but arrangements were otherwise! I was dubious not only with the price, but the fact that it did not go to the front until halfway through the race. Always front-runs when winning! Must win when wanted, and will probably never have a better opportunity than today! Another example of a thrown in horse only wanting a place in the 5.10 Folkestone, with Thundering Home finishing second at 11/2. No doubt they were told to back it each-way, as the price never went below 5/1. My final race selections resulted in a 5/1 winner (Military Call) and an unplaced in Royal Holiday, which will do better.

21st August: I had a nice little each-way bet on Gulf Punch at 8/1 in the 2.10 Newton Abbot! Looked a certain each-way bet, and the win was a bonus! Indian Trail must win soon off this mark, but keeps running very badly. My other choice, Victorian Bounty was well there, finishing fifth. Frognal is now due another good run after not being wanted today, but you need to see some money for it. Klynch was thrown in for the 2.30 Ripon, but was not wanted today again, and finished fifth! Must win very soon. My other selection, Saucy Girl was very well in, but they must be waiting for a handicap for that one. I could have sworn that Roayh was coming to win the 2.35 Sandown, then it just hung fire and finished fourth! What are they doing? Moon Melody and Bathwick Breeze finished third 9/1 and fourth in the 2.40 Newton Abbot. I actually had the winner Rudinero as about the same rating. Von Galen should do better soon. Keep an eye on Rain Stops Play over hurdles, which was going well within itself at Perth, and was not pushed to finish fourth. I tipped The Caped Crusader last time out, but unfortunatley it won today, not last time. Flipping was best in but did not perform, and second best Muwalla finished fifth! One of my selections, Jo'burg almost got placed in the 3.10 Sandown, finishing about fifth after a solo run. Silverburn left it far too late in the 3.15 Newton Abbot, finishing like a train in third! Well I got a winner and a third with Sohraab and Drawnfromthepast in the 3.45 Sandown, and of course I didn't give them as selections! Talk about Sod's law! Another winner with Italian Tom 33/1 in the 4.15 Sandown at 33/1! And then I got Bermuda Pointe 7/1 and Diaco 11/1 in a forecast in the 4.20 Newton Abbot! I was down to my last few pence about an hour ago, now I have almost £20 in my account! The 4.35 Perth was amazing, as several horses appeared to hack into contention, then dropped out again! Daraybad was the most interesting, and appeared the likely winner until it found nothing. That one will do better, as it was just testing today. System bet Mainland (-20) 3/1 winner of the 4.45 Ripon (I got 5/1). System bet Petit Fleur 6/1 winner of the 4.55 Newton Abbot. Young Tot, thrown in still, finished fourth yet again and may win a race one day! Award Winning is another that will do better soon. Ouste will also start to get into the picture soon. Amazingly two or three of my recent selections won again today, with Tukitinyasok winning again at 12/1 in the 5.10 Ripon! As happens so often, the three top-rated horses were too closely handicapped, and Ballenteni, Archie Rice and Touch Of Style all failed to run their races. All three will do better when not in opposition. Thrown in Treasury Counsel pulled up in the 5.30 Newton Abbot! Now how did I know that was going to happen? Because it seems to happen to most of my selections recently! Must win very soon, along with Sea Cliff. My other selection, Bring It On Home, was a non-runner. One of my selections, Green Park, 11/1 third in the 6.10 Chester. Green Manalishi and Rievaulx World (5 furlongs) (led much today) are still ready to win. System bet Fathsta 6/1 winner with Coleorton Choice (sys+1 which I backed last time) 28/1 second. I had a nice little bet on Parc Na Gcapall 3/1 tonight, as it let me down last time when well in. System bet Abergavenny 4/1 second in the 6.35 Bath. Ridiculous! El Presidente and Oniz Tiptoes, both thrown in for the 7.50 Market Rasen, finished third and tailed off! How many times do you have to wait for these horses to deliver? I only looked at All For The Cause because its form was symmetrical type, but didn't back it. Kanonkop (-26) 9/2 second. You can almost pick the horses that are going to perform from the shape of their figures, and I should do that more as opposed to relying on the ratings! System bet Jasmeno 9/2 winner of the 8.05 Bath. What the hell are they doing with the thrown in Filun? Came up hacking, then dropped in behind and finished fifth. I despair of these tactics sometimes! Must win very soon, because I don't want it to cost me any more money! What is wrong with winning a race when you have the best horse? I feel sure they do it just to p... people like me off! Interestingly, the three horses with claimers on them all finished out of the frame in this race, including Filun. Must be a big clue there!

20th August: With the departure of the favourite in the 1.55 Bangor, it looked like which ones didn't want to win as opposed to which ones did, and a 100/1 shot came in! Butler's Glen looked to be going far better at one point. System bet Himayna 12/1 third. Whenever I back one of Channon's which looks to have a good chance, it runs a stsinker! Such was the case with system bet Master Macho, so I can only assume it will run better next time. I was tempted by Whoateallthepius (second), and would have been better off backing that one! A winner for my selections in the first race, with Rio De La Plata 7/1 in the 2.15 York! Cersare was an outsider and did not get into contention. McQueen front-ran nearly all the way in the 2.30 Bangor, but eventually finished fourth. It was best in, so hopefully will do better next time! The Jobber was thrown in for the 2.40 Sandown, but was a big price and never competed, always on the fringe of the lead. Must win next time! My other choice, Even Bolder, finished third. Blast, I was sure The Jobber would win today off this mark. I didn't back second best Efistorm because of its first place at the front! You can't always tell! Three course and distance winners in the first three places, and which one was the odd one out? Yes, that's right, The Jobber! I backed Fravashi each-way in the 2.50 York, finishing fast in third at 16/1. I also had the second and fourth on my list. Couldn't see Nicholls' Vertige Dore getting beaten in the 3.05 Bangor, so had a little on it at 7/4. Hannon's Cai Shen 12/1 winner of the 3.15 Sandown. Never ignore that stable! A 100/1 winner of the Nunthorpe in Sole Power! How can you pick that without a pin? The main protagonists on paper, Equiano and Kingsgate Native ran appallingly! This is borne out by the ratings, with two of the first three almost the lowest official rated! That appears to mean that the top-rated did not run to form for whatever reason(s). The two system bets in the race, Gloucester and Nordwind, finished fifth and sixth in the 3.40 Bangor, and my other pick, Dancewiththe devil, ran very poorly. Gloucester cruised up towards the leaders, then found nothing (apparently). Keep an eye on all three soon. General Elliott was thrown in for the 3.50 Sandown, but no money for that or Halsion Chancer! Both ran very poorly, but should do much better next time. I also backed system bet Directorship, just getting pipped at 8/1! System bet Major Phil also finished third. Hannon again with Moriarty 12/1 in the 4.05 York, and I backed it this time ( I got 14/1)! Yeehaa! Keep an eye on Edmaaj, which ran on really well late! System bet That's Rhythm 8/1 winner of the 4.15 Bangor. I was very disappointed with best-in De Soto, and that one is sure to do better son. I have been waiting for Backbord (16/1 second) for a while, but didn't back it today, unfortunately. Palomar is still thrown in (system bet next time) and made late ground in the 4.40 York. My other choice, Wicked Daze 12/1 second, and I had the forecast with my third choice, Hawk Mountain (8/1)! Boo (4.50 Bangor) has become very disappointing, but that one and Strong Market are due very soon. They appeared to be competing for last place, which is a good sign for next time. I couldn't believe how easily Points Of View won! I had four to choose from in the 4.55 Salisbury, and I gave the wrong two! Sovereignty decided to back out today, King Columbo finished fourth, and it was other choice, Grosse Prophet that won at 6/1 ( I gave it as a selection last time)! Sovereignty and King Columbo will win again when wanted. My second choice for the 5.00 Sandown, Aquarius Star 8/1 winner! You never know what price they are going to be until the off! Often, because I fancy them, I assume that they are going to be shorter than they are! Encompassing was best in for the 5.20 Killarney, but did not win, so must do better soon. The same applies to Prayer Boat for a nearby handicap in Ireland. I backed Choose The Moment and system bet Royalorien in the 5.25 Salisbury, finishing second and fourth. Should have done the forecast with the favourite, but it's easy to say afterwards! There is little rhyme nor reason to many results as far as ratings are concerned. One of my selections for the 6.45 Wolverhampton, Not My Choice, led into the straight, then packed up tamely, and the other, Figaro Flyer ran on for sixth. When will they actually try to win a race. Another very well in, Desert Falls, also did not finish off. I have noted this Cavitie several times recenlty, and it always seems to run well when wanted, so is probably very well handicapped. It is difficult to believe that a horse like Balatoma, with a 66 rating and figures of -656, can beat several horse from all the top stables! Nice price (11/1)! Couldn't even get the forecast right in the 7.15 Wolverhampton. I looked at Bendigidig, but thought Venus Empress should get second! No doubt the 7lb claimer made the difference, but if I back a horse with a 7lb claimer, it is normally useless! Little Libretto ran well below form in the 7.45 Wolverhampton, and must do better than that! Captain Loui won the race, and it was almost as if they knew it was going to win, as Bachelor Knight ran a lifeless race in third! Both of my selections for the 8.05 Salisbury were non-runners, which made me suspect that they were afraid of something, and The Starboard Bow (see 5th August) looked the only likely culprit. Will it win? We shall see! Yes, it did win at 10/1, and I got 12/1 on it! When the best in horses are withdrawn, there must be a reason, and for once I found it! Bramalea must be well in to almost win with a 12lb penalty (must be 80+)! System bet Aussie Blue (-360) 12/1 winner of the 8.50 Wolverhampton! Out Of Nothing was best in, led until the final furlong and then finished about fourth! Will do better, probably next time. It is only a matter of time before Athboy Auction makes a better show, so keep an eye on it! I was fiddling around with forecats and tricasts, but managed to miss the forecast, despite putting the first two in different bets! Decree Absolute will also do better, possibly next time, as it is now symmetrical! Hindu Kush and Bid For Glory were both incredibly well in for the 9.20 Wolverhampton, but the problem was that both had asymmetrical form and they were too closely handicapped! The result was that Hindu Kush led most of the way, then, as so often happens, was overtaken near the finish, finishing third at 4/1. There is no way those two horses would have beaten it if it had run to its best form! But the other trainers musy have known that, so how come their horses were so short against it? Draw your own conclusions. Well done Adam Beschizza, as the winning jockey losing his 7lb claim, he says through gritted teeth! Bid For Glory did not even compete (although it made a brief effort in mid-race), but I can almost guarantee that it will be thereabouts next time!

19th August: I don't know why Cape To Rio ran so badly as top-rated in the 1.45 York. Shoshoni Wind is one to keep an eye on, possibly over further. Surely This Time had shown the best previous form for the 1.55 Musselburgh, but finished second today, perhaps preserving its officail rating. One of my first selections, Classic Fly, was well-backed into 12/1, finishing third. The other, Bazart is due soon, but got hampered a couple of times. Arcadia Boy (-24) 7/1 winner with Le Brocquy (-36) 8/1 second. Blue Express is also due soon. Margot Did would have pulled back Hooray (11/1 winner) if it had got a clear run a bit earlier, but it was just too late, despite running on like a train! I was just too late with the bet, and would have done the forecast if I had had had more time! These were the top two rated! Could not believe the price on Hooray, as these were the top two on my list! Sandwith looked like coming through to win the 2.30 Musselburgh, but hung fire at the vital moment. Must win soon. System bet Mandarin Spirit 2/1 winner. The drift on Highland Warrior was indicative of its performance today, but now that it has got rid of that first place, watch out for it very soon! System bet for Henderson, Front Of House, 9/2 winner of the 2.40 Stratford. I thought Apache Dawn (third 20/1) was a stonking each-way bet, but had my doubts for a while! Three-quarters of the runners in the big races seem to make no effort to get into the shakeup! It's ridiculous sometimes! My selections, Extraterrestrial and Mahadee were never sighted! How can that be if they run to their ability? System bet Acrostic 8/1 second. Lakeman was useless in the 3.05 Musselburgh, and may do better as a system bet next time. Jibbrya should have done better, but no support in the market today. Well, my nap, Swordsman 4/1 beat my second selection, Rash Moment 11/4 in the 3.15 Stratford. That's a nice change! £15+ forecast! Malcheek was up with the pace almost the whole way in the 3.40 Musselburgh until dropping out to about fifth. I guarantee that horse will win again soon. Dickie Le Davoir was out of the handicap, but still could have won if they wanted it. Deadly Encounter is another to keep an eye on. System bet Jeannie Galloway 5/1 winner from the same stable as the last mentioned. I hate it when a trainer has two runners and the outsider is the best in! I couldn't pick Brushing in the 4.05 York, but I had noted it well backed for no apparent reason in recent handicaps. I did have Copperbeech each-way third at 10/1 however. One of my selections, Kimberley Downs, 8/1 winner of the 4.50 Musselburgh. Classic Descent and Ra Junior will do better very soon. They like to make you wait, don't they? Young Tot and Adjami were both fantastically well in for the 5.00 Straford, but one finished fourth and the other nowhere! Why does it have to take so long! You can almost hear them saying "I bet a few people backed them today"! It gets me really annoyed! I could have had the first two if I knew they weren't going to be in the frame! The ratings went out the window as often happens in the 5.10 Epsom, with Orchard Supreme, best in, finishing fourth and Lang Shining finishing third. There is nothing we as punters can do to influence the outcome! We are in an unwinnable guessing game! I gave Brett Vale as one of my selections on the flat recently, and it won tonight over hurdles at 5/1! Mustamad had another poor run in fourth today at Fontwell, but make no mistake, it is still thrown in for another race very soon! It's just a question of how many races they wait! Probably a bigger race than this one. I can't believe what they are doing with Profit's Reality! That horse is thrown in for any race it enters, but it runs all sorts of ridiculous races, until eventually it will run properly when it is the right time! I hope it is next time now (system bet), as that seems very likely. It makes me wince when I keep throwing away money on a horse, and it may well be much shorter when it is actually going to win! I also backed Top Mark (second), and that could also have won easily if wanted. A horse that I tipped on the flat recently, Bon Spiel, 25/1 second in the 6.25 Fontwell! Good old Stumped! I know it's not your fault, poor old thing, but I knew you would either win or finish outside of the first six tonight! And where did it finish? I counted them in - yes, you're right, seventh! It never ceases to amaze me how they get the right placing! And it probably won't win next time now, either, as it's got a first place at the front! Mama Mia! Every time such horses run, you are saying to yourself - a win or nowhere this time? It would be funny if you didn't know the truth! A horse I tipped last time out Ahlawy, (see 2nd August) 12/1 winner of the 7.20 Epsom. The annoying thing was that I didn't back it because Full Victory and Trafalgar Square were much better in, and its form ended in -466! You never stop learning at this game! The other two should win soon. No matter how good the other horses are on paper, when its their turn, they usually win. That never fails to amaze me! I am just so annoyed that I kept looking at it and didn't back it! Similarly, Morestead and Winning Show were much better in than Morenito in the 7.30 Fontwell, which is why I can't work out why it won! The jockey on Winning Show kept looking around towards the end, which suggests that he was under orders to finish second. It's such a puzzle working out which one is going to perform on the day! It often depends only on the placing wanted to complete the sequence! Whatever, it is very demoralising for the form student. System bet Hi Shinko 9/2 winner of the 7.50 Epsom with system bet Leadenhall Lass 5/1 third. What are they doing with Cave Of The Giant? It seems to be getting worse instead of better, but don't worry, it should come in soon. Alrafid (third 8/1) was also very well in, was hacking behind the leaders, and I expected it to win, but couldn't pick Tegan Lee (although it did have system type form!)!

18th August: Sohcatoa was well in for the 1.45 York, and appeared to be going well behind the pace before dropping out. Keep an eye on it, as I am sure it will do better soon. The same applies to Crackentorp, which should do better. I backed Johnston's Cape Of Dance to beat the favourite in the 1.55 Hamilton, and for once it came off! Beckermet is clearly not as good as it was, or else they are planning something soon. On old form it was thrown in for the 2.05 Carlisle, but saved its finishing burst for third when it was too late. I backed it to beat Silaah, so at least I got the winner in my forecast! Weetentherty was thrown in for the 2.30 Hamilton, but little money for it and it finished about fifth after making good ground in mid-race. There was money for Pycian, but getting rid of a first place, probably finished fourth. Both will do much better, as they were the best horses in this race. Best in Galpin Junior and Rievaulx World did not perform today in the 2.40 Carlisle (there was money for both and they must do better soon), but I had a little each-way on The Bear, second at 20/1. This Comptonspirit always seems to run well, and is clearly much better than its rating. A dry run so far today, let's hope for better from the remainder! Official top-rated Approve 8/1 winner of the 2.50 York (I got 12/1)! Desperate Dan definitely did not run to form in the 3.05 Hamilton, and the same applied to Rothesay Dancer, which will probably do better when Kelly Harrison rides, hopefully next time! You always get the feeling that winning connections know this beforehand! Same old story in the 3.15 Carlisle, with neither Salerosa nor Solitary performing! Pretty abysmal so far! Centennial at 66/1 was obviously just testing today, and took the lead for a while before dropping out quickly. Must do better, hopefully next time. Overturn dropped out tamely today, and is better than that. I had a little each-way on Rosika, and thought it was going to win for a moment! Talk Of Saafend never front-runs normally, but it did so today and packed up, along with Cigalas. Both of these will do better when run properly. My other choice, King Of The Moors, missed the break and never got into it! Ridiculous, but it's a pattern which happens so often! You can never tell what sort of race they are going to run! System bet Stellarina 11/2 winner of the 4.15 Hamilton. Top-rated Bahamian Jazz apparently had no intention of winning this race, and was always held up before running on late! A very disappointing run! I had worked out that Stellarina had a reasonable chance at the weights, and if I'd known that I would have backed Stellarina on its own! We innocent punters kind of assume that the important horses are going to run to their ratings! Well, at least I got a place in the 4.25 Hamilton with Military Call third at 10/1, and I also backed the winner in system bet Jozafeen 11/1! Dispol Kabira must try to win soon now! They are taking their time with Military Call, gradually moving towards a win. I don't know why they do that when it was clear best in! She's A Character was thrown in for the 4.40 York, but you usually need to see shorter prices from the Fahey stable. Must win when wanted. Fortunately I also backed the winner, Conciliatory at 8/1, and would recommend Path Of Peace for an early succes, as it looked to be coming through, but did not finish off! King's Head refuses to win, and 40/1 was not encouraging today. Second best Regent's Secret was well out the back and stayed there, but my third pick, Red Kestrel, ran on for third when it was too late to catch the leaders! Most of the best in horses did not compete again in the 5.00 Carlisle, especially Parchment, which was well backed during the day, dropped out, then ran on, then dropped out again. Must win soon now. I would have backed Jenny Soba if I'd known that. The latter was at best fourth best on my ratings, but there you go. Media Stars was another that runs incredibly varied races and is still very well in when wanted. Fortunately I had a small each-way on Chateauneuf at 28/1, as I thought it was about time it showed. You just can't back in races when the best-in horses don't perform! Well, I finished off with a winner in Sharp Sovereign in the 5.20 Hamilton, but it was only 11/8 at the off, so not fantastic! Roman History looked like coming through, but finished only fourth. Can win soon, along with Henry Havelock. Several horses were fairly equally handicapped in the 5.35 Carlisle, which may expalin why so few of them competed. I originally backed Front Rank, which was a non-runner, so Winged Farasi (second), Snowberry Hill and Heart Of Dubai were all pretty equal. That probably explains why Dream Risk won! Fardyieh (12/1 second) was well in for the 6.00 Folkestone, but, as indicated in my system, they rarely win when they have a first place at the front, but they often get placed in preparation for a future win. It took a Paul Nicholls horse to beat Halling Gal in the 6.10 Hereford, and I thought the latter travelled and jumped really well most of the way, and can win another race. Amazing! The only three year old in the race, Top Spin, won the 6.20 Killarney at 25/1! There is a horse over here of the same name that I always follow. The jockey on Rayhani got into all sorts of trouble, and they don't half make it look convincing! It must be a nightmare riding in those races in any case! Going French ran a typical (I want to get seventh place) race in the 6.30 Folkestone, and will do much better shortly. I couldn't believe that Littlemisssunshine was 20/1 in the 7.00 Folkestone - right up there, looked a sure winner, then got pipped on the line for a dead-heat second! Must have eased up a yard or two before the post! System bet Boogie Dancer (-260) 33/1 winner of the 7.10 Hereford. Damn, didn't see it until after the race! System bet Trumpstoo also 10/1 in second. Of course, the only system bet which didn't get into it was the one I backed, Peaceful Means! Why does that always seem to be the case? I was pretty sure that Diamond Twister wouldn't win the 7.30 Folkestone, despoite being best in. How did I know that? Because it was too long a price from the Best stable. But you have to back it, because it is clear best! What else can you do? If it wins and you don't back it, you feel like a right nana! Must win again, but for some reason it wasn't winning tonight. It is difficult to fathom, but it happens a lot more often than it should. I thought we would get a better run out of Wild Power and Tora Petcha tonight (loitered at the back most of the way), but it was MCcoy again winning on January. How does that keep happening? Even Post It only managed to come fourth! It's a nightmare! System bet Nawow (Luke Harvey) 20/1 third. Thought it was about time we saw that one again. Not even Fahey or Swinbank could win the last bumper at Hereford, which was a bit annoying, as I backed both. A winner of a bumper is usually a good bet, but I ignored Rudanphast, silly man!

17th August: We are really buzzing now on the subscription service, with winners so far today at 33/1, 14/1, 8/1 and 7/4, with several races still to go! Email me to join in! My first two selections, Oldjoesaid and Strike Up The Band were unplaced in the 1.45 York. My second selections had mixed fortunes: Calabaza made a brief effort on the inside before dropping out, and Shakespeare's Son was narrowly pipped into second place at 9/2. Strangely (or otherwise) my tip from 11th August, Rio Royale won at 5/2. Avoncreek (sys+1) 16/1 third. How can you back a horse (Lake Ontario) which sits way out the back and then runs on for fourth? That's ridiculous! Makes me angry! I always seem to get my forecasts the wrong way around! When I back a horse to beat the favourite, the favourite wins, and viceversa. I backed Makeynn to beat Mubtadi, and of course Mubtadi won. Curses! I backed Joshua Tree each-way in the 2.50 York, just getting beaten by the favourite and its stablemate! It looked to have a good chance on the ratings, and so it proved. Well, my nap King's Approach finished fourth, but my second selection Ermyntrude won at 33/1, with system bets Farmers Dream 10/1 and Eye Of Eternity 12/1 second and third! It is often worthwhile to look at the breeding of lowly horses - for instance, Ermyntrude is by Rock Of Gibraltar, and such sires don't produce rubbish! Damn! Farmer's Dream cost me the forecast! Tigers Hawk will do better shortly and Kings Approach is thrown in when they decide to win! Could have had the tricast if I wasn't so obsessed with Kings Approach (which should have won in all honesty). They do like to mess around after a second place! I got Rip Van Winkle 7/4 to beat Twice Over 6/1 in the forecast in the 3.25 York! One of my selections for the 3.45 Brighton, Illuminative led for a long way, and is well handicapped when wanted (obviously not today at 40/1, but you never know, as with Ermyntrude above). Fortunately my other selection, Librettista won at 8/1 with system bet The Hague 8/1 in second. One of my selections Barista finished fast in fourth in the 4.05 York for fourth place. Typical! I kept looking at this Puddleduck, as it seemed well backed for no apparent reason in recent races. Must be a big improver! One of my selections sent out to the subscription service, system bet Sweet Lightning 14/1 winner of the 4.40 York! I also backed the second, Royal Destination, but not the forecast! Charlie Cool was best in, but is being held back for a future gamble, no doubt! Phluke continues to be messed around, finishing third in the 4.55 Brighton. That horse must win soon, and perhaps they are waiting for a bigger race. Whatever, they are certainly taking their time. This Lady Florence annoys me, always winning when I don't want it! I suspect this is a top-class horse in disguise! System bet Louis Ludwig 9/1 winner of the 6.10 Worcester! Monsieur was thrown in, but, as so often, decided to have an off day today. This was not helped by it running a long way after a false start. Must win soon. System bet Avonlini 10/1 second in the 5.25 Brighton. Why do these horses like Loyal Royal and Super Frank never run the same race twice? It must be deliberate! I wondered why Pipers Piping was such a short price, and that stable always backs its likely winners. Lukie Victor was thrown in for the 6.40 Worcester, but again led and failed to run on, finishing fourth. That b... is beginning to annoy me! Then I thought I had won with system bet Red Birr, but that got beaten on the run-in by the complete outsider (14lb out of the handicap!)! Eljays Boy is too bad to be true at present and will also do better soon. My two picks for the 5.55 Brighton, Elhamri and Best One, finished second at 12/1 and fourth (just pipped for third in the last stride)! It's that old story - thrown in but only wanted second. It gets a bit annoying after a while! In the 6.10 Worcester I backed Baddam to beat system bet Presentandcorrect, and would you believe it, the other one won at 9/1! It gets ridiculous sometimes! Is there someone up there looking at my bets and smiling a sardonic smile? But, after looking at the racecard, there wasn't much between them at the weights. Serves me right for not looking beforehand! If I'd reversed it at least I would have got a good return. System bet That Man Fox was at least as good as Points Of View in the 8.10 Worcester, but the former dropped out, while the latter won. The obvious reason is that it is being kept for a handicap in the near future. O'Toole was another that did not perform again in the 7.40, and that one is worth keeping an eye on. I was waiting for Good Company, but of course missed the bet, and it won at 9/1. Sod's law, which seems to wreak its share of misfortune on the punter!

16th August: My first selection, Annia Galeria 9/1 winner of the 2.15 Wolverhampton! Thewinnatakesitall was hampered, and did not get into the race. My fourth rated and system bet, Flaxen Lake, finished second at 7/1. Rathbawn Girl is another to keep an eye on. I got second and third in the 3.15 Wolverhampton with Baby Strange and Excellerator (both 12/1)! Green Park was well there, and should do better next time. Prince Of Thebes is definitely due now after a poor run today, and will be a system bet next time. Cobo Bay led for a while and is much better than its finishing postion. I tipped Red Somerset on its second last run (see 23rd July) and it finished second today at 40/1! However, the two I mentioned were better in, so obviously did not compete today. System bet Dinner Date finished fourth and will do better soon. I couldn't pick Lyric Poet in the 3.45 Wolverhampton. It must be much better than its previous performances! The price was suspiciously short, and it is an ex-Suroor horse! My pick Cherri Fosfate finished second at 3/1. The other Mississippian will do better next time. I also backed Formidable Guest (third) which was due a better run, but this winner was in a different county! One of my selections, Al Farahidi, 12/1 third in the 4.00 Kempton (I got 20/1). I had the feeling watching the horse, that it was pulled back when in the lead and could have done better! Quarrel is thrown in when it gets rid of one more first place! Second and third for my selections, Alnwick and Williams Way in the 4.30 Kempton. Williams Way was thrown in for this race, but unfortunately only wanted third (that was why it was 201/)! I could have had the tricast if they let me do one! If it runs tomorrow, it will hopefully win. System bet Satwa Gold 100/30 winner. My two tips for the 4.45 Wolverhampton, Buxton and Shaws Diamond finished second and fourth at 7/1 and 28/1. Buxton was definitely better in than the winner, so second place was clearly the plan! I thought Mister Tinktastic was due a better run, and it just pipped Shaws Diamond for third at 33/1. Second and fourth again in the 5.00 Kempton, with Excellent Day 10/1 and Water Gipsy. And second and fourth again in the 5.15 kempton with Tres Froide 9/2 and Wavertree Warrior (missed the break and ran on late!) How often does that happen? I didn't take note of Swinbank's again, and paid the penalty! I couldn't pick the winner, Tallawalla in the 5.30 Yarmouth, but I could see the plan with Crocodile Bay - run in the lead, get overhauled, then run on again for second at 12/1! Is thrown in whenever wanted (about 40lb in hand)! I also backed Easy Wonder 8/1 each-way, so got two returns. Bookiebasher Babe must do better very soon. Never ignore Hannon at Windsor! Higgy's Ragazzo won the first race at 9/2, and my selections were pathetic, with the nearest coming fifth! Meydan Dubai should do much better shortly, as it was thrown in on old form. Unfortunately there was no money tonight, and that stable normally backs them when they are expected. Almadaa looked certain to finish in the first three in the 6.20 Roscommon, but seemed to ease up late, and must do much better very soon. Talenti finally ran to its form in the 6.40 Windsor, winning at 7/4. It should certainly have won at these weights, but I still had a nagging doubt! I had Rigid 9/1 and Nadinska 9/1 in the 7.00 Yarmouth, and both got beaten by Cardinal. There's always one, isn't there? I suppose I should have done the tricast with the favourite again! I'll never learn! Ken's Girl was best in for the 7.10 Windsor, but I kept looking at Cecil's horse, Miss Antonia, (nice symmetrical form) and should have done it for the forecast! I always know afterwards! One of my recent tips, Perfect Ch'i, 8/1 winner of the 7.30 Yarmouth! Whenever I take a price (6/1 in this case) they drift out, so obviously the money was on before! Giant Slalom (hacking) made no effort to get into the 7.50 Roscommon, but I feel certain that it will soon in Ireland, either on the flat or over hurdles. Why do most horses I back finish fourth? I feel sure that Juwireya could have made more effort in the 8.00 Yarmouth, and the same applied to Dubawi Phantom (stablemate of the winner) both running on when it was all over. I just don't think such nonsense is fair, but it seems to be looked on as quite acceptable! Sensible will do much better in a race or two, depending on whether they decide to get rid of the placed form first.

15th August: Should have known that Fahey's Podgie's Boy would fill out the forecast in the 2.10 Pontefract! I'll never learn, as I tried Rhal, which missed the break! Well, Option Money was either going to win or pull up in the 2.20 Southwell, and it was the latter! The writing was on the wall very early, and it may not win now for a couple of races! They are annoying when they do that! Strong Coffee should then have won, but finished only third at 3/1. Record Breaker never even attempted to get into the race in the 2.40 Pontefract, and Knights Victory likewise! Keep an eye on Folk Tune, which I backed at 66/1, travelled nicely and conveniently finished ...fourth! That's right, b....! I fancied More Like It in the 2.50 Southwell, but was just afraid that Dasher Reilly might choose today to be more competitive. I needn't have worried, as Dasher Reilly crashed out early. If it still retains any ability, that horse must do better soon off this rating! I thought today might be the day for The Tatling, but they keep holding it up, or else it has become very poor. Knew I should have put in Bateleur for the tricast! My other tip, Stamford Blue finished second at 100/30, but Vhujon is obviously the younger horse. Planetarium was there most of the way in the 3.10 Pontefract, only packing up late. At 40/1 I was not too optimistic, but had to select it. Amazingly Chocolate Caramel also came there hacking, but dropped out as well! Both of these will do better very soon, along with my third rated, Spiritonthemount. Lava Lamp must be very well in to win this! Somebody like me must have backed Lilly Blue in the 3.30 Bath, but that didn't make it run any better! It made a brief effort on the outside, then dropped out to last, which is typical in these cases.The horse is thrown in when wanted. Anglezarke and Electric Feel were two from the 3.40 Pontefract which will do better before long, and look out for Look Busy back over five furlongs. I couldn't believe how easily Bounty Box won at this level! Zafar had every right to win the 3.50 Southwell, and I couldn't believe the price on it (7/2)! I thought it was a catch, but no, it won! A number of disappointing types in the 4.00 Bath, including Carioca, which threatened briefly, Sweet Sonnet and Please Sing. I thought Tominator was going as well as the leader in the 4.10 Pontefract, but did not go through with it! Law To Himself was also well backed, but dropped out quickly. How can you get these horses to run better? I don't know. It's all down to the trainers! Bit of a disaster so far today. let's hope something runs for us soon! Well, at least I got a winner with Cannon Fire 4/1 in the 4.20 Southwell, but Heir To Be ran a ridiculous race, dropping out, then running on into fourth. It was best in, so what do you make of that? At least I had a decent place with Bold Cross third at 12/1 in the 4.30 Bath. I thought I was going mad there with my selections for a while! I wrote down Swinbank's Lucky Windmill (12/1 winner), then failed to back it in the 4.40 Pontefract! Am I cracking up? I don't believe it, but that's what happens when races come so quickly one after the other! I don't know where this Khorun came from, but somebody knew something. Despite that I don't think we got full value from Dereks and Morning Sunshine, who finished a laboured? second and third! I hate it when Vaughan gambles a horse, because they rarely lose! The horse I gave for the 5.10 Pontefract, Greek Secret, was carrying 3lb overweight (apparently) which is usually an indication that it won't be winning! My other choice, King Of Swords, as so often happens, decided to get third today at 9/2. Why do they do that so often? Couldn't understand where Bosun Breeze (-040) came from! Greek Secret may win next time, but it's got a first place on the front now, which is why I thought it might win today. Every horse that I noted underperformed today! There are so many races when the top-rated horses fail to put in any effort. The 5.20 Southwell was no eception, with the best three horses running putrid races. I could see that Donovan was never going to get into the argument, and Free To Air showed distress signals very early. I assure you that these two horses are only biding there time, and must show soon. The problem was that Donovan's form ended in -05 and Free To Air's form was asymmetrical. Those factors always seem to mean no show! There was a lot of money for Free To Air, but obviously not stable money. Another disappointment was Toss The Caber, which finished sixth. Sue Smith's Rebel Swing 25/1 winner. Not great form -5B5! She has not done as well as usual so far. but should not be overlooked. I hate it when you get no reward for good research!

14th August: I gave Pearly Wey and Southandwest in the 1.50 Doncaster, neither of which got into the action today, but it was my third choice, Sea Salt which won at 10/1! I was torn between Southandwest and Sea Salt for my second selection. Pity! Both of the others, plus Bid For Gold must try soon! Why do short-priced favourites get beaten so often (e.g. Zaidan in the 2.00 Newbury)? Is it the better price on offer about the others? There must be some reason, as the horse was clearly not up to the task! Annoyingly I had Janood down as my first choice, and chamged my mind in favour of a forecast! Golden Sword (fourth) was best in on old form for the 2.30 Newbury, but it looks as if they are working up to it gradually. Must do better when wanted. Best-in Danceintothelight took the lead too early in the 2.25 Ripon, whether deliberately or not, I am not sure, and will do better shortly. I was also disappointed with Brooklands Bay, which languished at the back before running on for fourth. My first selection for the 2.45 Newmarket, Witchry 5/1 winner! Zowington was probably scared off (finished last), and will do better next time for sure. I also backed Sunshine Always, third at 12/1. I thought Chilworth Lad should have beaten Mayson on these ratings in the 2.55 Ripon, but couldn't quite make it! Very annoying! What on earth is the matter with Finjaan, which seems to have gone really poor lately? I am sure it is much better than that, and will figure soon. Coolminx was best in for the 3.20 Newmarket, and only gave way right near the end. Will probably do better when getting rid of its last first place. Almost got the tricast in the 3.25 Doncaster with Commando Scott 6/1, El Dececy 7/2 and Nacho Libre (fourth)! The latter will win soon. Pity, because Elijah Pepper was my fourth choice! Still, I gave Commando Scott as my first selection! My third choice, Damika, 18/1 winner of the 3.30 Ripon. A pity, because I thought Advanced and Fullandby were due good runs today and I missed betting on the race! I am sure both will win before long, possibly next time. Stevie Gee is the type of horse that is thrown in, but never seems to win twice in a row. It kept finding trouble in behind horses, and I feel that was probably done deliberately so as not to get involved. A good jockey does not get in the wrong places unless he wants to! Will win another race before long. Nezami looked like taking a hand, but eventually finished fourth. One of my selections, Spirit Of Sharjah, 9/1 third in the 4.00 Doncaster. The other, Aldermoor, led briefly a furlong out, and I feel sure this was a trial for very soon now. System bet Starla Dancer 15/2 winner of the 4.05 Ripon! Second, third and fourth for me in the 4.15 Newbury, but not much good in a seven horse race! Mingun Bell (third) did not start running until it was too late, and the same applied to Hulcote Rose (fourth). Both of these will do better, especially Mingun Bell, which was just getting rid of a first place. This happens all the time, and they very rarely win the race before with those figures. It does make elimination of horses easier! One of my selections, Tabaret, 10/1 winner of the 4.35 Doncaster! No money for Frognal today, and you nearly always need to see good money from that stable. Will do better shortly. Sea Crest was best in on my ratings for the 4.40 Ripon, but probably only wanted second place, finishing from further back. Bon Spiel was thrown in for the 4.50 Newbury, but today was clearly not the day. Keep an eye on it, and take an early price just in case whenever it runs soon! King's Troop ran on like a rocket today, and must be very well in! Wind Star and King Supreme are two others to bear in mind. Kames Park came hacking up on the inside in the 5.10 Doncaster, but would have won if it came down the outside, as it found no room. And do not ignore Motafarred, which was just testing in the lead today! Another disappointing run from Bolodenka, which came hacking up on the outside, but got pipped for a place by its stablemate Faithful Ruler. Should have known that Hanagan would have been on if it was going to win! My other selection Exit Smiling had first placed form to get rid of, so that was another negative! I'll never learn! I backed Josrs Magic 15/2 winner of the 6.30 Lingfield, and I also backed best in Generous Lad! What is about horses that I back that something ridiculous always seems to happen? The whole saddle came off that one bit by bit! I have heard and seen the saddle slipping, but this is a new one even for me! It is so funny that it almost makes you think it is deliberate! I have never seen that happen before, but they obviously did not intend Generous Lad to win today! Dunaskin did the same today over hurdles as he did on the flat - ran from the front, dropped out, then showed it still had plenty left at the end! I wasted a reasonable bet on that animal, but fortunately I also backed the winner, Liberty Seeker at 7/1! Dunaskin is being messed around, and will win again when wanted. Another first time out 20/1 winner in the 5.50 Ripon! They are taking advantage by putting a better class horse in these races! Is that right and in the spirit of the game? I shall have to look for them in future! System bet Syrian 11/4 winner of the 6.00 Lingfield. Transfixed was best in on my ratings, but they are really messing around with that one! The same applies to Takajan, which should at least have been placed. It makes me laugh when I think how they could have run if run properly! I suppose we must wait for handicaps for those. Slow motion finish in the 6.10 Market Rasen! Of course I wanted Heron Bay to win, but they can make it look so convincing! Neck and neck all the way down the run-in, but the money must have been on Russian George! Galileo Figaro will probably do better over hurdles than it showed tonight, but these horses always open up at huge prices, which are mirrored by their running (or finishing position). Why is it with the horses I back they always run very well or drop right out? I suppose I have the answer in my system, but I still get upset when they don't try. You can't have it both ways, I suppose. I don't believe that Latin Lashes was as weak as it showed tonight in the 6.30 Lingfield, but its weakness in the market suggested that. They can make them look whatever they want, can't they? Well, I got Mission Control by default in the 6.40 Market Rasen, when the leader fell. I get enough bad luck, who's complaining? Hawk Dance appeared to be going far better than its two rivals in the 6.50 Tramore, so how come it got caught on the run-in? I have to rub ny eyes in disbelief sometimes! My recent tip, Hart Of Gold finished second again in the 7.00 Lingfield, but I backed the younger horse, Anjomarba to win at 4/1. Twilight Star is still hanging fire, but was well backed tonight and will do better shortly. Briannsta is due in a handicap very soon now, but it was a claimer tonight. Parc Na Gcapall was best in for the 7.10 Market Rasen but its big price was a worry, and it led for a long way before finishing fourth! Must do better along with Silmi (third). They just have a string of places before winning, most of these horses, and it gets a bit irritating after a while, as there is no apparent need for it! These races get more ridiculous as you go on! Memphis Man and Charles Darwin were clear best in for the 7.30 Lingfield, but I doubted if the latter would try with its form figures, so I didn't back it. Different story next time though! Get on it, as I am pretty sure of a good run! There is no excuse for Memphis Man now! Was the 7lb claimer a negative again? Probably. White Shift was third best and I think it got second place. Treeko should have done better than it did in the 7.40 Market Rasen, dropping out tamely. Galley Slave was best in, but is still a maiden, finishing second again! System bet Art Market was thrown in for the 8.00 Lingfield, but in the end I was glad to see it sneak third at 20/1! Obviously it did not want to win tonight! Two others to look out for now are Goodbye Cash and Woolston Ferry. Another outsider from the same stable that was thrown in and was not wanted tonight! El Presidente front-ran last time, but tonight stayed in midfield, finishing fifth! Will bolt in when wanted, but why not tonight? Tifoso was another well-in horse getting rid of a first place, so they can start working for a win on that one!

13th August: Why didn't I just back Saamid on its own in the 1.30 Newbury? I put the disappointing Buckland (third) in for the forecast, and I thought several others were going much better than that one at halfway. I am sure some of the others could have done better, but are being kept back for a future race. Musawama looks a sure future winner, and was not pushed at all in fourth! I thought Johnston's Hawderwheest was going to finish closer in the 2.10 Newcastle, and may do better next time. Another 50/1 winner with two duck's eggs! Worth keeping an eye on those types! Sgt Schultz was one of the best in at the weights, but not on official figures in the 2.35 Newbury, and although it threatened briefly, dropped out again. Must win another race very soon, possibly a handicap. Grande Caiman, next best in, did not perform, getting rid of a first place, and must do better. At least my other selection Lang Shining finished second, but I couldn't pick Foxhaven, which was the horse for money. It won, but why? It had the best jockey on it, I suppose. Ratings mean nothing if the best horses are not out to win! Angus Newz refuses to win, despite travelling very well behind the leaders. I am very suspicious when there is little or no money for it. Feeling Foxy 8/1 led nearly all the way, just getting pipped by Revue Princess. If I had stuck to my list of three, I would have had the forecast! Goodwood Starlight was apparently hacking in the 3.10 Newbury, but contrived to come fourth - b...! Brett Vale at 50/1 not surprisingly failed to figure, and my third choice, Lethal Glaze, which I didn't back, finished second! Guess what! My first selection, Reel Amber finished third in a seven horse race! Looked like coming through, then hung fire until it was too late! Oh, I didn't notice! The uncle's horse won - crafty! Despite giving a replacement selection in the 3.30 Nottingham, my two other selections, Ten Down and Best One were also pulled out, suggesting there was something in the race they did not like. What is it? We shall find out! I thought it might be D'Allziance, and I was rewarded with a small each-way place at 33/1 (returned price 20/1). I thought with the defection of the other three that What Katie Did must get placed, but no joy again! You usually need more money from Bradley, but 8/1 was quite short. Why have they got rid of all its placed form again! Watch it next time out! My outside pick, Serena's Pride, was well backed for the 3.45 Newbury, but finished only fourth, as usual. I can pick 'em! I didn't tip Northern Fling (16/1) this morning because it was such a massive price from that stable, but I did back it in the race, and almost got the forecast with Zomerlust (5/1 third). This Imperial Djay (second) is obviously a much better horse than its official rating! First (Bahamian Music 10/1) and second (Snoqualmie Star 7/1) and the tricast with the favourite for me in the 4.05 Nottingham! All three finished miles clear of the rest! I suspect that Sumerian will do better soon. Desert Poppy destroyed the opposition in the 4.20 Newbury and must be fast improving. Keep an eye on Chinese Democracy, which I remember finishing with a real rattle recenlty, but not so in its last few races. Will do better when those first places disappear! I knew I should have given Fair Bunny as one of my selections today, but you can only give so many, and I left it out! I did back it, however, at 16/1! How annoying that I didn't include it, not only for me, but more so for my subscribers! Another odds-on favourite beaten in Forest Runner in the 4.40 Nottingham! You might as well back anything else against them most of the time! Floridita was very disappointing also and must be better than that from that stable. I thought Silent Oasis was going to spring a surprise for a long time in the 4.55 Newbury, and if it runs like that again can probably win a slightly smaller race or a handicap. Captain Royale was best in for the 5.05 Newcastle, but when the jockey looked around, I knew it was not going to win, as they had probably arranged for it to be placed. As usual my other selections, Elkhorn and He's A Humbug (non-selection) did not reproduce their form, and I was almost expecting it! A pity, because I gave Lake Chini last time! He's A Humbug and Elkhorn will both do better, unless I give them (hehe!) I backed Jennerous Blue and New Code in the 5.15 Nottingham and amazingly the latter just pipped the former for third place! Second and third would have been better! My next best selection, Grosse Prophet 8/1 winner of the 5.25 Newbury! My second choice, San Antonio, was too big a price today, but will do better very soon. My third choice, Having A Ball dead-heated for third. My last selection, Lieu Day Louie did not compete today, and with a non-runner in Six Wives, my second choice Jack Luey won at 7/2. Lieu Day Louie will do better soon (typical pattern). My selections today produced a 10/1 winner and the 7/1 second in the same race (£70+ forecast), an 8/1 winner in another, several places and several non-runners. My subscription service is beginning to fire, so contact me to join in!

A first time out winner in a seller in the 6.20 Catterick, Mary Boyle at 25/1! Naughty, naughty, you mustn't take advantage of these poor horses (poor meaning not very good)! Godolphin seemed to pull a fast one for the places in the 6.35 Newmarket, with Dortmund conceding third place to its stablemate, despite travelling better. I am not keen on that! On 25th July I wrote this: "Hot Rod Mamma was hacking behind the leader in the 5.20 Carlisle, and I could not believe it didn't go past! Must win very soon." The horse won tonight at 50/1! Unfortunately I backed Nuit Sombre against it! My recent tip Orpen Wide finished second at 20/1 in the 7.20 Newmarket. Other horses that I backed tonight that should have done better were: Aviso, Tanforan, Windjammer, Berbice, Raccoon, Dark Eyes, Wotatomboy and Fly Silca Fly. Keep an eye on all of these shortly.

12th August: You can hardly ever trust a horse that finished second last time out to go on from there, and Quince (2.10 Beverley) was no exception. Second best in Slip was also disappointing, despite being backed. I tipped Always Dixie last time out (see 6th August), and of course it would win today, together with another horse I have tipped several times, Tivers Song! Many of these horses are totally unreliable despite being thrown in! I think many stables will do anything to avoid being favourite! What A Day will also do better very soon. Top-rated Super Duplex won again at 100/30 in the 2.50 Epsom, but I wanted Lou Bear for the forecast. That one will do better soon. You can never tell with prices on Hannon's horses! His Magic Jack started at a big price and almost beat the favourite! There is just no way of telling! Warm Memories ran very poorly after a good start, and it was that -05 again! I wondered why it was quite a big price! My first selection for the 3.15 Beverley, Caranbola 7/2 winner! My other selection, Piste did not get into contention. Well, the thrown in Viking Warrior did not perform in the 3.25 Epsom, but I got the first two with Woodcote Place 8/1 and Mishrif15/2! One of my selections, Aktia 11/2 winner of the 3.40 Salisbury! The other Shy, did not perform today, but can win again before long. First and second for my two selections in the 3.50 Beverley in the right order with system bet Keene's Day and Rawnaq! If there was a tricast I would have had it with my third choice Bollin Greta! Another winner with Resurge 6/1 in the 4.00 Epsom! My other selection, Majuro, finished fast in fourth, and it was only Wiggy Smith which upset my forecast and tricast! I didn't give any selections in the 4.15 Salisbury, but I got first and second 7/2 and 16/1 in a forecast! Good day so far! Neither Dualagi nor Miss Firefly were prepared to take each other on in the 4.50 Salisbury, so, as often happens, neither were placed, although they were both going well behind the placed horses. I wondered whether Miss Firefly would try with that outstanding first place. Both will do better next time, but they spoiled my good run today! Again, it was amazing that none of the best rated horses figured in the 5.00 Beverley! Royal Applord, Lucayan Dancer (shape of the form did not look good) and Emperor's Well (asymmetrical) were best in, but were probably too closely handicapped. It would be nice if they did try under those circumstances, as there would be a very nice return! Some hopes! All three will do better soon. The winner, Strike Force (which as usual I backed last time) was about my fifth rated! I think they throw in these very well handicapped horses as red herrings half the time! Annia Galeria refuses to win at present, although ran well in behind the leader most of the way in the 5.10 Epsom. I was screaming at the jockey to come out, but it just stayed hanging in behind. Must win when wanted, but how long will it take? They gave the leaders far too much rope in the 5.20 Salisbury, and consequently Zaif could finish only sixth. Is it really as good as it once was? Becoming very disappointing now. Grand Bay was clearly not wanted, as it was eased off halfway through. Both of these must do better soon. Colonel Flay and Shooting Party are two others to consider shortly. King's Point (thrown in) ran on well in the 5.30 Beverley, but never quite got there in third place at 5/1. It got hampered at a vital stage. I also backed Officer Mor, which led for a long way, and may be better over shorter (6-7 furlongs). My third choice, Rowan Lodge, got pipped into second on the line at 5/1.

11th August: My two picks for the 2.10 Beverley, Fathey and Kheskianto (going very well) were in a clear lead a furlong out, but the latter faded (deliberately?) when overtaken, but Fathey held on for third at 12/1. I had put them together in a forecast, and was almost counting my winnings when they were swamped! White Deer was best in, but I wondered if it would win with an outstanding first place. Kheskianto looked like winning today, and is thrown in for a handicap soon. I think its low official rating was the reason it did not win, but this was definitely a trial. I backed the apparent Gosden second string in the 2.20 Yarmouth, thinking they might be pulling a fast one, but no, the money was right unfortunately! Hannon and Channon for the 2.30 Salisbury! That happens quite often, and I should have thought about it! Basilica was very disappointing after its first run, so keep an eye on it later! I had a feeling about Bell's History Repeated (10/1) off a low weight with a 7lb claimer, but was shocked when it missed the break! It then ran on well to win, and I had the forecast with the system bet favourite Ajaafa! (No, I didn't, because like a prat I put on a straight forecast!) How many times will I keep doing that? I fancied Hannon's so-called second string She Walks In Beauty in the 3.00 Yarmouth, and it almost pulled it off at 15/2. Channon's Alfraamsey did not go on after being prominent, but was well in on its best form. Needs shorter? Red Gold And Green and Saltergate ran very badly in the 3.15 Beverley, and are surely better than that. Handicap for Saltergate? it's easy for a horse to win if its main rivals do not perform! My first selection, Maze, 8/1, should have won easily in the 3.25 Yarmouth (went clear and must have eased up to get caught), but somehow got pipped by the Curley horse. Put-up job? My second choice, French Art was almost equally well in, but finished fourth again. Both of these will win soon if not in opposition again. System bet Mr Irons 9/2 winner of the 3.35 Salisbury. I expected a better run from Poor Prince, but it has now got its regulation last place, so will do better next time as a system bet. Typical! How many times have I picked a horse that has deliberately finished fourth? Green Manalishi, best in, could at least have got a place! That is nonsense, but they have to get at least a fourth place before winning! Green Park, next best, had an off day today, of course. It would do, wouldn't it? It makes me really annoyed! Colinca's Lad was thrown in for the 3.55 Yarmouth, but decided to come third today (how often do they do that?), and my other tip, Easy Wonder, ran on too late for fourth, (15 horse race) so I got no return at all! Scream! Both of these and Grand Vizier can win soon, but that's no consolation today, as usual. They seem to have a habit of being very frustrating, and it almost appears deliberate at times! Fallon pipped me again on Gallic Star 10/1 in the 4.05 Salisbury. He did say in an interview that Alsace Lorraine was the best horse, but you don't necessarily believe what they say, do you? There was no way that Grazeon Gold Blend was going to win at 33/1 in the 4.20 Beverley, but is thrown in next time as a system bet. Snowed Under looked to be coming to win, but dropped back again, and will do better. I also backed Bencoolen as my third choice (dead-heat at 16/1). I would pick a nap, Marafong, on a non-trying day! Why do they do that and how do we know, except that they often like a -0? It makes me fume! It was thrown in today, so it must be next time now. Grrr... The Midshipmaid was next best in, but did not finish off. System bet Hellenio 8/1 second. Mororless should also do better soon. As soon as my selection, Merrymadcap went off in front, I thought "That's the end of that one", and it was! My other selection Smart Endeavour ran in third for a long way before finishing fifth. Curses! It keeps happening and happening! Both are thrown in soon, but why not today? There is no apparent reason for it. Now that Gallego has its regulation -0, that may win soon too! My selection Irish Eyes was hacking behind the leaders in the 4.50 Beverley, but as soon as the jockey starting bumping up and down, I knew my fate! They make it look so convincing! That one is thrown in when wanted. A winner at last with Wood Fair at 15/2 in the 5.00 Yarmouth! Strong Vigilance and Underworld Dandy will do better. First and third in the 5.10 Salisbury, with Foxtrot Alpha 4/1 and Rio Royale 10/1 third. Looked like getting first and second for a long time! Rio Royale was actually better in, but perhaps the jockey was poor. Dickie Le Davoir finally won again at 6/1 in the 5.20 Hamilton! Sphere was best in for the 5.25 Beverley, but was made to look as if under pressure, and finished fifth. Can win soon. Grey Command also failed to pick up after appearing to be making ground from the back. I always respect Master Nimbus, but did not back it this time. I had Gosforth Park in the 5.55 Beverley at 15/2! Tae Kwon Do was best in, but did not perform despite opening up at a short price. Should win soon. The Jobber was thrown in for the 6.00 Sandown, but 20/1 and -06 form were not good portents. They are obviously under instructions not to show! Must do better next time! Either this Sunnyside Tom (6.20 Hamilton) is much better than its rating, or they are letting it win! How can you tell? It had far too much weight otherwise! Kashimin should also have done better than it did tonight.

10th August: System bet Ice Warrior 9/1 second in the 2.45 Newton Abbot. It was going better than the others, and I am convinced it could have won, but seemed to be held back at a vital time. Quincy Des Pictons was best in, but was given a bad ride, possibly deliberately. Will do better soon. Even the third seemed to be going better than the winner. The two I picked for the 3.00 Lingfield finished as the last two! Very difficult to pick in these small races, just depends what they want on the day, it seems to me! I don't see the reason for putting Dettori on a horse which leads into the straight, then drops right out! Powerful Beat (fifth) and Wadham Hill should have done better at the weights in the 3.15 Newton Abbot, but the lack of money for them was disturbing. Both should do better soon. Dettori does another mare in the 3.30 Lingfield, coming out of the stalls and crashing into the rails! Incredible! Probably cost him the race! I thought Penny's Pearl, best in at the weights, was going to win, but no! Pipped on the line! I backed Classic Swain in the 3.45 Newton Abbot, but was disappointed with the effort of Dishdasha, which was best in with the 7lb claim. Perhaps that was a negative? Norborne Bandit (-36) 7/1 second. At last! A 14/1 winner with Salient in the 4.00 Lingfield! It's about time! System bet My Gacho 7/2 second. And a second winner with What A Scientist 12/1 in the 4.15 Newton Abbot, with my other selection Is It Me a running on fourth! The latter can win very soon, as they often get a series of thirds and fourths before winning. System type bet Skippers Lad 17/2 third. My next tip, The Hermitage, led all the way until inside the final half furlong, then got pipped into fourth! My other tip, Kerry's Requiem finished really fast in about fifth! Both of these can win soon. One of my tips, the thrown in Wild Power, fell when in contention in the 4.45 Newton Abbot. My other tip, Moon Bear, third at 6/1 (I thought it had nosed second). I got first, third and fourth in the 5.00 Lingfield, with just Prescott's Rare Tern denying me a good tricast! Verity Lane ran well in fourth, and will do better shortly. One of my selections for the 5.15 Newton Abbot, Bathwick Breeze, 14/1 second. The other, Cave Of The Giant, did not perform, but must do better soon. Bring It On Home will also be worth a bet next time. Fortunately I also backed Twiston-Davis' third winner and system bet Caheerloch at 10/1! I wasn't sure if Boo would win the 5.20 Nottingham with asymmetrical form, but I soon found out! No! Back it next time out for sure! With the defection of Kingaroo, next best High Five Society 7/1 duly won the race! Not So Bright at 7/2 put in a not so bright run in the 6.50 Nottingham, finishing fast for third. An eye-catching run, which appeared a rather deliberate manoeuvre! Fred Willetts dropped out after contesting, which I could almost predict would happen, but system bet next time. One of my choices and constant tip, He's A Humbug 7/1 second in the 7.20 Nottingham. I was hoping with the money for it, that it would be a win tonight! Resplendent Alpha has been hanging fire for a very long time, and I am beginning to wonder when they are going to unleash it! Track Record was thrown in for the 7.35 Ffos Las, but they are taking a long time in using its potential! Perhaps next time? I despair sometimes! Matsunosuke, thrown in for the 7.50 Nottingham, made good ground, then was just eased off! What are they doing? I know it was 25/1, but that is no excuse! Star Rover also got into contention, then backed off into fourth! Are these races that cut and dried? It loooks like it sometimes! System bet Masta Plasta 4/1 winner. They just let Masta Plasta win as he liked! Both of my selections, I repeat, should have been much closer and must do better very soon. At present you might just as well say "This horse is thrown in, I won't back it because it will proably come last!" And that has happened with the three best in horses tonight: Track Record, Matsunosuke and Aeroplane! I watched Aeroplane, and the jockey started coming down the outside, then switched inside for no apparent reason, then just dropped out. Was the horse running that badly? It is pathetic! I suppose it must be ok because most people don't know the form. Does that excuse it? I feel like throwing something at the screen, as it goes on and on! All I can say is that I know they will probably win next time, but it's tonight that I have put my money on! Colorus is going to wait for the next race before trying, whereas my other choice for the 8.20 Nottingham, Mansii finished third at 10/1. Pity that the wretched Secret Venue ruined my forecast, but it almost always happens! When I saw Kingdom Of Munster at a short price in the 8.35 Ffos Las, I thought, "Ah! Must be going to win tonight!" But, no chance! It ran like a dog again, and obviously only wanted third place. I bet they are all laughing at us poor mugs that think a horse might actually run to form and win a race that it should! But they are clearly keeping it for a touch sometime in the future. I wish I didn't know so much about form, I might not back these poor creatures that are not meant to win! If I'd known that, I would have backed my second choice, Rockweiler, but you don't know until after the race, whereas they know beforehand! Totally unfair!

9th August: Don't know why Sirens did not show in the 2.30 Southwell against this lot! A rating of 61 plus filly's allowance and a 7lb claimer should have been good enough at least to get placed, so worth keeping an eye on as a system bet next time. Dunaskin and Profits Reality were by far best in for the 3.00 Southwell, but the prices were not encouraging, as usual. Both will do much better soon, especially looking at form figures next time out. There is no way of knowing what they are going to do beforehand, but the back form is still far too good for these! Swinbank again with Proud Times won the race! One of my selections, Forward Feline 20/1 third in the 3.15 Wolverhampton, with my other choice, Music Maestro fourth. As I have said before, Angus Newz is thrown in for a big race soon, but it was so well in here that I had to give it as the selection. The drift in the betting meant almost predictably that it would not be winning today, and it finished fourth. Grrr... Perhaps it prefers turf to fibresand! My other selection, La Capriosa, was well backed, but got beaten by the progressive Boogie Waltzer! Greek Islands seemed to be going easily in the lead in the 3.45 Wolverhampton, but folded as if shot! My other choice, Shaabek, ran on to finish fourth, but rather unsatisfactory all round! I thought Dolphina was going to win the 4.00 Southwell, but got beaten by Herculean, which I suppose was likely to improve. My selection for the 4.15 Wolverhampton, Shannersburg 7/4 beat Sir Boss. I wasn't sure how much the latter was going to try, so didn't give it as a selection. Motarjm was well backed and will do better soon. I also backed Resplendent Ace each-way, 8/1 third. No money for Bel Cantor or Deadly Secret in the 4.30 Southwell, although Bel Cantor was well up with the leader for along way. Both must win soon when wanted. I had a little each-way on Elusive Fame, which was second at 18/1 (backed in from 33/1 before the off). With Cherri Fosfate a non-runner, I had to rely on the thrown-in Turkish Sultan in the 4.45 Wolverhampton, but the wretched horse never picked up! I had a little each-way on Lunar River. Beat Up with symmetrical form 10/1 winner. Every time I tip or nap a Ruth Carr runner, it runs like a crab! Calmdownmate has been thrown in for some time now, but they refuse to let it win for some reason! I think it finished fifth today, but a very weak effort at these weights! My other pick, almost as well in Van Bossed, got rid of its jockey and ran around before the race. Can they do that deliberately? Second and third for me in the 5.15 Wolverhampton, with Out Of Nothing 11/2 and Tres Froide, 10/1 which ran on nicely when it was too late! The top-weight Rebellious Spirit did not enter my calculations, but was not top-weight for nothing, I suppose. Looking back on its form, it was as well in as Tres Froide, so the class probably told. It did have system type form (-040). Keep an eye on Portrush Storm and Magnitude shortly. Typical! When you tip a shortpriced runner like Rare Coincidence, it runs a stinker! Front-ran for a long way then packed up! They keep doing it, but that horse normally stays there! Back it next time out (yes, I know that's no good today!). Sir Sandicliffe was hacking behind the pace, but did not go through with it! And even more typically, my third rated Erdeli won the race and I didn't back it! It's so frustrating! Sometimes this game makes you feel like picking them out of a hat, but I have no intention of doing that! There were a few well-handicapped horses in the 6.30 Thirsk, including Bere Davis, Nuit Sombre and Kheskianto, but Bere Davis (sys+1) 6/1 from 10/1 was the only one that stayed in contention until the end, and I am sure could have won if running full out. So often they are only looking for a place in these situations and ease up imperceptibly! Those others, plus Provost will be worth a bet again soon. Cheveton (6.40 Windsor) started making ground, then eased off, and must be worth a bet soon. System bet Zinawar 14/1 third in the 6.50 Ballinrobe. Best in State Fair (-46) 16/1 winner of the 7.00 Thirsk (I had my last few pence on it, but only at 11/1!). My recent 50/1 winner, Emeralds Spirit, running its third race in a few days, finished second at 20/1. Wish I'd had a few pence for the forecast! I can't believe (well I can knowing this game) how badly the thrown in Beaver Patrol (111 rated running off 78 - ridiculous) ran in the 7.10 Windsor! Do they take us for idiots? Well, obviously they do, because people like me back them when they know that's it's going to run rubbish! It's better than a good comedy, except that we are wasting our money backing it! Even Mambo Spirit (fourth) was better in than the first three horses, but that matters not a jot to them as long as they get the desired result! The only good thing is that you know it is being set up for a win very soon, but what sort of odds will it be then? There was no money for Bradbury, which should at least have got into the mix in the 7.30 Thirsk, so watch for a better run soon! Isn't it galling when you back something and it never gets competitive? You could tell that best in Nicanor did not want to win the 7.50 Ballinrobe, as the jockey looked around when in third place to make sure he was going to get that postion! Will do better when wanted. If I'd known that, I would have backed Beau Michael! That first place on the front is so often fatal! They All Laughed managed to get placed in the 8.00 Thirsk, but should be winning races like this! The same applies to Smugglers Bay, which made no attempt to get competitive. It's so annoying when these favourites are allowed to win with no pressure on them! Super Duplex was best in for the 8.10 Windsor, winning at 5/1, but I backed Yossi each-way, and should have known it would finish fourth! That's the way it's been going in the main - no money, no result!

8th August: What a horrible start! The best in runners ran appallingly in the 2.30 Windsor, with Phluke, Trafalgar Square and Dichoh clearly not wanted! What is the matter with them? Were they afraid of each other again? That is what it looked like, but it's no good for hard-working punters! Well! I got the forecast with Media Stars 20/1 and Castlebury 11/4 in the 2.40 Redcar! That was nice, but I'm sorry I didn't include them in my selections! That's better! My two selections, Fault and Daddys Gift first and second in the 2.50 Leicester! The forecast paid over £50! Well, after making a reluctant deposit to my account, I then made £20 on the next two races! I backed Green Pearl each-way in the 3.00 Windsor, finishing third at 10/1. System bet Madame Excelerate 15/2 winner of the 3.10 Redcar. One of my selections, Military Call finished fourth. The other Dispol Kabira was best in, but at 33/1 dropped out tamely. Both will do better. One of my selections for the 3.15 Curragh, Lac A Dancer, finished fourth! Typical! System bet Waveband 9/2 winner of the 3.20 Leicester. Unfortunately I wanted it with best in Danzoe (back it next time) and Gertmegalush, both of which are running well below form. I think Whoateallthepius should have done better in the 3.30 Windsor, and probably taking the lead early worked against it. Will do better soon. I also backed Never Can Stop, which finished third at 20/1. Tasmeem showed a great turn of foot in the 3.40 Redcar, but having got there, was thenm pipped into fourth place. Can they do that deliberately? Its stablemate Coin From Heaven was just behind in fifth! Thought the prices were too big from that stable, but you never know! Neither Scamperdale nor Docofthebay even tried to get into the race in the 3.50 Redcar, probably because they were too closely handicapped, and I suspect that the same applied to Bold Cross! The money for them nust have been from mugs like me who knew the form! The others must have known that, judging by the money for Kings Masque. It is a real minefield this type of race! Folio, thrown in for the 4.00 Windsor, finished fourth today, but must win soon! What are they up to with that one? Choral Festival finished nearer last than first. Kings Sabre decided to get another fourth place in the 4.10 Redcar, despite being best in! Do they always bow to their official ratings? Media Stars did not in the 2.10! Cono Zur came second at 6/4! I could not pick the winner on previous form compared with the others! Best in Carcinetto ran another terrible race in the 4.20 Leicester. It makes you despair sometimes! I don't know when it will win, but a 100+ horse running off 70 must be a good thing when wanted! System bet Ellbeedee 4/1 winner of the 4.30 Windsor. Typical! I wanted the other way around! I got the forecast with Hail Bold Chief and Leaving Alone in the 4.40 Redcar, and could have had the tricast if I had stuck with my original three! Pencil Hill 4/1 winner of the 4.45 Curragh! My other selection, Takeover Bid will probably do better soon, as it was well there until the closing stages. Black Baccara was thrown in for the 4.50 Leicester, but as often happens, threw in a dud run when I backed it! Will do better very soon, as will Maragna. Yet another poor display by the best in horses in the 5.00 Windsor, with Charles Darwin right there before dropping out and Louphole running a much worse race than two days ago. Why did that wretched TV pundit mention Louphole? The kiss of death! I reckon he is put up to it by connections just to p... us off! Yet more poor performances in the 5.10 Redcar, where He's A Humbug and Musca ran terribly, and will both win when they are not against each other. It's really annoying when you get no run at all from thrown in horses! They may be doing it because of the closeness of the competition, but they have to try sometime! What I would like to know is, do they tell the others they are not competing, because the backing of the placed horses was significant. System bet Red River Boy 15/2 third. After a good start, another poor conclusion. Let's get back to mid-week racing! System bet Foreign Rhythm 13/2 winner of the 5.40 Redcar with best in Yungaburra 8/1 in third. I thought I was going to get the forecast in the closing stages, but I had two bets on both of them. Greek Secret and Dream Express will be worth a bet soon, along with Darcy's Pride when the competition is not so fierce. Another typical Sunday with a few exceptions, but make a note of those that I have mentioned!

7th August: System bet and one of my selections, Ramona Chase, 14/1 third in the 2.05 Newmarket. My other choice, Abergavenny had -26 form, which does not always augur well, but should do better next time. All Analena finished fourth, and is very well in when wanted. Judge And Jury made very little effort in the 2.10 Ascot, but is much better than that, as is Fathom Five. How can you tell if they are going to run a good race or not? Simple answer: you can't, except for system indicators. The thrown in Smokey Oakey was not backed in the 2.20 Haydock, which was fatal to its chances today. Moheebb was backed, but clearly not by the stable, as it ran a lifeless race. Still a system bet next time. Bolodenka third this time in the 2.30 Recar. Will that horse ever run to its true form? Top-rated Emma's Gift ran very poorly in the 2.35 Newmarket. How can they run so badly off such a rating? It makes you scream! No doubt will do better when wanted. Well, I did all three of Johnston's runners in the 2.45 Ascot, and Mister Angry came up for me! I fancied Poet in the 2.50 Haydock, but couldn't believe how badly top-rated Rio De La Plata ran! I wanted White Deer, but I also backed Malcheek, 9/1 winner of the 3.05 Redcar! Gallagher's figures, ending in -06, were a deathknell again in the 3.10 Newmarket. Of course Gallagher was the stablemate of the second, Manassas, which explains a lot!The same probably applied to Titan Triumph (-05), but I had to give them as top-rated! One of my selections, Benandonner, 9/2 third in the 3.20 Ascot. I wondered whether Aspectus would run well with asymmeterical form, but you can bet it will run better next time. How can you back horses when they miss the break, which happens so often with my horses? Spectait was one such, still ran on well towards the end, and is thrown in when wanted. Pires also missed the break, and still finished sixth! I backed Meehan's Quiet Oasis each-way in the 3.45 Newmarket, especially as he originally had two and one was withdrawn. Unfortunately I also backed Abtasaamah to win, just getting pipped. Gosden's don't often win first time out! I am sure that Becausewecan (3.55 Ascot), which led most of the way, will be able to stay there in the near future. There did not seem any obvious reason why it dropped out. Almost got the tricast in the 4.00 Haydock, but the wretched Boundaries got in the way. There's always one, isn't there? Although Dragon Slayer was best in at the weights, I didn't expect it to win today, and was quite pleased to get the forecast with Sunnyside Tom and Muftarres! Dragon Slayer will probably win a handicap soon. Told you Saturdays were not much good for my selections! Macarthur and Strategic Mount ran very poorly in the 4.30 Ascot, but both can do much better than that! This time Johnston did get a 1-2-3, and I didn't back Yorgunnabelucky, which was my third choice! Excusez Moi was a non-runner in the 4.35 Haydock, so at least that wasn't a loser! Cornus made no effort today, but at least I had Damika each-way third at 20/1! Act Of Kalanisi and Liszt were my two best in for the 4.55 Newmarket, but both dropped out more tamely than they should. Wells Lyrical is another to keep an eye on now. Danum Dancer was well there in the 5.10 Haydock, but did not stay there, so this was a clearly a trial. Unfortunately my other choice, The History Man, did not perform either, although well in. I fancied Northern Bolt as my third choice, and it finished second at 11/1. Top Bid must make a better effort soon, but not sure it will be next time. A winner at last with Andorn in the 5.20 Redcar at 9/2! It was getting embarrassing! Piermarini was probably afraid of Andorn, so did not compete today. Also keep an eye on Parchment and What A Day soon. One of my extra tips, Qalahari, finished second at 18/1 in the 5.25 Newmarket. I expected the 5.40 Ayr to be between River Falcon and Mandarin Spirit, but the latter backed off into third place! You can't trust any of these horses to be run properly! The telltale sign was that the latter's jockey looked around near the finish, as if he wanted to be overtaken! Just one of those days today, as best in Memphis Man backed out of the 5.45 Haydock, and Tenancy led for a long time before finishing fifth! Even my third choice, Peter's Gift, just got pipped into fourth! It makes me see red! All three will do better, hopefully next time. System bet Rio Cobolo 9/2 winner.

6th August: My first selection, Heir To Be was too far off the pace, but finished with a rattle for second in the 2.20 Worcester at 4/1. My other choice, Eljay's Boy, was always there, but seemed to make no real effort to get competitive, finishing sixth. I felt like shouting at it to get moving! Golden Gem had no right to win at the weights, but it did have symmetrical form, often a good sign. System bet Bendigedig, backed into 100/30, finished third in the 2.40 Lingfield. I thought it was going to win at one point! Top-rated Kodiac Star ran a lifeless race in fourth. My first tip for the 3.00 Brighton, system bet Sunrise Lyric, 13/2 winner (I got 8/1)! Kilmanseck did not try and was eased off at the back! I also backed Thoughtful, third at 28/1! One of my tips and nap, Briannsta, finished like a rocket in fourth, but was not even spotted by the commentator! Another ten yards and it would have swamped the first three! I call that not getting the best possible placing, don't you? My other selection Norse Warrior made no attempt to get into the race, but is well in whenever wanted! I had a little on Towy Boy, (11/2 winner) as it was best in of the others. Louphole was best in on my ratings for the 3.30 Brighton, but was not well in on official ratings, finishing a strong travelling fourth. Can win a handicap very soon. Timeteam decided to run a better race today! That horse is so in and out (not his fault). My two tips for the 3.40 Lingfield, Loyal Royal 9/4 and Hart Of Gold 6/1, first and second! I almost got the tricast with Ever Cheerful running on late into fourth! One of my selections, Soubriquet, 11/1 third in the 3.50 Worcester. I also had the winner, Barnhill Brownie on my short list! My tip, Highland Harvest as the outsider was not a promising situation, and of course it finished last! What do you expect? But it will win soon when wanted. I also backed Dvinsky, which finished 8/1 second, but should have beaten Piazza San Pietro at these weights. My two selections, Kings Approach and Rigid, second and third at 10/1 in the 4.10 Lingfield! Just the wretched co-favourite got in the way for the forecast! Young Tot was thrown in for the 4.20 Worcester, but only ran on for fifth. Will win very soon. My other selecction, Jug Of Punch almost as expected, tailed off and pulled up, but strangely will be better over much further. My third choice, Robmaa, won at 16/1 ( I got 18/1)! Nawaaff (4.30 Brighton) refuses to win, but is thrown in when wanted. How come the horse that is favourite (Maryolini) always seems to win these races, even when it is not best in? Best One was next best in after Nawaaff, but seemed to allow itself to get beaten! My two selections for the 4.50 Worcester, Carrick Oscar and Petite Margot, third and fourth in the race! Just the wretched Ballevesey deprived me of the tricast! Petite Margot is thrown in, hopefully for next time! Haven't they had enough experience in putting a saddle on? Transfixed had that problem in the 5.00 Brighton, and there is no excuse whatsoever! It really gets me angry! Is that another way of getting a pulled up? I can almost guarantee that Transfixed will run very well next time. Supercast was thrown in for the 5.10 Lingfield, but after leading, dropped out tamely, almost as expected with its form figures! But I had to give it, as it was thrown in! Watch for it next time out - I guarantee it will run much better. My other pick, Slip, will be a system bet next time, and will also do better. Vinces finished in the places as expected. System bet Hazeymm 3/1 winner of the 5.25 Wexford. You never know when you give selections what the plan is, but my two selections for the 5.30 Brighton ran completely differently! Free Falling led most of the way and packed up, but Foxtrot Bravo stayed at the back and made no effort whatsoever. Surely they have to enquire into that? What the hell are they doing? Both were by far best in, and may have been afraid of each other, but that's easily sorted, isn't it? Another farce in the 6.00 Musselburgh (I should give up commenting on them)! The thrown in Beckermet decided to lose its place, and then could not get back into the race! Crocodile Bay made good ground on the outside, then suddenly found nothing (admittedly it was badly in on official ratings). When will these horses be run properly? It makes you just despair quite often! Top-rated Jambo Bibi was a disgrace in the 6.10 Newmarket, and one can only think they are keeping it back for handicaps. Why do horses rated 81 get beaten by apparently inferior horses, as in the case of West Leake Bridge? It makes you cringe! What a waste of money! I could not believe that neither Ansell's Pride nor Zabeel Tower got placed in the 6.30 Musselburgh! Admittedly they were closely handicapped with each other. Do they say to the others. "It's all right, mate, we're not trying tonight?" It certainly looks that way sometimes! I so often get the impression, especially in small races, that the result has been decided beforehand and blow the ratings! Just feel like saying "B....s to the lot of them" sometimes! But if I did that I wouldn't get lots of nice priced winners on occasions, because that is what my method is all about! As I often do, I backed both of Godolphin's runner in the 6.45 Newmarket, with Biondetti winning at 10/1! Should have put Gosden's in for the forecast, but these rumours about Meehan's horse put me off, and they are often best ignored! Agapanthus was best in for the 7.15 Newmarket, but suddenly lost touch and ran on again for fifth place! It never fails to amaze me what they get up to! Another ridiculous aspect was Saviour Sand missing the break by many lengths! Bet it won't miss the break when it's wanted! Whatever they can do not to win, they will do, and it's beginning to exasperate me! The Bear as usual never runs two races alike and tonight was no exception, but I thought tonight that Green Park had got the race, until that wretched Rasaman came through on the rails! Grrr... What do you have to do? Isn't it time that Mandurah ran a bit better? It can't be long now. Another odds-on favourite beaten in Chabal in the 7.50 Haydock. This is becoming predictable! The annoying thing is that when I do it myself, it hardly ever works! Tournedos was very poor again tonight in the 8.10 Musselburgh. How many races will it run before it wins again? Your guess (or mine) is not as good as Ruth's! Unfortunately they have complete control over when it wins or doesn't. I suggest you watch for the money! Welcome Approach can't keep running so badly, and must show soon. Brunelleschi will do much better after tonight's 8.20 newmarket, as its form is now symmetrical. I suspect that Seamus Shindig will also do better next time, and Tabaret was never sighted tonight. Why do they do that almost every time after a second place? System bet Golden Future 7/2 winner of the 8.40 Musselburgh (Hanagan's fourth winner, greedy b...!). I am still waiting for Always Dixie, which must win soon.

5th August: System bet Fabiello 11/2 winner of the 2.10 Haydock. I backed it, (looked a nailed-on each-way bet) but assumed that Residence And Spa would beat it, so did not reverse the forecast! You might as well pick the horses with noughts in their previous form in many of these maiden races, as His Grace and Better Offer finished second and third at 40/1 and 80/1 in the 2.20 Yarmouth! No money for Transfixed in the 2.30 Brighton, and it is not promising when they are the complete outsider of the field (33/1), even when they are thrown in! I also gave Talamahana, which was well there for a while, and my third choice, Perfect Friend, finished second at 11/2. Swinbank gave me another winner with Tallahasse 3/1 in the 2.40 Haydock! He is well worth following as a trainer! None of the top-rated horses made any effort in the 2.50 Yarmouthy! Summers Target, which is thrown in but still messing around, A Pocketful of Rye and Northumberland were all terrible! The winner, Gracies Games, certainly had system type form, but was not among my top-rated (+13lb). I had a little each-way on Zain Al Boldan 17/2 in the 3.00 Brighton, and a nice bit on the reverse forecast with system bet Kissing Clara, so was very pleased with that! Reach For The Sky decided to have another off-day in the 3.10 Haydock, but at least Schoolboy Champ came third at 7/1. You can never predict what horses are going to do in any race! Thrown in Avonvalley could only come third in the 3.20 Yarmouth, and second best Marafong finished fourth! Stultifying! My two picks for the 3.30 Brighton, Hawaana 13/2 and Resplendent Light 10/1, first and second! Layla's Hero (running on fourth) and Bullwhip were well in for the 3.40 Haydock, and will do better next time. The Abdullah horse, Uphold, won the race, and those colours are often worth a bet. My two selections for the 3.50 Yarmouth, Kenyan Cat and Half Sister did not compete today, but my third choice, Wild Rockette, won at 5/1. Both the others can do better soon. My two selections for the 4.00 Brighton, Prince Valentine and Phluke finished second and third, and I thought Prince Valentine 8/1 was going to win a short way out! Phluke is thrown in now when wanted, but had to get that place first! Laylas Dancer came through on the rails in the 4.10 Haydock, and Activate looked like following it through until getting cut off. Keep an eye on the latter, which had more to give. One of my selections, Negotiation 22/1 winner of the 4.20 Yarmouth! My other original selection, Bookiebasher Babe was from the same stable, but was a non-runner. I also gave Easy Wonder, which will do better next time. I also backed system type bet Akamon, which finished third at 5/1. Pity, I did it in the forecast! I expected The Human League to make a better show in the 4.30 Brighton, as it was at least as well in as the winner, but it finished only fourth hard held, and is working up to it gradually! I fancied Jinto in the 4.50 Yarmouth, and had a little each-way at 20/1! Pity that Catbells was withdrawn before the race, as I might have had the forecast! A complete put-up job in the 5.00 Brighton, with the best two in, Wavertree Warrior (fifth) and Western Roots (led, dropped out) putting up little show. Both will do much better next time. My third rated, Strike Force, finished third when it should have won with the demise of the other two! System bet Raktiman beat top-rated The Starboard Bow in the 5.20 Bath. Strangely, I expected that to happen, as I couldn't see the latter wanting to win the race! You have to think as they think! My next best selection, Mymateeric 11/1 just pipped by the Fanshawe horse, Fuzzy Peg in the 5.25 Yarmouth! My other choice, River Danube was not wanted today, but I had a little on Jennerous Blue, which finished third at 25/1. Well, I gave a 22/1 winner today, and also the first two in another race at 13/2 and 10/1, giving a nice forecast of over £60! And a few other places, including Mymateeric, which was just pipped at 11/1!

4th August: The best-in horses all decided to have an off-day in the 2.10 Pontefract! Prince Golan (fifth), Film Festival (probably last) and Holiday Cocktail were all pathetic! Were they afraid of each other, or just not out to perform today? Whatever, it was a strange result, but these things happen quite often in racing for no apparent reason! I tend to take advantage of these quirks of form in my betting, predicting when horses are going to perform or not! I wasn't right today! I thought system bet Imperial Watzer might have done better in the 2.20 Newcastle, but there was no money for it. Mountain Pass in fourth after missing the break will also be interesting soon. I don't know why there was so much money for Master Macho in the 2.30 Brighton when it didn't win! Should have gone with Moore on Volcanic Dust, I suppose, but I didn't trust it! Johnny Hancocks (-W60) 16/1 second. Those figures are often worth following. Fahey with a 20/1 winner The Mellor Fella in the 2.40 Pontefract! I looked at it and thought "Can't win at that price!" But you never know! One of my selections for the 3.00 Brighton, Quince, almost got up at 12/1! Was best in at the weights, and I have constantly been moaning at its poor performances, but knew it must do better soon. Turners Touch was well up in the betting, but did not figure, even with Moore riding for his father! Queen Of Thebes must be due now before long, and keep an eye on Special Cuvee (fourth today). I thought Vito Volterra 11/2 had nicked the race in the 3.10 Pontefract, but just tied up and got pipped on the line! Midwestern (-045) 100/30 winner. Thought the price was too short! Should have known that Amy Ryan on Kalahari Desert (third) would not beat Hanagan on her dad's horse Sharp Eclipse! System bet Patch Patch was disappointing for me. Eastern Gift was clear best in for the 3.30 Brighton, but did not perform too well. My second choice, and system bet Twilight Star was right there a furlong out, but faded. My third choice, Lastkingofscotland 8/1 in a dead-heat. I also had a little each-way on Musical Script, 22/1 third. Should have done a 1-2-3 for Johnston in the 3.40 Pontefract, but just backed the winner Yorgunnabelucky each-way at 9/1! They knew which one was going to win! My second selection Tukitinyasok 40/1 winner of the 3.50 Newcastle (I got 50/1!)! It was 80/1 or greater on the exchanges! Dhhamaan, another selection, led all the way into the final furlong, and will win again soon. My third choice, Geojimali, will be a system bet next time, and is recommended. This Rosko must be a useful horse, as I was quite surprised when it won a big handicap previously. Worth keeping an eye on. My first selection, King Of Swords, 100/30 winner of the 4.10 Pontefract. I also managed to get the forecast with Mr Wolf. my other choice, Galpin Junior, started slowly and did not get into the race, but is still extremely well handicapped. System bet Egmarey 10/1 second in thne 4.20 Newcastle. Wish I'd done the forecast with Hanagan again! Keep an eye on Peaceful Rule, which seemed to be going far better than anything else in the lead, then dropped out! System bet Ellen Vannin 7/1 winner of the 4.30 Brighton! I didn't give it as a selection because it was asymmetrical! Doesn't always apply! My selection Rosiliant finished third at 2/1. Not much joy in that! However, it was best in, and could well win next time as a system bet. Marjolly is another that can do better soon. My first selection, Dabbers Ridge, 5/1 winner of the 4.40 Pontefract! Royal Dignitary ran in front for a long way, and will probably win next time, as will Ninth House now that it has got rid of a first place. Rainbow Mirage has been up against it on ratings lately, but may win a race as a system bet where none of these are involved. Couldn't pick the winner, Who's Shirl in the 4.50 Newcastle, but I did give Lake Chini 12/1 second! Bravely is thrown in, and there was money for it today, so watch for it soon. I also backed Sea Salt in fourth. Vhujon (5.00 Brighton) probably needs six furlongs now, but finished second at 11/2 today. Can win again soon. Magical Speedfit was well in, but finished back in the ruck. Should have stuck with the system bet outsider, Mark Anthony 12/1 in the 5.10 Pontefract, but I did back it each-way at 16/1! Gertmegalush was best in, but never showed (fifth) today. We'll Deal Again as a system bet was disappointing. Couldn't pick the winner in the 5.20 Newcastle (its back form was even worse than its official mark) , but Navajo Joe was thrown in, and second place was obviously all that was wanted (unless Gadobout Dancer is an 80 plus horse in disguise)! Rainbow Zest will do better very soon. Third rated Vigano finished third with a slipping saddle!

As you can see, my 40/1 winner was my best for a few days, but you never know when they are going to pop up! I am still offering the subscription service at £7 per week or £22 per month!

System bet Colinca's Lad 10/1 winner of the 5.50 Yarmouth from my second choice Simple Rhythm 12/1! System bet Ancient Greece 6/1 winner of the 7.20 Yarmouth, beating the odds-on favourite Mercoliano. Well, if I'd known that I would have done it to win! Easy with hindsight! System bet Captivator missed the break in the 7.35 Kempton, eventually finishing fourth. Did they know that was going to happen, hence the longish price? Ridiculous! Best in Allanit blazed off like a demon in the 7.50 Yarmouth, then packed up as if shot. Don't expect it to do that again, as it will probabnly win next time, now that they have made a good trial! Iron Condor (sys+1) 20/1 second in the 8.05 Kempton. Didn't have time to look at the race, but would probably have found Wild Rose on last season's form. Black Baccara was thrown in for the 8.20 Yarmouth, but, as usual when you expect them to win, they come nowhere! Must win soon. Also typical, second best Annia Galeria finished third in a seven horse race! It is enfuriating! They must all know what is going on! System bet Noeleens Moon 16/1 third in the 8.30 Sligo - never sighted until right at the end! The winner, City Line at 16/1 also had typical form as indicated by my system (-306060)! Couldn't understand how they arrived at their prices in the 8.35 Kempton - for instance, Warning Song (third) was at 25/1 with two wins and a third place. Do they ask the connections what price to put them at? It never fails to amaze me how horses are priced up in many races, but I suppose I know the form better than most, and expect horses to be priced according to their ability.

3rd August: Shannersburg was clearly best in for the 2.30 Catterick, but it was my second selection, Lava Lamp, which won the race at 13/8, with Shannersburg in second. It was obvious from the betting that Lava Lamp was the more fancied. Typical! My two selections for the 2.45 Chepstow, Garafena and Princess Flame, finished in fourth and fifth, conveniently not running on until it was too late! Both of these were by far best in, but I don't think they put in too much effort, and the placed connections were probably aware of that. Also keep an eye on third best Harare, which did not really show today. Second and third placed horses Dancing Storm and Suor Angelica both had the system type of form recommended by me. Klynch at 16/1 for this stable was never going to win the 3.00 Catterick, finishing fourth again! They keep doing that! If they want to cock a snook at you, all they have to do is finish fourth, making no effort until too late! Wyatt Earp also led for over half the trip, but was not wanted today. It's ridiculous the way these horses are run sometimes! Both of these can win soon. I also had a little reverse on system bets Mandalay King 9/2 and Slikback Jack 11/1, but of course they came second and third! One of my selections for the 3.15 Chepstow, system bet Maggies Treasure, 7/1 second. The other, Salvationist, started running on from the back, then dropped out again. By Invincible Spirit, that one must do better eventually. I fancied Bergonzi strongly in the 3.30 Catterick, but wanted system bet Autumn Harvest for the forecast! My first selection, Diamond Vine, 4/1 winner of the 3.45 Chepstow. The Best Mode did not perform, and should do better soon. Keep an eye on Silver Age, which was going well further back in fourth. Raccoon was too big a price at 8/1 for my liking in the 4.00 Catterick. It normally front-runs, not so today, but finished second to a horse I had not considered, Alacity (-206)! Azygous was by far best in, but 40/1 was not encouraging. Came up with the pace, but dropped out tamely. Was that 7lb claimer significant again? Will do better next time. Spirt Of Coniston was another that I fancied, but no show. I backed Astound each-way in the 4.15 Chepstow, but couldn't understand why it had a rating from one run (must have come from abroad)! Finished third at 33/1! I am always very suspicious when an odds-on favourite finishes fourth! Another very suspect race in the 4.30 Catterick, with the two best in, Lucayan Dancer and Sudden Impulse finishing third and fourth! I don't know how they get away with it, because Lucayan Dancer cruised along and was quitehappy with third! With Out Of Nothing a non-runner, my other selection, Dubai Gem was actually better in than the runner-up in the 4.45 Chepstow, but it is really annoying when they track the pace, then pack up and come fourth! I suppose it had very poor form in recent runs, so perhaps they didn't like to win off those form figures? I thought Sweet Mirasol was going to win the 5.00 Catterick, just getting nailed on the line at 14/1! It was best in, so probably second place was all that was wanted. You can never tell about that! Dispol Kabira is now due a better run, along with Rescent, which did not show as a system bet today. Bere Davis closed on the leaders in the 5.15 Chepstow, then packed up! How can you back thrown in horses when they do that? Grrr.... I am convinced that it will win very soon, so watch it next time! Ermine Grey and Straight Face were two other big disappointments, and it makes me see red! Come on guys, give us a fair deal! The winner, Poca A Poca, had one of the best jockeys on it, but had shown very little, in fact it had never even been placed! Must have made a big improvement!
Supernoverre was sandwiched out twice by his two rivals in the 6.05 Ffos Las, and in my opinion was going better than either of them! I hope the stewards look into that! Will be worth a bet again soon, but bullying tactic cost me a run in that race! What we don't really know is, was it a planned manoeuvre? Whatever, that is no way to lose your money! Red Lancer was thrown in for the 6.25 Southwell, but as usual at a big price ran abysmally (a long way behind in sixth place)! Must show very soon, and what was up with Three Boars? Despair and outrage! Swords is another biding its time. As usual, Mediterranean Sea was the second one I looked and didn't back it at 20/1! Why does the first one in a Lucky 15 almost always go down and ruin the bet? Elusive Warrior (6.55 Southwell) is another to keep an eye on soon. System bet and top-rated Calculating 15/2 winner of the 8.05 Southwell. Bond City has now gone four races without an attempt. Will it be six before it makes another? I thought Whataboutya was due a win at Ffos Las, but it was stablemate Sea Wall again! Whataboutya fell, and must be due now. Lukie Victor is definitely due now after a couple of poor performances. I had a number of winners tonight, but of course could not get two or three in a Lucky 15. You feel as if you are cursed under those circumstances (always picking the wrong one from a choice of two or three)! If Luscivious could win the 7.30 Southwell so easily, then Bonnie Prince Blue (third) should have done even better at these weights! Must win very soon. Imprimis Tagula may do better back on turf, as its handicap mark is much lower there.
Note: My selection Bell's Ocean, posted on 23rd July (when my other selection Emerald's Dancer was the 50/1 winner) won tonight at 9/1, so you can see that my selection on that date was not misplaced, just a race too early! If they had both run well that day, what a forecast!

2nd August: Could not believe my miserable luck in the 2.15 Ripon! After the odds-on favourite had dropped out, system bet Miscomplacent 28/1 looked nailed on to finish in the first two, then got pipped into third by another horse running on from the back! And it seemed to be going best of all! If it had been 5 furlongs it would probably have won! What do you have to do? Safe Catch beat both of my selections in the 2.30 Newton Abbot, with Sadlers Star finishing second at 11/2! How did that nag win? I suppose it was by Khayasi, but that doesn't always mean anything! Despite being best in, I never had the feeling that Sadlers Star's jockey intended to win the race, as it was constantly kept off the lead. Must win again when wanted properly! I was certain that Gower Sophia 16/1 had won the 2.45 Ripon, but somehow it was won by Drumpellier! Just shows how deceptive the angles are! Itsthursdayalready and Sophie's Beau will do better shortly. It was odd, because I had noticed that Drumpellier had not been running so well recently after a good spell. Just taking off a few pounds! Von Galen was up with the pace almost all the way in the 3.00 Newton Abbot, then finished fourth! How annoying! I expected Dasher Reilly to run another stinker, and don't know if it will ever win. No doubt it will come in when I've given up on it! Lough Rhynn (also very well in) threatened to get in the shakeup, but finished only sixth! Do all these well-in horses do it deliberately? I think they do. Forecast (£169.42) in the 3.15 Ripon with my two selections, system bet City Of The Kings 11/1, Veiled Applause 16/1 and Sarrsar! Ahlawy, 50/1 today, will do better next time (system bet). I was too greedy, and put in Ahlawy for the tricast, missing out on a very tasty return! Marc Aurele was clear best for the 3.30 Newton Abbot, but the jockey rode a strange race, on and off the bridle, eventually running on for third! I also had a little on Decision and Dereks, 6/1 winner. I knew from the betting that Decision probably wouldn't win, as there is usually money from that stable. Red Cape normally front-runs, but did not do so today in the 3.45 Ripon, which suggests that they didn't want it today. If they want to find trouble in running, it is easily done (nod, nod, wink, wink!) Blast! Steady Eddy put the mockers on it by tipping it today! That wretched Excusez Moi (asymmetrical form) ran on for fourth like a train! No good for a place, however! Both can win soon, and keep an eye on the front-running Rievaulx World (5 furlongs) and Mastership soon. A farce of a race in the 4.00 Newton Abbot, with the three best in horses running like donkeys! O'Toole, best in, finished fourth, second best Captain Marlon second again and Stumped pulled up! I am sure these successive second places are meant to suggest that they are no better than that! All three can win next time, unless they run against each other! Whatever, a very unsatisfactory race (aren't most of them?). As usual they are taking their time with Secret Millionaire, which managed a second place today! Tilly's Tale was hopeless after competing early, and another race whre the best backed horse (Walvis Bay) wins! It's easy to gamble a winning horse when the others don't threaten! A few system +1 results in the 4.20 Naas, with Good Decision 14/1 winner, Aliceneileen 8/1 second and Cut On The Bias 33/1 fourth all qualifying for that category! The well in Sea Cliff was making good ground towards the leaders in the 4.30 Newton Abbot, but backed out tamely. Will do better next time as a system bet. Vacario, tailed off most of the way, ran on for fifth. Typical! I knew I had to back Rock Me, because that stable (same as above) rarely fails with backed runners. I had Quell The Storm and Novikov as my two top-rated for the 5.00 Newton Abbot, finishing first and second in that order, but I reversed it just in case! Damn! As usual, could have had the tricast if I had put the system bet favourite George Adamson in with my two selections for the 5.15 Ripon, Hurlingham 13/2 second and Capable Guest (my next best) 16/1 third! Capable Guest is particularly well in, but you wouldn't believe it, the way it gradually laboured into third place! Must win very soon. Forecast and tricast in the last race at Newton Abbot with Nothing Is forever 4/1, Temple Place 16/1 and Monsieur (my nap) 20/1! The last two named can win very soon, in fact Temple Place was hacking all over the winner! £1163 tricast from my top three rated! How often does that happen? There is still time to subscribe to my daily selections, which are really taking off now! I didn't see any of the evening racing, so can't comment, although I know that my constant tip, Maslak, won at 4/1! Not before time! Here is my return at 5p stake for the 5.30 Newton Abbot:

1st August: My first selections resulted in the thrown-in Reel Missile front-running for a long way, then dropping out, but my other selection, General Smith, winning at 12/1! Apex is thrown in soon now (keeps running poor races) and threatened before dropping out in the 2.10 Newbury. I didn't really expect Williams Way to win today, but that one will also run better soon. Captain Oats is another to run poorly today. I backed Rigoletto in the 2.25 Chester, giving me a nice win at 8/1! Binnion Bay never got into the argument in the 2.45 Newbury, and the same applied to The Starboard Bow (assymetrical form) and Mt Kintyre, which was well backed today. All three must do better soon. Extra Power did not perform in the 2.55 Chester, even with Moore on it, but my other selection, Captain Dimitrios finished second at 11/2. So much for top weight in a nursery on this occasion! I backed Treason Trial (one of my flat horses) in the 3.05 Market Rasen, finishing third at 33/1! Qadar was hacking in the 3.25 Galway, but as usual found not very much to finish fifth (the judge called it fourth first of all)! Must win soon. I was surprised that Masamah beat Matsunosuke recently, but it proved today that it was no fluke! Worth following. My selections Wi Dud, fifth - (too far?) and Doncaster Rover were very disappointing. I didn't back Star Rover because I thought it would not get the trip. It was obvious that El Presidente could have won the 3.40 Market Rasen, cruising in the lead with all the others off the bridle, but as soon as the jockey looked around, I smelt a rat, and was glad it finished third at 25/1 in the end! Ursis led much and could also have done better. I am convinced that Malice or Mischief was going well enough to win the 3.55 Newbury, but it got squeezed out at a vital time. Keep an eye on it. Orientalist also appeared to be going at least as well as the horses that finished in front of it, so may be worth a bet soon. Imprimis Tagula was not wanted in the 4.05 Chester, but will do better very soon. Internationaldebut also ran a good race in fourth and is due soon. I also backed Brae Hill, which finished second at 8/1. McCoy on Yellow Flag deprived me of a tricast again with Rockiteer (14/1 winner), Nudge and Nurdle (third) and Frankie Anson (fourth)! He does annoy me sometimes! Nudge And Nurdle was best in and can win again soon (I was hoping it would come second). Becqu Adoree refuses to win, even though looking like winning towards the end of the 4.30 Newbury. So many horses are not pushed out at the end of races. Will win when wanted, but being closely guarded! Gallic Star ran very poorly for no apparent reason. Takajan did not perform today in the 4.40 Chester, and will probably win next time. Bradley did me again with system bet Solemn 11/2 in the 5.00 Newbury,when I had backed his other horse, Cape Royal! Why does he keep doing that? Keep an eye on Equuleus Pictor, which is slipping down the weights and must show soon! Typical! Paktolos, after finishing second last time out, and thrown in here, decided to become a system bet today by finishing last! At least I have it for next time! I am convinced that Cosmic Sun could have carried on in the lead, but slackened off at the end! Union Island is another to watch next time, but why can't they do it today? I refuse to believe that Bury The Hatchet (fifth) is as bad as it showed today, as Swinbank never has bad bumper runners! Bet it will do better next time! The first one I looked at in the 5.30 Newbury was Granite Girl (7/1 winner). Why don't I go by my instincts? I also feel sure that Ermyn Express will do better, as it lurked at the back of the field and was only made to run on when it was far too late!

31st July: Just shows you can't always rely on Johnston for a first-time winner in the 1.45 Thirsk, where his Vetvey did not figure! Should have relied on Fahey, I suppose. Johnston seems to excel at 7 furlongs or further, as his horses always seem to be full of stamina. Meglio Ancora began a run down the outside late in the 1.55 Goodwood, but didn't get there, finishing sixth. At the price I was not surprised, but you never know! Must win soon. Unfortunately my other selection Street Entertainer was the stablemate of the winner, which explains that one! I also backed Dromore and system bet Averroes, third and fourth. None of my top three rated got placed in the 2.05 Doncaster! Dancing Freddy was thrown in, but finished only fourth! What can you do with them, eh? Must win soon, along with Saucy Girl and On The Piste, which were next best, but not in this race! Blast! I was a bit short of time for the 2.10 Newmarket, and backed Fifth Commandment 10/1 winner and Masaya 10/1 second in singles, finishing first and second! No forecast! Why does that happen so often to me? Jamaica Grande was a big outsider in the 2.20 Thirsk, and I could see why during the race, as it missed the break and lingered at the back of the field. Will do better at some point. The top three in the weights finished first, third and second! Must bear that in mind for future nurseries! What was Frankie doing on Long Lashes, which should have won the 2.30 Goodwood at these weights. He never threatened to get near the winner! So disappointing, even got pipped for third! Quarrel is much better than it showed today, but was a huge price. Kona Coast should have done better in the 2.45 newmarket, but I wondered if it would throw in a bad run, judging by previous form. I am sure I have backed the 33/1 winner, Hot Spark, recently! System bet Tesslaam second. Battlemaiden will do better. I thought the favourite Arcano might get turned over in the 3.15 Doncaster, but it was not by either of the horses I expected! Bonnie Charlie and Capercaillie looked to have better chances! What is going on? Form appears to mean nothing in many small races! One of my selections, Lord Theo, 13/2 third in the 3.20 Newmarket. Top-rated Archie Rice led for a long way, but the price was not promising, and it dropped out tamely. Another to do the same was the thrown-in Crocodile Bay in the 3.25 Thirsk, and my other selection, Champain Sands never showed at all! It's one of those Saturdays today! Ninth House keeps running poorly, but must also show soon now. The shortish priced Daring Dream won again, and they must have known something about the three I mentioned! Why didn't I take notice of my comment about Nicholls yesterday? I backed his Sonny Red, but it was Evens And Odds that won! I suppose it was a system+1!I can never pick that crafty so-and-so! I don't know when Advanced is going to figure, as it must win one of these races soon! Edge Closer has also been running well below last season's form. Prohibit (-234) 33/1 third. Billy Dane led nearly all the way in the 4.05 Thirsk, eventually finishing fifth! Can do better. Rosbay never showed, but you usually need money from that stable. And, of course, its stablemate Cheers For Thea finished second (stable jockey on it, which doesn't always mean anything)! Isn't that a remarkable coincidence? Next time? I did also back Avonrose, which finished third. Every time I do a forecast, I get first and third! I did Pausanias and Aerial Acclaim in the 4.15 Goodwood. Grrr... I suppose it had to be Zuider Zee in the 4.25 Doncaster, as you can't normally back against these big stables, and it was alternating wins and losses! I have a feeling that Strong Vigilance will do better soon. System bet Hasty Katie gave me a bit of relief in the 4.30 Galway, winning at 9/2! Smokie Oakey looked a certainty for the forecast in the 4.35 Newmarket, I just wondered... It's one of those days today! Bandanaman finished sixth in the 4.40 Thirsk, and Sir Sandicliffe, the outsider, never figured. Both can do much better, and I noticed Winged Farasi running on late in seventh. That one can win soon (system bet next time). It's a pattern which happens so often - -240! Top two weights in the 4.50 Goodwood nursery again! My two selections were useless again, but I'm getting used to it! Another result of a sort with Dream Express 14/1 second in the 5.15 Thirsk. Nice not to have all rubbish tips today! I wasn't sure whether Barraland would try, and my doubts were well founded, although it was there for a long way. Don't know where Two Turtle Doves came from, but they knew something! I thought with Sophie Doyle on Lang Shining instead of Baylini, that one would be trying, but it ran even worse than last time. Is thrown in again when wanted. Ivory Lace made a brief effort on the outside, but it's almost despair time with that one! System bet Elliptical 7/1 winner with system bet Mujood 20/1 third. Well, I'm afraid it has not been a good advertisement for my subscritption today, but I find weekends are almost always like that, as if the best handicapped horses save their efforts for midweek! Yes! A winner in the last race of the afternoon with Yungaburra 12/1! I thought it was shorter than usual in the betting. All You Need finished fifth and can win with lesser opposition. I am still waiting for Thunder Bay to show some form. I expected Super Frank to show a lot more in the 7.25 Lingfield, but it dropped out after being right there. Must do better shortly. Goodbye Cash was another very well in, but never showed at all. I can never explain why such well in horses do not make any effort! System bet Talamahana 25/1 second. Regent's Secret let me down again in the 7.40 Hamilton, running on from too far back for fourth! Why do they do that? It's either incompetence or deliberate, as the horse was clearly better in than anything else. I consider myself cheated when that happens. Couldn't have the winner (I expect Mrs Walford had a good bet), but I fancy Tifoso will do better shortly. I did the forecast with the top two official rated in the 7.55 Lingfield, Foghorn Leghorn evens and Silca Conegliano 10/1! Very nice for the forecast! Mey Blossom was best in for the 8.10 Hamilton and duly obliged at 7/2. I just wish that Speedy Senorita had run to form, but will do better next time. My top-rated and system bet Fitzolini 10/1 winner of the 8.25 Lingfield! Talk Of Saafend had asymmetrical form in the 9.10 Hamilton, and after closing on the leaders easily, swerved inside and behind them! They will do anything to avoid winning! Was best in apart from a couple of disappointing types. amd must win soon. I don't know what to say about Defi and Primo Way, which are thrown in on old form. led for a while, then packed up. Their stable is in such poor form that it is hard to recommend them, but I keep backing them just in case! I couldn't have High Resolution, but it seems to be improving at a rapid rate!

Kings Sabre should clearly have won the 7.10 Hamilton, and the money spoke for it, but it finished only fourth. Not stable money? Its form figures did not suggest a win, so I thought Island Chief would win, but that could only manage second place at 6/1.

30th July: Forsyth ran all over the place in the 2.00 Bangor, but I feel sure is very talented and capable of better in the future. Duncan finished only fourth in the 2.10 Goodwood, but Traffic Guard, hacking behind them, was not given its head until too late, and ran on for third! I had the feeling that Traffic Guard's jockey deliberately ran in behind the other horses so as not to win! In fact the two hampered each other at one point, which was vital in the outcome of the race, as both lost momentum. I always get the feeling that these incidents are not accidental! Keep an eye on Golden Sword, which was not wanted today, but is much better than that! I gave He's The Star as my selection recently, and it won the 2.25 Thirsk today at 9/1 from system bet Chilworth Lass (22/1) and system bet Alhoni 7/2 third! System bet Old Brigade 7/2 winner of the 2.35 Bangor (with McCoy!). My two selections in the 2.45 Goodwood decided to have an off day today, Red Cape and Sunrise Safari! Both will do better, probably next time. Did they put Hanagan on Red Cape to imply that if he can't win on it, nobody can? The winner, Joseph Henry, was my fourth best in, so that proves that the others did not compete! Nicholls got a 1-2, and that did not include yesterday's winner Hamoody! Unfortunately you can pick any one (or two) of his runners, and they all have a chance! System bet Wildcat Wizard 25/1 third. The price on Musca in the 3.00 Thirsk was not encouraging (25/1), suggesting it was going to throw in a bad one today, which it duly did! They seem to do that more often than not! System bet next time! Nacho Libre also flattered to deceive, putting in a challenge, then allowed to come fourth. They are so frustraing, these types of runs! Both of these horses are thrown in when wanted! System bet Diggeratt 14/1 third. The thrown in Mujamead decided to come third today in the 3.10 Bangor! They often do that to make it appear that the handicapper has got them! No chance! Will probably win again next time. Shanahan ran near the front for a long time before dropping out for no apparent reason. Well it was 50/1, I suppose, but will do better. Keep an eye on Panzer, which will do better soon. Aspectus was travelling very well just behind the winner in the 3.25 Goodwood, but did not pick up for no apparent reason! That run proves to me that it can win a race like this. Spectait was another very well in, but was under pressure on the outside far too early for my liking! Mahadee, Charlie Cool and Al Muheer are three that can do better. Not very good so far today, surely some of the others can do better? I backed Fahey's Tarooq 20/1 each-way and in the forecast with Mata Keranjang, which won at last! I wanted Roayh for the forecast in the 4.00 Goodwood, and I always had the feeling it could have got closer than third. Well, one of my selections for the 4.10 Thirsk, Yankee Bright, 20/1 second! Fortunately I also did Johnston's system bet Cat O'Nine Tails 12/1 winner for the forecast! See what I said about Johnston's runners on 28th July! Returned about £14 to very small stakes in total. Arumun was thrown in for the 4.20 Bangor, but the betting suggested it would not be competitive. Will do better next time. My other selection, Silmi, was way back and finished like a rocket for second at 6/1. It is obvious that Green Manalishi is waiting for a big race somewhere, as there is no way it should lose to most of the runners in the 4.45 Thirsk. There were only Caranbola (which underperformed) and Tabaret (second) anywhere near it on ratings! So keep backing it until it wins! Methhaaly threw in a poor run today, and should also be noted soon. Almaty Express, my nap, thrown in for the 5.15 Thirsk, never showed until right at the end of the race, cruising into fourth! Fortunately Timber Treasure did oblige at 12/1 as my second selection! Quite a good finish now today! Albert Park 14/1 winner of the 5.30 Bangor! I also had Spare Change for the forecast! My other selection, Bring It On Home, finished a running on fifth! Interestingly I had also written down Ridley Taylor (66/1 third) which had system type form! One of my selections for the final race, Star Rover, 16/1 third. This Perfect Blossom must be very well handicapped! Goodwood Maestro (never sighted) is well in for a race soon. Aflaam looked to be going far better than anything else in the 5.55 Newmarket, but ran in snatches towards the end and finished third! Keep a close eye on that one, looks really scopey! Fortunately I got a winning return with Sonny Parkin 9/2! As I have said before, Godolphin are fond of 1-2's in races, so Janood 5/4 and Busker 14/1 looked a potential forecast in the 6.25 Newmarket (and duly obliged)! My tip from 20th July ('thrown in'), Mutadarrej, 2/1 winner of the 6.35 Bath.
I didn't see any of the evening racing, so am unable to comment. I backed a few which did not perform, which were Kings Approach (beginning to frustrate me, must try soon!), Danzoe (system next time), On The Cusp, Chantilly Pearl (fourth) and Cornus, who seems to have gone back into his shell! All these will do better soon. I did have a small bet on Nosedive, 7/1 winner, which I tipped recently.

29th July: I can't believe it! Slash And Burn, top-rated and 20/1, in the lead over the last, did not get placed! Must have been 20/1 for a reason! Watch that one in future! My first selection and sys+1, Right Step, just pipped at 40/1 in the 2.10 Goodwood with system bet Invincible Soul 16/1 third! Almost got the forecast with Call At Midnight and Ladies Best (third) in the 2.20 Stratford! System bet Triple Dream 9/2 winner of the 2.35 Nottingham. These races are impossible to predict with so much back form to some of the runners, so it's basically a guessing game, as any one could win. Knew I shouldn't back against Bradley with his other runner The Tatling, but you just never know! The Jobber looked like coming on the outside, then packed up, and my recent tip, Colorus, (see 25th July) finished second at 13/2. My next selection, Borderlescott, 9/2 winner of the 2.45 Goodwood! Moorhouse Lad was in the lead at halfway, and I am sure it will win another race soon. My other choice, Triple Aspect, unseated rider before the line! Navajo Nation was right there at the last in the 2.55 Stratford, then the jockey let it slip back into fifth! I despair of these rides sometimes! I had a feeling about Herschel, but backed Santera instead! I kept looking at Dubara Reef and Dubawi King in the 3.10 Nottingham, but didn't back either! I had a little each-way on Torran Sound (11/1 third). Could have had a good tricast, but put off by that wretched favourite! Wajir (fifth) made no attempt to get placed in the 3.20 Goodwood! I wondered about its price, even with Dettori on it. Must have been there with the demise of the favourite! They are going to do something with that horse later! My next selection (and next best), Buailteoir 12/1 winner of the 3.30 Stratford! I thought if that one won that second rated Konigsbote would be unplaced, but watch that one next time out (system bet). Despite giving three selections in the 3.45 Nottingham, only Scamperdale (fourth) ran anything like it, and could have won if put into it properly. Dragon Slayer missed the break, so that was the end of that one, and if Jonjo's are 50/1 it's usually forget it! All three were closely weighted, which possibly explains the poor performances. Flying Cloud was pathetic in the 4.00 Goodwood. One of my selections, Le Corvee, 7/1 winner of the 4.05 Stratford! Is It Me finished fourth, but that is just cosmetic. It is thrown in when wanted, probably next time! That's three winners and a 40/1 second so far! Wonder if my nap will win? System bet Cookie Crumbles looked as if it could have done better in the 4.20 Nottingham, so keep an eye on it for a maiden or a handicap. Glengarra 17/2 second in the 4.40 Stratford. Apart from the winner (ugh), I had second, third and fourth (Rash Moment) in my tricast! I am convinced that they often let the winner win in these races! My selection, Bolodenka, 12/1 second in the 4.55 Nottingham! Knew I should have put in West End Lad, which always seems to win when wanted! Baltimore Jack dropped out, but will do better when wanted. There are certain horses that win quite often which you know are 'dark horses' with tons in hand, and West End Lad is one of those. Just have to catch it on the right day! I always look at it when it runs, but assumed that Bolodenka was better. Fatal mistake! Having said that, the way Bolodenka ran (and the way the jockey looked around when headed) suggested that they only wanted a place. Keeping up a good day, although my nap, She's A Character was clearly not wanted at 50/1, my other selection, Rakaan, almost snatched the 5.15 Goodwood at 13/2! I don't think Major Miller tried too hard in the 5.15 Stratford, the jockey constantly tugging and niggling at it. Will do better. They can cleverly make a horse jump badly with a tug at the right (wrong) moment! Matsunosuke (hacking) was thrown in with Berbice for the 5.45 Goodwood, but typically the former threw in a mare (not literally) today! The drift in the betting was also ominous. How do you explain that a horse goes -032 then runs like that? Both must win whenever wanted, which will hopefully be next time! What proves it is that I had the winner Hamoody 14/1 as my third rated with claim! Highland Harvest will also win soon in slightly lesser class (though could have won today if wanted probably). What a poor start to the evening! Three totally useless top-rated horses in the 6.00 Epsom. If I'd known that, I would have backed Maybe I Won't, but there were three better in horses in Summers Target (still messing around), Lunar River and Quince (the perennial loser!) Sickening lack of effort! Unfortunately they were three of the horses with claimers on them! All three will do better very soon (hopefully). Not even I could find Ballade De La Mer (50/1) in the 6.20 Musselburgh! The only good thing about it was the name! I thought Chocolate Caramel and Regents Secret would do better, but they seem to be holding everything back tonight! Kept looking at Dechiper, but that is usually backed when competing. Piermarini is due a good run soon now. Was the 6lb overweight on Media Stars a signal, as it is also very well in! Blast! I fancied the best two in, The Bear (7/1 winner) and Highland Warrior (12/1 second) in the 7.20 Musselburgh, but only did the latter each-way! Ridiculous! Get your mind straight, man! Roman Glory, Mishrif and Hazzard County were all equally in on my ratings for the 7.35 Epsom, so I kind of assumed that none of them would figure! Not so! Roman Glory won at 7/1, and I missed it! System bet Salient was just outside these ratings, and possibly did not compete for that reason. They all know what I know, and more, unfortunately! I get really fed up when they make 100+ horses look like donkeys! This was the case with Kings Point in the 7.55 Musselburgh! But as I have said before, they have complete control over how the horses run, and can make them look like 30 rated horses if they want to! I assume the claimer on board was to tell the others not to worry about it! I now feel very confident that Kings Point will make a very bold showing next time out and probably win. Finsbury was another that was obviously full of running but not allowed to run on. Make a note of both for next time. They just pile on the agony for anyone who knows even the basics of form! They are not fooling me, just wasting my money! I am entitled to a better run from a class horse! The only good thing about the race was that system bet Rosbertini finished third at 50/1, but that was the stablemate of the disappointing Finsbury! The winner Applaude must be better than its previous form even to beat Bajan Pride! The thrown-in Clumber Place must win soon now after failing miserably in the 8.35 Musselburgh! How can you tell if they are trying or not? I think the fact that it had a third place front and back is probably a clue. I thought I had got a place with Zabeel Tower, but it looked that it was just pipped into fourth! When it's out, it's out! It's beginning to bug me now, as Zabeel Tower idled in third, and the jockey lunged for the line when threatened! Hosanna will also be worth a bet next time.

28th July: Baddam started a long run down the outside in the 2.10 Goodwood, but never got there (seventh, I think)! It was very well backed near the off, but if it wanted to win, why was it so far back? I think it will win a race like this before long, being very well in on old form. I fancied the first two, but unfortunately didn't do the forecast! If Enjoy The Moment retains any ability, it must do better soon. The top two official rated Wind Shuffle and Duty Free, first and second in the 2.25 Perth! I ignored the well-touted Sir Boss, fortunately. Count Ceprano 5/2 winner of the 2.35 Beverley. I was a bit disappointed with Back To Paris, which obviously could have done much better, but hung in behind the second and third! Thrown in when wanted! The Dial House is another to watch, as it should have been in the shakeup. Chilworth Lad got into all sorts of trouble unnecessarily in the 2.45 Goodwood! If it had just run on when it got into the clear, it would have easily come second! Hacking behind, I am sure it got hampered because of the way it was ridden, and the big price was suspicious! Keep an eye on that one, as this was not a true run! I had Dream Risk in the 2.55 Perth, which looked well in at the weights. Keep an eye on Claude Carter, which ran well for a long way, and will do better in a handicap or a lesser seller. Precious Coral (well there most) and Olympic Ceremony should have done better (oh, Precious Coral was Ruthie's!) in the 3.10 Beverley, and are probably being kept for handicaps. If Uddy Mac could come third, those two should have been in front of it. Explain that! Johnston again with the winner Amity! You can't keep him out of it at any price! Boy Racer is going down and down in the weights, and will be out of the handicap for any race soon! Right Or Wrong was marginally better in at the weights in the 3.30 Perth, and just beat the favourite! The forecast paid £5.42! It's nice when the ratings work out! Rasselas won again at 12/1 in the 3.45 Beverley! Couldn't believe the price on it! If I'd known that, I would have given it as a selection! My selection Life And Soul 20/1 fourth in the 4.00 Goodwood. My selection for the 4.05 Perth, Sunday City 8/1 winner! I also backed third-rated Ormello for the forecast! My other selection, The Dukes Speech will be closer next time. Ballinteni non-runner in the 4.20 Redcar. My other selection, Fujin Dancer, just pipped into second place by Eijazz! That horse always seemss to win when wanted! Another non-runner with Tiger King in the 4.40 Perth! Storm Prospect was right in contention, but appeared to ease up between the last two flights, finishing fourth! System bet Tarkani 8/1 third. One of my selections, Mr Chocolate Drop, 14/1 winner of the 4.55 Redcar! Top Jaro did not perform again today, but is thrown in when wanted. Be careful, it may be heavily backed! Seradim 8/1 almost made it a great day, narrowly pipped by Dance East in the 5.10 Goodwood! Flapper threatened to lead for a while, and will do better when wanted. My next tip, Maolisa, 11/2 winner of the 5.15 Perth! Damn, I didn't get the bet on, but a good day now! Hope you didn't give up on me! Well, Klynch was right there and looked like winning a furlong out, but ran around, possibly while being snatched up, and finished about sixth. However, my other selection, Carnival Dream finished third at 50/1 and I also backed the winner, San Jose City! Klynch is thrown in now when wanted, but again, may be well backed. Had to have another bad one soon, and neither Thebes nor Coasting were placed in the 5.45 Goodwood, although from their running both could have done better, the former dropping out tamely when well in contention and Coasting doing the same when hacking just behind the leaders! Just depends what they want to do on the day! Trafalgar Square was thrown in for the 5.50 sandown, but, as usual in these cases, did not want to win after a series of poor placings. It did, however, finish second at 8/1 for the each-way money. Amazing when there is a so-called class horse in the race, how all the top-rated fail to perform! In the 6.05 beverley these included Greek Secret, Soto and Dream Express. A very suspect race for that reason. Did word get out about those three? The TV pundit said Soto got very tired. Don't you believe it! They might make it look that way. Whatever, it makes for an ass of a race! All three will do much better when wanted. Dingaan should not have won the 6.20 Sandown at these weights, but it was too well backed for my liking, and I had a feeling about it. Lang Shining should clearly have won, but decided to have an off night tonight! Unfortunately I had the second, Carcinetto (see 10th July) and third Orchard Supreme in a reverse forecast! System bet New Magic 4/1 winner of the 6.35 Galway (I got 11/2). I could almost guarantee that Transfixed (third last time) would finish seventh or worse in the 6.40 Leicester, and it finished... seventh! I can almost read their minds! It will be a system bet next time, which is some consolation. I had a small bet on Borug in the 6.55 Sandown, because I thought the Godolphin first string would probably win this time! Psychology! I have missed out commentary on a few races, as it's been a long day! System bet (and my constant tip) Dickie Le Davoir rarely wins a race, because of its dropped out running style, but finished second again at 10/1 in the 8.20 Leicester. Rainy Night (-255) 11/4 winner.

27th July: I had a feeling that Godolphin might pull a fast one in the 2.00 Beverley (it has been known before), so I backed Mutual Force (12/1) each-way! I also put in the favourite, but that was not involved. Drat! Perfect system bet Indian Days (-460) 12/1 winner of the 2.10 Goodwood! Didn't back it! My selections, Ramona Chase (stayed at the back all the way) and Jo'burg, (made ground on the outside, but too far back) will both be system bets next time. Moynahan is another to keep an eye on next time. Hanagan almost did it again with Changing The Guard! I wondered whether Rosewood Lad (heavily backed) would win with figures of -26, and my suspicions were correct! Suddenly dropped back for no reason in mid-race, which made me wince! System bet next time. Always Dixie was right there all the way, and only faded very late. Was it testing today? Prescott's horse Miereveldfront-ran in typical fashion, and I was surprised it did not win in the end! My two selections for the 2.45 Goodwood, Fencing Master and Theology, finished fifth and sixth, although Fencing Master was well there towards the finish. Top-rated Arctic Cosmos finished third at 5/1, which I also backed each-way. Another gem from me in the 3.05 Beverley with Dunaskin last and Maybeme second last! Dunaskin is thrown in off this mark any time they want him, which was not today, but back it anytime it runs in the future! Maybeme was also better in than at least two of the others. Great start to the day! Wish I'd stuck with my original decision not to post! Well, surely I can't tip all the top-rated and none of them come in? That would be a farce of a day, but stranger things have happened! Balthazaars Gift ran on well from the back into about fifth place in the 3.25 Goodwood, but Finjaan did not run its normal race. I'm keeping up my record for the day! I kept looking at Lord Shanakill too! I am still keeping up my record of no wins or places today after the 3.40 Beverley! Can I keep it up? System bet Celtic Change 6/1 second. Boy Blue will be a system bet next time. I told you that when they get their first place for a while they often don't step up next time. Pity, its symmetrical form looked promising! And top-rated, I had to give it! Carnivore (prominent early) and Danehillsundance will do much better. It cannot be coincidence that my three top-rated finished in the last three places. Incredible! Glad I haven't got a selection in the 4.00 Goodwood (hehe!). It's the other races I'm worried about! The three top official rated finished first, second and third in the 4.00, all except Serena's Pride, which I backed each-way! Funny! At last, Swinbank gave me a winner with Tallahasse (6/1), just as he had done on 24th July with Chin N Tonic! His runners are often worth backing at any price. A result of a sort with Benandonner 20/1 fourth in the 4.35 Goodwood, and another, Mambo Spirit finished fifth at 33/1. Pity Skybet didn't pay five places on this one! Another choice of mine, My Gacho, led nearly all the way and finished sixth! All of these will probably win again soon. I don't believe my luck! I had Rio Sands (40/1 second by a short head) each-way, Frognal 7/1 winner each-way in the 4.50 Beverley and didn't put them both in for the forecast! Just a 5p reverse forecast would have given me £13! Grrr... When will I do something right? Some days you know it ain't your day! King Of Swords had an off-day (deliberately?) and must win soon. Ryedane will also win again before long. System bet Ingleby Star 25/1 third. I can't believe how often short-priced favourites, placed last time, that are thrown in don't perform! Seems to be a regular occurrence! I can't believe that the rider on Mississippian (asymmetrical form) went off like a scalded cat, was in a clear lead a couple of furlongs out, then finished last! Parchment finished fourth, making good ground near the finish. I had a little saver on Hurricane Thomas, (-25) 5/1 winner. Keep an eye on the above two, plus Tres Froide soon. Sentry Duty 11/1 third in the 5.40 Goodwood. Knew I should have backed Martyr, which I kept looking at! Hannon and Stoute first and second. What's new? Well at least that's a few good places today! I don't know what happened to North Island in the 5.55 Worcester, but something always seems to happen to short-priced favourites! Nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. and I backed against Royal Composer in the 6.00 Beverley, thinking it might have a bad day, but it didn't! I did back Tivers Song each-way, as I have tipped it up recently. Will Emperor's Well ever win? It was running against its trainer's nephew's horse today, so probably backed off. My two recent tips, My Condor and Captain Marlon fought out the finish in the 6.25 Worcester! How come so many races are fought out between first and second favourites? I am still waiting for Sahara Prince, and hopefully it will be next time! They run so many races before making that important effort!

26th July: A good start with Bertie Southstreet 6/1 winner of the 2.15 Yarmouth! Bahama Baileys has been thrown in on old form for ages, but never seems to figure. It did have -06 figures today, so perhaps it will be next time. Landucci was one of the best in for the 2.30 Wolverhampton, but with an outstanding first place, I wondered if it would figure. It did, but did not run on! Keep it in mind. Doctors Cave was obviously unfit, but watch out for it in the next race or two. I didn't realise Cunningham-Brown was still training! Lily Blue is another very well in, but they are taking their time! First Blade (symmetrical and system type form) 40/1 second. Whispering Spirit was not well enough in to win, unless it is much better than its best rating shown! I got the forecast (just) with system bet Captain Loui 5/2 and My Lord 11/2 in the 2.45 Yarmouth! Most of the best horses apart from Provost (7/1 second) did not compete in the 3.00 Wolverhampton! How often does that happen? Guildenstern, Crocodile Bay and Chjimes were hardly sighted! All three will do better, probably next time. It amazes me how a horse like Glenridding can be backed and win so easily unless they know something about the others! It hardly ever pays to put the top-three rated in a forecast or tricast, as normally only one, if any, competes! Crocodile Bay (system next time) will also do better with less competition. Silly me! I ignored Chapple-Hyam's Titus Two in the 3.15 Yarmouth! One of my selections, Prophet In A Dream 13/2 second in the 3.30 Wolverhampton. The other, system bet He's The Star was there for a long time, but it was its stablemate the evwentually finished fourth. Small races are usually not a good medium for my top-rated, as there is never any guarantee that they are going to compete properly. Malcheek led for a long time in the 3.45 Yarmouth, and could probably have won, but appeared to ease up inside the final furlong. Well, unless the other two were 90+ rated, it must have done! Hustle always appeared to be under pressure, but appearances are often deceptive! A few other fools like me backed it before the off! They can make these horses appear to be anything they want! What surprises me in these races is how they seem to know which horse is going to win beforehand, with favourite beating second favourite in this case! Whatever, these races are a minefield, and usually best left alone. Timeteam missed the break again in the 4.00 Wolverhampton! What are they doing with that horse? Bet it will win again soon! Fortunately I backed Hinton Admiral at 10/1 (I got 14/1 on it)! When I don't post a horse as a selection, that is usually when they win! This Interchoice Star keeps popping up at big prices, and must be considerably better than its rating! Barataria was travelling like a dream in the 4.15 Yarmouth, but Hayley never let it go, and it finished sixth! Very disappointing, but keep an eye on it! My other selection, Easy Wonder, finished third at 20/1. Keep an eye also on the front-runner, Bubbly Braveheart, which should do better soon. One of my selections, Yungaburra, led entering the final furlong in the 4.30 Wolverhampton, but must have been eased up, because it dropped out tamely. Just a test again! Must be getting ready for a win soon! The other selection, Loyal Royal, second at 16/1! System bet Dancing Mate winner. For once I learned something and put the favourite in for the forecast! Another to keep an eye on soon is Brunelleschi, which often pops up at a big price. Another front-runner in my nap, Green Manalishi in the 4.45 Yarmouth! The horse led very easily and very similarly to Yungaburra, packed up! How annoying! Just makes me fume with frustration! I would say they are looking for a more valuable handicap soon. Angus Newz normally front-runs, and did not do so today. Both are thrown in for a similar handicap, but it was obvious from the betting that they weren't out for it today! Fortunately I also had a bet on third rated Piazza San Pietro! System bet Fathsta 9/2 third. My selection, Stage Acclaim evens winner of the 5.15 Yarmouth. Snowberry Hill was second-rated, but I wasn't surprised that it came third! This game never ceases to amaze me, with Madame De Stael and one of my selections, Dubburg backed off the boards, neither performing, and the thrown-in St Savarin finishing sixth (prodded into life late on)! Another amazing feature was that Dan Buoy, which normally front-runs at a furious pace, was never sighted near the front today! What do they have to say about that? Anyway the upshot was that it was a complete codswallop of a race, with only Pertemps Networks of my rated horses getting a place! I tell you, they can get almost any result they want! Flighty Fellow was thrown in for the 6.00 Wolverhampton, but its remaining first place made me doubtful. I still had to give it as a selection, as they do win sometimes! Corrib (third) was the obvious reliable horse, and wish I'd given that one instead of Queen Of Thebes, which made good ground, then typically packed up! Another trial run. Even Corrib was obviously not looking to win, as, once it had made up the ground, it was not allowed to go and win the race! Gosh, there are so many suspect rides being given! One interesting point: why was Pab Special so well backed today? That usually means next time out! I keep getting the feeling that most of these races are artificial, depending on the plans for the day! Oh, by the way, system bet Join Up 15/2 third now I've got that off my chest! Here we go again! Can't believe that Riverscape and McCoy could give weight away and still win the 6.25 Uttoxter! Did Halling Gal run to its best? Typically I backed Red Current each-way at 33/1 and it finished fourth. Do they know that will happen? Top-rated Choral Festival 8/1 winner of the 6.40 Windsor with system bet Beauchamp Xiara in third at 6/1. Smart Endeavour will do better shortly. Another very dubious result in the 6.55 Uttoxeter, with the thrown in Tritonville Lodge narrowly pipped by Intac! I could see what was happening all the way between the last two fences - that sinking feeling! Is that a genuine result? It certainly happened! Explains why Intac was favourite, certainly, but is it justifiable? I can't get that McCoy out of the equation! Whatever I back, he beats it. I had Quiny Boy and Manadam in a forecast, and ... second and third again! Terribly annoying! It was more annoying that best-in Manadam ran on like train when it was all over! When will they run a proper race and run to their merits? System bet Enjoy Your Life 7/1 winner of the 7.35 Galway. Lucky Leigh (7.40 Windsor) will win a race one day. but don't hold your breath! It is now running 33lb below its best rating! I thought it might try as a system bet tonight, but no! It had that dreaded 2 on the front! Caledonia Princess must be quite a horse, with two wins on the trot and no obvious chance in either! I had Strong Coffee 13/2 and Browneyes Blue 33/1 in the 7.55 Uttoxeter, second and third again! Lidjo De Rouge's form figures now look right for an attempt next time. What A Scientist is also due soon. System bet Sailors Warn 9/2 second in the 8.05 Galway. I backed Sasheen 12/1 second each-way in the 7.40 Windsor, and should have done it with the favourite! Why is it that practically every one of my top-rated horses is a complete outsider and runs appallingly? This applied to Cave Of The Giant and Cunning Pursuit in the 8.25 Uttoxeter, both of them far better in than anything else? I was glad to see that third-rated Heir To Be at least consented to run on for third! Aldiruos will run better next time. Changing Lanes must be an improving horse, and will probably win more races. I wondered whether the thrown-in system bet Maslak would win tonight with an outstanding first place, and I was right again, finishing only third at 6/1! I am beginning to read their minds now, wish I would put it into practice, and not back Maslak win only! I also backed Act Three, which ran beautifully in front for a long time, and, as soon as I got my hopes up, dropped out! Painful! It gets monotonous after a while, but it is a good sign for the future. At last! Mujamead, which I tipped heavily last time (see 20th July), 11/1 winner of the 8.55 Uttoxeter! Schinken Otto looked like coming second (I had it for the forecast, but they never seem to come in), but was not ridden out, and will do better. Chord will also do better soon.

25th July: Are we going to see a few winners for claimer Ian Brennan this afternoon? I have selected several of his runners, but that did not include the first race at Pontefract! I expect all the others will go down now! My selections, Moody Tunes and Kashimin, finished second and fourth in the 2.25 Carlisle, just pipped for both positions! I therefore got no return for two good runs! A bit disappointing! Watch out for Kings Sabre in a handicap soon. Best in Regal Lyric rushed around the outside in the 2.40 Pontefract, but did not go through with it! Must have been a trial! Winged Farasi finished fourth. Fortunately I also backed the 12/1 winner, Gulf Coast and the third, Master Nimbus (Brennan). Pity, I always pick the wrong ones to post! I wrote down the first two in the correct order in the 2.50 Ascot, but didn't do the forecast again! I'll never learn! Always looking for more value! No money and no effort from either of my selections in the 3.00 Carlisle! How can two horses dominate a race by so much when they are not as well in as some others? It's amazing! Hartshead, Geojimali and Dickie Le Davoir are all due soon. Geojimali was asymmetrical again! It never fails! Rowan Lodge was pulled out before the off in the 3.15 Pontefract, which left me with Sea Land, and that ran no sort of race, although cruising in in fifth! What is up with these horses? They won't win before the stable decides! Well, I've picked some good ones today! Avow and Perfect Ch'i finished last and next to last in the 3.25 Ascot! The only consolation is, it can't get any worse! I assure you that Perfect Ch'i is very well handicapped and will be a system bet next time! Avow was proably getting rid of a first place. Those are my excuses! Well I was finally reprieved with a 14/1 winner in Film Festival in the 3.35 Carlisle! Thank goodness! Kings Head was equally well in, but did not show. Watch it next time! Cumani did it again with another system bet in Mabait in the 3.50 Pontefract. Shouldn't have been good enough on the ratings! Not having seen the race first time round, I didn't realsie it was a dead-heat, so I did get a return with Rio De La Plata. Back to normal in the 4.00 Ascot with Dishdasha dropping out and Credit Swap not showing. This Pendragon keeps winning! Dancing Freddy 6/1 second in the 4.10 Pontefract. I wasn't surprised that Reach For The Sky didn't figure, as they usually do that after a good run! Will probably do better next time. I wasn't too surprised either that Midget ran well, as just getting rid of a win from last season! Stevie Gee 17/2 winner of the 4.25 Pontefract! When I saw it open at 6/1, I knew it was trying, and wasn't too bothered about the drift, as it had obviously been backed earlier! Atlantic Story (a massive horse towering over the others) travelled well for a long way, and should be noted soon. Orpsie Boy decided not to show today, but is still well handicapped for another win. I gave Record Breaker in the 4.35 Ascot, but the crafty b... put his other horse Bay Willow in instead! Just shows they have any amount of ammunition in that stable (and they keep running two or three in the same race)! Record Breaker is still well in for next time. Red Merlin may take another race, but made a mid-race effort (trial) today. Mister Fantastic showed up for a long way in the 4.45 Carlisle, and is probably being primed for a handicap win before long. Keep an eye on it. Should have done the forecast with Opening Nite, however. My nap, Matsunosuke, 33/1 second in the 5.10 Ascot. Should have won, as it was thrown in at the weights! Well at least it's as good as an 8/1 winner! Hot Rod Mamma was hacking behind the leader in the 5.20 Carlisle, and I could not believe it didn't go past! Must win very soon. My other pick, Leaving Alone, finished third at 13/2. I got the forecast with Mr Wolf and King Of Swords in the 5.30 Pontefract, and almost got the tricast with fast-finishing Darcys Pride in fourth! Keep an eye on Colorus, which is due to strike very soon now, and Namir will probably show next time.

24th July: One of my selections for the 1.30 Ascot, Dabber's Ridge, 16/1 third. The other, Bomber Command, led briefly, but had asymmetrical form, so watch for it next time. I said that Methaaly, (see 10th July) would do better again soon, and it finished second at 50/1! Fishforcompliments also had asymmetrical form, and will probably also win soon. I picked the wrong horse to go with Galtymore Lad in the 2.05 Ascot! I did Auld Burns, but the money was right for the favourite! My next tip, Classic Punch, 5/2 winner! I got 4/1, which was bit better. My other selection, Cwm Rhondda did not figure, but will do better, as will Strategic Mission. Antigua Sunrise only ran on for fifth place when it was too late. Better over further? I backed Cox's Perfect Tribute each-way in the 2.40 Ascot, and thought I was going to get the forecast until Soraaya came through! Ruth Carr again with San Cassiano in the 2.45 Newmarket! Jibrrya ran appallingly in the race, and must be better than that! I got Swinbank's Chin 'N Tonic each-way at 18/1 in the 2.55 Newcastle! His horses are often worth a bet. That was nice, although I got 16/1! Pity I only had a pittance on it! Allybar should have won the 3.05 York, but only ran on when it was too late! What sort of run was that? I also thought that Monitor Closely was going to win, but packed up tamely! It is obvious that horses only run to form occasionally, and it's all part of the overall pattern! Summit Surge 8/1 was third on my list, unfortunately, and that was the one they wanted today! My tip, Musaafer took the lead in the 3.15 Ascot, but must have been testing, because it ran all over the place and then dropped back to fifth! System bet Haatheq was also tame, and we must wait until next time for Spa's Dancer! My next selection, Waveband, 13/2 second in the 3.20 Newmarket (I missed the off). Absa Lutte threw in a typical effort after a second place, and will do better. I had the first two written down for the 3.30 Newcastle in Golden Shaheen 10/1 and Colonel Mak 13/2, and only backed the second. Blast! Little Scotland should have done better. System bet Coolminx finished fourth to compound my annoyance! I think Damien finished sixth (by a nose!) in the 3.40 York, but appeared to be coming to win the race at one point! If it was fifth, it would have paid each-way on Skybet - typical). Will do better soon. Damika decided to take a day off today, but was clear best in. Advanced (led for a while) and Gallagher did not perform in the 3.50 Ascot, although Gallagher (also sixth, strangely) was mentioned in the closing stages. Sometimes I feel that they finish sixth deliberately when there are five places. Advanced had asymmetrical form again! System bet Noble Citizen finished second at 16/1. Fahey again with Castles in The Air (what is the matter with that man?). Thanks, Ruth! My nap, Beckermet, was useless in the 4.05 Newcastle (oh, it had a claimer on it), but my other tip, Game Lad, finished second at 11/1. Beckermet must win soon, but watch for that money! Hanagan and Fahey pipped me again on system bet Squires Gate in the 4.10 York, but I did have a forecast on the two. Palomar (full of running, but not used) did not perform in the 4.45 York, but my other selection, Wicked Daze did at 12/1! Palomar is thrown in when wanted, and I don't understand why they keep messing around! I had a small forecast (unfortunately) on Fame Is The Spur and Dashing Doc (both at 8/1) in the 5.05 Newmarket! Van Bossed was thrown in for the 5.15 Newcastle, but they are obviously waiting a bit longer! Lakeman finished fourth, and I wasn't surprised really with a 1 on the front. Finishing with a bit of a whimper at present! Bold Marc always front-runs when wanted, but did not do so today, which leads me to believe it was not trying. Is thrown in soon now (system bet next time). Spiritofthewest likewise did not show, but I had a little each-way on Zomerlust, second (should have beaten Smarty Socks, but clearly only wanted second). Another to note soon is Pearly Wey, which is now due a very good run. System bet Imperial Djay 14/1 fourth. I backed Valiant Knight each-way in the 5.35 Ascot, just losing out to Jarvis again! System bet Lady Lam 7/2 winner of the 5.45 Lingfield. Pity about best-in Dora Explora and second best Supercast (last). Just shows they can make it look like anything they want! Another running-on from the back third for Divine Spirit in the 5.50 Newcastle! Thrown in when wanted! My other choice, Avertuoso ended in -06. What did I say? I also backed Sandwith each way for good measure, finishing a close fourth. Why did I keep looking at Cross Of Lorraine and didn't back it? Apex was thrown in for the 6.00 Salisbury, but as usual they take their time, this time finishing fourth. Gosh, they are so frustrating! I expected Bed Fellow to throw in a bad race in the 6.20 Newcastle, but I didn't expect orpen Wide to run a stinker again! What are they doing with that one? It beggars belief! Fortunately I backed Wood Fair (25/1 third) (nice symmetrical form) each-way. System bet Blue Moon 8/1 second. Royal Holiday should start to show soon. Official top-rated Mercoliano rightly beat the odds-on favourite according to the weights. What was all the fuss about? Marafong finished fourth and will do better in a handicap soon. Upark Flyer got hampered at a vital time in the 6.45 Lingfield, which undoubtedly cost it the race! Travels supremely well, and must win a race soon. Grrr... When your luck is out... Should have gone with my instincts with Codemaster for the forecast in the 7.05 Salisbury, but being a cynic, I put the other Hannon horse in! Never seems to work, especially when they miss the break! I backed Norman Orpen (14/1 second) each-way in the 7.20 Lingfield, and it looked to be going far better than the first two, but probably wasn't out to win tonight! Looks a certainty for the future! It was slightly hampered a furlong out, by why on earth didn't it win? Had they promised the favourite's connections? Zaif (or his connections) did it to me again in the 8.10 Salisbury! Third in a seven horse race! Keeps making ground then finding little! It has now gone -535353! Why do they keep doing that when it is thrown in? I hate it! Must win if it runs in a bigger race, but they are taking their time about it! It is also about time that Cote D'Argent won another race! I backed Kipchak (tipped by me last time out - see 21st July!) and Dichoh each way in the 8.25 Lingfield, finishing first and third, unfortunately, as the forecast would have been nice! I didn't expect Kipchak to be that short, but they like to back them in many cases! Cavendish Road (system type form) split them at 14/1. Dichoh and Stargazy will both do better soon. Kurtanella did not run anything like the same race in the 8.40 Salisbury as it did last time, when it came up very strongly and looked likely to win. Will probably do better next time now that it has symmetrical form.

23rd July: Nobody apparently spotted my 'deliberate' mistake yesterday, or if they did, they didn't comment on it! Let me know if you did! Daily Selections here (free for a limited time).

Not a bad start in the 2.00 Thirsk with Emerald's Spirit 50/1 winner! The TV pundit said you would need a mighty big pin to pick that one! Although I backed the first three, I didn't get the forecast or tricast! Bell's Ocean was best in, but did not figure today (system bet next time). Keep an eye on Hot Rod Mamma and Forshour soon. I tipped the second, Silver Symphony last time! I didn't see White Moonstone coming up on the rail, and thought I was going to get the forecast in the 2.10 Ascot! I backed the second and third! None of my top-rated decided to get involved today in the 2.20 Southwell, and I wasn't totally surprised, as they were closely handicapped! Sahara Prince, Dasher Reilly (keeps running like a donkey) and Scalini's are getting frustrating, but will do better. They tend to run horses to these patterns, a series of places, followed by a bad run, and that is is often when they strike. Hanagan again with Bridle Belle in the 2.35 Thirsk! Didn't win when I backed him, but I didn't mind that! I had the first four written down, but wanted Jetfire to win! I wasn't surprised that Jehanbux got beaten in the 2.45 Ascot, but the annoying thing was that I didn't back Titus Mills each-way (put it in a forecast with the favourite)! I also had a good look at the second, Noonenose (33/1), but didn't dare to do a forecast! McCoy wins on an odds-on favourite again with Gabreselassie! Do they bow down to him? My pick, Cute N You Know It, was backed right in, but finished fifth. What a joke! Prescott's Fork Lightning almost won the 3.10 Thirsk at 14/1! My choice, system bet Barreq, never got into the race, so should be noted. One of my selections, Chachamaidee, missed the break in the 3.20 Ascot and still finished second! What would it have done with a clean break? The other, Blue Angel, will probably do better next time. Top-rated Haka Dancer threw away its chance in the 3.30 Southwell with a bad mistake, and should have won if it jumped properly. Very annoying! Both of my selections in the 3.55 Ascot, Centennial and Sohcatoa, had figures ending in -06, which I have suggested in the past are not good figures! I had to give them because they were best in. Centennial was travelling well behind the leaders, but did not sustain its effort, Watch for that one and Sohcatoa next time. Fortunately I also did a forecast with Colloquial and Aaim To Prosper! Freedom Fire ran no sort of race in the 4.05 Southwell, even though top-rated! No excuse for that and will do better. Apache Dawn should therefore have won, but not even with McCoy on it! I backed Hanagan on system bet Hail Tiberius in the 4.20 Thirsk, and, of course, he loitered at the back and finished fourth! Typical! I thought Baltimore Clipper would struggle at the weights, and of course that one won! Magic! What happened to Rio Tinto? I backed Hanoverian Baron in the 4.30 Ascot, but was a bit disappointed with the effort of Greylami, which hacked up last time. I feel sure that one will do better soon. My selections for the 4.40 Southwell, Alph and Is It Me, finished first and third, both at 7/1. Pity, because I did a reverse forecast on them! Royal Max, which I did for the tricast, was well-backed, but finished fifth. Obviously Ensigns Trick was not wanted today, but it led for a while, apparently going well until dropping out. My other selection, Clumber Place was as well in, but only finished third at 8/1. Both can win soon. Well, my next best, Red Somerset, did not win, although it led clearly for a while, but my other selection, Avonrose did win at 9/2! Watch out for Red Somerset soon, as it was better in with the claimer on board. Reel Missile was best in for the 5.15 Southwell, but finished only third. Both Adjami, which made good ground, then packed up, and Daraybad, fourth, are thrown in for a future handicap. My nap, King Of Swords, did not run on until it was too late, and finished fast in third at 9/2! Very annoying, and either the jockey was no good, or it was planned! I take that back! Apparently King Of Swords suffered interference in mid-race. Blessed Place could not get the lead, and that is normally the end for that horse. Not a bad return, with a 50/1 winner, a 7/1 winner, a 9/2 winner and several places! It was obvious from the betting that Thomas Bell was not going to get involved today in the 5.45 Southwell, but you have to back it! Not a nice situation! I only noticed Sue Smith's runner Helena Of Troy (40/1 second) when the race was off! I was also disappointed with the run of St Enoder, which threatened briefly. System bet Wild Rockette 14/1 third in the 6.00 York. Couldn't pick the winner, as you never know how much improvement is in them! Short Break was absolutely hacking in the 6.10 Newmarket, but when pulled out, did not run on! Worth a bet soon. What sort of ride did the jockey on Maybe Some Time give his horse in the 6.20 Chepstow? Didn't run on for fourth until it was too late! I detest that! With a 74 rating and a 5lb claim, it had to get in the first three! Smacks of deliberate! Farcical in the 6.30 York, with the three best treated horses running no sort of race. Even more so when Ryan Moore won the race for no apparent reason! Turnkey was thrown in, made ground, then did not run on. Top Bid missed the break, end of that! Almost as bad as when tailed off last time! Green Park ran on late, but did not get placed. How many more gripes do you want? Watch them all next time out, although two of them are still getting rid of first places. Richard Hughes gave Byrony a cracking ride in the 6.40 Newmarket, appearing out of it with a furlong to go! System bet Polar Annie 25/1 winner of the 6.50 Chepstow. Damn, I fancied You've been Mowed (second) too! Andrastra (thrown in) should do better very soon (Pearce was on that one too!). Swift Alhaarth was hacking just behind the leaders in the 7.10 Newmarket, but, not finding a gap, eventually fifnished fifth. Keep your eye on that one! Nubar Boy will do better than it did in the 7.20 Chepstow tonight! Our Boy Barrington looked like getting placed, but must have flattened out late on. Bikini Babe front-ran in the 7.30 York, and I thought it was going to win until sudedenly packing up tamely. Are they waiting for a handicap? Moore was on the winner again! Best-in Viking Spirit 15/2 finished third again (really fast) in the 7.40 Newmarket, but I would have preferred it to win! Why do they always stay so far back if they intend to win (dubious)? They like to do it the long-winded way! Seamus Shindig (fourth) is another due soon. Saunders had a hat-trick in the races at Chepstow tonight! I thought Harris was looking for the tricast in the 7.50, and all three of his runners were in with a shout at one point! Stamford Blue (second), Spic N Span and Best One are all very well in when wanted. So all I got was a place! I backed Kames Park and Paktolos in a reverse forecast in the 8.00 York and guess what? Second and third and that Fahey won the race again! He's beginning to annoy me, as a famous snooker player once said! I suppose it should have won on official ratings, but mine were better in overall! Just shows that they don't like to run above their ratings! Magicalmysterytour was well handicapped in the 8.10 Newmarket, and although not getting placed, ran well enough to suggest that a better performance is not far away. Make a note! I also backed the winner, Spirit Is Needed (sys+1). Aurorian is another to watch closely. Le Corvee, which I thought was a certainty in the 8.20 Chepstow, had to find an Irish raider to beat it in system bet Clare Glen 14/1! Didn't look at that one! Well, it was by Sakhee! Erdeli (sys+1) 8/1 third. Boragh Jamal finished only fourth in the 8.30 York and will do better again. Ishtar Gate was another one thrown in for the 8.45 Newmarket, running on late for third! They do this on a regular basis! I think they let the first two run their races so as not to spoil the party! Hannon's second string? won the race (symmetrical form, the type I like)! Keep an eye on Charpoy Cobra (system next time). Blast! I had second, third and fourth in the 8.55 Chepstow, with long-time leader Spiritonthemount, system bet Minder and Princess Flame! Why did that favourite have to spoil it? Keep an eye on Princess Flame, which finished fast in fourth and is very well in. Did Spiritonthemount want to win, as it was much better in than the winner?

22nd July: I should think from the betting that they knew what order they were going to finish in for the 1.50 Bath! A pity, as I thought Diamond Vine should have done better! Can't see how E Major won the 2.00 Uttoxter so easily, as I would have put it third best, but they clearly knew something! Should have done the forecast with the favourite and Oh My Days (second) in the 2.10 Sandown, but backed it each-way instead! Cost me a lot of money (£4 forecast!) Belle Bayardo obviously improved or the favourite ran below form in the 2.20 Bath. How can we tell, but the price was better! Best-in Boo didn't like being backed in the 2.35 Uttoxeter, so finished fourth! Typical. Must do better. My other selection, Richo, was highlighted by the commentator as making progress, but never got there! Strangely, both had exactly the same form figures (-03)! What a frustrating game this is! Marie De Laufon (sys+1) 12/1 second. Highland River is no back number, and, although 50/1 today, should be noted soon. Ugalla, which I put in a forecast with Bowdlers Magic, seemed to go wrong in the 2.45 Sandown, but time will tell, as he carried on riding it! The two selections I gave in the 2.55 Bath, War Of The Roses and Looks the Business, both had similar system form, in that they both had an outstanding first place from last season, which suggested that neither might win today. So, although War Of The Roses finished second at 9/2, I had a crafty little bet on the other system bet Albuharith, which won at 6/1! I should have worked that out before I gave my selections, for which I apologise! Both my selections should win soon, as they were better in than the winner! That's better! My next best, Three Ships, 9/1 winner of the 3.10 Uttoxeter, with my other selection, Edgefour 4/1 second! And for good measure I also put it in a forecast with Beshairt (22/1 third). Lily Again (-25) 9/2 winner of the 3.20 Sandown. I thought Penny's Pearl should have done better. My first selection, Flyinflyout, had assymetrical form, which I noticed, but I gave it as it was clear best in. My second selection, Fever Tree, finished second at 9/4 (didn't know it was going to be that short), and I also backed Cole's Lady Of Garmoran 12/1 winner for the forecast! Cole also had the winner in the previous race at Sandown! Keep an eye on this Farmer's Dream, which looked likely to win at one point! Flyinflyout will probably run much better next time. System bet The Shoe was best in for the 3.45 Uttoxeter, winning at 10/11. Vasodilator, next best in, pulled up, so will probably do better again soon. One of my tips for the 3.55 Sandown, Captain Macarry, led nearly all the way, then got swallowed up in fourth! Pity it wasn't a 16 horse race, but that probably explains its price. Just shows that it can win if wanted, as it was probably not looking for a place at 40/1! My other tip, Whistleinthewind was a non-runner, possibly because of Captain Macarry? System bet Rumble Of Thunder 20/1 second. Keep an eye on Tinshu, which will do better. The 4.05 Bath turned into a seven horse race (again) so my each-way tip on system bet Force To Spend ended in a worthless third! It's not fair when you don't know about withdrawals beforehand, because you are backing on the basis that there will be three places! Force To Spend also got hampered when looking to make a good run! The other one, Dancing Poppy was also well there for most of the race. I backed Vesey Lodge 5/2 winner and Sir Harry Cash 10/1 third in the 4.20 Uttoxeter, but the only forecast I did not do came in, of course! When is this Mata Keranjang going to win a race? I am fed up with it being beaten off this rating. Are they waiting for it to go down to 70? I had the first three written down in the correct order, including first time out Waheed! Best in Talawalla put in no sort of run in the 4.40 Bath, and will do better next time. These races are won almost by default, as I was pretty sure that Pastello would not win either from its form figures! I can work it out, but I don't put it into practice very often! One of my selections Red Jester, finished second in the 4.50 Uttoxeter, but Quincy Des Pictons (fifth) had no intention of getting into the race! I hate it when a horse trails at the back of the field when it should do better! System bet Lady Florence 28/1 winner of the 5.00 Sandown. I suppose one of my selections, Art Market, was due a zero, but is thrown in when wanted. I don't understand what decides whether they try or not? Is it a purely arbitrary decision in order to get a better price? Another, Lastkingofscotland, was narrowly beaten into fourth after being hampered in its run. Both can win soon, and the price of Calabaza was not encouraging! Keep an eye on that one in its next couple of races. One of my selections for the 5.10 Bath, Witchry, 12/1 third. Pity! The Name Is Frank, tipped by Steady Eddie, won at 9/2! I thought system bet Sir Tamburlane would run a better race in the 5.20 Uttoxeter, but just shows it doesn't always work! Will still be a system bet next time. The other, Miss Galross, looked as if it pulled up! I also had a little bet on Hallmark Harry, 4/1 winner. Well, with one notable exception, not much joy today! I thought Leleyf was going to win the 5.40 Bath, in a clear lead and apparently going better than anything. But, disgraceful! Dropped back into fourth, and worse still was given a five lenghts start by Lutine Bell! It's another one of those days, with my other selection Avongate running on for about fifth place. Do you ever feel you are being stitched up? If they are not told to try and win, they won't - fact! Some people assume that horses are trying to win every time. That is certainly the impression given by TV pundits. Not true! Be that as it may, it can be a terrible game to follow at times.

Another odds-on favourite beaten in Stefanki in the 6.00 Folkestone. What is the reaction of the owners if they have actually backed it? Pandemonium! Or perhaps they haven't? You never know in these situations. The best two in on old ratings, Starwatch and La Fortunata, finished third and second in the 6.10 Epsom. Pity about the favourite winning, as usual! I backed Dickie le Davoir (finished like a rocket in second) each-way in the 6.20 Doncaster, and got Divertimenti in the forecast! Pity, I fancied Sea Salt too, but didn't do the tricast! I thought tonight was the night for Caribbean Coral, but finished fifth after looking like taking a hand. They rearely win when they came second last time, my type of horse! Should have gone with Hannon's Daddy's Gift, which I have tipped a few times recently, and it was very short tonight! Second and fourth in the 6.40 Epsom with Cape Royal 7/1 and system bet Our Picadilly (thought it had got third)! Highland Harvest (14/1) was thrown in again, but not competitive tonight. How can they tell that it is not going to run well (14/1) unless those are the instructions? Interesting! Brynfa Boy (-26) winner. Gracchus (system type form) 9/1 winner of the 7.00 Leopardstown. I backed Our Way Only and Bakoura in a forecast for the 7.05 Folkestone. For once Prescott's Red Oleander did not figure, but will probably turn out over a mile and a half sometime in the future! I backed Chevise to beat Regal Approval in the 7.15 Epsom, but just worked out the other way. The winner dwarfed its opponent, which ran really well! System bet Whirly Dancer 5/1 winner of the 7.25 Doncaster. This Sakhee's Pearl must run better soon (looked to be going well tonight, but did not run on). Celtic Lynn is another to keep an eye on. How on earth did Sheila Toss win the 7.35 Folkestone so easily? I thought Kings Approach would show, but no! Fourth again! Must do better soon. Orsett Lad is also very well in. Bond Fastrac should be far better than it showed in the 7.55 Doncaster, and should do better very soon after it finished last tonight. Naughty, naughty, Amenable! You're not supposed to win with an outstanding first place from last season! They must have got impatient! Green Energy should at least have got second in the 8.10 Folkestone, but the jockey rode a strange race, as if instructed to do no better than third! All the same, very annoying if you backed it, as I did! I was sure that Vinces was coming to win the 8.20 Epsom, but I knew the form figures weren't right for a win, and it came second. Pity, I thought it would come in with Super Duplex, but I reckoned without King and Moore! Both Vinces and Super Duplex will do better soon. The Starboard Bow refused to go past Grams And Ounces for second in the 8.30 Doncaster, although it could have! I had a forecast riding on Epic and that one. Blast! Cost me quite a lot, but third place was probably its aim after a very poor run of form recently. That's the way they play it! Should probably have done the tricast with the favourite! My two picks for the 8.50 Epsom, Seneschal and Woodcote Place first and second at 16/1 and 15/2! Don't forget that I gave Seneschal as a 50/1 winner quite recently (see 22nd June), and both that one and Woodcote Place are still very well handicapped. That was nice and I needed it after a difficult run! I went from £1.50 to £19 in a couple of minutes!

21st July: My two selections for the 2.20 Worcster ran well in different ways, with Itzacliche right there most of the way, and Bathwick Breeze running on for fifth after struggling early (apparently). Both can do better soon, along with Thehonourablelady, which I have wasted a lot of money on recently. I suspect again that several horses were closely handicapped and not prepared to take each other on. System bet Aisemma 12/1 second. System bet Kodibelle 12/1 second in the 2.40 Catterick ( I got 28/1 earlier). Fortunately I backed it in a forecast with the winner, Lord Of The Storm 3/1! My each-way selection Box Of Frogs ran well for a long way and will do better, possibly in a handicap. Another odds-on favourite beaten with Five Out Of Five in the 2.50 Worcester. Should not really have happened with the favourite's rating! I thought I was certain to get forecast or tricast at one point in the 3.00 Lingfield, with Fromsong, Not My Choice, Dvinsky and What Katie Did all in contention! But the race changed dramatically in the closing stages, and only system bet Dvinsky won at 14/1, with the others nowhere! Ridiculous finish! Do they ease them up or what? All the others above will run well soon. Hanagan again with Mica Mika in the 3.10 Catterick! I backed Hortensis (third) each-way at 15/2. Keep an eye on Beyaz Villas, which seemed to pack up too easily from the way it was travelling. My first selection, Shergill 9/1 winner of the 3.20 Worcester! Unfortunately my other choice, Penric, fell fairly early. Keep an eye on that one and Always Cruising soon. Another complete changaround in the 3.30 Lingfield, with my selection Island Legend 10/1 looking a certain winner until being swallowed up by two others! Figaro Flyer was not sisghted today, but will win when wanted. Obviously from the betting everybody else thought that Golden Square and Rince Donn were well in today for the 3.50 Worcester, but it was my third choice, We're Delighted that ran best of the three! The writing was on the wall early for Golden Square, which led but was being ridden hell for leather, and I could tell at once that it wouldn't win. It is well in when wanted, however. I mentioned recently that Kansai Spirit had run a poor race, but it won today at 10/1! Wish I'd done it with its stablemate!One that should have done better was Ultravox, probably waiting for a handicap. Why on earth did Almaty Express stay on the far side in the 4.10 Catterick, unless they did not want it to win? Ridiculous, as it was thrown in! Captain Royale, Danum Dancer and Charles Parnell were three others much better in than the winner, Ursus! I got the forecast in the 4.20 Worcester, with my selection Marked Man 12/1 and Keltic Lord! My other selection, Young Tot finished fifth! I gave the winner and second in the 4.40 Catterick with Galpin Junior 11/4 and Raccoon 9/1! That's three winners so far today at 9/1, 12/1 and 11/4, and a few places, including a forecast in the 4.40 Catterick! And yet another winner with Deep Reflection 8/1 in the 4.50 Worcester! I back every Prescott runner now, and Madame De Stael won at 6/1 in the 5.00 Lingfield. I also had Dr Finley in third, and was glad that it didn't get second, as I didn't do the forecast! The latter will win soon. I have posted all of my recent selections here and you can view them each day for a limited period. My next selection, Parchment, was full of running in the 4.10 Catterick, but did not go through with it! Watch it soon. My other choice, Marino Prince, was just pipped for third by one I tipped last time, Amical Risks! I thought when Off Gallivanting pulled up in the 5.20 Worcester that I was certain to get the forecast with Mulaazem, but no! Sir Ronan appears out of nowhere and takes second place! What is going on? One of my final selections, Copperwood, finished third at 5/1, but did not go on when it appeared that it must win! Fortunately I also backed the winner, For Life 14/1, but the forecast would have been better! I guarantee that my other selection, Kipchak, will run better very soon. Nobel (second 10/1) was much better in than Mycenean Prince in the 5.50 Worcester, but looks as if the race had been decided beforehand, as they let McCoy make all! Monsieur was also better in, but did not really threaten the leaders. Both of these and Present (fourth) must do better soon. It's annoying when McCoy gets these odds-on favourites, because for some reason you can almost guarantee that they will win!

Well, Baylini (see 15th and 9th July) finally won in the 6.50 Sandown at 5/2 and I missed the race, after throwing away pounds on it in recent races! Sod's Law or what? They have you by the short and curlies, my friend! Johnston's Sky Falcon 9/1 winner of the 6.15 Leicester, with official top-rated Nothing to Hide 9/2 second (and I got the forecast)! System bet Jumbo Steps (-350) 14/1 second in the 6.30 Naas. Prescott again with Krypton Factor 9/2 in the 6.35 Sandown! His horses are coming in at good prices! That won't last when people realise it! System bet Rosiliant 8/1 second in the 6.45 Leicester. Transfixed was thrown in for the 7.20 Leicester, but not having shown for a long time, hung in behind the leaders to finish third. Must win soon. I tipped Angelina Ballerina recently (see 6th July), but did not expect it to win at 20/1! Strike Shot is another to keep an eye on now. System bet Louisiana Gift 100/30 second. Ongoodform should have done better in the 7.40 Sandown, so note it for the future. The way Kurtanella accelerated between rivals, then flattened out to finish third in the 7.50 Leicester suggested to me that it is ready to win soon. Falling Angel (sys+1) 12/1 second. As usual when I back Hanagan, his horse Angel Of Fashion ran no sort of race! Prince Of Thebes 16/1 was totally stopped from riding by the winner in the 8.10 Sandown, and would have won if that had not happened. Whether they will change the result, we'll see! Well, they didn't, so the stewards must have been on the winner! Aalsmeer (sys+1) 5/1 third in the 8.20 Leicester. Should have won on old ratings, but did not run on until too late (the ignominy of being beaten by a 55 rated horse!)

20th July: He's A Humbug was a running-on fourth in the 2.45 Yarmouth, which is no good, unfortunately! Can win soon. Top-weight Errigal Lad (-040) 16/1 second. System bet Bathwick Xaara third. Nawaaff and my other selection, Sweet Applause will do better soon. I fancied Mirza 5/1 winner in the 3.00 Ffos Las, especially with Hughes on it, and I got the forecast with Superior Edge for good measure! My selection, Albacocca 13/2 winner of the 3.15 Yarmouth, and my other selection, Polebrook ran on for third! Pity it was a 7 horse race! Could have had the tricast if I'd included the favourite instead of Best Of Broadway! My selection, Mutadarrej (7/2 third) was thrown in for the 3.30 Ffos Las, but the money for the favourite indicated that they knew Mutadarrej would not win. They are working up to it gradually. Second best Williams Way did not compete, but will do better soon. Go Amwell (fourth) will also do better. One of my selections, Al Rayanah, finished fast in third in the 3.45 Ffos Las. Up against some big stables there! Chantilly Dancer was not placed, but I feel sure will do better soon. Top-rated Huzzah made no effort in the 4.00 Ffos Las, tailed off last throughout. That merely tells me that it will probably win next time, as that is what form figures are all about! Zubova made a fast move around the outside, but eventually finished fourth. That one is better than that also. Seven horse races are rarely a good betting medium unless you are in the know! My selection, Norcroft, was thrown in for the 4.15 Yarmouth, but 33/1 in the betting, and for a short while I thought it was going to win, as the jockey set up a clear lead! Unfortunately it backed out of it late, so just testing! The 7lb claimer may have been a plus or otherwise, but in this case was a negative signal. Keep your eye on it, especially at Yarmouth, where Christine Dunnett likes to have winners. My other choice, This Ones For Eddy, was heavily backed, but never showed! That is another for the future. My third choice, Darcey, finished second at 9/2. The two best in for the 4.30 Ffos Las, Westwood and Memphis Man, finished third and fourth! You can't back when that happens, it turns into a no-hoper! I wondered why Signore Momento opened up favourite, and now I know! The last horse that I expected won the 5.00 Ffos Las, because, as far as I could tell, all the other horses were better in. Gandalf should have won, but preferred second, and Gold Ring made swift ground on the outside, then dropped out! Another one just testing! It's ridiculous when the best horses are not allowed to win, but they all have their own agendas for the future! It's a pity that nobody except the trainers and jockeys know about it! Even Valdan was a non-runner, probably because of the two that I selected! It's a day of nearlies or hopeless in the main today! And that was compounded by the final race, where my two selections, the thrown-in Russian Rocket and second best Bookiesindex Boy finished last and next to last. Fantastic! They apparently have more patience than me where winning is concerned. I feel like singing "What a load of ...", but I can't sing too well! You start off with such optimism, and they slowly throttle the life out of you!

Best in Donovan finished last of five again in the 6.10 Bangor, and Dunkelly Castle, despite being heavily backed, finished only second. They keep doing it over and over again! Don't worry, Donovan will win eventually, but what price will it be then? Magical Legend, Tarkesar (soon) and Mujamead of the Bangor runners must win very soon, the latter thrown in and going very well until headed tonight. If I had known that My Condor would be a non-runner, King Ozzy (won 11/2) was my next choice for the 8.10 Bangor.

19th July: Yesterday my selections included Strong Coffee 25/1 winner, Sea Wall 20/1 winner with Whataboutya 14/1 third in the same race, Tampa Boy won 11/2, Ballinteni won 5/2, On The Piste second 16/1 and Just Sam second 8/1. While some days can be very poor, if you keep picking the right horses, it must pay off eventually. My system also gave Lomitaar 33/1 winner (clearly indicated), Sea Wall (above) and Whataboutya (above), Penyfan Dawn 9/1 winner plus placed horses Maybe I Won't, Back In Business, and Aussie Blue. Not a bad day!

Thought I was going to get the forecast with Knotgarden and Tariq Too in the 2.15 Yarmouth, but the latter flattened out, allowing the reluctant? My Manikato to grab second! So I had everything coverd if Tariq Too had run a bit better! I always get the feeling that they know what is going to happen in these races! Why is it when I back Johnston's outsiders they are in third place, then drop back into fourth or fifth? Denices Moonlight was a case in point in the 2.30 Ayr. Channon's Spring Bouquet ran on for second at 20/1. Impossible to know how much improvement there is in these horses! In other words, don't put much on in maiden races! There has been a huge gamble on one of my selections this afternoon (The Human League) in the 5.30 Ayr. Such money is usually significant for Channon's horses, as it is not a noted gambling stable. As I was talking about Channon, I backed his Highlife Dancer in the 2.45 Yarmouth, winning at 6/1! My selection, Cold Quest, is a definite for next time now, as it raced up with the pace, then dropped right out to last place! Ridiculous, absolutely thrown in today! How long do you have to wait? Money after money down the drain, but they couldn't care less! Red Jester was also poor, running on in mid-race. My two third rated Glenluji (Hanagan again!) and Morocchius, finished first and third at 4/1 and 5/1. I think the 7lb claim on Rough Rock made the difference in beating Whisky Junction in the 3.15 Yarmouth, but I did the reverse forecast. Pity I put a win bet on Whiskey Junction, as I was quite confident beforehand. Ruth Carr pipped me again on Only A Splash in the 3.30 Ayr! I noticed some late money for it. How annoying! I thought Bed Fellow had it easily, but second again. My other two picks, Crocodile Bay (wondered whether its form figures were right with a 1 front and back), dropped out and Primo Way fourth. Never seen it front-run before! My two selections for the 3.40 Ayr. Watch Chain 13/2 and a Pocketful of Rye 12/1, first and second! Just missed the tricast, even though I backed the first three! Blast! Barastar was my other choice, which sank my tricast! My next selection, Kings Head non-runner! Why does that always happen? Perhaps they were helping Hanagan to have another winner? Hanagan again with Silent Lucidity in the 4.00 Ayr. What is up with that man? He's possessed! Kimberley Downs front-ran for a long way, and was best in of the remainder, finishing only fifth. Must win soon. Ohana obviously needed the run, not having run for a long time, and will do better. Keep an eye on Amical Risks, which ran on late for fourth. I got the tricast in the 4.15 Yarmouth, with Allanah Abu and my two selections, Mayfairs Future and Spinning Waters. The latter finished only third again, but should have been second on previous form. Knew I shouldn't tip Hanagan too much, and Wi Dud did not figure in the 4.30 Ayr, but Cheveton finished third at 6/1. Keep an eye on Fullandby soon. Pavershooz had system type form (-060) and finished second at 12/1. Alos knew that I shouldn't overlook Favourite Girl, but unfortunately I did! You will rarely get the same results twice in these handicaps, as there are always horses that underperform on the day, for whatever reason. I fancied Seattle Speight quite strongly in the 4.45 Yarmouth, and it won with something in hand. Don't know what happened to Market Puzzle, which should have figured, but ran a shocker! Sternian will also do better again. Plenty of money for Commando Scott in the 5.00 Ayr, but finished only fifth or sixth. My other selection, River Falcon, finished fourth, but could have done better. That's no good in a less than 16 runner race! Also look out for Geojimali (system bet next time). I don't understand the short prices on some of these horses, including Turnkey, if they are not going to be competitive! Rothesay Dancer ran so badly that we can expect a better run from that one in a smaller race soon. Summers Target (5.15 Yarmouth) has been messing around for a long time, and I thought today was the day, but no! Backed out again! Perhaps the presence of Count Ceprano put them off, but surely that was not necessary? Bookiebasher Babe also dropped back, and was third best in. Don't know where that Clearing House came from, must have been by default! Oh, they are so annoying, always getting an unexpected result! My selection, Reach For The Sky 28/1 second in the 5.30 Ayr! I also backed system bet Rasselas for the forecast! Pity about The Human League, which ran on late. Steady Eddie's tip Monte Mayor One finished third, and I could have included it for the tricast! Still, mustn't be greedy, but I did consider it. Look out for Weetentherty and The Human League soon. I thought system bet and one of my selections, Thewinnatakesitall 8/1 was coming to win the 6.00 Ayr, but just got pipped by Ya Boy Sir. My other selection, The Two G's, is getting a bit frustrating, and must do better soon.

I cannot believe that Orpen Wide (6.10 Windsor) has not won yet off its current mark! I shall keep backing it (system bet next time)! System bet Urban Space 9/2 winner with system bet Choral Festival 10/1 second! Mt Kyntire will probably run better next time out. I backed Binocular each-way in the 6.20 Ballinrobe, winning at 6/1! Gambled on Golan Go missed the break, ran up to dispute the lead, then dropped out! Talenti should have won at the weights in the 6.40 Windsor, but only ran on late for third, depriving me of a place with Penfield Pirate! Keep an eye on Brave Ghurka, which was hacking behind, did not run into a place tonight, but is primed for a handicap very soon! Rub Of The Relic (7.00 Beverley) ran very poorly tonight, but is better than that and should do better next time. Snowed Under (third) can also win soon. Seldom (system type form) 15/2 winner of the 7.30. Dhhamaan is still thrown in when wanted, and worth backing each time out in the future. I tipped Caranbola (8.30) on its last run (see 28th May), and it won tonight at the shortish price of 5/1, so must have been quite well backed. System bet Kilburn 8/1 winner of the 8.40 Windsor. Straight Face will be worth a bet soon.

18th July: Almost got the forecast with Tout Regulier and Carhue Princess in the 2.20 Stratford (just beaten on the run-in!). But as it was a 7 horse race, I got nothing! Marvellous! I wanted to back Gulf Punch in the 2.30 newton abbot, but compromised with a forecast with Lucky Quay! Drat! System bet Maybe I Won't 7/1 second in the 2.40 Redcar. I was expecting a better run from the thrown in Royal Indulgence, so watch for it soon now. Efidium missed the break - typical, and will run better soon. I got the first three home in the 2.50 Stratford, with Douchkette, Swiss Art (forecast) and Tigh Bhrudair (third 16/1)! Couldn't pick the runner-up, Intac, in the 3.00 Newton Abbot! No apparent chance at the weights! Did everything but the right forecast in the 3.10 Redcar, but Gower Sophia was the one that let me down, as I had it with On The Piste 16/1 second and Bronze Beau! First, third and fourth in the 3.20 Stratford, with system bet Sea Wall 20/1, system bet Whataboutya 14/1 (same stable) and Parc Na Gcapall! Where did that Dead Or Alive come from? Blast! As a complete contrast, the best two in, Quaddick Lake and Procas De Thaix finished fourth and pulled up in the 3.30 Newton Abbot! Another example of ridiculous results! My selection, Ballinteni, formerly a 100 rated horse, won the 3.45 Redcar at 5/2. My second choice, Kashimin, did not run on at the end, and will do better. The outsider, Media Stars, looked like winning at one point, and must win a handicap soon. Seven horse arces (I meant to write 'races', but 'arces' is almost right)! The best three in all failed to get in the first two in the 3.55 Stratford. I tend to look for the most unlikely winner now in these races, as the ratings go out the window! Winsley Hill, Sea Cliff and McQueen were my three best, but they obviously did not want to compete with each other! What a farce! One of my selections, Strong Coffee 25/1 winner in the 4.05 Newton Abbot! Pauillac ran on late, but did not get in the places. There's always one, isn't there! My third choice, Back In Business, finished third! Wish I had done Rifleman (second) for the tricast, as I had backed it (and given it as a selection) in its previous three races! Red Cape (4.20 Redcar), keeps disappointing, finishing third today in a 7 horse race. My other choice, Just Sam, second at 8/1. Another winner with Tampa Boy 11/2 in the 4.25 Stratford! Was slightly better in than Chevy To The Levy, which probably explains the latter's poor effort. That one can win soon. System bet Lomitaar 33/1 winner of the 4.35 Newton Abbot! What a prat, I backed it last time! Just to compensate, I got the forecast and tricast in the 4.50 Redcar, with Very Well Red 8/1 (a horse I always back, as it always seems to win when wanted), Salerosa 5/1 and Wiseman's Diamond! That was nice! keep an eye on Briary Mac, which appears very well handicapped! System bet Penyfan Dawn 9/1 winner of the 4.55 Stratford. I almost expected Risk Challenge not to win, but had to select it! Apache Dawn was a non-runner (wondered what happened to it during the race), so watch for both next time! Boy Racer was clear best in with the defection of Tres Froide, but obviously they are waiting a bit longer! System bet Aussie Blue third. I think Musigny will do better shortly. Zefooha let me down for the tricast in the 5.50 Redcar! The horse always seems to win when they want it! Why can I never get it quite right, as I fancied Jenny Soba (third). Of course, being a seven horse race again, the each-way didn't count! You can never win! I had everything covered but the first three, and it would have paid well! Here is what I selected today:

Royal Indulgence (unplaced) /Efidium (fifth) (2.40 Red), Gower Sophia (fourth) /On The Piste (second 16/1) (3.10 Red), Whataboutya (third 14/1) /Sea Wall (won 20/1!) (3.20 Strat), Procas De Thaix (pulled up) /Quaddick Lake (fourth) (3.30 Newt), Ballinteni (won 5/2) /Kashimin (unplaced) (3.45 Red), Pauillac (unplaced) /Strong Coffee (won 25/1!) (4.00 Newt), Red Cape (third 5/2) /Just Sam (second 8/1) (Tabaret non-runner) (4.20 Red), Tampa Boy (won 11/2) /Chevy To The Levy (unplaced) (4.25 Strat), Risk Challenge (fifth) /Apache Dawn (non-runner) (4.55 Strat), Tres Froide (non-runner) /Boy Racer (unplaced) (5.20 Red). Posted at 12.30 p.m. Just shows when they try, they win! Not too bad today, a 25/1 winner, a 20/1 winner, an 11/2 winner, a 5/2 winner, a 16/1 place, a 14/1 place and an 8/1 place!

17th July: The front-running Australia Day 7/1 winner of the 2.00 Market Rasen. I backed it on the flat last time! My choice Nordwind will probably do better next time when a system bet. Acambo was up there, then dropped out, and is becoming frustrating! Keep an eye on Secret Tune, pulled up today, but better than that! Official top-rated Regal Parade 15/2 winner of the 2.15 Newbury! I remarked on its poor running in its previous two races. Reason? A better price? I backed Peppercorn Rent (2.25 Ripon) and remarked on it last time, but did not back it today! The things they do! I gave Snoqualmie Girl as one of my selections in the 2.30 Newmarket, and it finished second at 10/1. I was fortunate enough to do the forecast with Eastern Aria (7/1 winner)! System bet First City 8/1 winner of the 2.45 Newbury with system bet Whats Up Pussycat (hampered) 20/1 in third. My two selections, Amary (chased for a long way) and Ella Gorrie Mou will do better soon. None of my top-rated tried to win the 2.55 Ripon, including the gambled Hill Of Miller, Royal Record (missed break, brief effort on the outside) and Twisted. Frustrating! All three must do better soon. System bet Start Right 13/2 winner of the 3.00 Newmarket. Special Envoy appeared to break a leg in the 3.05 Market Rasen so that was one selection doen. The other, Corkage, never got into contention, so watch out for it next time! I looked at Mumbles Pier 28/1 winner (liked its figures) before the race, but did not back it. Raslan is becoming very disappointing, but is still worth another bet. I had a little on Temple Meads, which was impressive previously. Moheebb,despite being backed, ran no sort of race in the 3.25 Ripon, nor did Rosbay, but the latter's trainer's nephew won the race, which explains a lot! One of my selections, Silverburn, 18/1 fourth in the 3.35 Market Rasen. Was thrown in, but only ran on late for fourth. Must win when wanted. Keep an eye on Stan, which refuses to win, but will do so soon. Hannon's system bet Red Badge 28/1 winner of the 3.55 Newbury! Poet (20/1) ran well, but apparently only wanted third, as it ran on again when headed. Stimulation was best in, but ran appallingly! Kingdom Of Munster was thrown in for the 4.00 Ripon, but I doubted whether it would win, and I was right, finishing last! Keep an eye on it, as they are looking for a race soon. Bolodenka finished sixth in the 4.35 Ripon, but is much better than that. They are messing around with it! I feel sure my other selection, Jackson will do better, being a foreign import. They don't do that for nothing! Unusually, Ruth Carr had a 25/1 winner with San Cassiano! Wonders will never cease! Judgethemoment was another one thrown in to finish last in the 4.40 Newmarket. You can tell from the betting, but you have to back them! It would be nice if they just showed something! And a hat-trick of similar races, with Indian Pipe Dream finishing last of five in the 4.45 Market Rasen! What a farce! You can't back on ratings when they run like crabs! That's three best in horses finishing fifth of five! With that fifth place, they will probably now take another race, but you never know, because it was a last place! Well, I don't know! No money for best-in Swordsman (even with Hayley on it) in the 5.05 Newbury, and it went out like a light, as did Graylyn Ruby. Try them again next time! Told you Saturdays were terrible! I don't believe it! A winner with Chushka 11/4 in the 5.10 Ripon! What happened? Sea Crest, my other choice, finished fourth, but can do better. Once again the best in were useless in the 5.20 Market Rasen, with Viper and Nesnaas (both asymmetrical - should have known it) tailing off, and Wee Forbees only threatening briefly from too far back. Give up man! Who said you know anything about form? It does make me feel like that some days! But the best thing is that I know they are the best and will win when wanted! The rest of it is often play-acting of the highest order, and I congratulate the jockeys! Of course, most of them have had plenty of practice! Clearly today is another of those Saturdays where everything goes wrong, or is made to go wrong? What is it about Saturdays that makes them so bad? Peter Tchaikovsky was too big a price to be competitive in the 5.40 Ripon, and ran in front briefly, being ridden like a dervish as often happens in these cases. How many noughts do they want for that one? It's got more than a complete set now. It's only a question of when it starts to show. I was hoping that Ruth would have another big-priced winner with Top Jaro, but that never showed either. My other choice, Royal Applord, took a clear lead a couple of furlongs out, then packed up as well. 7-8 furlongs should be ideal for that one, possibly next time. Tae Kwon Do might also be worth a tickle soon. The only redeeming grace in this race was that system bet (small nibble for me) Joined Up Writing finished third at 22/1! The winner Explorator went past them as if standing still, so must be very well treated at present.

Just back Hannon or Fahey! Miss Dutee 8/1 winner of the 6.20 Lingfield! A horse for every occasion! I didn't see the rest of the evening racing, or check the results, but will comment later if I have time. Welsh Emperor could not win its own race in the 8.10 Haydock! What a shame, was it too obvious? Will probably win a different race, though. System bet Pintura 5/1 winner of the 8.40 Haydock. Stamford Blue, Rio Royale and Ever Cheerful are three to note from the 6.50 Lingfield. Chinese Democracy finished like a rocket to win! I couldn't pick that, so must be very well handicapped! System bet Titus Gent 33/1 second! Cupid's Glory (7.50 Lingfield) should be noted again soon, but is usually backed if it is winning. Easy Target (8.20) is a similar case from the same stable. Akhmatova (8.50) won easily at 11/1, so is clearly well handicapped at present.

16th July: I backed Clive Cox's Winter's Night each-way in the 2.00 Newbury, and was gutted to see it finish fourth! I also backed Hannon's Celebrity, (9/2 winner) so it wasn't too bad. Fair Bunny was best in for the 2.10 Nottingham, but I wasn't sure whether it would perform with an oustanding first place, and I was right (unfortunately). Cookie Galore was also right up there before dropping out. Both should be noted soon. I got a good price on Swinbank's Silvertrees in the 2.20 Haydock, but was a bit greedy for the forecast when I should have done the favourites! I backed Kingarrick and Barathea Dancer each-way in the 2.35 Newbury, and both ran well and are worth keeping an eye on for the future. The two with previous placed form finished first and second, but I didn't back them (good forecast). I backed Formal Demand each-way in the 2.45 Nottingham, finishing second at 10/1. If I had trusted the money for the favourite, Dream Ahead, I could have had the forecast there too! Best-in Highland Warrior did not show in the 2.55 Haydock, nor did Northern Dare, but both should do better very soon. Fortunately I had a small bet on system bet and third-rated Evelyn May, 20/1 winner! Comrade Bond appeared to be going better than the leader in the 3.20 Nottingham, but, as usual, anything that I back does not finish off! Keep an eye on that one. System bet Reginald Claude 7/1 winner. Damn! Missed it! Tasmeem is much better than it showed today in the 3.30 Haydock, but no money for it! I also tipped Dancing Red Devil, which finished third at 25/1. And for good measure I got Supreme Spirit second at 12/1! Pity I didn't put the favourite in again! I'll never learn! We have to wait again for Silver Symphony, which made good ground on the inside, then dropped out tamely again. Pity, because its form figures were promising. Well handicapped when wanted. My second choice, Love Action, finished third at 8/1. I kept looking at Madhaaq, because Maktoum horses often do this. Why did they back Rainbow Mirage today, when it ran no sort of race? Obviously not stable money, but it will probably do better next time. Second best San Antonio blazed off in front, and third best Exit Smiling finished only fourth. All in all a disaster, but bear those three in mind. How I hate this game sometimes, but keep smiling for the future! Christmas Carnival (-35) 12/1 winner! Brooklands Bay is better than it showed in the 4.05 Haydock, but what can you do when they are outsiders with no intention of showing? Again, all the best in horses seemed to shy away from winning in the 4.20 Newbury! Peopleton Brook, The Tatling and The Jobber all failed to shine, and I was glad I had a little saver on system bet Blessed Place at 16/1 (returned 12/1)! I couldn't pick the second and third, but I think they got there by courtesy of the aforementioned! Better Be Blue was best in for the 4.30 Nottingham, but did not want to win on these terms, running on late for fourth. Second best in Sternian won at 5/1, and I had a bigger bet on that. I don't know what they are doing with King's Point (4.40 Haydock) but it is absolutely thrown in when they want it! As a system bet today, I expected it to win, but no joy, dropping out tamely! Gosh, they make you go through the mill with such horses! Timber Treasure is another that can win soon. System bet Arabian Spirit 5/1 third. Not much joy so far today! And none in the 4.55 Newbury, where Sohcatoa did not show (probably will next time) and Strategic Mission threatened briefly on the outside before dropping out. Both will do better soon. I backed Topaze Star each-way in the 5.05 Nottingham, and I feel sure it is better than it showed today. Possibly waiting for handicaps? I looked at Jivry, by Generous, but missed backing it! Yet another not wanted in Ra Junior (fourth) in the 5.15 Haydock! I detest days like this, where almost nothing I back tries to win! Even second rated Cool Baranca finished third! Well might as well round off with a total travesty! Sgt Schultz, thrown in, finished last in the 5.30 Newbury with second best in Ebiayn second last, and my other choice, Admirable Duque also labouring! I wondered why winner Straight Laced was such a short price. All three of the aforementioned will do much better, but what are they up to? You might as well stick a pin in for races run like this! Huh! I backed Sea Of Galilee each-way and Chelsea Morning each-way, but didn't do the forecast in the 5.40 Nottingham! What was the matter with Scorn, which no doubt will win next time? Well, migbht as well keep it up! The only two horses I didn't fancy in the 5.50 Newmarket, Sunley Spinalonga and Laconicos, finished first and second! Folio was best in with Orpen Wide (third) second best in and Iceman George third. They just don't try in these small races! Think I'll give up for the day. Fridays and wekends! Tell me about them! I just think that everybody concerned with these races knows what is going to happen in advance. There can be no other explanation! More hopeless cases in the 6.10 Hamilton, with Cold Quest, Rain Stops Play and Navajo Joe! The first two (both -36) will be system bets next time, which possibly explains their poor running today. Two of the above hampered each other, which didn't help! The only redeeming feature was Coole Dodger (second) which I tipped recently. Keep an eye on Upark Flyer (again) from the 6.45 Hamilton, which, in my opinion, was going better than the first and second, but was not allowed to move any closer. System bet Glen Shiel 11/2 winner of the 6.55 Newmarket. Pity I only had a small bet on it, but it's a rare winner today! Wonder why Right Grand was 16/1? Had me worried for a moment with a good turn of foot! System bet and last yyear's winner Umverti 6/1 winner of the 7.05 Pontefract! Unfortunately didn't back that one! When will I learn? Bonnie Prince Blue and Dickie Le Davoir were both better rated than Mr Hardy in the 7.15 Hamilton, but I didn't expect them to win on these terms. Better off in a handicap again shortly. System bet Angus Newz 11/1 second in the 7.25 Newmarket. Wish I'd done it with the favourite (but the return would not have been great). Nota Bene looked like doing better, but faded. System bet Kingdom Of Light 12/1 winner of the 7.35 Pontefract (I got 20/1), and I almost got the forecast with Green Park (6/1 third). I had Damika 33/1 each-way in the 7.45 Hamilton, but nothing else I backed got into it, including the well-in Baby Strange! This Lowdown must be a group type horse if Damika ran to form! Oldjoesaid should run better soon. Back against Hannon if you dare! Cumulus Nimbus 10/1 winner of the 7.55 Newmarket. How come it always wins when I don't back it? I would definitely recommend a bet on Classic Descent next time out, as this was the first time it has not been placed tonight for some time, and it is thrown in when wanted. I also backed Boy Blue, which was well in and finished third. The jockey was very keen to grab third place at the end, which is a good sign. Also keep an eye on Glenmuir soon. Wind Shuffle led for a long time tonight in the 8.20 Hamilton, and will run better soon. I had the forecast with Bollin Felix and Lady Luachmhar (both 3/1). System bet Avitus 9/2 winner of the 8.40 Pontefract from system type bet Descaro 8/1 in second. Gosforth Park had a trial run today, and should do better shortly, along with Maybeme. Swinbank's Robbie Burnett 9/1 winner of the 8.50 Hamilton. Should have spotted it! I had a little tickle on Aviso 25/1 in the 9.00 Newmarket, but couldn't believe the drift on it from Barnie Curley's stable! Baylini just got pipped for a place in fourth (15 runners!). Ruth Carr's Orpsie Boy 7/2 winner of the 9.10 Pontefract. Backed again! I thought Mr Wolf would at least get a place, but, guess what! Fourth again! Commando Scott must run better soon now. Wovoka was thrown in for the 9.20 Hamilton, started to make ground, but was still not wanted! Must win, possibly next time! King Of The Moors led for a long way and could have held on, but another not wanted. Fortunately Finsbury did run on for third at 12/1. The problem was that it was the stablemate of the winner, so instructions were obvious!

15th July: Mr Macattack was best in on old form for the 2.10 Leicester, and I thought it was coming through to challenge, but eventually finished fourth. Hobson was another which did not perform, finishing fifth. I had a feeling about Rio Cobolo (second), which often returns to form after a series of poor runs. I picked the right forecast in the 2.20 Leicester, with Satin Love 7/4 and Intrusion 3/1! When Johnston's are well backed, they rarely lose! My two selections for the 2.30 Cartmel, Risk Runner 13/2 (top-rated) and Kind Heart (5/2) finished third and second. Both had outstanding first places from last season, which may explain why they did not win today. Veil Of Night (-440) 16/1 winner of the 2.40 Leicester! Just shows system type figures do work! Silca Conegliano must be better than it showed today (system next time). My two picks for the 2.50 Hamilton, system bet Bonnie Prince Blue 11/4 and top-rated Galpin Junior 18/1, second and third again! I think it was just a badly timed run from Bonnie Prince Blue, but it probably needs further. The run of Guest Connections tells me that it is going to run well very soon! System bet High Stand Lad 12/1 winner of the 3.05 Cartmel, from one of my choices, Peak Seasons 11/1. Lukie Victor was out of it, but watch it next time! I also had a little each-way on Ice Image, (third 10/1) which I have backed recently. None of my top-rated got into contention in the 3.25 Hamilton, although Catbells was going better than most, but did not finish off. Royal Holiday and Key Breeze (fourth) were two others equally weighted, which is perhaps why they did not get involved. All of these will do better shortly. Petite Margot (3.40 Cartmel), got outpaced, then ran on again for a close fourth! I also backed Mizen Raven, which won at 15/2. My other choice, Parc Na Gcapall, was a non-runner. I fancied Myplacelater (6/1 winner) in the 3.50 Leicester, but went with the top-rated Prompter, which ran terribly after leading! Iwas about to back the former when the race went off! Pity about the long race at Cartmel! Well, I managed to get the forecast with Ashbrittle and Wadnaan in the 4.00 Hamilton, and an each-way on system bet Mighty Mambo 25/1 in third! I didn't think the favourite would get there! Bold Exit (-0500) 25/1 winner from system bet Ace High Blue in the 4.15 Cartmel. My two picks for the 4.35 Hamilton, Klynch and Geojimali, were clearly not wanted today, as they were outsiders and did not make much effort, finishing in midfield. Both will do better shortly, but will probably be backed. I also backed Imprimis Tagula, (9/2 winner) which was my third best. Don't know what happened to Top Bid, but never even started properly! Fanatastic! I got the tricast in the 4.50 Cartmel, with my selection and system bet Rare Coincidence 10/1, my second selection Cannon Fire 4/1 and Soubriquet 11/1! My selections for the 5.00 Leicester (fortunately I missed the bet) Zaif and Marino Prince finished fifth and fourth, but both can win soon, the former being thrown in. I also had the winner Astronomical 4/1 and the second, Dazzling Begum 9/1 on my list, giving me four of the first five! Connections of Santiago Atitlan decided to throw in a duff run today in the 5.10 Hamilton after finishing third last time out. However, they don't fool me and that one is thrown in when wanted. Lake Chini only ran on too late for fourth, and is another worth a bet soon. Galley Slave, best in for the 5.20 Cartmel, was backed off the boards, but finished only fourth. I don't know if it will ever win a race! My selection for the 5.30 Leicester, Peopleton Brook, was one of the favourites this morning, but drifted out in the betting, and I was slightly worried, and in the end it finished fourth, even though it was thrown in at the weights. My other selection, Tag Team, led for quite a way, but capitulated late on. I thought that, with the favourite missing the break, one of these would win. Both of them can win soon. Fortunately I also backed system bet Call The Law each-way, and it finished a close third at 25/1 to give me something back. System bet Misterisland 12/1 second. Is it just coincidence, or did I get a lot of fourths and fifths today? That's the sort of horse I back!

I saw a few of the races in the evening, but did not back anything (in most cases thank goodness), and have no comments to make at present.

14th July: I had Freedom Fire to beat Apache Dawn in the 2.10 Uttoxeter, which worked out right, but the problem was that Paddy Partridge beat both of them! Couldn't have the winner, but it was Vaughan's (and Michael Owen's) I suppose. I am always suspicious when a trainer says his horse will run well (why would they do that?), as in the case of Apache Dawn, and as I suspected, it didn't win, but will do better in a handicap. Trying to get some value, I backed Spartic to beat Bay Of Fires in the 2.20 Catterick, but should have backed the favourite to beat the ousider Bradbury. It's a real minefield, a three horse race! System bet Ambrose Princess 3/1 winner of the 2.30 Lingfield, but I assure you that Swordsman (dropped back, ran on for second 16/1) and Free Falling (fast closing third) were both much better in and obviously not wanting a win today, as indicated by their huge prices. You can never tell what the plans are in these small races! Tora Petcha was best in for the 2.40 Uttoxeter, but after leading, going well, packed up quickly! How often do they do that for no apparent reason? Will win a race soon. Fortunately I also backed the winner, Holoko Heights 9/2! Musca almost nicked a win at 22/1 in the 2.50 Catterick, but not sure if it really wanted to win! My other pick, Lindoro, best in, finished only third (too far back), and must win when running to form (system next time). Could not pick the winner, Cross Of Lorraine on its ratings, but did not realise they were both the same stable - crafty, crafty! My two picks for the 3.00 Lingfield, Calm And Serene and system bet Little Meadow, both ran intersesting races! Calm And Serene ran in front for a long way, then dropped out (always interesting for the future), and Little Meadow also looked like winning at one point, eventually coming fourth! Both will be worth a little bet before long (mine were quite small at the prices today). I thought my selection and system bet The Duke's Speech 16/1 was certain to win the 3.10 Uttoxeter, but just pipped on the line by the favourite! Blast! My other choice, Cadoulitique was 50/1, not promising, and can do better soon. Film Festival was thrown in for the 3.20 Catterick, so must have run below form to be beaten by system bet Eijazz! Second best in Lucayan Dancer was a big price and only ran on for fifth place at the end. Well, I have had at least a place for each selected race today, but not enough winners, which makes a big difference to returns! I was trying to avoid the odds-on favourite Jet Away in the 3.30 Lingfield, so backed Johnston's Autumn Riches each-way. I may be wrong, but it looked to me that it could have won, and was pulled back in the final furlong. One to keep an eye on! I thought I had another winner in system bet and top-rated Balladeer 25/1 in the 3.40 Uttoxeter, but no, second again! I was a bit concerned before the race, because the Hill stable normally backs them when they are going to run well (it had a favourite winner earlier)! Triggernometry, next best in, ran a shocker, and will do better. Wish I would put the favourites in my forecasts, because they are nearly always in contention! The problem with outsiders is that most of the time they are not intended to win, even if they run well! They nearly always find something to beat them! The favourite won the 3.50 Catterick, a pity, as I wanted the second and third for a forecast! Well, I still have at least a place for my selections in every race, can't last! Knew I should have backed Freckenham each-way in the 4.00 Lingfield, instead of backing the favourite to beat it! But you never know with Beckett's runners (Rafella -000 33/1 winner!). Odds-on favourite beaten again! I thought Cinaman was a sure winner three out in the 4.10 Uttoxeter, but another one just pipped (same stable again)! What is happening? Another second with Danceintothelight 11/1 in the 4.20 Catterick! Amazing! Can't have a result in every race, surely? Never happened before! Well, at least one of my choices, Benandonner, won the 4.30 Lingfield at 7/1! Keeps up the record today! Docofthebay did not show, but must do better soon. It was given as a tip by At The Races pundit Hugh Taylor, which may explain its poor showing, as they don't like the spotlight on them! Still another second place with Favours Brave 5/1 in the 4.40 Uttoxter. Looked to be going better than the winner, so keep an eye on it. My other choice, Erdeli, looked like taking a hand until a bad mistake. The first two for the forecast in my next set of selections with George Benjamin 2/1 winner and Viking Warrior 7/4 second (in the right order), and I gave a note about Tislaam, which finished 9/2 third! And a clean sweep of at least placed horses in every selected race with Faithful Duchess 8/1 third in the 5.00 Lingfield! I also had a look at Valmina (second 25/1) because of its system type figures. System bet Primary Colours 6/1 second in the 7.50 Kempton. Having tipped Snoqualmie Boy recently, I was tempted by the 16/1 winner Snoqualmie Star, but didn't back it, missing the forecast! Master Cardor Visa (sys+2) 50/1 second in the 8.10 Worcester. I think Glacial Harry would have got third but for falling at the last. The fact that Heezagrey finished third doesn't say much for the rest of them, although I think She's Little Don will do better if fit. I backed Mishrif (second) each-way in the 8.20 Kempton, but I forgot about L'Hirondelle, (-040) which seems to find a lot when wanted! Cobo Bay should have done better in this company, but never seems to run two races alike! Oh, I see, getting rid of a first place! A typical travesty in the 8.40 Worcester, with Prophete De Guye being the worst rated of the runners by my reckoning! It should have been between Alfadora and Distiller on my ratings, with Quarrytown third, taking claims into account. The betting said otherwise, and suggested that each stable had its own priorities as regards placings. Hinton Admiral was thrown in for the 8.50 Kempton, but was never sighted! Will it win next time? I doubt it, but make a note. Copperwood in third is another to note for next time, along with Tudor Prince in a couple of races time..

I started the evening well with a small each-way on Cilium 6/1 in the 6.30 Killarney. I chose it because its price was too short for its form figures. Another winner with Frosted Grape 3/1 in the 6.40 Worcester. One which I had backed several times recently finally gave me a return! Hannon again with Byrony in the 6.50 Kempton, and I didn't back it! Should have known better with Moore looking for winners! I was hoping system bets Prophet In A Dream (travelled supremely well) and Uncle Dermot (fourth and fifth) would do better. I got the first two and the forecast in the 7.10 Worcester, with Devito (sys+1) 12/1 and Risk Challenge (-W40) 16/1! Pity, I wanted Go Free for the tricast, but it dropped right out! That one will do better, probably next time. Top-rated Mustamad (see my tip 6th June) 50/1 winner of the 7.40 Worcester (I got 66/1)! That was nice! I got the winner with Paddleyourowncanoe 10/1 in the 9.10 Worcester, which I had also backed last time, when it finished like a rocket! Armenian Boy and Osolomio can do better. System bet Consulate 20/1 second.

Here are the selections I made this afternoon, with results (if you would like to receive selections like this on a subscription service, please email me.

This afternoon's top-rated: Swordsman (second 16/1) (2.30 Ling), Tora Petcha (unplaced)/Holoko Heights (won 9/2) (2.40 Utt), Lindoro (third 9/4)/Musca (second 22/1) (2.50 Catt), The Duke's Speech (second 16/1)/Cadoulitique (unplaced) (3.10 Utt), Film Festival (second 7/4) /Lucayan Dancer (fifth)(3.20 Catt), Balladeer (second 25/1) /Triggernometry (unplaced) (3.40 Utt), Heretoeternity (unplaced) /Cinaman (second 7/2) (4.10 Utt), Danceintothelight (second 11/1) /Lava Lamp (unplaced) (4.20 Catt), Docofthebay (unplaced) /Benandonner (won 7/1!) (4.30 Ling), Favours Brave (second 5/1)/Erdeli (bad mistake, fourth) (4.40 Utt), George Benjamin (won 2/1)/Viking Warrior (second 7/4) (4.50 Catt), Dream Number (made ground, unplaced)/Faithful Duchess (8/1 third) (5.00 Ling). Note that Tislaam (third 9/2) is best in on past performances for the 4.50 Catterick, but not sure if it will win on these terms. Posted at 12 noon. At least a place in every race, with three winners, 9/2, 7/1 and 2/1 and a forecast, including mentions for the first three in the 4.50 Catterick! Incidentally, any that I have given above which have not won should be noted, as they are due soon!

13th July: System bet Saltergate second in the 2.00 Beverley. I thought it would win a furlong out! The winner, Katell was by Statue Of Liberty, which I didn't spot before the race. I started off with a 12/1 winner in Best One in the 2.10 Brighton! System bet Albero Di Guida third at 10/1 (which I also backed). Almaty Express was best in, but decided to throw in a duff run today. And a second winner with Jupiter Fidius 8/1 in the 2.30 Beverley! My other choice, Saxby, finished third at 4/1 and I had the forecast with Cono Zur! Top-rated Forest Dane finished last in the 2.40 Brighton, but this Mandhooma 8/1 keeps winning - three in a row! Must be a well-handicapped horse! Strange how a horse has loads of runs without showing, then wins everything. Natural improvement? I had Golden Grimshaw 5/1 in the 2.50 Downpatrick, with Silver Buttons in third! Back to reality in the 3.00 Beverley, where my two selections Ninth House and King's Sabre finished next to last and last. Only a temporary blip for these two horses, which were by far best in, but probably scared of each other. This sort of thing happens a lot in racing, and you can also keep an eye on King Of The Moors, which front-ran for a long time today. The winner, Shadowtime, is by Singspiel, and the gamble today implied either that it has improved a lot recently, or that they knew that the better handicapped horses would not be involved. System bet Miss Moneypenni 5/2 winner of the 3.10 Brighton. Unfortunately I backed Surprise as my main bet, and it ran all over the shop in the middle of the course to finish third! Should have known that Channon's would be involved! Keep an eye on Larnalee in Ireland, which made rapid ground from the back, then dropped out again. I have seen so many races where this happens, and it is a trial run. Alamiyan is another to keep aneye on next time. Palomar was best in for the 3.30 Beverley, but refused to go past the leader and eventually finished third at 10/1. My second choice, They All Laughed, was too close to the pace today and stayed behind the leaders. Can win soon. Another to watch is Kingsdale Orion, which I think will be competitive next time. They were all sitting ducks for Markington, which possesses a turn of foot. My three top-rated in the 3.40 Brighton decided to stay out of it today: Easy Wonder, Prince Valentine (fourth) and King's Approach. Too closely handicapped? All of them will do better shortly. My fourth rated, Inquisitress, finished third, so there is good reason to say that. No money for Reddy To Star or Sophie's Beau today, and neither finished in the frame in the 4.00 Beverley. Very annoying, but keep an eye on them next time. My third arted, Sunrise Lyric finished third, but unfortunately I didn't back it, preferring Battle Study, which finished fourth! Luv U Noo (-205) 16/1 winner! My top-rated for the 4.10 Brighton, Rosy Dawn, (13/2) made a bold show of front-running, eventually being beaten by the progressive Celestial Girl. Pity I didn't do the forecast! My second choice, Farncombe, ran terribly, as did Aah Haa. Typical! Tournedos decided to throw in a duff run today, which did not totally surprise me, but they don't like short-priced favourites! Will win again when wanted. I was also interested in Welcome Approach and Namir, the latter finishing second at 15/2. I wonder whether the others knew that Tournedos would not be winning, otherwise how could they back their horse? Welcome Approach is still ready for a win, and keep an eye on Fyodorovitch. My selection, Le Corvee won the 4.40 Brighton at 7/2, but my forecast with Filun was ruined when Filun got pipped for second. Only an apprentice, but should get warned for that! Turners Touch was running away on the outside, but no money for it today. Watch for it shortly. Amazing! My first choice, Azygous, unseated the rider at the start! With a first place left from last season, I wasn't totally surprised, strangely enough! They often find something like that to do! Was best in, so will be thereabouts soon. Also keep an eye on Captain Imperial, but there will probably be money for it. Divine Spirit, my second choice also typically finished fourth, and can win soon. Fortunately I also backed system bet Shakespeares Son, finishing third at 9/1 (I got 14/1). One of my selections for the 5.30 Beverley, Royal Composer, finished second at 14/1 and would probably have won if not being carried across the track by Country Road, which also intefered with another choice, Hurricane Thomas. Amazing what havoc one horse can cause! I didn't like the form figures of Emperor's Well, but it will run much better soon.

I didn't see the evening racing, but I note two of my old favourites, Desperate Dan won at 6/1 and Caribbean Coral, which I tipped strongly last time (see 5th July), came second at 14/1! I also said Yorgunnabelucky would probably win next time out (see 17th June)! It actually had another run in between.

12th July: Don't know what was the matter with Jibaal (2.00 Ayr), but no doubt will do better next time as a system bet. Another Johnston enigma, as highlighted by me recently! Fahey wins again! The name Calypso Magic (33/1 second) caught my eye, but unfortunately I didn't back it! I didn't want to back Admirable Duchess for the forecast in the 2.20 Ffos Las, so I backed Osborne's, but I didn't expect it to finish last! First and third in the 2.20 Ayr with The Bear (see my comment 10th July) (6/1) and Mandarin Spirit (13/2)! System bet Woodford Belle 9/1 winner of the 2.50 Ffos Las! Pity about the favourite, I wanted it for the forecast! Ursula (system type form) 8/1 winner of the 3.00 Ayr, with one of my selections, system bet Requisite 11/2 third. No money for Rothesay Dancer today, although going well behind the leaders, and can win soon, along with long-time leader Feeling Foxy. You usually have to see money from the Given yard, although it had a 66/1 third in the first race! Symmetrical form for Shabak Hom 4/1 winner in the 3.20 Ffos Las, with one of my picks, Aragall, 11/4 second. Don't know what happened to James Pollard, but will be a system bet next time. That's the problem with -23 figures, you don't know if it's this time or next time. Why did Dunlop send Sounds Of Thunder over there when it could have run closer to home? Captain Imperial (3.30 Ayr) is due a good run now, they have messed around long enough! My other selection, Carlitos Spirit, 4/1 third (bigger prices available earlier). I got two of the first three with Hosanna, but not the winer, Frontline Girl (-040). Must be better than it showed last season! I had The Mighty Atom in the 3.40 Dundalk, but wanted the slow-starting Confidence for the forecast. Watch that one, because it made good ground towards the end. A pity, because I had first and second on my list! Lady Hestia ran very poorly receiving a lot of weight in the 3.50 Ffos Las, and that could not have been a true running! Master Of Dance, was hacking behind the leaders in the 4.00 Ayr, but the jockey somehow got boxed in and got no run, finishing fourth. Considering it was best in and 20/1 in the betting, one has to assume that it could have done much better! My selection for the 4.10 Dundalk, Scopey, actually took the lead a furlong out, then gradually dropped back to come fifth! Must have been a trial run, because it was thrown in! Keep an eye on it! Equally well in was Five Two, which I had a feeling was not going to show (asymmetrical), and that is another to note next time. My St Clair (sys+1) 5/1 winner, and the second and third had as uninspiring form as my selection! I thought Aspectus was a certainty in the 4.20 Ffos Las, but four horse races are a minefield. The 7lb claim probably made the difference, but quite often it is a negative sign! One of my selections, Talk Of Saafend 11/1 second in the 4.30 Ayr, with system bet Highkingofireland third! Holiday Cocktail, fourth, is due a good run now. This Marjury Dawe must be well handicapped. Irish Raider Deal Clincher was obviously not wanted today, but wonder why it came over, as it was best in? Scottish Boogie was best in for the 4.50 Ffos Las, and won the race at 11/4, but I was expecting a better run from Diamondgeezer Luke. that will probably be next time now. Just shows you can never tell by the figures, because Scottish Boogie ended in -06! Electric City was thrown in for the 5.00 Ayr, and I was pleased to see it come second for the each-way money. Would have preferred it to win, but that is not the way with many stables. Can win soon now. I get fed up with well-handicapped horses getting into contention and then dropping out! That applied to High Treason (system next time) and Matters At Hand in the 5.10 Dundalk. Best in of the lot, Akram, never showed at all, skulking at the back. Made it look like a right hack! Unfortunately with that owner you probably need to see a lot more money! Hawk Flight (-040) 33/1 second. Vital Plot looked like reeling back the leader in the 5.40 Dundalk, but after missing the break, then fell in a hole to finish sixth. I wish we could get a proper run out of the horses we back! I can't believe the poor runs from some animals in the 6.10 Windsor! I expected better runs from The Tatling, Elhamri (lost an iron) and Harry Up, but they were all poor and reflected the lack of money! All three must do better soon. I backed outsiders there, but an even bigger outsider won in Caledonia Princess 33/1! If you backed that it would probably finish stone last! (6.15 p.m.) I have backed Palindromic (-40) in the 6.20 Wolverhampton. If the trainer has a sense of humour, it will probably finish fourth! Well, it did even worse than that, despite being in second place around the final bend. The only good thing is it will be a system bet next time but will probably finish fourth then! How I hate these impossible to pick maiden races. The trainers are the only ones who know, and they don't usually tell the public! What chance have we mere mortals got? Dabeina was best in for the 6.30 Killarney, but the price indicated that it would not win, and this preoved correct. Also disappointed with Majestic Pearl, which did not run on at the end. Badger Or Bust finished third with a string of duck's eggs, but is now thrown in soon. Roman Dancer (-600) 28/1 winner of the 6.40 Windsor. How the hell can you pick that? I thought Snowberry Hill was going to take the 6.50 Wolverhampton, but it took a lead too early and finished fourth! If it wanted to win, it should have been held up and come later! Enfuriating! How come there were no form figures for the winner Moscow Oznick (20/1)? And then Dee Cee Elle missed the break, which destroyed its chances! Is there no end to this rubbish? Well, I finally got a better result with Larkrise Star 8/1 winner and Rockweiler (sys+1) 16/1 second in the 7.10 Windsor, including the forecast! And if they reverse the placings, it will be even better! But they did not reverse it for some reason, despite the winner hanging all over the second in the last few yards ! Then I got Avonvalley 5/1 and I thought Itsthursdayalready had got third, but it was just pipped into fourth. System bet Crowning Moment winner of the 7.30 Killarney. Alroy is due very soon. I thought I was going to get the forecast with two of my three choices in the 7.50 Wolverhampton - Gamesters Lady (second), system bets Annambo and Great Bounder, but they all finished in a heap, with the latter finishing third! You can never tell at this game until the final strides! Look out for Annambo soon. Hidden Gem (fourth in the 8.10 Windsor) was best in, and will be worth a bet soon. Dabbers Ridge, tipped by me last time when a non-runner, was thrown in for the 8.20 Wolverhampton and won at 9/1 (couldn't believe the price!) but I wanted the forecast with Goodbye Cash (third)! Don't know where this Cottonfields came from, no right to be there on what it had shown so far! Just a bit far for Goodbye Cash perhaps (7f to 1m best trip)? Cecil's On Her Way 9/1 winner of the 8.40 Windsor and I didn't back it! If I Were A Boy should be worth backing next time. Bond City was by far best in for the 8.50 Wolverhampton, but only wins once in a blue moon. Will the moon be blue next time? I wonder... Spectait will also do better soon. I backed The Grey Express 8/1 winner in the 9.00 Dundalk, but could have had a good forecast with All For Free 10/1 instead of the favourite! Lastkingofscotland was best in for the 9.20 Wolverhampton, but threw away the race by drifting across the course and finished third at 13/2. Will probably win next time. Northern Bolt (well there until the closing stages) was next best in, and will be worth a bet soon. And keep an eye on Rubenstar shortly. Well, quite a good evening as usual, and a good start in the afternoon, which did not continue quite so well!

11th July: System and symmetrical bet Baaher 100/30 winner of the 2.10 Perth! Off to a good start! It looked as if My Condor and Lukie Victor, both going better than the others, were going to fight out the finish in the 2.20 Perth, but everything changed suddenly, and both finished out of the places. Don't know why they do that! Lukie Victor, thrown in, made a bad mistake at a vital time. Both are worth backing again, however. Amazing! My two selections for the 2.30 Stratford, Take A Mile and Cherokee Star, both slipped up at the same point on different circuits! Is it going to be one of those days? Don't know why British horse Roker Park went over to Ireland and was then useless! There must be a plot afoot, so keep an eye on it! Should have noticed the form figures of Bean Uasal! Chevy To The Levy was best in at the weights, but despite going better than the favourite, contrived to get beaten on the run-in! I backed system bet Merdaam in the 2.55 Sligo, but it had already gone out of the race by the time they showed the race! What is going on? Tout Regulier, one of my selections, won the 3.00 Stratford at 3/1, and Stumped made late ground but finished out of the places. My third choice, Celticello, finished third. Stumped will probably win again soon, but no money today. Dasher Reilly was thrown in for the 3.20 Southwell, but was out of the handicap and typically finished last. Must win when in the handicap and wanted! System bet Hermoso 4/1 winner of the 3.40 Perth. I tipped best in Follow On, which made late ground , then failed to run on, and Catch The Perk, which, with -06 figures, I should have known would not win, despite the trainer's comments! Strobe, which led most of the way, can also win again soon. System bet Golden Gem third in the 3.50 Southwell.What on earth happened to Treeko? Jockey started rowing away, and I thought "That's the end of that one," and dropped out as if shot! Don't you just hate it when you don't get a run for your money on a horse with a good chance? Will do better. How did I almost know that Stan would pull up in the 3.30 Stratford? Assymetrical form, and no money for it, but it was best in and will probably win next time! Grrr... Storm Of Applause made a bad mistake, but still ran on well towards the end. Well, at least I got Run To Space 11/2 second in the 4.10 Perth! System bet To Arms 11/4 winner of the 4.20 Stratford. I think I'll stick to giving system bets! Donovan was best in, but at 50/1 after a long absence, was clearly not fancied. Orion Express made good ground in mid-race before dropping out, and should be noted next time (early price recommended, as it is usually gambled). My selection for the 4.40 Perth, Front Rank, 14/1 second. I don't know where the favourite came from, but somebody knew about it! Knight Valliant and Guerilla will do better shortly. They don't seem to make an effort if there is a chance of getting beaten! I selected Sahara Prince and Barton Sun for the 4.30 Stratford, and almost got a forecast, as Sahara Prince was in front at the last, but finished fourth! System bet Makena 10/1 winner of the 4.50 Southwell. Should have known that Treasury Counsel (second) would not win, despite the flood of money, as it had a string of poor results! Vicentio is due a good run very soon. Barton Sun won at 7/1 (from 12/1). Wonder if they had a chat with Sahara Prince's connections before the race? Sahara Prince seemed to hang fire after the last, but can win very soon. It has had numerous placings now, just wondering if it lacks a turn of foot? In that case it should race on ahead of the field. I expected Crawford to have a 1-2 in the 5.10 Perth, but it didn't work out that way, unfortunately! Amazingly, I had almost every winner on my list today, but the ones I gave out were in the minority! Kristallo (-3040) 16/1 winner of the 5.00 Stratford, from system bet Edgefour 28/1 with course and distance winner Shropshirelass (-35) 14/1 third. I must admit I had a small bet on Kristallo, but didn't give it as a selection, and I also had a little each-way on Edgefour. But no forecast! What a prat! Blue Express finished fifth, not quite close enough, and Sadlers Star decided not to compete today! I think that Come Out Firing, which front-ran today, will do better shortly. System bet Chinook Run 20/1 third in the 5.55 Sligo. Strikes me after a few days betting that the system bets often do better than the form selections. Hmm... worth bearing in mind!

10th July: I see that Vhujon (3.10 Nott) (see 3rd July) has suddenly become favourite today, after being a big outsider for weeks! Naughty, naughty! Will it win? Probably, now that the money is down, but watch out for King Of Swords too. I don't know how these things work, but I heard a rumour that trainers sometimes tell the bookies they have a winner lined up, then get their share of the big odds before the betting tissue is established. This may be totally false, but it makes sense.
I backed Side Glance and Haatheq in a reverse forecast for the 1.45 Ascot. The latter was too far back, and ran on with a real rattle for third and would have got second in another stride! None of my top-rated figured in the 2.00 York, perhaps they were too closely handicapped? Red Cape, Cornus and River Falcon all failed to sparkle, and the amazing Hotham won at 20/1. That horse always seems to win when wanted off higher and higher weights! Probably a group horse in disguise! I managed to get a win with Cecil's Nordic Spruce 7/2 in the 2.05 Nottingham! Ashram should have been second in the 2.15 Chester, but finished only fourth. Should have done two system bets with Lord Shanakill and Dunelight for the forecast! Whoateallthepius appeared not to want to finish in the frame in the 2.20 Ascot, running on late for fourth and not being pushed. Can win again soon, unless it is going to get progressively worse for the future. I also backed Silly Billy (18/1 third). Mujaadel was the complete outsider in the 2.30 York, but was thereabouts for a long way, as was the front-running Billy Dane, which can win soon. My other choice, Charlie Cool, finished third at 10/1. System bet Magaling finished second at 18/1! My selection Barastar ran on for fourth in the 2.35 Nottingham, but no return as usual! System bet Batgirl 9/2 winner. The way the thrown in Carcinetto was ridden in the 2.45 Chester, I knew it would not win from a long way out! Of my other two, Dragon Slayer missed the break and never got into it and Bold Cross ran on well late. Frustrating! I had Premio Loco which I thought was a certainty (4/1 winner) and Ouqba for the forecast in the 2.50 Ascot, but blow me if Ouqba didn't finish fourth! I also had Vertigineux (15/2 second) on my list. I had system bet Wigmore Hall and Demolition as my choices for the 3.05 York. Well, I thought I had given the forecast for the 3.10 Nottingham with Vhujon and King Of Swords, but apparently Baby Queen just nicked second from King Of Swords, which suffered a couple of bits of interference which probably made the difference! At least Vhujon 7/4 was a winner! King Of Swords must win soon. System bet Blue Jack 10/1 winner of the 3.20 Chester! Reverence should have done better, but was a relative outsider. My selections for the 3.30 York, Snoqualmie Boy (thrown in) and Jo'burg, both figured, with Snoqualmie Boy disputing until the final stages and Jo'burg finishing second at 7/1. Don't know where this Greylami (sys+1) came from, but it won easily! The fact that Jo'burg had a claimer on it may be significant as regards not winning. Mojave Moon was clear best in at the weights in the 3.40 York, and looked capable of winning a few furlongs out. However, it pulled hard early and later was allowed to drift back, and was obviously not wanted today. The same can be said of the run of Sabotage, which was also disappointing. Well, I didn't see the race, but I managed to back best-in Waveband, 12/1 winner of the 4.05 York. Pity I didn't put it on my list of selections, but I didn't realise it would be such a big price! Sakhee's Pearl and Perfect Friend will do better soon. Thrown in Inchnadamph has to wait one more race before winning, despite making good ground around the final bend. Must win next time as a system bet! I don't like these -64 figures unless symmetrical! Well in Command Marshall finished like a shot for third, but - seven horse race again! That can win a similar race now that it has got its regulation place. I also backed best in Marafong in the 4.20 Nottingham, finishing fast in third at 9/1. Why don't they ever win? The winner Frank Street was equally weighted without the claimer. System bet and my selection, Rowe Park, 10/1 winner of the 4.40 Ascot! I feel better already! With the constant switching between channels, I didn't realise the 4.30 Chester had been run, but I had written down the first two, Master Macho 5/1 and Earl Wild 3/1 in the correct order! Curses! Another winner with Eastern Gift 6/1 in the 4.55 Nottingham! My other selection, Hilbre Court was best in, but no money for it! I think Classic Descent will probably win next time. Montego Breeze (sys+2) 66/1 second! System bet Talayeb 9/2 third. And yet another winner with Brandywell Boy 7/1 in the 5.15 Ascot! My other selection, Berbice was just pipped for third place, and will probably win back over six furlongs. Four winners today, which is rather better! I had three for the 5.05 Chester, with Green Park just getting pipped, and Viking Spirit in third. I don't know what is up with Wyatt Earp, but it will win again when there is money for it. Orpen Wide was thrown in for the 5.30 Nottingham, but obviously did not want to win a four horse race! Kept hanging around the bends and out into the centre of the track! I felt like screaming at horse and jockey! Must win a bigger race soon! System bet Caracal should have done better in the 5.40 Chester. Of course, its form wasn't symmetrical. Must remember that in future (I keep writing it). I don't know how to take Johnston's horses, as they either win or drop right out! Nubar Boy would probably have won if it hadn't missed the break! The winner, Mejd's form was very symmetrical, as was the second, Red Gulch (-35). Santiago Atitlan was thrown in for the 6.00 Hamilton, but at 33/1 I didn't expect it to win. Since it had a series of duck's eggs, I could almost predict that it would come third or fourth. Of course, it finished third at 33/1 in a very precisely executed manoeuvre! These horses that are well handicapped are often chosen a small race to run in to get a third place so that they can justify a win after that. It's annoying when you don't get the each-way money, but that's why they are big prices in the first place! Fortunately I also backed Angaric 6/1 winner! I'm just ticking over with winners interspersed with losers. Kings Head (10/1 third) was thrown in for the 6.30 Hamilton, but the favourite's connections must have known that it wouldn't threaten. Must win soon, along with Shy Glance. Orpen Bid (system type form) 100/1 second! Sand Tiger was clearly disappointing off its current mark. What seemed obvious in the 6.45 Salisbury was that Timeteam, which had won its previous two races and was still well in, would not be winning at 10/1. There was no reason for it to be that price. And, lo and behold, it missed the break! They must know that is going to happen, there is no other logical explanation! These things happen far too often, and the trainer's son, who knows the horse, was on board. Please explain! I hate this type of thing, it's so apparent! Why should I waste my money when the outcome is probably known before the race? This is the same horse I questioned previously before its first win. Whatever, it is very irregular and not nice to see. The Bear, by far best in (40lb in hand) for the 7.00 Hamilton, blazed off in front, then apparently tied up to finish fourth, being beaten for third by its stablemate. Oh yeah? Should have won easily! What are they up to? Haajes, which I tipped last time, won this time at 3/1. They never run two races alike! Must win when wanted, but I wish it was tonight! This game is a never ending enigma, and all depends on the plans on the day. I would love to know what goes on behind the scenes, but I don't suppose they will tell me! Top Bid and Methaaly have apparently gone back into their shells again. Another one for Hannon with what appeared to be the second string, Measuring Time in the 7.20 Salisbury. But that has been known to happen before! Keep an eye on Firetrap, which was apparently going well in the 7.35 Hamilton, then the jockey decided to pull it when he or was it she? had seen enough. Bronze Beau was clear best in, and I backed it, but that one should have been second. Must be waiting for another race soon. The wrirting was on the wall for Professor John in the 7.50 Salisbury as soon as the jockey started jerking at the reins. Goodbye! But it is very well in on juvenile form, and is being held up for a tilt in the future. The same applies to a lesser extent to Blakey's Boy, which was being restrained in a strange way by the jockey. Keep an eye on both, especially the former. I thought Tartufo Dolce was going to win the 8.05 Hamilton, leading for a long way, but no! Packed up again! If only they would carry on running! Probably take another race or two now before winning. Is the fact that Amy Ryan was wearing her tights over her boots significant, as I should think they would get in the way? Coolree Star was another that I thought was coming through to do better. System bet, but with a first place from last season, Besty was the winner. Yet another cruelly worked travesty! Zaif, thrown in for the 8.25 Salisbury, starting at 16/1 (suspicious), made good ground on the outside, then hung fire behind the winner and got pipped into third! Yes, that's right, a seven horse race! Even these claiming jockeys can make it look convincing. How many more times? It's like a bad dream! Must win next time! And there are the pundits saying he was flattered. How ridiculous. If this happens any more I shall scream (but from recent experience, I know that it will!). Well, for some reason they paid out on third place, so I suppose I had better not complain too much! Make a note of Zaif, but it will probably be backed off the boards next time. And one final grouse: Bold Marc, second last time, did not front-run tonight and finished fifth, while Stellite and Bed Fellow (sys+1) (28/1 second), which I did back last time, finished first and second. They have got you every way! Bold Marc must win now. Why not tonight, when I backed it?

9th July: Musaafer appeared to be hacking in the 1.30 Newmarket, but after threatening briefly, was allowed to come home in its own time. It will be a system bet next time, and I believe that it is much better than it showed today. I noticed that Sea Lord (13/2 winner) had run in Ireland, which appears significant now. I had Hannon's First Cat (33/1 second) on my list, but stupidly did not back it! Johnston's Karaka Jack should also do better soon. Amy Ryan has now won the first race, so this has already had a knock-on effect on the price of my fancy Advanced for the 2.35. I backed Klammer each-way in the 2.00 Newmarket and it ran a good race, eventually finishing third, but in a six horse race, of course. Should have known better than to back against Hannon, who seems to have a horse for every occasion! I backed Lady Gar Gar each-way in the 2.10 York, and it ran on nicely for third without threatening the front pair. Hanagan again with the winner Polar Kite! Of my selections for the 2.35 Newmarket, advanced was there in front for much oif the way before fading, but Gallacher never showed at all . System bets Light From Mars finished 14/1 third and Marajaa dead-heat fourth at 22/1. I almost backed both of them! Jaconet (106 rated on the all weather) was well there in the 2.45 York, dropped back, then ran on again late. They are probably getting rid of a couple of first places before competing again. Damn! I wrote down Rose Blossom (8/1 winner) and Gilt Edge Girl (13/2 third) on my list! Guess what! Hanagan again! Rose Blossom had been strongly touted as one of Fahey's top horses on its first few runs. Urban Poet was very well in for the 3.00 York, but after hacking behind the leader, dropped out very quickly. Will probably come again next time. I also backed system bet Bow To No One 12/1 and Ocean's Minstrel, which finished second and fourth. The latter can win very soon. Hannon again with Martyr! Top-rated Fleeting Spirit did not figure in the 4.10 Newmarket, but will do better in a similar race soon. My suggestion, Showcasing, was badly hampered a couple of times early and never got into the race. One which was clearly not expected today was Balthazaar's Gift, and that one will also do better. My two top-rated selections for the 3.20 York, Fishforcompliments and Zomerlust, finished second 6/1 and fourth 12/1, so at least it was a return, but the winner, Avenuesandalleyways, was in a different county, so much be considered a 100 rated horse if the others ran to their form! Dancing Mate and Northern Fling should run better next time. System bet Straight Line 6/1 second in the 3.35 Ascot. Catfish 40/1 winner of the 3.45 Newmarket for Gay Kelleway! I can't remeber her having a juvenile winner, especially at that sort of price! Yet another disappointing performance in the 4.10 Ascot! Victorian Bounty led for three-quarters of the way before fading tamely, and the same applied to Drawnfromthepast and Desert Icon. What can you do with them, eh? They are obviously much better than that, but the form figures seem to be their prime concern unless they are winning! Gramercy (-306) second. My two picks, Amwell Pinot (second) and Witzend, both ran creditably in the 4.20 Newmarket. I think Witzend was going better than its eventual finishing position, and will be worth a bet shortly, as it was a narrow second to a Fahey hotpot previously. The problem with most of these is that there seems to be an engrained habit for a horse not to run well after a placed effort. Well, either Wise Dennis and Baylini have regressed considerably, or we had another of those stitched up races in the 4.45 Ascot. Both of these were far better than the opposition at the weights, but were clearly not there to compete today! I am always suspicious when there is no money for thrown-in horses, and unfortunately I was right again! That is no consolation when you are throwing away money on them! I am not only fed up, I am bewildered! One of my selections for the 4.55 Newmarket, Mull Of Dubai, went wrong when disputing the lead. Not sure if it broke a leg (hope not!). Bon Spiel was best in, but clearly not wanted today (66/1). I thought another, Strategic Mount, had got third, but no! Just pipped by Ouster. You can't win whatever you do! Money for Bravely today in the 5.05 York, but clearly not stable money. Second best Highland Warrior just hacked behind the leaders without threatening in fourth. System bet Brierty 9/2 winner with system bet Liberty Ship third. All that means is that the top two did not try! Another pathetic afternoon of top meetings! They are a waste of time as far as I am concerned, I far prefer smaller meetings where the results are usually better. Well, might has well have another clean sweep of losers! This is laughable! Sgt Schultz was thrown in for the 5.20 Ascot, and I thought it would at least make an effort, but, guess what! It finished last! From the sublime to the ridiculous! If I knew it was going to do that, I would have backed something else, like Peintre D'Argent. Give up, man! You are a waste of space! One more load of useless research out of the window! I reckon half the time they are just taking turns at winning, and the form doesn't mean a jot! A few comments on tonight's racing: King's Caprice, Rainbow Mirage (third) and Maze were best in for the 7.25 Newbury, but as usual at 50/1 the chances of King's Caprice were already signposted! But it has won at 33/1 recently, so had to be backed. First Post (-204U) 12/1 winner. I suppose it's almost a system bet, certainly the type of figures that I follow! Two of my recent strong tips, Count Ceprano 14/1 (see 23rd June) and Diamond Johnny G 10/1 (see 25th June) were two winners which I did not back because I had a rest after this afternoon! System bet Olynard 9/2 winner of the 7.35 Chepstow. Captain Dimitrios (-35) 7/1 winner of the 7.55 Newbury. Woodcote Place is due a win soon after finishing second in the 8.05 Chepstow, but another winner for Johnston with Sailorman! Red Twist, hampered when making its effort in the 8.30 Newbury, and Bramalea, which came up hacking on the outside, can both do better shortly. System bet Sooraah 5/2 winner of the 8.40 Chepstow from my top-rated My Sister, giving me a nice forecast return! I had a feeling about Bidable in the 9.10 Chepstow, but didn't back it. Portrush Storm is very well in when wanted, but not sure it will be next time. Perfect system bet Oriental Cavalier (-230) 11/2 winner of the 9.20 Chester. Damn! Only saw it during the race! And so, backing Maslak to win (third) and Valdan (fourth) each-way, I got no return, but both the last named must win very soon. It's all done with form figures with this lot! When you get the right form figures, you take your turn! I am gradually making sense of all this, and it has very little to do with ratings!

8th July: My first selection, Pytheas (8/1), was absolutely cantering behind Rolling Hills in the 2.10 Folkestone and looked certain to go past it, but for some reason got pipped into third when Daboos came by! There was a girl jockey on it, which maybe explains it. Must win soon. Jewellery 33/1 pipped me for the forecast in the 2.20 Warwick. How do these horses suddenly improve from two duff runs? Top-weight Circumvent (235) 40/1 winner of the 2.35 Newmarket. Should have known, as it had been running in Group races lately! I managed to pick Breakheart, which ran well in second at 20/1, but my main selection Aquarian Spirit did not figure. Arlequin in third must be an improving horse, having got up a lot since its last win. Should have done the straight forecast in the 2.45 Folkestone, instead of backing Channon's to win, as the forecast probably paid better (it was just less actually). Carcinetto was thrown in for the 2.55 Warwick, and I don't know why it did not win today (third last time out, with no obvious impediments). Possibly it had been dropped a lot in the weights, and did not want to take advantage too quickly! Must be waiting to be a system bet, but there was no need for that really. The first two blazed off madly, and that did not do them any good either! Strange, the three I put in the tricast finished as the last three in the race! What a stupid game! Could not pick Sans Frontieres (-664) in the 3.10 Newmarket, but I was interested in Crowded House, which has been running hugely below form and could now surprise soon. Ten Down, thrown in for the 3.20 Warwick, decided to finish last today (there was a claimer on it, however). Will it be 25/1 when it wins, I wonder? Still a system bet next time. Thoughtsofstardom (third) and Watch Chain were next best in. Best in State Fair made a brief effort a little way out, but did not go through with it. I though system bet Resuscitator, which led most, was certain to finish in the places, but was eased back into fourth. Keep your eye on that one. I didn't back Evans' Chinese Democracy this time (same stable as Carcinetto) and, of course, it won! Sod's Law! I had a feeling that Casual Glimpse would win the 3.45 Newmarket, as probably Hannon is giving Moore his best rides to close the gap on Hanagan! The class horse, Calzaghe, 4/1 won the 3.55 Folkestone. I was hoping that Free Falling would hold on to the lead, but dropped out at the end. Perhaps too far? I backed Johnston's Sky Falcon (third) in the 4.05 warwick, and also had the winner, Ocean Drift, on my list, but did not back it, unfortunately! The front-running Party Doctor may have destroyed its chances in the 4.20 Newmarket, but was best in and may win again soon. Unfortunately my second choice, Critical Moment, won, and I didn't back it separately! Cumulus Nimbus ran much better than its mark, but will it be put up a lot before it can run in a handicap? I suppose Baltimore Clipper had to be a stonking each-way bet in the 4.30 Folkestone at 6/1, and it finished second. On those terms almost better value than the favourite! Spanish Acclaim did not run as well as last time in the 4.40 Warwick, but is still well-handicapped. There was no money for Memphis Man, and despite being close up, it finished only fifth (-06 continues to be no good for backing!). Baunagain must run better soon also. This Arteus keeps winning, so must be well-handicapped. Not a very statisfactory day today so far, with nothing showing its true form, but you get days like that. Tabaret looked like getting placed in the 4.55 Newmarket, but hung fire near the end, finishing about sixth. Surely they didn't want to get rid of that third place? Is very well handicapped on old form, and appears to be improving. Best in Indian Trail has become very disappointing, and I don't know whether to recommend it again. System bet Five Star Junior finished second at 8/1. The winner, Astrophysical Jet, (-26) looks worth following, but as soon as I say that, it will probably run a stinker! Ivory Lace, thrown in for the 5.05 Folkestone, ran second for a long way, then packed up. It's just a question of patience with that horse, but I hope it doesn't get backed off the boards when it's due. I will make it my nap again for next time out, when it will be a system bet more or less! What a terrible lot of results for me this afternoon. You are powerless when that happens, because none of my horses were due today! Well, a clean sweep of non-winners today, but I did give Morgan's Choice each-way in the 5.15 Warwick (second at 25/1). Yurituni never got into the race, despite being favourite! Cactus King was clear best in for the 6.20 Epsom, but it was clear from the jockey's antics that it was going to get nowhere near the leaders tonight. I bet it will be ridden a lot better when it wins soon! System bet North Cape 15/8 winner. I would love to hear what the conversation was before the race, as it was so obvious that it was not going to win from the betting! Piermarini was very well in for the 6.35 Doncaster, and looked like taking a hand, moving up menacingly a few furlongs out. However, once there, it apparently found very little, and was content with fourth place. This Tillietudlem keeps winning, and is getting a bit annoying. I hate it when one horse upsets the competitive interest by dominating affairs. Greedy, I call it! Odds-on favourite beaten again in the 6.50 Epsom. Looked to be hacking all over the winner! But I wasn't totally surprised, because the winner was Channon's. Don't write off the third, Upark Flyer, either, which I thought looked a possible winner too! Typical! I backed system bet Popspeed in the 7.00 Naas, and it eased up and finished last! That's my day so far today. Couldn't pick my nose! Very suspicious betting for the 7.25 Epsom. I did not know what to make of it, as Profit's Reality was absolutely thrown in for the race, but of course it seemed to be known beforehand that Run For Edes would win! It is very disturbing when this sort of thing is allowed to happen, though! I bet any money that Profit's Reality will win very shortly in a bigger race! What really irks me is that you have to put your money on just in case it is a turnover! Another poor performance, this time by Seradim, which was thrown in for the 7.45 Doncaster, but left it too late! Must win soon! Fortunately I got the early 5/1 each-way. You have to temper your bets when the form is not symmetrical (i.e in this case it had had five runs in the current season), as I have said on many occasions. I think I'll give up backing, as nothing I back has any intention of winning (only joking!). Twilight Star was thrown in this time for the 7.55 Epsom, but after being up there early, dropped right out. My Gacho was another not to get into the race (normally front-runs when it wins). The only redeeming feature was that it was won by system bet King's Colour (which I did not back). The latter is another of those horses which wins sporadically, as though working its way up through the ratings. Is this an Epsom trainer benefit tonight? Sorry if I'm a bit tetchy today, but you have probably experienced days like this yourself! Hurrah! Finally got a result with the forecast with Patavium 9/2 (Hanagan yet again) and Kames Park 6/1 in the 8.15 Doncaster! The ratings worked out again in the 8.30 Epsom, with Lang Shining beating Kaleo. I had a little saver on Potentiale (third) to finish second too. Two returns in a row! What's happening? But I always come good late in the day! If I could do it earlier I'd be rich! Bahamian Jazz should have finished second in the 8.50 Doncaster, but when you give away many lengths at the start, what do you expect? Must do better when breaking properly. I think they should put a stop to this type of thing, because they don't miss the break when they are wanted, do they? I really messed up my bet in the 9.00 Epsom, because I backed best in Hairspray 14/1 and Another Try 15/2 separately, then I failed to put on the correct reverse forecast! I'm tearing my hair out because it's an elementary mistake which I make too often. Grrr.... And also I would have had the tricast if they'd allow me to do one! Don't know why they have tricasts in some races with less than 8 runners and not in others? Sands Crooner (see 15th June) and Frognal, (see 3rd July) both tipped by me recently, finished first and second in the 9.20 Doncaster, but again I was greedy and backed bigger prices in the forecast! I don't know what has happened to Guest Connections, but no doubt there will be money for it when it is due! Well, I finished up by making back much of my loss this evening, but would have been back in profit if I had done a correct reverse forecast in the 9.00 Epsom. I'm fuming! Let's get some better afternoon results tomorrow!

7th July: Don't Tell Mary was best in for the 1.30 Newmarket, with Seeking Dubai second best. The latter made ground in mid-race, then appeared to be hampered and snatched up. Both are better than they showed today, but will probably get rid of their remaining first place before competing. You can never tell with these! Sweet Clementine finished like a train in fourth, and should be borne in mind for the future. If they can run like that, why don't they start earlier? Charlton's Folly Bridge (symmetrical form) 17/2 winner. Bottom weight from a top stable, Alice Alleyn, finished third with 3lb overweight. One of my top-rated, Take Ten was in the lead in the final furlong, eventually finishing fourth at 22/1. Mister Hughie and Excellent Guest are worth watching soon. Muse To Use (2.15 Catterick) is running well below form, and it can't be long before it runs a better race. Was the 1lb overweight today a signal? Whatever, it should have done better amongst this lot! I wanted Ruby Alexander and Press Release in the 2.25 Lingfield, but it looked as if the race had already been decided, with those two running on for second and third without really threatening the winner! I thought that Radharcnafarraige (if I can spell it) was poorly ridden, and not to best advantage in the 2.35 Newmarket, and can do better than that. I wrote down the first three in the 2.50 Catterick, with Just The Tonic 4/1 mowing down Skyfire 7/1 and Merchant Of Medici in the final strides. Pity, I could have had the forecast, but only included Merchant Of Medici! Newcomer Cochabamba off a low weight 12/1 winner of the 3.00 Lingfield. Problem is it's just a guessing game with these horses, although Teal does have some good runners. I was hoping for a better run from Catalyze, which seemed to have kept a bit for itself. Damn! I backed Music Show (13/2 winner, 3.10 Newmarket) last time, and just as it looked that my bet Spacious was going to hold on, it came and pipped it! There's always one, isn't there? Hughes again! How can Music Show win a Group 1 when it got beaten in a Group 2 last time? Gile Na Greine was well in, but obviously not expected today at the price. Best in Bergonzi winner of the 3.20 Catterick. I wasn't sure if it was trying on its form figures. System bet Lutine Bell 7/2 winner of the 3.30 Lingfield. I thought I was going to get the forecast with Yarra River, but of course that just got pipped for second! Frustrating, this game, as I was hoping the favourite would have a duff run! Pippbrook Ministar did not figure at all, but will be a system bet next time. I got Zarooni's second and third with Baranski and Bowermaster in the 3.45 Newmarket (thought they might have a 1-2), but both got beaten by Native Khan, which was unpickable beforehand, except with a pin! Best in Reach For The Sky ran better today, finishing third, but no good in a 7 horse race! Typical thing to happen with these horses. I hate it when that happens, because you get no reward for knowledge! System bet Thinking 7/1 winner, from my second rated The Hermitage, which I thought was going to hold on! And guess what! I didn't reverse the forecast! This happens time after time, and I never learn! Unfortunately they wouldn't let me do a tricast, which they do sometimes with seven runners, as I would have had it! Top-rated Domino Dancer 9/4 winner of the 4.05 Lingfield. Pity, it looked as if Golden Prospect was going to get second for a long time! Outofoil, badly in on these terms, will do better in a handicap very soon. Royal Etiquette (sys+1) 12/1 second. 104 top-rated Mata Keranjang (4.20 Newmarket) gets worse (fourth today) instead of better! It will probably win now when people have got fed up with it! I thought system bet Sing Sweetly was going to lead all the way, but got caught close home by two others, one of which was unpickable! System bet and top-rated Dhhamaan 9/1 winner of the 4.30 Catterick from system bet Call Of Duty second and system bet Needy McCredie 16/1 third! Pity I didn't pick that one for the tricast! I was surprised, but delighted by the price. Fathey did not try too hard today, but must win soon. Typical! Another runner which finished second last time (Flyinflyout) finished nowhere today in the 4.40 Lingfield! I noticed it was eased in the last two furlongs. And also typical, second rated Brave Ghurka finished fifth! What can you do with them, eh? Ridiculous! Nuit Sombre was thrown in for the 5.05 Catterick, but allowed itself to get beaten into fifth place! They don't like these short prices! I backed Ursus each-way, finishing third at 33/1, but there are so many strange results coming up, with Ellie's Image winning at 9/2. I suppose Hmagan had to be there for something! Watch out for Rainbow Bay, which will pop up, hopefully at a good price, very soon. Valmari was a non-runner in the 5.15 Lingfield, and I thought that left it open for Astral Flower, which unfortunately finished second. Valmari will probably do better in a bigger race. Another non-runner with Jake The Snake in the 5.30 Newmarket, and Huzzah, which I also fancied. There must be something in there they don't like. Is it Hurricane Hymnbook? We'll see! Well, it always amazes me what can happen in racing! Now my other choice, Hurricane Hymnbook, bursts out of the stalls and is withdrawn. What else can happen? System bet Follow the Flag finished third in the 5.30 Newmarket, and for once I backed it! I also backed Hanagan on Nezhenka, 11/4 winner of the 5.40 Catterick! Wonders will never cease!

Blast! I backed Cut The Cackle last time it ran, but thought it had no chance tonight, winning at 16/1! Lethal (thrown in) and Edes Dot Com (also very well in) (missed break) will do better soon. I thought Phai Mai Blue (also well in) had got third, but just got pipped! Enfuriating! All weather racing does not always agree with me! It was noticeable that the first two home were non-claimers. Must mean something! Beaten again! I had Eastwell Smiles and Filippo Lippi in the 6.40 Worcester, but both got beaten by that man Vaughan again! Gets me really annoyed! And what was equally annoying was that I backed Smiling Applause each-way at 66/1 and it finished fourth! They've got you by the short and curlies! Scalini's let me down badly in the 7.10 Worcester, best in but finishing only fifth. Why do they persistently do that? I also had the third, fourth and sixth, which were my next best in! Sam Cruise (-05P) 16/1 winner! I think all of these horses deliberately finish just outside of the places, just to needle people like me! Grrr... Thrown in Lastkingofscotland ran on for fourth in the 7.20 Kempton! What are they doing? Another example of what I was just saying! Will it win next time? Probably not, because now it has a first place at the front! And now we have a 50/1 winner in Crown (sys+1)! If you backed that, it would probably come nowhere! I almost feel like giving up in disgust! The two I picked out as my best bets in the 7.40 Worcester, Highland River and Mulaazem, both dropped right out at the back! There must be a reason for that, as both were very well in. It is mind-numbing and I resent having my money taken from me under false pretences! Red Lancer had not run for a long time in the 7.50 Kempton, but is thrown in when fit and wanted. Ran well for a long way, and it could be soon. Pocketwood should also do better soon. Three Ships was best in for the 8.10 Worcester, but managed to finish only third again. Don't know why they keep doing that, but it niggles me! They would probably say I should be glad it got placed at all! Keep an eye on Ton-Chee, which had a rare bad run tonight. Can't work out these races at all! Eseej ran well in front in the 8.20 Kempton, then driopped out! Must do better soon, but it was a -06 tonight. Hurrah! Got a winner with Novikov 5/1 in the 8.40 Worcester! I expected Pagan Sword to fill second place, but it was disappointing! System bet West Emirates 7/1 third in the 8.50 Kempton. Thought it was going to lead all the way! Two system bets first and second in the 8.10 Worcester! Osmosia 10/1 beat Bachley Gale 9/1 (dead-heat second) and I got the forecast! Unfortunately the dead-heat halved my return! A poor finish for me in the 9.20 Kempton. Grey Boy, Ermine Grey and Flighty Fellow were all better than they showed tonight. The latter will probably take another race now before making an effort. System bet Jeremiah 8/1 second. Binnion Bay may also try again next time, and is very well in. The problem when there are lots of well-handicapped horses in a race is that they are probably afraid of each other, so don't compete at all, leaving it to the less well in. Why the latter decide to try is problematical, or perhaps they run to their best and see what happens?

6th July: I have pruned a lot of dead wood and out-of-date stuff from the bottom of this page, as it was getting very unwieldy and slow to load. Hopefully you will not need that in any case.

Top weight Athakeel (-305) 25/1 winner of the 2.15 Wolverhampton. Made it look easy from the back! Why is it that one horse always makes the others look as if they are standing still? Couldn't pick that one at the weights, but I had second, third and fourth! System bets Towy Boy and Divertimenti second and third. One of my selections, Song Of Praise, finished a fast-finishing fourth, and can win soon. Blast! I thought Orientalist was going to get second in the 2.30 Pontefract, but the outsider Witzend came and pipped it! I noticed it was travelling well at the back. Calmdownmate was thrown in for the 2.45 Wolverhampton, but I didn't like the drift in the betting! Silver Hotspur, second best in, missed the break again, so that was the end of that one! Must run better soon, but it will it be gambled off the boards? I thought third rated Ever Cheerful was going to get third, but just hung fire right on the line! Can also win soon. Top weight again Romantic Queen with second top weight The History Man third. Are they trying to tell me something? I really fancied River Ardeche (14/1) in the 3.00 Pontefract, and I think it would have won if it had not been hampered further back, as it was hacking! Epic was disappointing further back, but will do better. System bet Monkton Vale 15/8 winner. Everything was in Red Kestrel's favour in the 3.15 Wolverhampton, top-rated, system bet and symmetrical, but it must have been tipped too heavily, because it dropped out quickly after disputing. Must win soon, hopefully next time, when it will still be a system bet. Top weight Bavarian Nordic 14/1 third, with my other selection, Kansai Spirit, fifth. Best in Leleyf, after a second place last time, did the usual, finishing about last! A familiar pattern! Must win soon. My other choice, Tillys Tale, finished third at 25/1. Unfortunately the jockey was looking around too early, which suggests that it only wanted a place, and he had to work hard after that! Hanagan again on the winner, Perfect Blossom. Top-rated Full Victory 4/1 third in the 3.45 Wolverhampton. Jockey only pushed it when it was too late! Keep an eye on Bookiebasher Babe and Angelina Ballerina very soon. One Scoop Or Two (-25) 12/1 winner. Had no chance on these terms or on all known form, so must be much better than its rating. Flores Sea should also have done much better. My two selections, Please Sing and Tropical Paradise, finished 11/1 second and 15/2 third in the 4.00 Pontefract! the winner, Off Chance 8/1, must be much better than its rating! I had Cecil's Miss Antonia 8/1 against the favourite in the 4.15 Wolverhampton, winning the race with the favourite only third! Should have known Swinbank's would run well (12/1 second)! The form was there to see! You can never tell what Dickie le Davoir is going to do, and as a system bet, I thought today was the day in the 4.30 Pontefract, but it never got in the race. I knew Cornus would run well, but Red Cape was better in, to no avail! Green Manalishi is due a good run soon! Another example of me backing Hanagan and he didn't win! I had a feeling about Fifth Dimension (10/1 winner) in the 4.45 Wolverhampton, and wish I had a bit more on it. Miss Toldyaso led for a long way, and might be better over shorter. My two selections, Crocodile Bay (see what I said 3rd July!) 13/2 and Guildenstern, 8/1 first and second in the 5.15 Wolverhampton! I worked that out correctly for once! System bet Shannon Golden 12/1 third. By Command will be worth a bet again soon. Best in Danceintothelight refused to run on in the 5.30 Pontefract, allowing itself to get pipped into third. The horse is much better than that and was going better than the second, but didn't want to come second in this race. How frustrating when you have done it with the winner in a forecast! Will probably win next time. You have been warned!

Before I went out tonight, I put on a Lucky 63, including Aldiruos (14/1 second), Takajan (9/1 second), Three Boars (14/1 second) and Westwood (12/1 winner). Those were the prices I took. For a stake of £6.30 this returned almost £30 in each-way doubles, trebles and a four-timer! Not a bad night out! And I also played some of my best snooker for a while! Thehonourablelady, which I also included, keeps disappointing, but I should think will be competitive next time, along with Coach Lane, Morestead, Glengarra, Red Wine and Act Three, which I also fancied tonight.

5th July: Never write off any Nicholls runner! His Opening Meet won the 2.15 Newton Abbot at 33/1! How often do you see a Nicholls runner win at that price? And Pipe had the third, Racingisdreaming at 40/1! two top stables with huge priced runners! You have to watch them in lower standard races as well as the higher class, as they have a horse for every occasion! I wrote down the first two for the 2.30 Bath on my list, then changed my mind and did not back the winner Stunning In Purple! Fatal! I looked sure to get the forecast with Hell's Bay and system bet Swing Bill (4/1 winner) in the 2.45 Newton Abbot, and then Hell's Bay ran out! You never know what's going to happen at this game! They would have a job to rig that happening! I could not understand why Balleyvesey was favourite when there were three horses far better in, but you know my theories about this by now! But, with the departure of Hell's Bay, I got nothing back. Curses! Apartman, second best in, was useless for no apparent reason. Must remember to put the favourite in my forecasts, even if I don't like it! I backed everything but the winner in the 3.00 Bath! Best in Spic N Span blazed off in an easy lead and looked like winning, then packed up for no apparent reason. But I have often said that -06 is not a good set of figures. Must win soon. Then second choice Matterofact went into the lead and got collared by two others! Amazing, this game and very frustrating! They must all know what is going to happen before the race, judging by their position in the betting! Makes you feel like spitting (which I don't do)! Ask Jenny was the least obvious winner for me, apart from having Hughes on its back. I note that it was six races since its last win, so the form was cleverly disguised! Mazzola is another that is due a good run. The only two with official ratings, Detroit Red and Romance Dance, filled the first two places again in the 3.15 Newton Abbot. How many times have I said that? And of course the bigger priced one won! Makes you wonder! As usual I backed Himitas each-way and it finished fourth. Amazing! When you don't back something like that, it wins! I didn't hold out nmuch hope for top-rated Warrior Nation at 80/1 in the 3.30 Bath, but it led for a very long way, which suggests it will be competitive soon. I always take note of these front-running efforts, because they suggest that testing is in progress. Next best Forty Thirty looked like winning, but also faded (the money was probably not stable money, but lots of tips for it), leaving third best Under Fire, which I also backed, to win at 8/1! Raktiman (-46) 14/1 second (often good figures to follow). Fourth and fifth in the 3.45 Newton Abbot with Sou'wester and Mr Ed! The latter ran on, but couldn't quite make it! They must know that, that's why they were big prices! Damned annoying though, to get so close! Ginolad pulled up, of course, despite being a system bet and one of the top-rated. There was money for it, probably from people like me, who know the form! It makes me smile (if I weren't losing money on it) when I see horses like Over The Creek tailing off, when I know it should certainly be in the shakeup! You don't see better acting in a theatre than you see on a racecourse! Well, I suppose the only two which had won at the distance finished first and second! Top-rated Crathorne 20/1 winner of the 4.15 Newton Abbot, with second-rated Shore Thing second! Fantastic! Problem was the exacta paid a lot more than the straight forecast! Still, I'll take it! I backed Smart Endeavour (third), Unlimited and Warning Song in the 4.30 Bath, feeling sure that one of them would win, and the latter did, despite running wide on the bend. Smart Endeavour looked like winning too at one stage. Top-rated Knightsbridge Hill was described by the commentator as 'finishing like a rocket' in the 4.45 Newton Abbot, but unfortunately out of the places! Still, that is encouraging for the future. At least I got Captain Marlon in third at 12/1! Games was also very well in, leading for a long way before falling! Damn, I had Yurituni and Mrs Mogg for the forecast in the 5.00 Bath, and both got pipped by another system bet in Panpiper (20/1)! Unusual for Gary Moore to have a 20/1 winner, but the ....er did me! Nothing Is Forever led from thne front again in the 5.15 Newton Abbot, but the plan must have been to finish fourth, because it was thrown in on old form. It will win one day, but was obviously getting a place today. The number of times you have to wait for these horses! Medicean was next best in, but finished last, but will win when not in with the aforementioned! Fortunately I had a little each-way on Dream Catcher at 33/1! I don't believe what I saw in the 5.30 bath! Both my selections, Caribbean Coral and Loyal Royal were right there with a chance and going well, then both finished back in the heap! Why don't they push on? I presume because they are told not to! Caribbean Coral (must win whenever wanted, which must be soon now)was too big a price for my liking anyway. If Caribbean Coral gets much lower in the weights, it will be able to run backwards and win (hehe). When you are watching you can't tell the difference between a horse which is being ridden properly and one that is being eased up! Damned clever this art! Next best in Talamahana finished second. Also keep an eye on Welcome Approach, which must be competitive shortly. Well, with a bit of dutching I made a profit on the afternoon, but it could have been so much better! Oh, I didn't realise that Bradley had Loyal Royal and another system bet, Emiratesdotcom in the race. That explains a lot! You have to be very crafty at this game! I am still waiting for Misaro (6.40 Windsor) to win a race, but I also backed Piazza San Pietro, getting 6/1 before the new market. I also got Market Puzzle 6/1 in the 6.50 Ripon, so a good start to the evening! Minor Transgression should be better than it showed tonight , being well clear on the ratings, but not wanted in the betting. Byronic was a nice price (6/1) in the 7.10 Windsor, and I'll take a piece of that, thank you! Peppercorn Rent was pretty hopeless in the 7.20 Ripon, but I had a little on the forecast with first and second favourites. Best in Steelcut could not get a run through in the 7.40 Windsor, eventually finishing fourth. 7lb claimer again! Must be a signal. Can win again soon. Equuleus Pictor is gradually working up to it. Mister Angry to beat Laverre in the 7.50 Ripon was a good choice. The outsider, Johnston's Abergavenny 8/1 winner of the 8.10 Windsor! You can never tell by the betting! I got system bet Lowdown in the 8.20 Ripon, but I backed Nubar Boy (system type figures) last time, but not this! Bond Fastrac is due soon now that it has got rid of that first place, and Di Stefano is now symmetrical. I backed Snow Magic each-way in the 8.40 Windsor, coming third at 28/1. The top two in the betting came first and second, as almost expected, but I was optimistic for a while near the end. Wovoka (fourth) and Classic Descent (second) were best in for the 8.50 Ripon, but you have to wait so long for them to actually win! It's like slow motion! System bet Border Owl 11/2 winner. I'd better stick to my system bets! System bet Abhar (see 10th June) 9/1 winner of the 9.10 Windsor (I got 14/1). I almost got the tricast with Fire Raiser and Edition (fourth). I thought Bursary was going to lead all the way in the 9.20 Ripon, just getting pipped on the line, not by Mureb, but by Squall (Hanagan again)! Still made an overall profit on the day, with a few good winners.

4th July: After yesterday's largely barren day, I have decided to discontinue posting selections on here for the time, as it seems to be having a detrimental effect on the running of the selections. Whether this is purely coincidence I am not sure, but most of those I post are not performing. I will continue to make my own selections and back them accordingly, but I do not want to post them on here and cost other people who back them a lot of money. They have been free, of course, and you do not have to back them. On the other hand, you must agree that I have given a lot of big-priced winners over a recent weeks. However, currently I feel that posting them in advance may be detrimental to their chances, for whatever reason. I have studied form for many years, and still feel that my selections are largely correct, but I have no control over how they run on the day. I hope to continue posting my comments after racing for the foreseeable future, if this is what you want.

System bet Diamond Geezah 7/4 winner of the 2.10 Ayr. My selection, Cotton Spirit, was withdrawn. My selection for the 2.40 Ayr, Hosanna, finished second at 33/1! I got two of the first three with Stellite also. No money for Santiago Atitlan at present, but will be thrown in when wanted. If the stable could get any winners, I would tip Defi, which has been under a cloud for a while. Capable Guest did not jump well in the 2.50 Market Rasen, but no doubt will improve with experience. The first, second and third official rated at the weights filled the first three places! I thought today was the day for Bed Fellow in the 3.10 Ayr, but, after disputing the lead, it dropped out again. Bold Policy was best in for the 3.20 Market Rasen, but finished only fifth. Should have been a certainty to finish in the places! A winner for me with Celestial Girl 10/1 in the 3.30 Brighton! I wanted Denton Ryal for the forecast, but the girl jockey was probably a pointer. Talk Of Saafend (system next time) and Jewelled Dagger were best in for the 3.40 Ayr, but we will have to wait for all three of them, although Jewelled Dagger led, apparently going well, then packed up, as they so often do! Silver Rime (-25) 11/2 winner. Top-rated Walamo 5/1 winner of the 3.50 Market Rasen, with second-rated Thelobstercatcher second! Nice one! Cordell was best in for the 4.00 Brighton, but I also fancied Inquisitress (12/1 winner). Pity Cordell packed up, but it can win soon! I got Balwearie in the 4.10 Ayr, but wanted Snowberry Hill or Shy Glance for the forecast. Both of these can win soon. Mighty Matters was second best in for the 4.20 Market Rasen, pulled up today and will do better. Viper was by far best in, but decided to come third today (and, of course, it was a seven horse race!) What a waste of money! Berbice was best in on old form for the 4.30 Brighton, but somebody knew it wasn't winning today! Six horse race again! Must win soon off this mark. Super Frank is another to keep an eye on. Reach For The Sky was best in for the 4.40 Ayr, but we will have to wait for that one! Chookie Avon and Monte Mayor One were next best, the latter winning at 14/1 with Weetentherty (sys+1) 18/1 third! Peak Seasons was best in for the 4.50 Market Rasen and finished fourth. Wee Forbees is also a certainty when wanted. Third best Nesnaas finished second. Well, Caribbean Coral did not win the 5.00 Brighton, but it can't be long now! Commandingpresence in a very close third is also due. System bet Arriva La Diva 4/1 winner of the 5.10 Ayr. Thunder Bay was by far best in, but we still have to wait for that one and Officer Mor, which is also due. Next best Foreign Rhythm finished 8/1 second, and could have done with a better jockey! I have just realised that Thunder Bay is the stablemate of Foreign Rhythm, which may explain its poor running! I fancied Harsh But Fair in the 5.20 Market Rasen, and it ran on well to win, but I wanted Swinbank's for second! Phew! I thought Fool's Wildcat (5.25 Bellewstown) was going to lead all the way, but it packed up late. I was relieved because I hadn't backed it and I was afraid I was going to miss a good winner! That one is thrown in for a race soon in Ireland, so make a note! Willie's Girl was going very well, but as soon as the jockey starting bumping up and down, I knew it had had it! Watch for that one too. Well, I've had a few winners today that I did not post, so perhaps that is a good indicator?

3rd July: Today's top-rated: Mrs Boss (unplaced) (1.55 Leics), Moorhouse Lad (unplaced) (2.00 Sand), Al Muheer (2.35 Sand), Dream In Waiting (non-runner) (3.00 Leics), Dabbers Ridge (non-runner) (3.15 Bev), Munsef (unplaced) (3.25 Hay), Rasselas (unplaced) (3.35 Leics), Flowing Cape (second 17/2) (4.10 Leics), Edge Closer (4.35 Hay), Haajes (third) (5.10 Hay), Orpen Wide (sixth) (5.20 Leics), Music Maestro (unplaced) (5.45 Hay). Posted at 10.35 a.m. Munsef (above) was well in for the 3.25 Haydock, but today was not the day. Must do better again shortly.

Not a great start, with the first two down, but I have been waiting for Mrs Boss for quite a while, and I think it must compete soon. Moorhouse Lad was also best in, so will run well in another race soon. I got the winner with Spartic 11/2 in the 2.10 Beverley, and also looked at Dark Dune, which finished second. Could have had a good forecast! And then I got Anhar in the next (10/1) in the 2.15 Haydock! A totally unpredictable 2.30 Leicester, although Silly Billy (11/1) had system type form! System bet Al Muheer (above) caused a 40/1 upset recently, but not today. I had Dunno (third) and Acrostic second. Moynahan and Charlie Cool were next best in, but did not figure today. System bet Black Spirit 33/1 winner! I had system bet Ahtoug (3/1) and El Viento (9/2) in a forecast in the 2.45 Beverley! Next I had Barshiba 7/2 in the 2.50 Haydock! Dream In Waiting (above) non-runner in the 3.00 Leicester. Best in Granny McPhee (inc claim) missed the break in the race! That really annoys me, as it was obvious it was not fancied. System bet Ethics Girl 10/1 second. Dabbers Ridge (above) another non-runner! Mawatheeq refused to race in the 3.10 Sandown, ruining my forecast bets! Best in Stonehaugh 8/1 winner of the 3.15 Beverley! Roman Glory and Violent Velocity will do better soon. Rasselas (above) was thrown in for the 3.35 Leicester, but the price must have been too short today! Quaestor was another that should have done better, but they don't seem to perform until they are wanted! I suppose Goolagong was best in on official ratings at the weights, which is all that seems to matter sometimes! I commented (see 24th June) that Virginia Hall did not perform last time, and it won the 3.40 Sandown at 11/2! Mullglen was best in with Select Committee in the 3.50 Beverley, but, in small races, ratings often mean nothing, as we have found it numerous times! Both of these will do better in bigger races. Secret Millionaire should at least have got second in the 4.00 Haydock, and third in a seven horse race is no good. Not surprising that it was a long price if that was going to happen! Flowing Cape (above) 17/2 second. Damn! I wrote down Arabian Mirage (10/1 winner) but did not back it! I backed Illustrious Blue in the 4.15 Sandown, and it almost got there at 14/1! Marsh Warbler should have done better in the 4.25 Beverley! Channon again with Mejd (8/1)! How can you pick these winners? Edge Closer (above) led for much of the way, then suddenly packed up for no apparent reason! Edge Closer was by far best in (112 at best), so make a note for next time! System bet Rileyskeepingfaith 7/1 second. The Two G's (4.45 Leicester) will be winning a race before long, because they tested it out in front today, packing up late. Also keep an eye on Baby Judge, which is also well in now. I did also back Melody In the Mist just in case. Well, I don't know about you, but I am having a 'mare' today, apart from a couple of good results! Saturday racing is not my forte, I'm afraid! As I refuse to back favourites unless they are certainties (when they usually lose!) i don't do well when they all come in. I backed system bet Magic Millie (11/8 winner) in the 5.00 Beverley. Brink and Sternian were my two best in, but not today, although the former led for a long way. What a day! Haajes (above) could finish only third in the 5.10 Haydock! Will win very soon, but it looks as though most of these races are already decided! Misaro and Memphis Man also packed up far too easily for their ability! On days like this you think what is the point of all that research when almost nothing runs to it? Orpen Wide (above) finished sixth, but after its previous run in front, it sat down the pack today. It is thown in at this sort of level, but will it be next time with these figures? Muwalla is in a similar position, well in, but with a first place at the front of its figures. Tislaam (third 14/1) was best in for the 5.35 Beverley, but probably did not want to win because of its official rating. However, I had a small bet each-way at 14/1. Must win a handicap soon now. Alis Aquilae (-50) 22/1 winner. Couldn't pick that one! Well, I might as well have a clean sweep of non-winners! Music Maestro was moving well, but packed up quickly in the 5.45 Haydock. Ninth House, thrown in (fourth) and Timber Treasure are due soon. I've been backing Johnston all day, and as soon as I don't back him, Sir Frank Woppatt wins! Think I'll retire now. Good night!

Just came back for a few comments on tonight's racing (I'm a glutton for punishment!). Frognal was gambled heavily in the 6.55 Carlisle, but it probably wasn't stable money, as they don't leave their money behind very often! Ryedane, second best in, decided to pack up, then run on late for third. Watching the race, the first two (above) went well clear and the others were apparently under pressure. Both can definitely win soon. What has happened to Vhujon? It is so well weighted now it should have carried this lot! No doubt it will do better in due course. But how much lower is it going to go? King Of Swords is another that should do better soon, along with Blessed Place (system next time). Bell's Ocean, tipped by me a couple of times, finally won at 5/2 (well backed) in the 7.55 Carlisle. I wanted it to beat Urban Clubber, but the latter was very disappointing. I could see it happening! Geneva Geyser (see its last run 22nd May) led all the way tonight at 16/1 as it had done once before last season! Jeer was my best in, but was obviously not going to get placed tonight! Wish I had the courage of my hunches! Stevie Gee was thrown in (35lb in hand on its best) for the 8.25 Carlisle, but finished only fifth. Is starting to show form and must do better soon, along with Moheebb (fourth). System bet Ithinkbest 4/1 second. I thought Step In Time might do the business in the 8.40 Nottingham, but no joy again. It's very irritating, this inability of anything that I back to make a show! Bubbelas, best in for the 8.55 Carlisle, did not figure, but should be doing better off this mark. System bets So Bazaar and High Resolution finished second and third. Crocodile Bay was the only one of my top three rated not to finish in the places in the 9.10 Nottingham! Cost me the tricast with Baltimore Jack and Eastern Gift. There's always one, isn't there? Eastern Gift and Crocodile Bay were both better in than Baltimore Jack on my ratings, but that was the one they wanted tonight. That just tells me that Crocodile Bay will probably win next time! System bet Bandanaman 12/1 second in the 9.25 Carlisle.

2nd July: Not much joy yesterday, so will give it one more go today: Angus Newz (unplaced) (2.20 Sand), Graceful Descent (fourth) (3.00 Donc), White Shift (unplaced) (3.10 War), Excusez Moi (hacking, finished fourth!) (3.35 Donc), Spanish Acclaim (won 16/1!) (3.45 War), Spiritonthemount (unplaced) (4.20 War), Poet (unplaced) (4.00 Sand), Kaolak (unplaced) (4.35 Sand), Colloquial (won 5/1) (5.05 Sand), Dispol Kylie (unplaced) (5.15 Donc), Filun (second 9/1) (5.25 War). Posted at 12.50 p.m.

Bolodenka should have beaten system bet Moody Tunes at the weights in the 2.00 Doncaster, but perhaps did not want to win it? In any case it's annoying when that sort of thing happens! The short price of Moody Tunes was suspicious, and the runner-up was probably backed in by saps like me! I have backed Bolodenka countless times, and no doubt it will win a race soon now. I backed Pirate Coast each-way in the 2.10 Warwick, winning at 6/1! I had the first three on my list. Angus Newz (above) was 33/1 in the betting, and is usually backed when running well. Could not get to the lead and never wins then. Will now be a system bet next time. Fortunately I also backed Piscean (16/1 winner) (see 3rd June) which was a kind of system bet (-450). System bet Rocket Rob 5/2 second. Keep an eye on Excellerator soon. Clear best in Magnitude decided to come fourth today in the 2.30 Doncaster, but can win another race very soon off this mark. I can never work out how they decide whether to win again or not. Must be purely arbritrary! Second best Astronomical finished second. Hanagan again with Fantino! he's becoming my second McCoy! Channon's Wotsthehurry 20/1 winner of the 2.40 Warwick! You never know with his runners! He also got second with The Thrill Is Gone 10/1 in the 2.50 Sandown! Yet another fourth place from one of my selections in Graceful Descent (above)! This is getting monotonous! Is very well handicapped and perhaps they were getting rid of the first place? White Shift (above) another poor run! Might win next time, but may now wait another race with a first place outstanding! Also Littlemisssunshine was equal best in, but made no show today (win again soon)! Probably the reason that neither tried to win! You usually need money from the Howling stable, but there are exceptions. Demoralising, an endless series of no shows, but you get that with these types of horses, and there's nothing you can do until the money comes! There was good money for Roman Eagle (4/1 winner) in the 3.25 Sandown, and I should have taken more notice, as I backed the second, Jehanbux (Hannon). Well, I don't believe it! Excusez Moi (above) broke well for once, was absolutely tanking beside the others in the 3.35 Doncaster, then finished fourth. It gets more ridiculous by the minute! I think next time it will be a certainty! Damika is also very well in when wanted again. At last, a winner! Spanish Acclaim (above) 16/1 winner of the 3.45 Warwick, with system bet Farmers Wish 5/1 second (I also had the forecast)! I thought Stotsfold had too much weight in the 4.00 Sandown, but it won! Poet (above) was well there much of the way but dropped out (suspiciously long price). I also backed Traffic Guard, for which there was money today, and it finished third at 13/2. The money for Fleeting Glance proved significant in the 4.10 Doncaster, winning at 9/2. Unusually Prescott's Fashionable Gal (second) was 12/1! Spiritonthemount (above) was best in for the 4.20 Warwick, but was not wanted today. I expected Sir Sandicliffe to be in the shakeup, and thought it was going to win near the finish! Others to note: Synonymy (soon) and War Of The Roses. Kaolak (above) tracked the leader for a long way, but usually keeps going better than it did today. In a seven horse race like this, most of them obviously were not very interested, except to get the place needed for the future! System bet and top-rated Dane Cottage winner of the 4.55 Warwick. I was interested in the Fanshawe horse, Embarkation, which finished third (and I thought could have done even better). Another winner with Colloquial (above) (5/1) in the 5.05 Sandown, up to 12/1 available earlier! System bet Milton Of Campsie 16/1 second in the 5.15 Doncaster. Dispol Kylie (above) was my best in, but did not place today. Blast! Dazzling Begum cost me a double in the 5.25 Warwick, just pipping Filun (above). That just proves to me that Dazzling Begum is a much better horse than its rating, as Filun was very well handicapped! There are certain stables that have a habit of just pipping me on unlikely winners, and Pearce is one of them! Well, that's two winners and a place today, with better prices on offer earlier. Filun was my banker, so that's why I am annoyed! Peter Tchaikovsky (6.20 Beverley) has been running well below form recently, and can probably win soon when wanted. Kheskianto (fourth) is another that must do better shortly, and Kings Sabre (fourth) was actually better in than Bajan Pride (Hanagan and Fahey again!), so probably did not want to win tonight. In my opinion, what they often do is to say that Bajan Pride is better on official ratings, so they had better not get too close off the same weight. I tend to ignore this, but I'm always learning from results, so that I can read their minds! You can't boil an egg by ratings in many of these races! Rio Sands was best in for the 6.40 Haydock, but the jockey rode it with apparently no intention of winning (reefing and pulling), and it finished fourth! If I'd known that I would have backed second rated Angelo Poliziano! I thought with a non-claiming jockey on it, it would be there! Watch for it next time! I'm always saying that, next time! What about this time for once? I knew it! As soon as I back Hanagan to win, he gets beaten on Arctic Feeling. You can't win! Tarific Laois (sys+1) was thrown in for the 7.05 Wexford, finishing third at 20/1. Fahey again with Blaze Of Thunder 8/1 in the 7.10 Haydock. Unless it's me, you can almost back them blind! System bet Blue Law 9/2 winner of the 7.20 Bellewstown, with system bet Eurosmart Lady 10/1 third. I also backed Alf Tupper, which got fourth, but... 15 horse race (unusual in Ireland). Don't Call Me (-W26) 5/1 winner of the 7.25 Beverley, with symmetrical Be A Devil 10/1 third. A Nicholls 1-2 in the 7.45 Haydock! Crafty, crafty! I almost spotted it! I can never read the thrown-in Blue Spinnaker, and I wanted it for the tricast in the 7.55 Beverley! Why does it never run as you want it to, unless it is backed off the boards? General Tufto (third) is another that keeps improving and popping up! I suppose I should have included it as a course and distance winner! System bet Carutomark 10/1 winner of the 8.05 Wexford. Dean Iarracht finally won tonight in the 8.30 Beverley. I wanted Rowan Lodge, which was better in (9/2 second). Royal Composer disappointed, but watch for it next time out. System bet Pedasus 16/1 third. Wish I'd put it in the tricast! Dimashq can also do better soon. Knew I shouldn't have ignored Snow Dancer in the 8.50 Haydcok, but as soon as you do, in they come at 40/1! I think that may be the only horse they have in that stable! Well, Tournedos (15/8) finally won tonight in the 9.00 Beverley! Was it backed (see 29th June)? You bet!

1st July: Hopefully you were on a couple of decent winners yesterday, and perhaps we can have even better luck today: Today's top-rated: Humourous (unplaced) (2.50 Perth), Commando Scott/Charles Darwin (both unplaced) (3.00 Hay), Negotiation (fourth) (3.10 Yar), Gershwinner (second 5/1) (3.20 Perth), Benandonner (nb) (second 8/1) (3.30 Hay), Black Baccara (led, unplaced) (4.10 Yar), Knight Legend (led most, fourth) (4.20 Perth), Saviour Sand (4.40 Yar), Witness Run (4.50 Perth), Hindu Kush (nap) 5.00 Hay). A small each-way on Knight Valliant (third 10/1) (4.50 Perth) is also advised (Stolen Light non-runner). Posted at 11.50 a.m.

What a great start in the 2.00 Haydock (not!) None of my top-rated (Harare, Finsbury, Prohibition) got into the places. I noticed, however, that all three had assymetrical form. All three are worth noting again. System bet Grams And Ounces 13/2 second. Wish I'd backed it! I thought Wind Shuffle (18/1 second) was sure to be in the shakeup in the 2.20 Perth, but did not put it with Riverscape (5/2 winner)! Would have been a great forecast! I had a little bet on Bill Turner's My Lord in the 2.40 and it won at 16/1! Muse To Use has been running below form and should be looked for in a handicap later. I got second, third and fourth in the 2.50 Perth, but Humourous was not amongst them! Clear best on form but out of the handicap, and that may have been the reason. Kept looking at Elliott's Long Wait, but left it out! Second best in Follow On 20/1 fourth. Charles Darwin and Commando Scott (mentioned at halfway) decided not to get involved today in the 3.00 Haydock, but both are thrown in when wanted. This King Of Eden keeps winning! Pearly Wey (missed break) is another worth noting. Negotiation (above) led for a while in the 3.10 Yarmouth, but probably finished fourth. My second best in, Rough Rock, finished second. Gershwinner (above) almost made it at 5/1 in the 3.20 Perth, but probably only wanted a place. Ash High should run better next time. Benandonner (above) was thrown in for the 3.30 Haydock, but decided to come second again today! Pity, I had a tip for Ginger Jack, but didn't do the forecast! Greek Secret was best in for the 3.40 Yarmouth, and won at 9/2, with system bet Pocket's Pick in second, but the disappointment was second rated Mansii, which finished only fourth, meaning I missed the tricast again! You can rarely get them all to perform correctly at the same time! For once Elliott's Chicago Grey did not win the 3.50 Perth, despite being clear best in. He must have other plans for that one. I thought system bet No Mean Trick was going to be in the shakeup for the 4.00 haydock, but dropped out late. Top-rated Official Style was unlucky in running, finishing second. Haggas' Green Destiny 14/1 winner! I did not expect Black Jaccara (above) to win at 80/1, but you never know, and it led for a long way before dropping out. I had the impression that it was still going well when the jockey pulled it. It is well handicapped, but whether it will now take two or three races before winning is a moot point. Bit of a repetitive commentary this! Knight Legend (above) led nearly all the way, then finished fourth, but my second rated, Native Coral, won at 16/1! I think I ought to give my top two rated in future, as one of them often wins! Top-rated Paradise Spectre was a suspiciously long price in the 4.30 Haydock, and finished nowhere! Must do better than that! System bet Munsarim 15/8 winner. The two Dunlops had first and second. Wonder if they had a forecast? A pretty disappointing set of selections today, mainly because they have not performed! Saviour Sand (above) was hacking behind the leaders on the outside, but did not go through with its effort. You can't back them under those conditions! It makes me mad sometimes! I feel as though most of my horses have not run today! The winner, Seattle Speight, had no form and a 7lb claimer on it! Witness Run (above) did not figure, but my other suggestion, Knight Valliant, finshed third at 10/1. Note Witness Run, which must try soon, hopefully next time. Well, might as well finish with a useless nap in Hindu Kush (above)! Dropped right out after disputing the lead! I was suspicious when it went right out to 10/1 in the betting! Bet it will be much shorter when it wins, which could well be next time! My second rated, Wicked Daze, finished third at 10/1. Well, sorry folks, a bad day, but they do happen! There will be better ones. I am giving you the top-rated, and if they don't win, they have not been intended to (sorry about the tortuous English). The betting in the 5.10 Yarmouth made me very suspicious, because the top-rated horses were not favourites. Top-rated Quince finished fourth, and both Iceman George (second) and Greystoke Prince were much better in than the winner! Difficult to understand unless it was a set-up result? Why does Elliott always seem to win so many races at Perth? It's getting a bit monotonous! I backed the second and third against Esperao in the 5.20 Perth, to no avail, of course! A better start to the evening with Nuit Sombre 28/1 winner (which I tipped on its last run)! I also fancied Bold Marc (second), but did not do the forecast! Ravi River has been running poorly and must do better soon. System bet Maslak 9/1 second in the 6.20 Epsom, and I got the forecast with Silent Applause (8/1 winner)! My recent tip, Sgt Schultz 3/1 winner of the 6.30 Newbury. Another winner for Hannon in the 7.05 Newbury with Admirable Spirit at 7/1! I'll have a bit of that, thank you! Top-rated Kings Sabre 9/2 made no effort to win the 7.15 Redcar, but was content to run on for second, which will do me for the forecast! Another winner for me with Something 9/2 in the 7.25 Epsom (practically tailed off at halfway)! How come I have to wait until the evening to gey a series of results, when I haven't posted anything? Annoying! Abraham Lincoln (formerly also with Nicholls) is becoming a tad frustrating! You are probably saying "Oh yeah! How come you are getting all these results now?" But it's true, some days or parts of days are often much better than others, and sometimes you can't get a winner for love nor money, and on other occasions the form works out! Inexplicable! I don't know which is worse, Elliott at Perth or Fahey anywhere! Seems to win nearly every race that Hannon is not contesting! Just pipped me this time on Wild Hysteria in the 7.45 Redcar! System bet Belle Des Airs second in the 7.55 Epsom. Others that should have done better were Buxton, Salient and My Learned Friend. I got second, third and fourth in the 8.10 Newbury, and should have known that the short-priced favourite wasn't that short for nothing. Damn, why didn't it have an off-day, as I would have had a great tricast? System bet Esuvia 11/4 winner of the 8.20 Redcar from Pepper Lane, giving me the forecast! Unfortunately I wanted Johnston's other runner, Comedy Hall for the tricast, but I suppose Fanning was on Waveband! Silly me! Durham Express should have run better. I knew that Royal Dignitary would not win the 8.30 Epsom as soon as it did not lead from the start! Once that was the case, Lang Shining was a certainty, but you don't know that until the race takes place! It was better in than Lang Shining, but perhaps that was decided beforehand? I wanted Heart Of Hearts and Baltimore Clipper in the 8.40 Newbury, as I had flagged it up as running badly last time. Unfortunately it finished third tonight. I thought tonight was the night for Smugglers Bay, but, after travelling well, fourth again! Is it the horse or the way it is ridden? Damn, I kept looking at Amir Pasha, but didn't back it, as usual! When will I learn to go on my instincts? Could not get one of the first three in the 9.00 Epsom! Pity that the betting so often reflects what the plans are, but it's annoying just the same, as it takes away any value there might be in the prices. I really fancied Bold Cross here, but as usual it finished fourth! Potentiale (missed the break, of course) and Addwaitya are better than this. Best in Meglio Ancora cantered up on the outside in the 9.10 Newbury, then stopped riding! The pundits don't seem to notice things like that. My God, it's annoying! Jusdt testing again! Must win soon on this evidence, but why do they do that? Higgys Ragazzo was another that should have run better, and it was obvious that winning was not on the agenda tonight! I thought Cygnet Committee was finally going to make a better effort in the 9.20 Redcar, but the jockey got sandwiched on the rail and there was no way back. It looked to have something left and may be worth a bet soon. Fahey and Hanagan finally lost a race!

30th June: Ah, a couple of jumps meetings today! I am u sually more at home with that (famous last words!) This afternoon's top-rated: Points Of View (unplaced) (2.10 Worcs), Marblehead (9/4 third) (2.40 Worcs), Treaty Flyer (fell in a winning lead!) (2.50 Perth), Paradise Regained (pulled up) (3.10 Worcs), Galpin Junior (unplaced) (3.30 Catt), Petite Margot (unseated rider, well he unseated himself!) (3.50 Perth), Film Festival (nap) (won 5/1) (4.00 Catt), Pepporoni Pete (unplaced) (nb) (4.10 Worcs), Stolen Light e/w/ (third 40/1) (Ice Image) (4.20 Perth), Frognal (fourth) (4.30 Catt), Alfadora (won 10/1!) (4.40 Worcs), Rifleman (won 11/4 from 5/1) (5.10 Worcs). Posted at 12.25 p.m.

Points Of View (above) never got into the race, but will have symmetrical form next time and should be worth a bet. System bet Space Telescope 8/1 winner (couldn't believe it was such a big price), with my second choice, Occasionally Yours, 6/1 second. I backed system bet Miserere in the 2.30 Catterick, but unfortunately it appeared to break a leg, poor thing! I also backed Fahey's Normandy Maid each-way, which finished third. Marblehead (above) was clear best in for the 2.40 Worcs, but as usual with McCoy on the favourite, it didn't win (5/2 third). Very annoying! Do they have a tacit agreement or something? You know it's not your day when your tip and certainty Treaty Flyer falls at the last fence when in a clear lead! What do you have to do to get a result? System bet No Poppy ran all over the place in the 3.00 Catterick, finishing fifth, and wouldn't you know it? Stablemate Hortensis got the third place! It makes you cringe! I am sure they do it deliberately! System bet My Pal Val 11/1 winner of the 3.10 Worcester! I am sure somebody is looking at my lists and making sure they (Paradise Regained) don't win! Fortunately I got the forecast with My Pal Val and Pagan Sword! I had a small each-way on Orpen Bid in the 3.20 Perth, and then what happened? It refused to race. Shall I go mad? We had a predominately Irish race in the 3.20 Perth and an Irish result, with a big outsider winning! What next? Ridiculous again! None of the top-rated figured in the places in the 3.30 Catterick, apart from The Hermitage (third). All the others flopped, and it's getting a bit tedious! Orpsie Boy and Galpin Junior were the two best in, the former running on for fifth place! When you see an unlikely favourite in Gap Princess, you start to smell a rat! But, as spectators, there is nothing we can do about it, unfortunately! Couldn't pick the winner, High Skies, in the 3.40 Worcester, but I had second, third and fourth! What happened there? Ah, I see that the 7lb claim made a difference over the second and third! Roznic should still have won, but decided to have an off day. Rapide Plaisir is thrown in shortly for a handicap. System bet Tora Petcha 8/1 third. Petite Margot (above) disputed the lead most of the way, then the jockey looked around and fell off! Incredible! Fortunately my second choice, Bill's Echo, beat Harry Flashman for the forecast! At last! My nap, Film Festival (above) 5/1 winner of the 4.00 Catterick! makes a change! Pepperoni Pete (above) was well in for the 4.10 Worcester, but McCoy had to have his winner again! He's making me a bit annoyed! I didn't give Osolomio as one of my top-rated, as I wasn't sure it was going to perform, but it finished a close second at 22/1 (sure it could have won if wanted)! Pepperoni Pete must win a race soon (perhaps wary of Osolomio today). Stolen Light (above), tipped each-way, third at 40/1! Just getting a place today before winning (thrown in). Ice Image and Storm Prospect were next best in, finishing fourth and fifth. System bet Emotive 9/2 second. I had all places apart from that wretched Nufoudh in the 4.30 Catterick! How can it win when it's got nothing in hand? Frognal (above) must have finished fourth, but can win very soon now, as it was best in today. Malcheek was also very well in, so I can't understand how Nufoudh won, unless it was a put-up job (there was a biggish bet on it)! System bet Mandalay King 8/1 second. I get increasingly perplexed by some of the results they come up with! Are they waiting for bigger races or just getting the form figures set up? Alfadora (above) 10/1 winner of the 4.40 Perth, with next best Swordsman fourth. Glad I pipped McCoy this time! And to round off with another winner in Rifleman (above) 11/4 winner. At least 5/1 was available earlier in the day. Keltic Lord was next best in, and ran on well at the end for fourth place (no good for my forecast!). Well, that's three winners and two places today (one at 40/1) and another that would have won apart from falling at the last (dead, I'm afraid). Not too bad after a barren start! I don't believe this! I wrote down three horses for the 5.40 Worcester, one of which unseated rider, one was the even money second, and the third won at 50/1! How's that for not getting a bet on in time? Sod's Law as usual! Got the forecast and almost the tricast in the 7.10 Chepstow, with Bermondsey Bob (3/1 winner), system bet Cwmni 8/1 second and Stamford Blue (fourth)! The latter got hampered at a vital stage and was running on towards the finish. Will probably win soon. Two of the top three in the 7.40 Chepstow fought out the finish, Invincible Prince and Lindoro, but the odd one out was Aroundthebay, which should have been there, and that one is worth keeping an eye on. I thought Lindoro should have won on these terms, but seemed to hang fire in the final strides.
My tip from earlier in the month (see 3rd June), Boragh Jamal, 16/1 winner of the 6.20 Kempton! How's that, hope you were taking your notes! I thought system bet Business Bay with Spencer on board was going to lead all the way in the 7.50 Kempton, but at 40/1 I had to be a supreme optimist! Of course it packed up, but was going so well at the time that I have to make a note of it for the future. How on earth these favourites (Captain John Nixon) can win so easily with penalties is beyond me - the others must give them too much respect or don't want to compete! System bet Larkrise Star 50/1 third. Typical! The system bets I backed didn't figure at the end! Captain Cool is also better than it showed tonight. How many horses does Hannon have that can't win off 58? Aflaam and Acheekyone were two from the 8.10 Chepstow that should have been in the shakeup. Blast! I kept looking at You've Been Mowed (15/2 winner) but didn't like its form figures! System bet Yes Chef 8/1 second. Wish I would do my system bets! Three horses underperformed in the 8.20 Kempton, namely Hurricane Spirit, Bomber Command and Calahonda. I wish they would run to form, as the 33/1 second, Red Somerset, was the first horse I looked at, and I didn't back it because of those others! I don't like horses with -26 figures, because I never know whether they are trying or not (usually not). One of my old favourites and second best in, Corrib, 16/1 winner of the 8.40 Chepstow! Royal Indulgence was marginally best in, but missed the break and can do much better soon! Make a note! I am convinced this missing the break is usually deliberate. System bet Keene's Day 16/1 second in the 8.50 Kempton. Highland Legacy should have done better. I got two of the first three in the 9.10 Chepstow, but missed the tricast! Croon should do better soon, and keep an eye on Robmaa. I got the winner, system bet Simple Rhythm 16/1 in the 9.20 Kempton, but was disappointed with Lethal and Teen Ager, both of which should have been in the shakeup. Lethal may take another race now before winning. Well, that's it for the day. I had quite a few winners and places today, but too many losers in between! It's nice when you can get three or four 16/1's, though!

29th June: No really strong fancies this afternoon, with lots of small races, but here goes: Naheell (unplaced) (2.30 Bright), Damietta (fourth) (3.15 Ham), Goodbye Cash (nb) (won 10/1!) (3.30 Bright), Anthemion (led most, unplaced) (3.45 Ham), Kings Approach (fourth) (4.00 Bright), Barastar (unplaced) (4.15 Ham), Briannsta (nap) (unplaced) (4.30 Bright). I would want to see money for Tournedos (second 9/2 from 14/1) (4.45 Hamilton) otherwise my selection would be Mandarin Spirit. Posted at 10.20 a.m.

Don't know what is up with Glitter Bug (2.15 Hamilton). You would expect the Johnston stable to make more of it than that! Handicaps? Good start with Naheell (above) - last! It is however very well handicapped, and will do better soon (backed today) and its form now takes on a system type look. Of course my second choice Celtic Dragon just got pipped in third in a seven horse race after looking certain to get second! They have it off to a fine art! Now you know why I don't like 4 and 7 horse races! You can never tell with Dandy Nicholls, except that his son was on Crimea in the 2.45 Hamilton. I had Artsu as best in and a 10lb pull, but the jockey let it pull like a mad thing and didn't let it go until too late! They are so annoying at times! Not one of those favourite days again today, surely? I couldn't stand it! System bet North Central 7/1 second. Damietta (above) decided to get another fourth place today, despite being by far best in! Don't know what to say other than that they are holding it back! System bet Killing Moon 15/8 winner. Lord's Seat can also do better soon. Hoorah! A 10/1 winner in Goodbye Cash (above)! Clear best in on my ratings. It's at times like that you feel some pleasure in the ratings! Second best Stargazy will do better again soon. I thought I was going to get the forecast with system bet Hypnotist for a while. Anthemion (above) led most of the way, packing up late, but will still win soon when wanted. Talk Of Saafend is another to keep an eye on. System bet Gritstone 10/11 winner. Anthemion just left a gap for it to get through. Another fourth with King's Approach (above) in the 4.00 Brighton! It was disputing almost all the way, but the line is where it matters, and they probably eased up imperceptibly. Unfortunately Evans decided to let Chinese Democracy run better than Ramamara, which was second best in! The latter can win soon. I did have a small bet on the winner, Barlaman. Barastar (above) was never at the races in the 4.15 Hamilton, but the winner Dubawi King finished like a rocket! I was hoping it was Barastar, but no chance! Pity, because the winner pipped me for the forecast! I'm getting a bit fed up with Hanagan now, keeps pipping me! Well, my next best won, but my nap, Briannsta (above) didn't! I really thought today was the day, and there was no reason why it shouldn't, except for stable plans, as usual. This was an ideal opportuntiy against weak horses! Second best Hart Of Gold seems to be running worse and worse, but I am sure it will do better when wanted! What a farce! Queen of Thebes was testing today, and led in a short burst before dropping back. Watch that one too. System bet Avonlini 18/1 third. As often happens, the Perratt stable had a winner with the least obvious of its three runnners in Distant Sun in the 4.45 Hamilton. I hate it when they do that! All it means is that the better in of their runners are held back, including Mandarin Spirit (above)! Tournedos (above) finished second at 9/2 (I got 14/1 earlier) and was well gambled today! Either the jockey misjudged the race or second was all that was wanted, as it was thrown in! Horses dropping down the handicap often get placed before winning. Best in Highland Harvest 9/2 winner of the 5.00 Brighton. I had my doubts whether the trip was too short for it. Tiger Trail was second best, but, of course, finished last! Watch for it next time. Fathey and Bateleur were equally well in for the 5.15 Hamilton, which was probably why neither was placed! I could almost see it happening before the race! Botham always seems to run well when wanted, and finished second here.
As regards the evening meetings, I highlighted Gulf Punch (3/1 winner 7.10 Stratford) on its last run (see 25th June). System bet Oscar Royal 11/1 winner of the 7.40 Stratford! Lidjo De Rouge will do better soon. System bet Chambers 6/1 winner of the 8.30 Thirsk. Kings Point was thrown in for the 7.30 Thirsk and must win soon. I tipped Champain Sands (12/1 third in the 8.00 Thirsk) recently (see 25th June). Others to note soon: Cool Art, Fyodorovitch, Kheskianto and Lucky Art, plus McEldowney, thrown in if still retaining its old ability. Alph (second in the 8.10 Stratford) is another that will win again soon, and keep an eye on Is It Me (third).

28th June: Here are a few more top-rated for today: As you will know by now, my selections either run very well or very badly, but it's all part of the plan for these horses! All I can do is give you the top-rated and see what happens! Regal Lyric (2.15 Pont) (fourth), Strike Shot (2.30 Wolv) (unplaced), Yungaburra (nap) (unplaced)(3.00 Wolv), Kerrys Requiem (nb) (fourth) (3.45 Pont), By Command (second 12/1)/Ravi River (unplaced)(4.00 Wolv), Tukitinyasok e/w (led much, unplaced) (4.30 Wolv), Peter Tchaikovsky/Daniel Thomas (5.15 Pont), Pab Special (non-runner) (5.00 Wolv), All About You e/w (5.30 Wolv). Please note that Dabbers Ridge (third 15/2) and Provost (won 18/1) are both better in for the 5.30, but not sure what they will do today. Posted at 12.05 p.m.

Typical! Regal Lyric (above) finished fourth in the 2.15 Pontefract, and I also backed the second and third, Winged Farasi (sys +1) 20/1 and Call Of Duty! Never rely on amateur ladies' races for results! Unfortunately Tommo did not make it clear which horses were which, and only right at the end did he even mention Regal Lyric! System bet Fleetwood Sands 9/4 winner of the 2.30 Wolverhampton with Speedyfix (-450) 16/1 third. Strike Shot (above) was thrown in, but they are waiting a bit longer for that one! Borogh Jamal is another to keep in mind. I tipped Nurai a while ago (see 3rd June), heavily backed 9/4 winner of the 2.45 Pontefract. Verity Lane is another to keep an eye on. I almost gave system bet Triskaidekaphobia (20/1 winner) in the 3.00 Wolverhampton, but as Yungaburra was better in, I gave that one instead! System bet Romantic Queen second. Just leads me to believe that Yungaburra is waiting for a bigger handicap race. Toolain duly obliged at 2/5 in the 3.30 Wolverhampton, but I wanted Merjaan for a place, finishing a close fourth. Kerrys Requiem (above) was hacking behind the leaders in the 3.45 Pontefract, but did not go through with its effort. My second choice was Pretty Bonnie, which won, but that did not do me any good! You never know whether these horses are going to run the same race twice, unfortunately, but it was still best in today and can win again. System bet Orpenindeed evens winner of the 4.00 Wolverhampton from system bet By Command (above) 12/1. Ravi River will do better soon, as will Landucci (unseated) and Southandwest. By Command was actually better in than Orpenindeed, but not on these official ratings. I dfidn't think Tukitinyasok (above) would win at 66/1, but it was in the lead and making me excited for a very long way, and this was clearly a test! Watch out for it! System bet Cloudy City 28/1 second! Beneath will do better shortly also. I thought Ellen Vannin was certain to finish in the first two in the 4.45 Pontefract, but no, third place. Makes you curse! In a six horse race it's a waste of money! Problem is, I'm looking at actual achieved ratings instead of official ratings in a claimer. A dangerous game, as they tend to respect the ratings in these types of races. Ellen Vannin will now do better in a handicap. Couldn't understand why Emperor's Well was such a long price in the 5.00 Wolverhampton, as it was thrown in against these. Soon found out (rubbish run). Bet it won't be such a big price next time (make a note). Pab Special (above) non-runner (at least it was not another loser). Green Passion is also due soon now. System bet Desert Hunter 11/4 winner of the 5.15 Pontefract. Peter Tchaikovsky (above), backed in from 25/1 to 14/1, but not by the stable, dropped out tamely, like most of mine today, but is thrown in when wanted (but there will probably be lots of money for it then). It has got rid of that seventh place now! DanielThomas also was poor after threatening briefly. And my third best, Avonrose? You've guessed it (finished third at 7/2 - no value in that). What a shambles! Makes you feel like shaking somebody! Well, I gave a good mention to Provost (above) 18/1 winner of the 5.30 Wolverhampton! Dabbers Ridge also finished third. All About You led for a long way, then dropped out, but will do better. How on earth can you pick the winner of a race like the 6.40 Windsor? Nothing stood out at all. System and symmetrical bet Los Nadis 11/4 winner of the 6.55 Muuselburgh with best in Andorn only second. If you went purely on the system, Los Nadis would have been the bet. I can never pick what these horses are going to do, but the first place from last season gave a clue. Media Stars made no effort, but was my second best in! Watch out for a better run soon, along with Kyber. I mentioned last time out (see 22nd June) that Timeteam had gone AWOL recently, and it won tonight at 8/1! All that means is that Fazbee did not perform tonight, as it was actually better in! It's easy if you know that your main rival is not going to make it difficult! System bet Baby Rock 7/1 second. One horse to note is Sovereignty, which will do better in a handicap soon. Glad that my internet connection went down before the 7.25 Musselburgh, as my best in did not perform: The Bear and Raccoon. How come the betting seems to know that this is going to happen? It can't be coincidence. Do they shy away when there is any competition? Hooligan Sean made no attempt to get into the 7.40 Windsor, so no doubt will run better when it is a bigger price. Does that sound cynical? I can't understand how Master Macho could not get placed in the 7.55 Musselburgh. I was watching the race and the jockey seemed content with fourth place, which is not nice for the backer! It will probably win when not expected. System bet and best in Archie Rice 8/1 winner of the 8.10 Windsor (I got 10/1)! Didn't get the forecast, but should have known that Megalala always runs well! Best in and system bet Safebreaker did not compete in the 8.25 Musselburgh (that 3 on the front again!), and must do better next time. I thought second best Balwearie was ging to win from the front, but eventually capitulated. System and symmetrical bet Milnagavie 17/2 winner of the 8.40 Windsor (I got 12/1). I also backed best in Choral Festival (11/1 third) but would have loved the forecast! Cold Quest was thrown in for the 8.50 Musselburgh, but had asymmetrical form. Must win next time! System bet Queen's Scholar 4/1 third. I thought Zabeel Tower was going to win for a while, eventually finishing fourth, and worth a bet soon. Also keep an eye on Capeability, which has been hanging for a while (system bet next time). I backed the wrong Eddery runner in the 9.10 Windsor with system bet Storm Hawk (16/1 second), but at least I got a good price! French Art will do better soon. I got the forecast in the 9.25 Musselburgh with system bet Chocamoca 14/1 and best in Rescent (6/1)! Just missed the tricast (Dispol Kabira should have been there)! The 7lb claim on Chocamoca probably made the difference and also to the third, Monsieur Pontaven. I normally discount horses with 7lb claimers on them, but sometimes they are on for a reason!

27th June: I'll give you a rest from my selections today, as I am going to concentrate on the football, and I am sure many of you would prefer to do that too. It will probably save you a few quid too (hehe)! Hope to resume tomorrow. Oh, ok, then, if you insist. I'll give you a few, all at Uttoxeter: Knowhere (2.40), Mujamead (3.10), Liberty Seeker (3.45), Coach Lane (4.55). Posted at 12.05.

Wish I hadn't given them now, and also wish I hadn't watched the football. I won't comment on the latter! But you know that I never give selections without good reason, and all of these will probably be worth a bet again next time, along with O'Toole, Schinken Otto and Woody Valentine, amongst others. It makes me laugh when they not only lose, but finish miles down the field or pull up, as I know exactly what they are doing and why they do it! I had small doubts about the form figures of several of those mentioned, but the figures will look better next time, as long as we remember them!

26th June: Here are my top-rated for this afternoon: Sir Gerry (2.00 Newc)(fifth), River Falcon (2.30 Newc) (unplaced), Macarthur (3.05 Newc - 66/1 at the time of posting) (unplaced), Northern Fling/Drawnfromthepast (3.30 Winds) (both unplaced), Classic Punch (3.55 Newm) (second 6/1), Record Breaker (4.00 Winds) (third 7/2), Hoh Hoh Hoh (4.20 Chest), Ginobili (4.35 Winds), Baylini (unplaced) /Seradim (second 16/1) (4.35 Newm), Hustle (5.00 Newm) (won 7/4- up in lights!), Tilos Gem (5.25 Chest). Posted at 11.25 a.m.

Zarooni looked like getting a 1-2-3-4 in the 1.45 Newmarket after the favourite pulled up, but had to be contnet with a 1-2. I wondered whether something like that might happen, and had backed the winner (stable jockey) to come second to the favourite. Not sure that the latter would have won anyway! I don't know how Barnie McGrew managed to win off its current mark in the 2.00 Newcastle, but it did! Sir Gerry (above) vastly underperformed in fifth place and never threatened, as did most of the other well in horses. Can do much better. Cumani's Kor Sheed winner of the 2.15 Newmarket. His runners, in common with several other top stables, usually improve a lot from their first run. Hannon's Jollywood was very disappointing, but the betting was ominous. River Falcon (above) never got into the argument, but can do better soon, and my second rated, Excusez Moi, (see 13th June) ran on late for third, after making sure that it wasn't going to win today by being too far back! I can never understand how these favourites win so easily against well-handicapped horses! System bet Bowdlers Magic 5/2 winner of the 2.35 Chester, and I got the forecast with Park View (4/1)! System bet The Rectifier 7/2 winner of the 2.55 Windsor, but the other system bet and best-in Asset did not perform! Ordnance Row was another to disappoint, but its form figures suggested that might happen (-26). Macarthur (above) would probably have been a shorter price if it was going to win, and finished just out of the places. I think it was hampered at one point. Will win when wanted. I kept looking at the winner and progressive hurdler, Overturn, which always seems to run well in front, but did not back it. Unusually for a Pipe runner on the flat, Mamlook (same rating over hurdles but more weight here) finished last, but I bet it will do better when wanted. System bet Elbedee should have won the 3.10 Chester, but the winner cut it off on the rails and stopped its momentum! I thought official top-rated Premio Loco had too much weight in the 4.20 Newmarket, but it won at 25/1! Mabait ran a stinker, and can do much better. I backed O'Brien's supposed second string, Roderick O'Connor in the 3.30 Curragh, winning at 12/1! This happens more often than it should, and is always worth a look! No joy with Northern Fling or Drawnfromthepast in the 3.30 Windsor. Why do horses rarely run two races alike? It's enfuriating! They both had claimers on them, which is often a bad sign, but not always! Looks like a bad day today, unless I can get some results out of the remainder! Best-in Game Lad ran on too late for fifth in the 3.40 Newcastle, with the progressive Camerooney winning again! System bet Esoterica 9/1 third. Johnston's apparent second string Below Zero 14/1 winner of the 3.45 Chester, but I was wise to it! Classic Punch (above) finished second in the 3.55 Newmarket, but amazingly I did rather well out of it with forecast and tricast (my top three rated), making about £50 profit (see below).

Not bad for one race after a frustrating day so far! Record Breaker (above) finished third at 7/2 after looking like winning into the final furlong. Hoh Hoh Hoh (above) travelled well, but never made an effort to get into contention. Bear it in mind for next time. Three horses were almost equally well in for this race, and another one, Green Park, would probably have won but for being hampered in the last furlong. The third, Memphis Man, was not wanted today, but is not finished when wanted again soon. Seradim (above) could have won the race at 16/1, but once getting in front, I suspect allowed itself to get beaten! Baylini did not figure in the end, but I suggest will go a lot closer next time! Good day for selections today - not! Ginobili (above) finished plum last, but I wasn't surprised. That is usually a sign of a good run next time. Easy to say, isn't it, but keep it in your note book! Best-in Daaweitza was hacking all over the leader in the 4.45 Newcastle, but soon packed up when headed. My second rated The Galloping Shoe (see my comment 9th June) won the race with system bet Prince Of Johanne in third. Almost got the forecast! Lang Shining and Snoqualmie Boy were almost equally in for the 4.50 Chester, and I backed both just in case, with Lang Shining winning at 7/1! Well, I did get a winner today with Hustle (above) easy 7/4 winner of the 5.00 Newmarket! Unfortunately there was a 25p rule 4 message! System bet Russian Rave 6/1 second. Perhaps you would prefer me to give all short-priced 'certainties', many of which don't win in any case? The jockey made a good job of making Tilos Gem (above) look like a donkey in the 5.25 Chester, so I almost made a clean sweep of non-winners, but not quite! Apologies if today was a bad day, but they do happen, more so at weekends I notice (perhaps because of greater public scrutiny?) Hopefully I can do better next time! Into the evening, but will probably watch the football tonight (will certainly be watching tomorrow afternoon!). System bet Remotelinx 8/11 winner of the 5.50 Lingfield (30 mins delayed). Had to stay for the 6.20 Lingfield, with Make My Dream (system type form) 13/2 winner (I got 15/2)! Wooden King ran well for a while and should be noted soon.

25th June: I am sorry that, when I have two or three selections for one race, I invariably seem to pick the wrong one to dsisplay on many occasions, while I actually have the winner on my list! Perhaps I am influenced by the prices in trying to give value odds? I can supply my three top-rated in a subscription service if you wish, but that would involve a lot more bets. It does however work for me most of the time, with smaller stakes and reverse forecasts and tricasts. Anyway, I will try again today: Tislaam (2.50 Donc) (third 6/1), Little Edward e/w (3.05 Folk) (fourth), Aggravation (3.15 Mkt) (won 14/1!), Beaver Patrol (unplaced)/Cornus (won 9/1!) (3.40 Folkestone), Tobago Bay (3.50 Mkt) (pulled up!), Run To Space (4.25 Mkt) (pulled up), Tudor Prince (4.35 Donc), Dora Explora e/w (4.45 Folk), First Fought (4.55 Mkt). Posted at 12.40 p.m.

A good start for me with Bandanaman 100/30 and Treeko 9/2 in a forecast in the 2.10 Market Rasen. Just got a place in my placepot with Royal Liaison in the 2.20 Doncaster (thought it had got pipped). Second with A Litlle Bit Dusty 10/1 in the 2.30 Folkestone (didn't fancy the winner, but someone did). I backed Gulf Punch in the 2.40 Market Rasen, and think it could have finished closer than it did, so hopefully it will run better next time! Tislaam (above) 6/1 third in the 2.50 Doncaster. I think it could have done better, as it was always hacking along! Itsthursdayalready finished about fifth, and can do better soon. Little Edward (above) was never going to win at 25/1 from that stable, but ran very respectably in fourth without being pushed unduly. Keep your eye on it for a better run soon. I think because it could not beat Abbondanza, they decided to run it down the field. System bet Aggravation (above) 14/1 winner! That's better, restores some confidence! Also keep an eye on Hair Of The Dog, which ran well for a long way today! My placepot went down with Murura in the 3.25 Doncaster! Couldn't last! These seven horse races are a menace! Keep an eye on Call To Arms, which finished third and I think can do better. Cornus (above) 9/1 winner of the 3.40 Folkestone (I got 12/1)! Beaver Patrol was never sighted, but will do better. Wish I'd put Cornus in my Lucky 63! Tobago Bay (above) tailed off! There's always one, isn't there! It was clearly a deliberate tactic, as it normally front-runs! It was clear best in on hurdles form with Magical Legend, which finished third. Both will do much better. Odds-on favourite Whoateallthepius beaten again in the 4.05 Doncaster! I prefer to think that the stable bought it for future handicaps, and it's going to slide down for a while. Time will tell! The money for Brittain's horse was significant again! Black Jacari was going better than the favourite in the 4.15 Folkestone, but who knows what the riding plans were? The favourite had nothing to lose by winning in terms of future odds. Better for the others to come second or third in a three horse race, and keep your powder dry for a bigger race! That looking around makes me laugh, they know they are not going to lose! I told you my selections either win or are pulled up over the jumps! Run To Space (above) never attempted to get into the race, and the writing was on the wall at halfway! That's what frustrates me about the type of horse that I back! That man McCoy again with Tempsford! Knew I shouldn't have tipped Tudor Prince (above) because if you look at its record, it always runs a good race followed by a bad one (not its fault, poor thing). Is extremely well in, probably next time. System bet Thunderball 20/1 third, with my other fancy, system bet Toto Skyllachy, in fourth. Didn't matter whether you backed Dora Explora (above) to win or each-way, as it finished last! I noted a brief effort on the outside at halfway, so no doubt they are checking to see how much ability it retains. It was thrown in here if it still has that ability. I also backed my second fancy, Vinces, which finished second at 12/1. Well, I missed the 4.55 Market Rasen, but First Fought was no good there, either, so you will have to put up with a couple of winners and a place today! Still, could be much worse! That one, King's Majesty and Tampa Boy, none of which performed today, are all due soon. I always smile (through gritted teeth) when none of the top-rated try, because it's so obvious! Engulf was going by far the best in the 5.05 Doncaster, but the money must have been on the other one! They are so clever at getting pipped on the line! System bet Understory (Johnston again) 3/1 winner of the 5.15 Folkestone! Goose Green was best in, but no money for it today! System bet Premier Kadam 10/1 looked all over the winner until McCoy got a drive out of Black Annie 7/2 to win. Fortunately I had both in a forecast, but would have preferred Premier Kadam to win! Hallstatt (third) was far better than it showed in the 5.40 Doncaster, but you can't back against the riding arrangements! Will win a bigger race soon. How I hate these four horse races (unless an outsider wins, of course)! The horse with the best form, Hannon's Sweet Cecily, won the 6.00 Newmarket at 11/2. This often happens against newcomers. I was disappointed with Miss Moneypenni, which seemed to be going well enough, but dropped out! The three best horses for the 6.30 Newmarket all looked like taking a hand, but none of them were wanted tonight, and all failed to get home. For your notes, they were Aviso (drifted dramatically in the betting), Eastern Gift and Orpen Wide (led for a long way and never looked in any trouble until the jockey started rowing away for no apparent reason!). All three will do better again soon. Sacrilege won again, that's twice I've missed it now, but wouldn't have been good enough if the others competed. Did they put Moore on Eastern Gift to suggest that, if he can't win on it, nobody can? Bagutta Sun should have done better than fourth on these terms in the 7.45 Chester, and threatened briefly near the finish. Can do better soon. Angus Newz was set up for a handicap after tonight's run in the 8.05 Newmarket, so watch for it again soon. I didn't want Opus Maximus in the 8.20 Chester (I wanted stablemate My Gacho, which can win soon). Oh, it did finish third, which is more encouraging! I don't know what has happened to the Evans stable, who had three well in runners tonight and none of them performed! System bet Sircozy 11/2 winner of the 8.40 Newmarket. Why on earth did best in Folio fail to figure? They never let them run two races alike! Must win next time (system bet). That's why! System bet Layla's Lexi 7/1 winner of the 8.50 Chester. Blast! was just about to back it when the race went off! I thought it was about time Geojimali ran a good race, and I thought it was going to win for a while in the 9.00 Newcastle, eventually finishing third at 33/1! As usual, I backed the wrong Easterby horse in Twisted! Seven horse races! Tell me about them! First and second favourites came in again! I was on Steelcut and Diamond Johnny G, finishing third and fourth! I hate it when best in horses use these races to get the right places for their future plans! Keep an eye on Tony The Tap, which will do better soon. I wondered whether Dragon Slayer would make an effort in the 9.20 Chester, and it finished like a train for second at 25/1! Champain Sands is due very soon now. Well, an enjoyable day, but I've had enough now. See you tomorrow!

24th June: Nothing much jumps off the page at long prices today, so caution is advised (small each-way stakes unless short-priced): Tartan Triumph (2.00 Good) (unplaced), The Two G's (2.20 War) (fifth), Vhujon (unplaced) /Charles Darwin (33/1 third) (2.55 War), Mohanad (nap) (second 7/4) (3.10 Good), Deadly Secret (3.20 New) (unplaced), Rain Stops Play (nb) (5.05 New), Hilbre Court (5.15 War) (led, fourth), Royal Composer (6/1 second)/Loyal Knight (5.40 New) (unplaced). Posted at 11.40 a.m.

If you were watching the 2.00 Goodwood, you would have seen Titan Triumph (above) travelling really well, making a sweeping move down the outside, then fading. I would suggest it is ready to perform very soon. I also backed the winner, system bet Zero Money (9/1). I told you that my selections usually run very well or very badly, and The Two G's finished last in the 2.20 Warwick. Never trust small races! Next best in Tom Folan was the winner. I am still waiting for Annia Galeria to show its true form, which no doubt it will in a bigger race. I had the forecast with Ship's Biscuit and Scorn in the 2.35 Goodwood. Let's hope Moore can also win on Mohanad later! Lady Royale was very disappointing in the 2.45 Warwick, fading after looking capable of taking second. Unfortunately my other choice in the forecast, Alfraamsey, won, and I didn't back it! That always seems to happen with my forecasts - false economy! Three of my top four came in for the 2.55 Warwick with Favourite Girl 5/1, Alfresco 9/2 and Charles Darwin 33/1 (above). Vhujon is keeping its powder dry but must do better soon! Fortunately I got the forecast and tricast, which should be worth something (£33.50 for 30p)! Couldn't believe that Mohanad got beaten in the 3.10 Goodwood, and I think it did its best, so this Sunny Spells (-040) must be very well handicapped! Two disappointments were Red Twist and Royal Premier. System bet Tartan Gunna 5/2 winner of the 3.20 Newcastle. I knew that Deadly Secret (above) would come either first or last, and it was the latter. You normally expect money from the Fahey stable, and there wasn't much for that one today. I just thought they might be pulling a fast one with two runners in the race. Keep an eye on it, possibly next time, as it is very well in! A predictable result in the 3.30 Warwick, with favourite beating second favourite. Didn't have much to beat there! I almost expected a 1-2 from Hannon in the 3.45 Goodwood, and I was right, with the second favourite Sextons House just shading it. I thought Channon's Premium Coffee was going to get placed, but just pipped into fourth. The two best in for the 3.55 Newcastle, Planetarium and Inchnadamph decided to finish fourth and fifth today. Five horse race, I expect things like that, but it can be very annoying. Both can win in bigger races than this soon. Seta was the obvious choice for the 4.05 Warwick, but I was very suspicious of the price of second rated Virginia Hall, and I was proved right, as it didn't figure! System bet Slip Sliding Away 12/1 winner of the 4.20 Goodwood! Lady Jane Digby could have won the 4.30 Newcastle, but I also fancied the winner Pachattack and the third Honimiere! In fact they worked out more or less to their ratings! Unfortunately despite that I got the forecast the wrong way around! I was suspicious of the price of Honimiere, which has been well backed when winning, and the fact that it finished third probably explains it (also getting rid of a first place). Channon's Aataash 9/1 winner of the 4.55 Goodwood. perhaps Mr Hitchcott was trying to tell me something? All the others got in each other's way! I think someone has been looking at my list today, as Rain Stops Play, (above) cruising two furlongs out, stopped suddenly into sixth place. Must win soon! Second best in Sea Land finished fourth, typically, so I got nothing out of the race! Royal Applord is another worth noting soon. Hilbre Court (above) led most of the way before finishing fourth. Somebody has been looking at my list, as it was clear best in. Tanforan was not wanted today, although second best (I was rather hoping the stable would have a 1-2). Third best and system bet Maybe I Won't 12/1 third. Some days you pick 'em, some days you don't! Today is in the latter category, although I myself am well up based on one good tricast. Royal Composer (above) was well backed from a big early price, but the way it ran suggested that second place was all that was wanted, as it started its effort too late. Loyal Knight (above) will do better soon. Well, I told you that some days are better than others, but don't despair, as the good days do pop up on a regular basis! Best in Refuse To Wait ran like a crab in the 6.10 Newcastle (must win soon), and it was obvious that, outside of the winner, Whispered Times, nobody else wanted to come second, as third best Angel Of Fashion slowed right up when gaining on Vito Volterra, and nothing else wanted to get remotely near! What a farce! I thought all the others were under orders not to get placed, and then it becomes quite difficult! If you get a chance to see the race, look at the finish, because it was almost in slow motion after the winner! What a start to the evening! My three best in finished first second and third, with Methaaly, Fromsong and The Tatling! What a forecast and tricast! And the first one up in my Lucky 63 with Methaaly, on which I got 13/2! I also had the first two up in my Lucky 63 with Methaaly and Regents Secret, followed by a third with The Hermitage, but that was it! The annoying thing was that I placed some bets before I went out and also had Magnitude and Almaty Express, which I could have included! Strangely I have been following Methaaly (see 19th June) and Almaty Express (see 4th June) for ages, as you can see from my recent comments, but did not put them together! Never mind, made another £60 profit today in small bets! Best in Sea Land finished second in the 6.50 Newcastle, and was going as well as the winner, but did not pick up as quickly (deliberately). Must win soon. A horse that I backed a couple of times in maidens, Spelterini, 10/1 winner of the 6.55 Curragh! Hannon again with Calypso Star 4/1 in the 7.00 Newmarket! Marafong and Bell's Ocean are now due a much better run. I don't know what has happened to Transfixed, other than it is being held up to continually reduce its handicap mark. It has got enough noughts now, I should think! Best in with system bet Rasselas (second) tonight, it finished last! Another Magic Man (-3456) (see system) 13/2 winner. If that could win, Transfixed should also have won, because it was better in!

23rd June: Can't improve on yesterday (can only get worse), but here are this afternoon's top-rated: A Haon A Do (1.50 Worcs) (unseated), Fishforcompliments (2.30 Carl) (11/1 second), Mount Hadley/Rainbow Mirage (3.05 Carl) (both unplaced), Benandonner (3.15 Sal) (second 16/1 from 25/1 available earlier), Sadlers Star (3.25 Worcs) (14/1 winner!), Palomar (3.35 Carl) (12/1 fourth), The Real Deal (4.00 Worcs) (pulled up), Marodima (4.30 Worcs) (unplaced), Yungaburra (5.15 Carl) (unplaced), Binnion Bay (5.30 Sal) (third 12/1). Posted at 12.10 p.m.

Couldn't pick the winner of the 1.25 Carlisle (Bold Bidder 25/1), except that it was from Kevin Ryan's stsble, which has been in good form in general! I backed Darwin Star (second) each-way in the 1.35 Salisbury, and should have taken notice of the money for Perfect Tribute. Despite being favourite, this time Channon's Silver Show was hopeless! Knew it couldn't last! A Haon A Du (above) was making nice progress in the 1.50 Worcester when unseating rider. A strange incident with no apparent reason, hope it wasn't deliberate. Fortunately I also backed third rated Occasionally Yours (sys+1) (28/1 winner)! No, I'm not just saying that, you know I always tell the truth! Very long-priced first three! Nomad will do better again soon. Smart's Al Medina 4/1 winner of the 2.00 Carlisle. Whenever I back Fahey's runners, they don't win, and vice versa! How can you pick horses like Midnight Feast for the forecast in the 2.10 Salisbury when it was tailed off first time? Clear Sailing winner of the 2.20 Worcester, but what on earth happened to Dormouse? I suppose with Flitchity (18/1 second) it doesn't pay to ignore McCain's runners! Fishforcompliments (above) was by far best in for the 2.30 Carlisle, finishing only second at 11/1. Second in Bonnie Prince Blue was hopeless today and will do better (system next time). The former Hannon runner Ailsa Craig 10/1 winner. Strangely Hamilton beat fellow stable jockey Paul Hanagan! I wondered why Starclass was so well backed in the 2.45 Salisbury, but it won well. Usually pays to take notice of money from that stable. System bet Pagan Sword 18/1 second in the 2.55 Worcester. Mount Hadley (above) was involved for a while, but dropped out, and Rainbow Mirage was never sighted. Raptor and those two will do better soon. I kept looking at Camerooney, but did not back it! What a load of disappointments! I thought Mount Hadley was being kept for this race! So far today, it's after the Lord Mayor's Show, but there is still time! Second rated Mahadee 9/1 winner of the 3.15 Salisbury from top-rated Benandonner 16/1 (above)! Fortunately I had a reverse forecast on the two! Sadlers Star (above) 14/1 winner! Second best Petit Fleur finished third. Best in Palomar (above) 12/1 fourth in the 3.35 Carlisle, with equal rated Kingsdale Orion 25/1 third! This Brushing must be some horse! Ellison had the second, third and fourth, including those two! Not too bad now, I've given a few respectable selections! The Real Deal (above) pulled up! You have to expect that sort of thing with my selections, but you can back it next time! Two Miles West was also well in, but not for today! Well, that's shot one Lucky 63 for today, good job I've got another one going! Mrs Boss let me down for a place in the 4.20 Salisbury! There's always one, isn't there? Will do better soon.Top-rated Bathwick Xaara second and third rated system bet Ramamara third. Obviously Marodima (above) was not wanted today, because it was clear best in with Ormello (second). System bet Mibleu 9/1 winner! Not one of the best in horses figured in the 4.40 Carlisle! Probably because there were several closely weighted, and they don't like that! Wyatt Earp, Green Park and Bravely were the best three. Do they discuss the outcome of the race beforehand, or do they ask the others if their horse is competing? It baffles me, but something similar must happen! I backed Appleby's system bet Minella in the 5.05 Worcester, and it led nearly all the way, then dropped out! How disappointing! I was expecting a good run from Yungaburra (above) in the 5.15 Carlisle, but I had to put up with a forecast between second-rated Sir Mozart 5/1 and third-rated Bentley 11/1! I'll settle for that! Yungaburra (hacking at the back) must try soon now. Just shows the best rated only win when they try! I keep telling trainers that, but they don't take any notice! Binnion Bay! What can I say about that? Missed the break, then ran on like a rocket to finish third (I thought it was fifth)! Don't you just hate it when that happens? What happens when it starts with the others? Like For Like is due a good run soon. System bet Eye For The Girls second. Well, not a bad day, one good winner and a few good places! Even managed to watch the football in between! One of the best in for the 5.50 Kempton, Goodbye Cash, 20/1 second. I noticed it because it used to be with David Evans, and his son rode it tonight. Count Ceprano and Wrighty Almighty must run a better race very soon. Even these apprentices can do a bit of acting, apparently. Do they go to a special school? Best in Talamahana 33/1 third in the 6.05 Bath, finished very fast! I fancied Stage Acclaim and Graylyn Ruby (see 11th June) in the 6.20 Kempton, the latter winning at 20/1! But I didn't get the forecast! Damn! Why is it when I back something as an afterthought that it wins along with one of my main selections? I thought that Dee Cee Elle would run better, but perhaps it will be next time now! System bet The Mighty Atom 8/1 second in the 6.30 Naas. Best in Ravi River never made an effort in the 6.40 Bath! Oh, guess who was on it? Yes, Mr Heffernan again! he either wins or comes nowhere most of the time! Johnston's bottom weight Honest Broker 100/30 winner of the 6.50 Kempton! Johnston's often win at bigger prices, so when there is money for one, you have to take notice! System bet Law Of Attraction 8/1 third. Almost got the forecast with Solent Ridge and system bet Statue Of Dreams (33/1 third) in the 7.00 Naas! Zarooni's Half Truth 4/1 winner of the 7.10 Bath. Drat, ignored it in favour of Byronic (second). The 7lb claimer made the difference! Why did I think that Zarooni would have first and second in the 7.20 Kempton. I should have known that Frankie would win with Deep South (9/2), and backed that one on its own! You can be too greedy at times! They always seem to pull these tricks when they have two runners! Why can't people see through it? System bets Desert Romance and Laca Dancer first and third in the 7.30 Naas! Just missed the forecast again! I just back in Irish racing using system form figures now, it's much easier. High Spice (sys+1) (see 19th June) 14/1 winner of the 7.40 Bath! Hannon's Bilko Pak 5/2 winner of the 7.50 Kempton. Knew I should have backed it to win! Prescott's normally win when they are favourites, but not always! Well, I've had enough for the day! Just about broke even, which isn't bad considering many of my bets went down. Still, that's racing, it's not too bad if you can break even or make a good profit some days (like yesterday).

22nd June: This afternoon's top-rated: Seneschal (3.00 Bright) (won 50/1!), Danehillsundance (3.15 Bev) (won 9/4), Ledgerwood (3.30 Bright) (unplaced), Fathey (3.45 Bev) (third 16/1), Stargazy (4.00 Bright) (won 20/1!), Hart Of Gold (4.30 Bright) (led, unplaced), Helping Hand (4.45 Bev) (12/1 winner!), Nawaaff (5.00 Bright) (fifth), Divine Spirit (5.15 Bev) (fifth). Posted at 12.30 p.m.

Clive Brittain's Beyeh 5/2 winner of the 2.15 Beverley. I mentioned that when his horses are shortish prices they are often worth a bet. Unfortunately I thought the same applied to Pat Eddery's, but his horse Laffraaj never got running. Channon's Star Now started at 5/1 in the betting and drifted out but won easily! His is another to follow at middling prices. Wish I'd backed my hunch, but I don't like Hitchcott as a jockey. I didn't know whether to trust top-rated Kames Park in the 2.45 Beverley, as it had let me down a few times when it should have won recently. In fact I was disappointed that it won today, as I was looking for a good price in the future! That has ruined it now! This is often the sort of race where it would come third, so that was the view I took, unfortunately. Slip is running below form, but should do better in a handicap soon. A 50/1 winner with Seneschal (above)! Hope you were on it! The same trainer had a 66/1 winner yesterday! Timeteam was second best in, but seems to have gone AWOL recently! two winners in a row! Danehillsundance 9/4 winner of the 3.15 Beverley with system bet Umverti second. The only one I didn't back in the 3.30 Brighton, Gulf President (my old mate Heffernan again) won the race, and I backed second, third, fourth and last (Ledgerwood above). Swine! I had a double with Ledgerwood and Seneschal, but they won't let you get doubles like that very often! (Hope they didn't pay it off). Don't despair with Ledgerwood, back it again on its next couple of outings, as it was best in today! I thought system bet Fathey (above) was coming to win the race in the 3.45 Beverley, but it finished third at 16/1 in a very close finish! Musca was next best in, but missed the break, and will do better. Also keep an eye on Ansell's Pride next time. A good day so far, with Stargazy (above) winning at 20/1! I pinpointed the fact that it was well in and had missed the break yesterday! How's that for tipping? Am I better today? How many winners have you had at those prices recently? Another odds-on favourite beaten in the 4.15 Beverley! How many times does that happen? My second rated Forest Dane 8/1 winner of the 4.30 Brighton. Hart Of Gold (above) led for a long way, but as usual packed up! Must win soon when it keeps going! I now have two winners (18/1 and 14/1 at early prices) and a 16/1 third in a Lucky 31. Wish me luck with the other two! Well, that's another one up with Helping Hand (above) (12/1 winner)! That gives me three doubles and a treble at huge prices! One to go, come on Divine Spirit! Blast! Divine Spirit let me down for a fantastic return (thousands), but can win soon. Wish it was today! I still made over £300 for a stake of £3.10! If Divine Spirit had won, I would have had 6 doubles, four trebles and I also had an accumulator going on all five. Do you think Skybet askedDivine Spirit to run badly today? No, ridiculous! All the same, I have had bets in the past where the last leg has not been sighted! Hmmm.. I see from the race report that Divine Spirit was making headway when it did not get a clear run, and it finished a close-up fifth. Drat! I couldn't make out which one it was during the race, but I did see one cantering in behind! Nawaaff (above) finished fifth and can do better, and I can almost guarantee that we will see a better run from Caribbean Coral in the near future. Bear it in mind. System bet Black Coffee 14/1 third in the 6.20 Newbury. I thought Choral Festival was going to win, but the rider seemd to pull it back when in a good lead! Keep an eye on it! Wish this Ghufa would stop winning. It's beginning to annoy me! Oh, by the way, with one exception, I am still waiting for your emails!

21st June: This afternoon's top-rated: Garstang (2.45 Ling) (unplaced), Cativo Cavallino (3.15 Ling) (25/1 winner), Anjomarba (3.30 Wolv) (unplaced), Haasem (3.45 Ling) (unplaced), Silver Linnet (4.00 Wolv) (fifth), Summers Target (4.15 Ling) (unplaced), Traphalgar (4.30 Wolv) (unplaced - ridiculous), Woolston Ferry (5.00 Wolv) (unplaced), Tag Team (5.30 Wolv) (unplaced), Mohanad (5.45 Ling) (third 10/1). Based on my database ratings only. If you would like copies of the databases (flat & national hunt £20) please email me.

Two odds-on favourites went down in the first two races, confirming what I have said on numerous occasions! I backed Mishtaaq (third) each-way in the 2.30 Wolverhampton, with Swinburn's Silver Alliance winning at 12/1. Garstang (above) was best in, as I suggest above, and was well there inside the final furlong before not running on, and it looks like next time now, as it was the complete outsider today. System bet Bajan Tryst 14/1 second. I don't know how they work out what the favourite is in these races, as there is no obvious difference between most of the runners. Strangely, although Marco Botti had a well-backed runner which was unplaced in the 2.30, his Sweet Origin finished second at 20/1 in the 3.00. I backed system bet Gra Adhmhar each-way, finishing third at 6/1. Cativo Cavallino (above) 25/1 winner of the 3.15 Lingfield, with my second-rated, Copperwood second! I had a small (10p) reverse forecast on the two (£174 forecast)! Anjomarba (above) was clear best in for the 3.30 Wolverhampton at these weights, but finished in the ruck. Must win a similar race again. I also backed system bet Clear Ice (12/1 third). If I had backed the favourite Under Fire in the 3.45 Lingfield, I would have had the tricast, as I backed Flyinflyout 12/1 and Bookiebasher Babe 20/1 (second and third)! Haasem (above) was best in, but you usually have to see money from the Jenkins stable. Keep an eye on it soon. Was this another race where the best in did not want to beat the favourite? Silver Linnet (above) normally front-runs, but made no effort today, running on for fifth. Is very well in when wanted and can run faster than this! Well, the three best in, including Summers Target (above), Inquisitress and Orsett Lad made no attempt in the 4.15 Lingfield. How can you explain that? It defies belief! Just shows that any horse can be made to lose if that is what is wanted! What did the stewards have to say about the previous form of the winner, Eye Of Eternity? I would like to find out! Yet another race (4.30 Wolverhampton) where the best in were pathetic in their efforts. A 25/1 winner and a 501 second which were not pickable except with a pin! System bet Rickety Bridge 8/1 third. There is no explanation other than that the best in did not try again, as otherwise this result is nonsense! I think every so often trainers just say, "We'll cock a snook at all known form and let something else win!" I know the form and not even I could pick these! Trainers, please tell me what is the point of ratings if no horse runs to them? I await your reply. Mark Twain is better than it showed in the 4.45 Lingfield, so what is the point in running at the back of the field and never getting into the race? Will probably take another race now before making an effort. Johnston went against my system by letting Jutland win with an outstanding first place. Naughty, naughty, Mark! Yet another race (5.00 Wolverhampton) where the best in were not sighted (apart from Carmenero). Woolston Ferry has run a few lifeless races lately, and I am not sure if it is getting rid of all good form before making an effort. Could be a long time! You have to admit that the jockeys make it look good (the way the horse is struggling, that is)! In most races you only have to look at the betting to see which horses are going to compete, but I can't take a chance on that and miss a good priced one! That's where the drain on the bank comes in. But it is so exhilarating when you pick one that wins at a massive price! Another odds-on favourite in Pink Palace 10/11 beaten in the 5.15 Lingfield, but not by the one I expected! I thought they were pulling a fast one with Invitee, which ran well, but never threatened to win. Wondered why Tag Team (above) was 33/1 when it had all second and third places in the 5.30 Wolverhampton! Obviously a day for a dip in form today, but best in, will do better soon. What makes me laugh is how a horse like Bold Diva makes the rest look as if they are standing still! It is obviously considerably better than anything it has shown on the track! Another naughty naughty with a first place from last season! Stick to the rules, guys, please! Don't write off Dhhamaan either, which is still exceptionally well handicapped, but watch for the money if Ruth decides to let it win! Third best in Stargazy missed the break, and it is very interesting when this happens, as they usually don't miss the break when they are backed! Mohanad (above) was thrown in for the 5.45 Lingfield, but just didn't want to win (finished third at 10/1 and was actually reined back near the finish!) Was obviously full of running behind the leaders, and may well win next time. Reload and Valmari are two others from the race which are very well in, but not wanted today! Well, a 25/1 winner would just about have covered your bets today, plus a 10/1 place, but still amazing how so many horses underperformed on the day! System bet Irish Elk 20/1 third in the 6.00 Kilbeggan. Alan King's Dolcetto 25/1 winner of the 6.40 Windsor! Paul Mulrennan's only ride of the night! Damn, didn't see it until the race was off! Never ignore King's on the flat! I backed Beauchamp Xiara (symmetrical, system type form) (20/1 second). What a forecast I could have had! I backed best in Stamford Blue in the 6.50 Chepstow, finishing third at 22/1! The winner, Blue Aura, was not quite as well in, but it won at 25/1 and mine didn't (7lb claimer). Hannon's Mr Perceptive was never sighted in the 7.10 Windsor. Wondered why the favourite was so short! Another boilover in the 7.20 Chepstow, with The Jailer (-006) 66/1 winner, and Blessed Place 16/1 third! Mazzola and Spic And Span failed to figure. Marvellous! The Jailer was certainly not best in, which means that two or three horses, including those mentioned, under-performed, as usual! Duers was thrown in for the 7.30 Kilbeggan, but as usual at a longish price, it was not intended to win, lolloping into second place! Di Stefano, fourth in the 7.40 Windsor, is running well below form, and must do better soon. It's no good when you've backed it today, though. Come on! I expected good hurdler Mhilu to make a better fist of the 7.50 Chepstow, but I did back system bet Never Can Tell in second place at 7/1. Johnston again with the winner. Difficult to back against his horses! Bell's Ocean was well out of the handicap in the 8.10 Windsor, but should do better when in the handicap proper. Top-rated Sagredo 15/2 winner of the 8.20 Chepstow for Jonjo O'Neill! Ocean Transit will do better soon. Another huge priced turn-up in the 8.50 Chepstow, with Cotswold Village 66/1 winner and Ancient Greece 16/1 second! Wondered why Baltimore Clipper was 14/1 in the 9.10 Windsor - soon found out! They are either very shrewd at knowing they cannot win, or give very specific instructions! I know which I prefer to believe! System bet The Shuffler 6/4 winner of the 9.20 Chepstow. Well, I made a profit today on a mixture of winner, forecasts and places, and a correct score bet on Spain v Honduras 2-0! That'll have to do for today!

20th June: Daraybad was best in on previous ratings for the 2.30 Hexham, but jumped badly and dropped out. Should do better in a handicap. If I'd known that Monetary Fund was going to flop in the 2.20 Hereford, I would have got the forecast, as I strongly fancied Players Please! Why do things always go wrong with odds-on favourites? Best-in Abu Dubai 14/1 winner of the 2.40 Pontefract, with second best Solitary 33/1 third! Almost got the forecast! Top-rated Mulaazem 14/1 third in the 2.50 Hereford with system bet Timoca fourth. That Jonjo got the winner with Mauritino again! Barodine and Tar will do better soon. I wrote down the first five home in the 3.00 Hexham, but didn't get the forecast. Hapthor dropped out, then ran on again for third at 40/1! Very strange! As indicated by the betting, the three best-in for the 3.10 Pontefract were hopeless, perhaps afraid of each other. Best-in Profits Reality led for a long way, then packed up! Second best Snoqualmie Boy never figured, and Bazergan made a brief effort on the outside. All three must do better shortly, but no good today, grrr...! It would be nice if they made an effort! Fourth best Arizona John 10/1 winner, with my nemesis Follow The Flag 11/1 second! System bet Thenamescapesme 11/1 winner of the 3.20 Hereford, with top-rated Scalini's 33/1 in second and system bet Sean Og 12/1 third! Despite backing all of them, I didn't get forecast or tricast! If I'd mixed top-rated and system bets, I would have. What a miss! Top-rated Always Bold finished only third in the 3.30 Hexham. Flying Doctor must be even better than its official rating on this showing! Got the forecast the wrong way around with Prospect Wells and Nanton in the 3.40 Pontefract. Odds-on favourite beaten again! I should know that by now! Fealing Real cost me the forecast and tricast in the 3.50 Hereford, as I had the next three! I get the feeling that they let these horses win! Marked Man 12/1 third and Pipers Legend 9/1 second were clearly better in than the favourite, but obviously only wanted to be placed today! This Crosby Jemma (-36) (16/1) always wins when I don't expect it in the 4.00 Hexham! Damn, I thought Celticello (second) would win! System bet Markington winner of the 4.10 Pontefract, but the other system bet, Mith Hill, dropped out tamely for my forecast! The only runner with no British form, Swinging Hawk, nearly pipped him! Top-rated Thehonourablelady dropped out, then ran on again for second in the 4.20 Hereford! How annoying, should have won this! Topflight Wildbird is another that was very disappointing, especially as a system bet! Von Galen was best in for the 4.30 Hexham, finishing only third. Next best in Sycho Fred finished fourth. Where did that Simply Smashing come from? The Green Hat has had its bad run now, so should do better next time. System bet Sharakti second in the 4.40 Pontefract. I wanted it in a forecast with Yankee Bright, but nothing seems to work out as you want it! Why do these favourites always win when on paper they shouldn't? They know more than I do! Viper should have won easily, but got beaten into second. These sorts of results always annoy me, because the favourite made a terrible mistake which should have lost it! Were they all on the winner? Best in Bubbelas did not really show in the 5.10 Pontefract, and will do better. Next best and system bet Tamarind Hill 8/1 winner (I got 12/1). I also fancied Saxby, which finished third. Get your money on Nothing Is Forever next time out! The clear best in ran in front all the way to the second last and then packed up (I almost expected it!) Just testing today, but should be a certainty! Medicinal, clear second best in, was also not wanted today, but will also do better! Annoying to lose my money after looking like collecting, but at least I know that it will be competitive soon! Similarly, I was almost expecting Civil Servant to pull up or finish last, because it will be a system bet next time! I wasn't sure if Dark Energy would try today, because of its form figures, but it came second at 12/1. Why do so many of the horses that I back at big prices eventually come in fourth? It must be more than coincidence. Sahara Prince, best in for the 5.50 Hereford, annoyingly did just that, running on late. It makes me fume! No doubt when it is wanted, it will be much shorter in price, as usually happens for no apparent reason. Let's hope it is the same sort of price when it wins! Rapide Plaisir, second best in, was also terrible, and will do better soon. Oh, I forgot, it has to have symmetrical form, doesn't it? I just want a fair run for my money. Connections obviously know what is going to happen in most cases, judging by the prices. Is that fair on the punter? The winner was touted by the TV pundits before the race, so somebody knew something! System bet One Of The Boys 8/1 second with Red Jester (-46) 16/1 second. Come on boys, play the game! If you have a horse that should be winning, let it win and don't mess around race after race! Having researched every race in depth today, it is galling to have had only a handful of winners and a number of places from all that work. If horses run to their form, it should be much higher than that!

19th June: I plumped for Zaidan in the 2.30 Ascot, winning at 7/1. I also noticed that there was money for Sonning Rose, but didn't back it at 12/1. Dickie Le Davoir is definitely due now after failing to win again in the 2.45 Newmarket. System bet Dancing Mate 9/2 third. Top Bid and White Shift were not at the races today. Qadar must be due now in Ireland, after failing yet again today! I thought Harcas was sure to get placed in the 2.55 Redcar, but dropped out. Sea Land was best in, and travelled well, but no money for it today. System bet Ocean Bright 9/1 second. I backed City Dancer (second) in the 3.00 Ayr, but put it in a forecast with the favourite. Blast! The winner Tropical Treat was also on my list! I also had Harbinger and Duncan on my list for the 3.05 Ascot, but the race was off too quick for the bet. Top-rated Baylini 10/1 second in the 3.20 Newmarket, but rarely wins these days! No money for Sakhee's Pearl, but surely it is better than this? Wicked Daze was best in for the 3.30 Ayr, finishing second, with second-rated Chookie Hamilton in fourth. Wondered why it was 40/1. Soon found out! They have a habit of doing that when it will be unplaced. Do they tell the bookies in advance? Damn! If that Dirar hadn't been there, I would have had the tricast! Joseph Henry and Malcheek were by far best in for the 3.35 Redcar, but obviously third and fourth were all that were wanted today! There's no catering for stable plans, but it's annoying when you know they could have been first and second! Blast! I had Fleeting Spirit on the wrong side of the track in the 3.50 Ascot, but it finished fourth. High Spice was best in for the 3.55 Newmarket but dropped out after leading for most of the way. Can win soon. My system bet Silca Conegliano dropped right out after leading early. Why do they do that, it can't be that bad? System bet Ignatieff 3/1 beat my choice Philosophers Stone 5/2 in the 4.10 Redcar. Fortunately I did the forecast. I backed Liberty Cap 20/1 in the 4.30 Newmarket, on the principle that Gosden's runners often improve for the run. I needed that! Best in Bateleur was gambled for the 4.40 Ayr and won the race at 5/2. Next best Klynch was not wanted today (possibly because of news on Bateleur), but will do better soon. Abbondanza was thrown in for the 4.45 Redcar and duly won at 13/8. I also backed Whispered Times (third) and White Deer, which must have been fourth. Damn! My old favourite King's Sabre finished second at 20/1! Course and distance winner Cill Rialaig 16/1 winner of the 5.00 Ascot! Can't believe I didn't back it, as it was on my list. Watch out for Macarthur, which is now thrown in when wanted. I did back system bet Australia Day each-way at 20/1. Another winner for Gosden with Space War in the 5.05 Newmarket! And his Dhaamer got second too! Ryan Style (-W40) 16/1 winner of the 5.15 Ayr. Top-rated Methaaly ran on late for third, but could have done better. Don't know why second rated River Falcon was backed, as it was useless today! This Nora Looby seems to be riding well lately, with a 100/1 winner today on Crianza in the 5.20 Redcar! When I back horses at those prices they are invariably useless! It just depends whether they are so-called gambling stables or not! Zaif, thrown in for the 5.40 Newmarket decided to come fourth today! How can you back like that? Must win soon, along with Supernoverre and Carnac! When will King's Head (5.45 Ayr) win a race? It's about time, as it is thrown in on old form! Best-in Saucy Girl was one of the favourites, and its stablemate, second best in Oondiri was backed in. With Saucy Girl missing the break (oops!) what do you make of that betting? Unfortunately Oondiri was beaten into second place by an unconsidered horse, Arch Walker, with no form. Best-in Baltimore Jack was asked to come third tonight in the 6.35 Haydock. Can win again now when wanted, as has just got rid of a first place. I was surprised to see system bet and second-rated Hawaana get beaten also, but you never know with Fahey! -W64 is often worth a bet. System bet Grudge 4/1 winner of the 6.50 Lingfield. Colorus is biding its time, but will win soon (not certain to be next time). Only a fourth place for Intrusion in th 7.05 Haydock. I thought the jockey booking might be significant, and perhaps it was intended to go close. A nice cross-the-card double for Jed O'Keeffe with Dubai Celebration (-64)! I was unsure whether to back the well-in Roman Glory (8/1) or the best-in Fault (20/1) in the 7.20 Haydock, and of course I went for the bigger price! Wrong one! I always fall for it! Fault will now probably take a race or two before winning, as it has that dreaded first place at the front of its form. Purple Gallery (-266) 25/1 second! No wonder Hughes came over from the afternoon meeting, having two winners so far this evening!

18th June: Lord's Seat was best in for the 1.50 Musselburgh, but made no effort today. Will be a system bet next time. Another well in is Lady Lube Rye, but may want a shorter trip. Raleigh Key (-46) 5/1 winner. I thought Coolella was going to win at one point, but did not quicken. The two horses with the best form, Mica Mika and Alhoni finished first and second in the 2.10 Redcar, with system bets finishing nowhere. I had a little each-way on Swift Alhaarth (fourth), but I couldn't work out how it would do, given the connection with Jaber Abdulla and Mick Channon's winner. Nice! I got the first two, Memory 15/2 and Margot Did 7/1 in the 2.30 Ascot! I backed Chain Of Events in the 2.45 Redcar, winning at 5/2, but ignored Nicholls' Peaceful Rule (25/1 second). The only two with official ratings again! One that I fancied, Madame Marcievicz, 9/2 winner of the 2.55 Musselburgh. I fancied Buzzword (third) in the 3.05 Ascot, but should have stuck with stable jockey Frankie! System bet Smirfy's Silver 9/2 (second rated) winner of the 3.20 Redcar. Green Passion was thrown in, and disputed the lead for a long way, but dropped back late into fourth. Will win soon! Cold Quest was absolutely thrown in for the 3.35 Redcar, but third was all that was wanted today. Must have been each-way money, as it didn't go below 11/2. Second best Woodsley House was never in the hunt, but is another that must do much better soon. Problem is, you can't go against the betting very often! System bet Gile Na Greine 25/1 second in the 3.50 Ascot ( I got 33/1)! I also backed Music Show, which came through fast but finished only fourth. System bet Indian Skipper missed the break in the 4.00 Redcar, but still won the tace at 5/1. Top-rated Red Cape finished only third. You've done me again, Ruth! Tabaret will be worth a bet soon. Indian Trail was best in for the 4.10 Musselburgh, but disappointed as usual. Fortunately I also backed Rasaman, 11/1 winner! Top-rated Traffic Guard ran well for a long way today, but dropped out tamely after challenging. Must do better next time! Once again the best in ran abysmally in Lucayan Dancer in the 4.35 Musselburgh! What are they up to? All I know is that's it's very frustrating! And yet another in Birkside, thrown in and came second! Ridiculous! Must win next time, hopefully in a bigger race at a better price! Manipulated result? Almost time to give up, because you can't beat these results! I would love to be a fly on the wall for any conversations between people involved with this race! It gets to the point where you have to put the favourite in a forecast to beat the certainty! Official top-rated Mikhail Glinka winner of the 5.00 Ascot. Yet again the two best in (Kings Point and Classic Descent) beaten by one I didn't even consider in the 5.10 Redcar! And yet it was favourite! What do they know that I don't? A furlong out they looked certain to finish first and second! And once again no return because I backed the second to win and the third each-way in a seven horse race! Surely these results are just out to frustrate the likes of me! These amazing results just go on and on! I picked the wrong Wilson runner in Dower Glen in the 5.10 Musselburgh, as it was the best in but Ya Boy Sir won! Their craftiness knows no bounds! I can just imagine them grinning at the likes of me! Second best Reach For The Sky finished fourth, but of course I backed them both each-way! Grrr...! Something (5.35 Ascot) is thrown in for a similar race soon, and will be a system bet next time. Well, guess what! The only horse that I wanted to back in the 5.40 Redcar, Port Ronan, won the race and I missed the bet through watching Ascot! There was a 45p deduction in any case. Sod's Law or what? R Woody (deteriorating form) 12/1 winner of the 5.50 Goodwood. Keep an eye on One Hit Wonder, which finished really fast! Starwatch was best in, and should be worth a bet soon. Top-rated Eastern Gift 16/1 second in the 6.00 Newmarket, with second rated Orpen Wide just pipped into fourth! Sophie Doyle wins again (always pips my horses). I have backed Sacrilege a few times, notably over hurdles! I got Rain Stops Play in third at 8/1 in the 6.10 Ayr. I thought Fiefdom was going to figure, but it must be next time. My old tip, Primo Way, ran much better tonight and obviously retains some ability! Catcher Of Dreams (-060) 22/1 second. A last second bet on Kerchak in the 6.20 Goodwood produced an 8/1 winner! It had perfect symmetrical system type form! Marked Card (6.30 Newmarket) missed the break, made good ground, then packed up. Worth keeping an eye on. Jack O'Lantern was second best in for the 6.40 Ayr, but at the price (7/1) was obviously not wanted. Probably being kept back for a handicap. Brittain's Methayel 14/1 second in the 6.50 Goodwood. One of the few with experience! Didn't even see it there! I fancied a better run from Knockdolian (led much) in the 7.05 Newmarket, but the price was not promising. I am convinced it is much better than its handicap mark, and it should be noted. System bet Daring Dream winner of the 7.15 Ayr. I don't believe my luck! Every time I get second and third! El Dececy and Talk Of Saafend were both far better in than Daring Dream! But when they are not due, they're not due, more's the pity!

17th June: System bet Melodize 9/2 winner of the 2.20 Warwick, and I got the forecast with Loki's Revenge (2/1)! I fancied Excel Bolt in the 2.30 Ascot, finishing third at 7/1, but might have done better if it did not run all alone. Couldn't decide between Bradley's Cape Royal and The Tatling (fourth) in the 2.45 Ripon, so I backed both, with the former winning at 14/1! Gramm was very well in, but hadn't been out for a long time, and may take a race or two. Lucky Art will do better also. I thought best Cote D'Argent was going to lead all the way in the 2.55 Warwick, but it decided to drop out! How annoying! Can win again soon. Second best Divinatore also finished only fifth and can do better. Yemeni Princess (-25) 9/2 winner. Strangely the first three home all had 3lb claimers on them. Should note that for the future! Top-rated Hibaayeb 4/1 winner of the 3.05 Ascot. Stoute's Eldalil is clearly better than its official rating, and Moore's presence on Gallic Star was also a clue.Abbondanza was clear best in for the 3.20 Ripon, but unfortunately I wanted Ace Of Spies for second, but of course that is not going to happen very often! Despite tailing off, Kheskianto must do better in a handicap soon. Libre was best in for the 3.35 Warwick, but may not have got the trip. Must win soon. I also backed system bets Filun (20/1 third) and Corrib (fifth). Bazergan was best in for the 4.00 Ripon, but after a slow start and a brief advance, dropped out again. May not win next time either on the form figures, but keep an eye on it. I thought second best Charlie Cool (Ruth Carr again) would be thereabouts and it won at 13/8. Rosbay and Yorgunnabelucky are two others to note soon. None of my best-in figured in the 4.10 Warwick, although Dickie Le Davoir got close in fourth on the near side (always runs on late, often too late)! It will win one day (Pontefract?), but is becoming very frustrating! Silver Guest, Stargazy and Song Of Praise were three other disappointments. King Of The Moors was best in for the 4.45 Warwick, but finished only third. The winner, Dr Wintringham, appears to be improving on its earlier form. Ermine Grey dropped right out, then ran on again, and will do better shortly. There were no end of well-in horses for the 4.35 Ripon, and most of them probably put each other off! My recent tip, Maneki Neko, 12/1 winner. I was expecting Sadler's Mark to run a better race in the 5.10 Ripon, being out of Sadler's Wells, but it got another fifth place despite apparently going well, and I shall be surprised if it doesn't win a race soon. I probably backed it a race too early! Best in and system bet Grey Boy finished second in the 5.20 Ripon, with system bet Mr Chocolate Drop in third at 33/1. Hilbre Court will be due very soon. Unfortunately I also got fourth with Lunar River! Nuit Sombre, best in for the 5.40 Ripon, led for much of the way, then faded. Can win very soon. Mississipian, which I mentioned recently, finished second at 50/1 with Ruth's Ninth House in third! Flighty Fellow is also due a good run soon. How Crocodile Bay (third) could lose the 5.55 Warwick to any other horse than Lytton is beyond me! Oh, it was Andrew Heffernan again! Is he still a signal not to win? It was thrown in, as was Lytton, but both contrived to run like crabs! I hate this sort of finessing! I'm still trying to work out jockey signals, but they don't always mean the same, obviously. Results like this, which happen so often, make me cringe! These two horses must win again soon, although Lytton will now have a first place at the front of its form, not usually a good sign. For the pundits to say that it was not good enough is rubbish! Well, back to the drawing board! I am sure the other trainers must have some knowledge of their intentions, unless the apprentice jockeys were that bad! The winner, Croeso Cusan, had symmetrical form and the second was a system bet, so I suppose you can't have it both ways, although I would like to! Turbulance was best in for the 6.20 Ffos Las, but decided to run like a donkey and pull up today. Next best in Strong Coffee did not run much better, and third best Quarrytown finished sixth. Keep an eye on all of these soon. System bet Money Trader 20/1 winner of the 6.35 Tipperary! At last one of my system bets wins in Ireland at a good price! Johnston's Stentorian 15/2 beats odds-on Greek Islands in the 6.40 Ripon! I thought for a moment Zarooni was going to have a 1-2! After a couple of good results, it was back to normal! Noble Request unseated rider (jockey dived off) in the 6.50 Ffos Las! Best -in Samarinda finished third in the 7.00 Beverley! Can't believe it! I got the first and second in a forecast in the 6.55 Tipperary, with Hoopy 9/1 and Ballochroy 5/1! Almost got the tricast with Chaussettes (fourth)! Don't know what is up with Hill Of Miller (7.10 Beverley), which keeps threatening and not going through with it! And it keeps dropping in the weights, which I suppose is the object! The same applies to Battle Study (fourth). I feel sure they must know what is supposed to happen before the race takes place! System bet Admiral Breese 15/2 second. If ever I've seen a travesty, it was Armenian Boy in the 7.20 Ffos Las, which was going by far the best, but refused (the jockey that is) to go and win the race! Must win soon, but that's no good when I wasted my money tonight! I had the first two at the furlong pole in the 7.40 Ripon, but both ended up coming nowhere! Bahamian Ballet was one of them, being best in and dropping out, and must do better. Do they ease up on these horses? You don't seem to be able to beat the prices in a lot of races these days, with most horses seemingly already past the post, as if pre-planned! It would be nice to get some value occasionally! Top-rated Andorn 14/1 winner of the 8.00 Ripon! I thought it might win again today! And I got the forecast with They All Laughed (11/2)! It's nice when my ratings work out, especially in four horse races, which often seem pre-ordained! Top-rated (apart from White Shift) Revue Princess 11/1 winner of the 8.10 Leicester! All these Bollin horses seem to win when wanted! Bollin Freddy (9/2) won the 8.30 Beverley. Rowan Lodge (7/1 second) was best in, and Tivers Song disappointed yet again! When will that horse win, if ever? Rowan Lodge is always backed when winning, so watch for the money! I had a small amount on both system bet Mercers Row (14/1 winner) and Melundy (11/1 second) in the 9.00 Beverley, but somebody emailed in that Ravenfield wouldn't be beaten and so I didn't do the forecast. Prat! System bet Chapter And Verse 7/2 second in the 9.10 Leicester. I noted a while ago that bottom weights from top stables were often worth a bet and this applied to the winner Heading To First (6/1) from the Clive Brittain stable. Well, after a frustrating day, I got nearly all my money back on the evening racing, from about three races! It's amazing what you can make from small bets on forecasts and tricasts, and I recommend them, although they can be expensive if they constantly go down.

16th June; I really fancied top-class flat horse Players Please in the 2.10 Worcester, winning at 3/1. I thought Brandy Butter should have done better on the ratings. I was going to back Dr Noverre to beat system bet Roodee Queen in the 2.20 Hamilton, but got distracted by an email! What a shame I missed it! I fancied top-rated Red Jazz in the 2.30 Ascot, just getting pipped into second place by Ryan Moore. Mezaan was disappointing, not picking up. I don't know what they are doing with Lucky General, but no doubt it will run better sometime soon. What on earth was wrong with Culahill (127 rated hurdler) in the 2.45 Worcester? It had to be first or second on the ratings! Makes me furious! System bet Watch Out 8/1 second (but had no chance on paper). I backed Barnstorm in the 2.55 Hamilton, and it led nearly all the way, finishing fourth! What a disappointment! I was counting my money during the commentary, but the 14/1 price was against me. System bet High Resolution 8/1 third. Keep an eye on Sydney Bridge (testing out today), which is well in when wanted. I backed Spacious in the 3.05 Ascot, just getting pipped again by Moore! How annoying! Top-rated Antara third. Top-rated Monsieur did not compete today in the 3.20 Worcester, but will do better very soon. Second-rated Sahara Prince finished third at 33/1, (I got 40/1) and can also win soon (system bet next time). I get very annoyed when McCoy wins on all these short-priced Best winners! Golden Square should also have done better than fourth, but if it had I wouldn't have got the 40/1 place! Why can I never get a forecast? I backed top-rated Belle Noverre 9/2 in the 3.35 Hamilton (I got 13/2), but Johnston's Damietta set up a clear lead and finished fourth again! Have they got something against my each-way selections? Grr...! Give me some value please! Casino Night was second best in, but would not get in the shakeup. At one point it sounded as if I would get the tricast! Incidentally I backed Tia Juana (second) last time, and today it got in the way! Damn! Twice Over just beaten by Byword (same owner) in the 3.50 Ascot. Why is it when I am just about to do a correct forecast, the race is always just off? What happened to Mawatheeq? Top-rated Bally Sands should have won the 4.00 Worcester, and I had no idea about the winner, Genuine Pearl! Whatever I back, I get no value at present, as the others I backed did not win at short prices! Frustrating game this! Hurrah! Artsu beat Rothesay Dancer in the 4.10 Hamilton! On my ratings, I had Mr Rooney and Angelofthenorth both better in, but did not expect them to try too hard today. However, they can do better in a nearby handicap. None of my top-rated figured in the 4.25 Ascot. I could have sworn that Docofthebay would have been thereabouts today. That one, Spectait and Smokey Oakey must do better soon. These big races are almost impossible to pick. I don't know what is the matter with Osolomio, which is not as bad as they are making out! Knight Legend is also better than fourth and can win soon. It seems to be impossible to get any value on well handicapped horses and I'm getting fed up with it! My two picks above both led, apparently made mistakes, one pulled up and the other finished fourth. What can you do? Now a third in a six horse race in the 4.45 Hamilton with Distant Sun! It gets worse! I feel as though I'm being set up in every race! I had Meow and Ladies Are Forever in the 5.00 Ascot, finishing second and third! I can't believe it! Second, third and fourth in the 5.10 Worcester, with the wretched Dakota Boy (40/1) beating all of them! I thought I was certain of the tricast at one point! I also thought Ton-Chee was going to win (went well clear), but finished only third. Swinbank's Line Of Duty (-46) 12/1 winner of the 5.20 Hamilton! System bet Timepiece 5/1 winner of the 5.35 Ascot from system bet Blue Maiden 8/1! Wish I'd done the forecast! Tim Vaughan's Kilmore West pipped me in the 5.40 Windsor, so it's so close, but no cigar! Thrown in Regent's Secret managed to get pipped on the line by system bet Sovento in the 5.50 Hamilton. Why do they always get beaten so narrowly? Oh, it is so painful! But it was a -406, so I suppose a place was more likely than a win. Media Stars will also do better. Shall I give up on Apex, which was thrown in for the 6.10 Kempton? Probably not, as they often go unplaced after a fourth place. I backed best-in Paddleyourowncanoe in the 6.15 Worcester, and it tailed off, then finished like a rocket for second at 28/1! Strangely I also fancied the winner, Benmadigan, but didn't back it! Coup De Tabac should be worth a bet soon. System bet Derecho was very disappointing in the 6.40 Kempton, and should be noted, probably for a handicap. Top-rated Suzie Quw 9/2 winner of the 6.50 Ripon. I've been holding on by my fingertips today, with my last bet getting me out of trouble five or six times! Still, it's nice not to have to make another deposit. Keep them waiting! System bet Mawaddah 7/2 winner of the 7.10 Kempton, with the odds-on favourite second and system bet Whippers Love third (7 horse race). Novalist (-4U) 100/1 third in the 7.20 Ripon! Such figures are often worth a small tickle. Another winner for Hannon and Hughes with Sceal Nua in the 7.40 Kempton. Hurricane Spirit (8.10 Kempton) must be due soon after tonight's run out of the places. Veiled Applause (8.20 Ripon) is another to consider seriously next time out.

15th June: I got the first winner with Hayley Cropper 11/4 in the 2.15 Thirsk. That makes a change! I thought briefly that I was going to get the forecast with Goldikova and Zacinto in the 2.30 Ascot, the latter eventually finishing fourth. I had Borderlescott 16/1 each-way in the 3.05 Ascot, and I suppose the form previously was upheld with Equiano in front of it again. What I would like to know is why Hurlingham is suddenly a short price in the 3.25 Thirsk, when I have backed it countless times previously and it has been useless? This sort of thing just proves that the horse has had no intention of winning previously! Well, it didn't win today either (fourth), possibly because of the presence of the equally well in Kames Park. Both should do better soon. My third rated, Bergonzi, was also unplaced! Amazing! Bit of a drag so far, with long intervals between races! On other days you can hardly breathe, with races going off every five minutes. A happy medium would be nice! Well, I managed to get the forecast with the Hannon 1-2 of Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin at 11/4 and 5/1. I could see it setting up for that into the last couple of furlongs! Best in Nacho Libre (4.05 Thirsk) never front-runs normally, but did so today and finished fifth! He's A Humbug is still due, but was closely matched with Nacho Libre today and both can win soon. They don't like competition, these stables! Clumber Place is also very well in when wanted. I looked at Silly Gilly (16/1 winner), which was due, but concentrated on the above three - silly me! Silly Gilly is by Mull Of Kintyre, and is probably much better even than it has shown to date. It is often best to concentrate on the others when this situation arises, because they often won't take the chance on the best in ones. Darcey (system type form) 25/1 second and Spavento (-36) third. Crocodile Bay, best in for the 4.40 Thirsk, decided to finish fourth today! Wonder why they do that, just to get the price up? Next best in, Cool Art, also failed to sparkle, but will be a system bet next time. My old friend Ruth was gambling again on Imperial Djay, winning at 15/8! Strikes me that when that happens, they must know that the best horses won't be there! There is no other explanation. System bet Could It Be Magic 9/2 third. Think I'll give up backing the top-rated, but, as soon as I do, in they come! Top-class hurdler Junior (David Pipe) 17/2 winner of the 5.00 Ascot! I said recently that Pipe's and King's on the flat are worth following. Enjoy The Moment was one of the best in, but the money did not speak for it today. I also got the dead-heat fourth Ghimaar, but not much value in that! Carcinetto (5.15 Thirsk) was up with the pace for a long way, then faded. I am convinced that it will make a better effort very soon (-200005 are not promising figures). Arabian Mirage (sys+1) 8/1 second. Avonrose is also due shortly. Best in Guto was not wanted today (as noted previously -200606 is not encouraging), but I also backed 3/1 winner Mey Blossom. I thought Bertie Southstreet had got fourth, but just beaten by Sands Crooner. Russian Rocket must try soon. System bet Dispol Kylie 7/1 second. I got the second and third in the 6.15 Newton Abbot, but I could have sworn that the jockey pulled the horse back at the final hurdle on Coeur De Lionne! I was just about to back best-in Cornus (see 2nd June) for the 6.20 Thirsk when the race went off, and it won at 28/1! Damn! What a couple of disasters! Turnkey, Red Cape (third) and Hamoody (fourth) are all due soon. The best in horses finished fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh in the 6.45 Newton Abboy, including Captain Marlon, which must try soon, and My Pal Val. Killing Me Softly (7.45) has been thrown in for some time, and Young Tot is another that is due a good run. Isn't it strange that they either pull up or finish seventh (=0) most of the time when they are not due? I keep thinking every time these horses run that today is the day, but they certainly take their time! Raslan (7.15) has been messing around for some time, and is certainly due a good run. Watch for any price below 12/1. Rash Moment (8.15) is another horse that is worth a bet next time, as its running recently has been too bad to be true. Also keep an eye on Here To Eternity, which is very well handicapped now. Both of these were pulled up today. Must be strange for a jockey to think "this is one I've got to ride like a dervish and then pull up"! Well, I hope I have given you a few to keep on your short list soon. Unfortunately the prices are often much shorter when they are out to perform!

14th June: Alphacino looked certain to get placed in the 2.30 Sedgefield, then allowed itself to get pipped on the line for third! It was going as well as anything, but instructions were probably not to get placed! How annoying, especially as I had the first two the wrong way around! You can't boil an egg by these horses, with Fremen running like a dog in third in the 2.45 Carlisle! I thought Cobo Bay would win, but didn't expect Fremen to run like that! Pathetic! How much on the exacta (£12.84)? If I'd known that I would have done the correct forecast (£15.84)! I thought system bet Kembla Grange had a good chance at the weights, finishing third at 22/1. I also backed the first two, Stand Clear and Cailin Na Ri, but didn't get the forecast! Best in Classic Descent finished second in the 3.15 Carlisel, but should have won at the weights! By Command continues to disappoint, and keep an eye on Guertino, which is very well in now (system bet next time). I fancied Mister Fizzbomb in the 3.30 Southwell, and it ran a good race in third at 10/1. Unfortunately it was beaten by my recent tip on the flat, Planetarium! Monfils Monfils is very well in when wanted. Wood Fair and Tartufo Dulce were my best in for the 3.45 Carlisle, the latter finishing fourth, but there was no money for either of them today. Hannon's Tarita can also do better. Soubriquet, top-rated with its claim, 18/1 winner of the 4.00 Sedgefield with second-rated Nile Moon in third. Karelian (pulled up) will do better. I thought today was the day for Steel City Boy, but that one and Not My Choice were on the wrong side of the track today. Both can do better soon. I can't understand how the first two finished six lengths clear! I don't know when the thrown-in Tournedos is going to start competing, but it can't be long now, and no doubt there will be money for it. Crofton Arch (not the horse itself) decided to throw in a bad one today, but was still by far best in of the field for the 4.30 Sedgefield. Second best in King's Majesty (10/1) ran on for third when it was too late, and will do better. Supercast was best in for the 4.45 Carlisle, but dropped out quickly. Can win soon. I also backed second-best Bajan Pride (7/2 winner) and third Dean Iarracht. Kayf Commander should have done better in the 5.00 Sedgefield, and as usual I managed to back the second and third in Film Festival and Midnite Blews, but not the winner! Top-rated Wotatomboy was disappointing after showing up well for most of the way in the 5.15 Carlisle. Must win again soon, possibly on the all weather. Lake Chini (fourth) can also win again soon. I thought I had a certain tricast, but nothing is certain at this game! Thinking that Elkhorn was a certainty in the 5.45 Carlisle was wishful thinking! How can you deal with this sort of nonsense? Even second best Bentley finished fourth. It gets ever more perplexing and suspect! Red China Blues, the winner, at least had a reasonable rating last season, which was the only redeeming feature. Top-rated City Stable 100/30 winner of the 6.25 Warwick. I thought Mossman Gorge was going to take a hand in the finish, but it dropped out tamely. I am sure it was eased off so as not to finish in the places. Must win soon. Drat, I backed the second, Sand Repeal, last time! Wusuul was another 50/1 shot which will do better soon. Should have known that Hannon and Channon would finish first and second in the 6.40 Windsor, but I went for Johnny Hancocks, which was right there, then faded. Well, I managed to get the winner in the 6.55 Warwick with Electric Waves, 6/4. Should have gone with Eddie Freemantle's Aurivorous each-way at 20/1? I thought best in Bomber Command was too big a price at 10/1 in the 7.10 Windsor, and I was right. My second choice, Calahonda, finished second, but it's a bit annoying when you can't get the winner out of the top three rated (including Hazzard County)! The winner, Ela Gorrie Mou, has apparently improved with every run, but does that mean it was better than this before it started (a common trick used)? These horses that are top class and then apparently work their way up through the ranks are so difficult to detect until you think "How could that win that race?" Then you start to work it out. It's all very well, but, in my opinion, it's not honourable practice, even if it is good fun for the owners! System bet Red Scintillo 11/2 winner of the 7.25 Warwick. I backed Itsthursdayalready, which was going well, and will be worth a bet soon (as usual assymetrical form if often not a good bet). A Pocketful Of Rye is also taking its time. When will the thrown in Viking Spirit make an effort? Obviously not tonight, although it was mentioned as making progress. Memphis Man also made no effort tonight, despite being a recent and course and distance winner. It is often so difficult to weed out the triers from the non-triers in these races (no, I will rephrase that - those who are going to be competitive from those who are not going to be competitive). I thought Honimiere was going to win the 7.55 Warwick and it should at least have been placed on the ratings. Strikes me money is needed for that one to be competitive. System bet Cassique Lady 18/1 second, despite being well down the ratings! Why is it that, if there are two or three horses next in the betting after the short-priced favourite, the one I pick is always the wrong one? Gets a bit annoying after a while! There is a school of thought that says that, if a short-priced favourite goes down, they all share in the price on the winner. Of course, I don't subscribe to that, it would be too ridiculous! What on earth has happened to Polish Power, which was thrown in for the 8.25 Warwick?Must do better soon, along with Jenny Soba, which missed the break today. Oh, it was my old mate, Andrew Heffernan, again! I almost give up on some of the ridiculous things which happen to my choices in these races. I suppose the 8/1 winner, Harare, did have system type form. Am I sounding bitter again today? Well, I am a bit fed up with the lack of value in anything I pick! Onyx Of Arabia (system type form) 25/1 winner of the 8.40 Windsor with Big Wave Bay (-24) 16/1 third. Just shows that the price does not mean anything sometimes! If I pick a horse like that recently, it is useless! Best in Dingaan and Buxton both failed to show in the 8.55 Warwick. Can you see why I get annoyed? Just a few of these coming in would be fair reward! System bet Mr Rainbow 15/8 winner, but should not have been able to give the weight if the above two had competed. Mixing was best in for the 9.05 Windsor, but was out of the handicap and will do better in a lesser race. Choral Festival was next best in, finishing third. I expected a better run from Kashmina, and that will also do better, perhaps over 10 furlongs. I see that Baizically is now running over hurdles in Ireland. Worth keeping an eye on. Well, not a good day from a ratings point of view, but I usually find that another day goes a lot better, so here's hoping!

13th June: My two top-rated for the 2.00 Salisbury were Ouster and Wiggy Smith, finishing first and third. I also fancied Dove Cottage, which led for a long way and could be worth a bet soon. Macdillon was my top-rated for the 2.30 Salisbury, but not wanted today (ran on late). System bet Russian Spirit 6/1 third. Tampa Boy (second 15/2) was best in for the 2.40 Salisbury, but I could not predict how well De Luainn Gorm would run in the lead! It had gone up a lot in the weights, but still hosed in! Raptor was clear best in for the 2.55 Doncaster, and was a good each-way third at 40/1 (but could have won easily if wanted). Next best in Pearly Wey ran on late and can also win soon. King Of The Moors is another that can win when wanted. Tot Of The Knar was clear best in for the 3.15 Stratford, but finished only fourth! That was a joke! Must win soon, along with Ginolad, also very well in. System bet Baby Strange was one of my top-rated for the 3.30 Doncaster, winning at 33/1! Joseph Henry was another, finishing fourth. I am still waiting for Excusez Moi, which missed the break again today! No doubt there will be money for it when it is wanted. Bond City is still well in, and could pop up at a good price again soon. My top-rated Sir Gerry, another winner at 17/2 in the 3.40 Salisbury (I got 12/1)! I almost got the forecast with Angel's Pursuit (third). Stumped was thrown in again for the 3.50 Stratford, but fourth seemed to be all that was wanted today. My second choice, Dishdasha, won at 8/1. Three winners in a row! Three top-rated horses did not perform in the 4.05 Doncaster: The Starboard Bow, Marafong and Dance For Julie (fifth). All three are probably being held up for a handicap tilt soon. System bet Heaven Forbid 17/2 second. Hannon's Jaahiz 12/1 second in the 4.15 Salisbury. I backed Channon's horse with it, considering Channon's connection with Jaber Abdullah (owner of the second). The three I picked for the 4.25 Stratford were useless: Cool Cliche, Arctic Ghost and River Beauty, in fact two of them were pulled up and one finished last! How can you cater for that? It must be deliberate! Watch all three soon. Top-rated Steel Free 10/1 second in the 4.45 Salisbury. Perfect Friend must be worth a bet soon. Red Wine let me down in the 5.05 Doncaster, and should do better. I thought Favours Brave was going to be in the shakeup, along with the thrown-in Spume, but both dropped out. Also keep an eye on Tinseltown, formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien. I thought I was going to get the forecast with Orsett Lad 14/1 and Singingintherain 20/1 in the 5.20 Salisbury, but damn! Rock The Stars came to beat both of them! Orsett Lad must win soon. Rock The Stars must win again if this form is true. Wish I'd put it in for the tricast! Bill Turner had an 80/1 winner in Vicpol in the 5.30 Stratford. Couldn't pick that one! I only saw that Greenbelt Star was by Generous after the 6.00 Rosscommon! A Fahey benefit with the first and second jockeys! Point The Toes (-440) 18/1 second.

12th June: I backed system bet New Christmas 15/2 and system type bet Jutland 17/2 in the 1.45 Sandown, finishing second and third. If I could have picked the winner, I would have had the tricast! I backed Siberian Tiger in the 2.05 York, finishing fourth at 16/1. Southern Regent was best in, and should win a lesser race soon. Top-rated Rakaan 15/2 winner of the 2.20 Sandown. Prize Fighter was best in for the 2.30 Hexham, made a burst on the outside, then dropped out. Can win soon, surprised it did not win today! My other choice, Bollin Ruth, finished second at 12/1. Moody Tunes and General Elliott were best in for the 2.40 York, but neither went through with their effort. System bet Dream Lodge, tipped by me recently, finished third at 14/1. A good effort off top weight! Best in Masai Moon took a clear lead in the 2.55 Sandown, then dropped out again. Must win soon. Huzzah, which I also backed, finished fourth in a 15 horse race. Typical! Clear top-rated Ormus 8/1 winner of the 3.05 Hexham! None of my fancies for the 3.15 York ran up to my expectations, including Lowdown, Take Ten and Nosedive (sixth). All will do better. Le Corvee decided not to win today in the 3.20 Bath, but is still thrown in when wanted, Second rated Touch Of Style won the race at 9/2. Keep an eye on Pipers Song, which travelled well but did not find. Red Avalanche and Duplicity were two in the 3.35 Sandown which did not perform to my expectations and should do better. Clear top-rated Fair Spin 9/2 winner of the 3.40 Hexham. Gave me a nice double with Ormus (above)! I thought those two couldn't be beaten! Mingun Bell was reported to be making good progress in the 3.50 York, but never figured in the finish. Will be worth a bet soon. No doubt Rebel Soldier won nicely for the sponsors! I expect the Queen was told that Banks And Braes would win the 3.55 Bath, and nobody argued! Zowington was best in for the 4.05 Sandown, but the price was not promising. Second rated Steelcut, however, won well for me at 16/1! It sounded as if The Green Hat was going to win at last in the 4.05 Hexham, but it apparently did not last out, finishing fourth. I feel sure this was an exploratory run and that it will win soon. I also did system bet Tully Hill, which won the race. Brandywell Boy was best in for the 4.30 Bath, winning at 6/1. Colorus was not wanted in the betting, and Desperate Dan was withdrawn. Colorus and Whiskey Junction should be noted soon. I wanted Direct Answer to beat Cecil's Channel Squadron in the 4.40 Sandown, but the reverse happened! How annoying. Always reverse your forecasts! I did gte the forecast with Zakiy 9/2 and Soviet Secret 2/1 in the 4.55 York! Barodine and Flying Squad were the best two in for the 5.05 Bath, but neither was really wanted today. Third best in Lilly Blue has disappointed for a while and must do better shortly. System bet Cyril The Squirrel 14/1 winner with Under Fire (sys+2) 33/1 second! Just shows that you don't always have to back the top-rated! Hindu Kush was a non-runner in the 5.15 Sandown, but should do well when next out. Wyatt Earp, Green Park and Protector were best in for the 5.25 York, but none figured, thank fgoodness, as I did not back in the race! All can do better. There's almost always one to beat my forecasts, and in the 5.35 Bath it was Seasonal Cross, as I backed Pastello and Second To Nun (second and third). Signora Frasi is thrown in when wanted, but was held up pulling fiercely today. Must win again soon. I backed system bet Never Can Stop (7/1) each-way in the 5.50 Lingfield, which finished like a rocket on the rail for second. Should have known that Channon's usually win when favourite! I backed Flowing Cape 8/1 and Lodi 10/1 in the 6.00 Leicester, finishing first and third. Wish I had put in Seasider, which I also fancied! San Antonio started quickly, then dropped right out. Wondered why it was 25/1! What are they doing with Don Pele? Thrown in today and a system bet, it made no effort whatsoever! Must win next time out! System bet Bob's Dreamflight finished second at 10/1. I looked at Dr Hilary (28/1 winner), but didn't like the shape of its form figures or the price! Funnily enough, 60 was also its last winning mark! System bet Ejeed 13/2 third. Briannsta and Grey Boy were best in for the 6.50 Lingfield, but must have been afraid of each other! I don't know, some races I get absolutely nothing, and unexpected ones come in! There's no explanation except that the others didn't try! It's enfuriating sometimes! Prime Circle (system type form) 10/1 winner with Ganache (-306) 20/1 third. Do they ask the connections of the best in horses if they are competing? Best in Scamperdale held on to win the 7.00 Leicester at 8/1, but I wanted Orpen Wide to finish in the places too! I can never pick that horse! I thought West End Lad was at least going to get placed, but it packed up very quickly! It's annoying as I backed the second, Visions of Johanna, last time out! System bet Welsh Anthem 20/1 third. Wish I'd done a Lucky 63 on my winners today, but I'm bound to have picked the wrong ones! System bet Cinnin Oir 9/1 winner of the 7.10 Limerick. Most of the ones I fancied in the 7.20 Lingfield did not show again, apart from Zero Cool, which was absolutely cantering but finished only third! They had no right to beat it at the weights either, which makes it a rather strange result. Vinces is also far better than it showed tonight. Well, I'm off now, as I can't miss the football!

11th June Sadlers Star was best in for the 2.00 Market Rasen, but finished fifth. I suppose they are setting it up for a handicap win at some point. Done by Mr Hannon again, with his Sweet Cecily getting up to beat Bunce into third place in the 2.10 Sandown. Did Hughes ride out Bunce to its best? I backed Tilliemint each-way in the 2.20 York, just getting pipped into fourth after blasting away early. Should have looked Fahey's Mayson! Galley Slave was best in for the 2.30 Market Rasen, but is not one to trust, and finished fourth! Typical for me! The winner, Choctaw Nation 16/1, was by Sadlers Wells, which I didn't see until afterwards! System bet Pherousa 12/1 second in the 2.40 Sandown, with top-rated Danzoe 7/1 third. The latter should win soon, but they are taking their time! It Was Only A Kiss should be worth a bet soon, possibly next time. Too many closely handicapped horses in the 2.50 York meant that most of them did not compete, including Dabbers Ridge and Kinsya, which actually finished fifth in a bunch finish. best rated Blue Spinnaker did manage to finish third at 7/1. System bet Kindest 9/1 winner. Best in Viper (second) did not front-run today in the 3.00 Market Rasen, and I have my doubts if it was intended to win today. Springfield Raki ran in snatches, and will also do better. I backed Ecliptic to beat Jamhoori in the 3.15 Sandown, the latter finishing third, although the probable winner unseated Dettori. Unfortunately the second which beat mine was 100/1! Bogside Theatre was best in for the 3.25 York, and will be worth a bet soon (system next time). Best in and system bet Black Jacari 16/1 winner of the 3.35 Market Rasen. I have always backed Mister Benedictine recently, but missed it for the forecast today! System bet First Cat 8/1 third in the 3.50 York. Fahey's first time out Sweet Cheeks 12/1 winner of the 4.00 York. I couldn't believe the price on that one! Indian Pipe Dream and Sycho Fred (third) were best in for the 4.10 Market Rasen, the former never competing. Will do better next time. Shrewd Investor should also have done better, but is very inconsistent, like many other horses. I fancied Kaolak (third 33/1) to return to form in the 4.25 York, but I wanted it with top-rated Jo'burg! System bet Hotham 18/1 winner of the 4.25 York. Favourite Girl (second) was best in with Atlantic Story, the latter dropping out after leading. Adjami, best in for the 4.45 Market Rasen, fell, leaving third rated Strobe 12/1 to beat second-rated Marlborough Sound! System bet Ice Viking 20/1 second in the 4.55 Sandown. The first horse I wrote down, Tropical Bachelor, 11/2 winner of the 5.05 York. System bet Hunters Belt finished second at 20/1! I also backed Ahmedy, which finished fourth. I thought that Up And Away would at least have got placed in the 5.15 Market Rasen, but of course it finished fourth! One of my favourite trainers, Sue Smith, got the second with Fill The Power 16/1! The things I do! I backed top-rated Topflight Wildbird and Entertain Me for the forecast.Topflight Wildbird unseated rider, and Entertain Me won at 22/1! Topflight Wildbird must win soon. System bet Page One Two Nine 9/2 winner of the 6.10 Wexford. Qadar (6.20 Navan) is just messing around and must win soon. I was going to back Joyously 11/1 in the 6.25 Chepstow, then thought it wouldn't win at that price! And it was Andrew Heffernan, who never seems to do me any favours! I hate four horse races! Misty Dancer was by far best in for the 6.35 Aintree, but did not attempt to win! It is enfuriating! Watch for it in a bigger race soon. I backed Mazaris in the 6.50 Navan, led all the way until the final furlong, then dropped out! Grr...! Can win soon, along with Fantoche in Ireland. Best in Joe Packet 5/1 winner of the 6.55 Chepstow, with system type bet Bathwick Xaara 50/1 third. Downing Street was best in for the 7.05 Aintree, but apparently had no intention of winning. Must do better next time. I also backed Corkage (third) and Very Cool, which I thought was going to win for a while. Markington always seems to win easily when wanted. I knew that, but didn't back it! Beaver Patrol was thrown in for the 7.20 Goodwood, but as usual when placed last time, dropped out tamely. Must win when wanted, probably next time! Noble Jack was next best in, but finished about fifth and will do better. Best in Fault came nowhere in the 7.30 Chepstow, and must do better. Also keep an eye on Prince Rossi soon. Abu Dubai with system type form finished third at 25/1. Again there were too many closely handicapped horses, which meant that several didn't risk it. The two outsiders came first and second in the 7.40 Aintree! Smack That (-306F) 14/1 winner! You can't cater for that! The top two must have run well below form, but the returns must have been good! The Last Stand has been running below form for a long time in Ireland, and it's about time it started performing! Make a note of Hidden Glory and Blakey's Boy from the 7.55 Goodwood, as both threatened to win during the race. I wondered whether Giant Slalom would win in the 8.25 Navan with figures of -46, but there was money for it and I had to back it because it is so well handicapped. Ah well, next time again! I thought it was about time that Hannon had a winner (he's gone about ten races today) so Rio Mist did the trick at 7/1 in the 8.30 Goodwood. Ocean Transit was best in for the 8.40 Goodwood, finishing third at 16/1, but could have done better. The same applies to Ermine Grey, which is due very soon now. I got a good result with Heron Bay and Phoenix Flight in the 8.50 Aintree! At last a good winner with top-rated and system bet (and my tip of several occasions) Kerrys Requiem 12/1 (I got 16/1) in the 9.00 Goodwood! Perfect Flight (system type form) 33/1 second. Pusey Street Lady is due a good run very soon. Graylyn Ruby was best in for the 9.10 Chepstow, but the saddle slipped and it could only finish third! Great ride from Luke Morris! Why don't they make sure the saddle is secure, as it would probably have won!

10th June: I backed system bet Warning Song in the 2.30 Newbury, and there was no money for it, and no mention in the race, until right at the end it was a staying on fifth! How annoying! Lucky Leigh was clear best in for the 2.40 Yarmouth, but faded right out after contesting. All I can assume is that it will win when a system bet next time. I also backed second best Requisite, which won at 9/4. I wasn't expecting Fazbee to win with an outstanding first place on the front of its form, and it finished third. Memphis Man (very short in the tissue betting) was my top-rated including claim for the 2.50 Yarmouth, with Bermondsey Bob just next along with Charles Darwin. Memphis Man had to be trying at that price on its form figures, so I backed it. The first two came first and second, and Charles Darwin will run better again next time. Keep an eye on Steel City Boy soon. System bet Eleanora Duse 11/4 winner of the 3.05 Newbury. Lady Darshaan was disappointing in fourth, but her recent form figures suggested that. Tupelo to beat Arctic Rose again in the 3.15 Yarmouth was my choice, and it worked out like that. Despite winning two races, Dunaskin was still thrown in for the 3.25 Nottingham, but the long price was suspicious and the result (fourth) confirmed that. Second best Slip was also disappointing, along with third best Cote D'Argent. These three contested the places for a long way too. A very strange race, with horses with little chance against these being backed and coming in! Not sure what to say about this race other than that I smell a rat! I suppose Outland was a kind of system bet with system bet Lastroseofsummer 12/1 third. I thought Abhar was going to win the 3.50 Yarmouth, eventually dropping back into fourth place. It was best in with the claim, so a bit disappointing and will do better. Ana Moutabahi was another that should have figured, so worth watching. I did get the third Charpoy Cobra (system type form) at 33/1. I think Subtefuge could have done better in the 4.00 Yarmouth, but I am not sure if the 7lb claimer was a help or a hindrance. These claims often indicate that they are not winning today! System bet and top-rated Miss Miracle 13/2 third in the 4.15 Newbury. The only horses with any form finished first, second and third! You can never tell in these races. Sometimes well-backed newcomers win, other times they are hopeless! System bet Uncle Keef 6/1 winner of the 4.25 Yarmouth. I also backed second Hassadin, but din't get the forecast! Disappointment of the race was top-rated Three Boars, which can win again soon. Best in Robust Wish was too far back in the 4.50 Newbury, and only ran on for fifth place when it was too late! I dislike that sort of run intensely! Admire The View was another well-in horse that should be noted soon and Takajan will do better. Only Uphold (winner) of the horses I wrote down for the 5.10 Yarmouth actually did anything! How can you explain the run of favourite Mushreq, which never got into the race? Naughty, naughty! I expected better runs from Miniyamba and system bet Royal Etiquette in the 5.20 Newbury, and my other choice, Fantastic Cuix (third) only made a real effort when it was too late! I thought outsider Denton Ryal was going to get into the places in the 5.30 Yarmouth, but I was watching the wrong horse apparently, as it was unplaced. Should do better shortly. I couldn't pick any of the first three, as they had obviously been hiding their lights under a bushel. That's the imponderable about race form! I backed My Sister at a big price in the 5.40 Yarmouth and, guess what? After being there all the way it got pipped into fourth place. It surely cannot be a coincidence that this happens so often to big-priced runners!That one and Faith Jicaro can do better, but it's annoying when they don't perform on the day! And it happened again in the 5.50 Newbury, with best in Prince Golan finishing fast in fourth! They've got this down to a fine art, but it's damned frustrating! Others to note: Hatch A Plan, Lucayan Dancer and Daniel Thomas should both have done better. I've been backing that Bavarica, and, on the day I thought it couldn't win, it won! Absolutely marvellous! Two horses that were very well in for the 6.10 Nottingham, Punta Galera and system bet Nesno (going well in second most of the way), failed to perform again! What was even more annoying was that third best Jenny Soba finished only fourth, so no return at all! What a frustrating set of results! All the above and Tres Froide are much better than they showed today. Let's hope it's better over the jumps tonight or I shall feel like giving up! System bet Kanad 14/1 second in the 6.30 Fontwell,. I backed it in a forecast with the 3/1 winner, Nintytwo Team, which worked out quite nicely! Hibiki was clear best in, but its recent form figures were not impressive and it finished behind. Top two rated Sahrati and Benedict Spirit 15/8 first and 7/2 second in the 6.40 Uttoxeter! I feel better already! Fortunately I couldn't get my bet on in the 6.50 Haydock, because on paper Maslak was a certainty, but somebody decided otherwise. That one and Magnitude will probably win in bigger races, but they seem determined that they are not going to win until wanted! I must say they throw a damned good smokescreen over the real form! It is a better evening! Top-rated Bold Policy 11/2 winner of the 7.10 Uttoxeter! I am actually much more comfortable with jumps racing, as it appears much more clear-cut! I should have done the forecast with the favourite and Falkland Flyer in the 7.20 Haydock, as it would clearly have paid better than an each-way on the second. The other horse with placed form, Fred Willetts, finished third at 33/1. Shall I give up on the thrown in Space Cowboy, or give it another chance? That horse has cost me a fortune over recent months, but must win when wanted! Stop The Show was best in for the 7.40 Uttoxeter, but did not deliver. The shortness in the betting must be due to backing from form students like me, because it was clearly not stable money! Fortunately I also backed the winner, Petroupetrov, with system bet Our Jim second. Mokum and What A Scientist will be due soon. Supermassive Muse was well in for the 7.50 Haydock, but was not wanted tonight. Can win soon. System bet Lucky Numbers 4/1 winner. Garstang is also due very soon. I thought Synthe Davis would beat Quo Video at the weights, but just got pipped in the 8.00 Fontwell! I am convinced mine was going and jumping better. Zafar was best in for the 8.10 Uttoxeter, but decided to come fourth tonight, leaving my old mate McCoy to win on Mhilu! From the betting other people thought it should have done better too! The second and third in the 8.15 Clonmel, Surenaga and Deputy Consort, both 14/1 had very similar system type form. Johhny Gonzalez and Peplum are due soon. I hate it when well-in horses are allowed to skulk at the back and never get into the race, but I suppose it's all part of the plan! System bet Fleeting Echo 16/1 third in the 8.20 Haydock. Swordsman (14/1 third) was best in for the 8.30 Fontwell, but I also backed the winner, Cold Mountain at 14/1! The two best in for the 8.50 Haydock, Full Victory and Desert Dreamer, did not perform tonight, although I noticed Desert Dreamer (66/1) making stealthy progress into about fifth place before easing off. Both of those are worth a bet soon. System bet Happy Anniversary finished second. Open Range was clear best in for the 9.00 Fontwell, but even when the favourite fell, it still only got fourth place! Must have been under orders not to get placed! They make me annoyed when I can see what is happening! I thought Mujamead and Nobel were certain to finish first and second in the 9.10 Uttoxeter, but one finished fourth and the other one dropped out! Both can win soon, but were obviously afraid of each other tonight, allowing McCoy to win again! Just shows that you can never be sure of the agenda being followed! Do they let these horses win or are they that good, as they haven't shown much before! I would have backed Three Ships (sys+1), 25/1 third, but it was about sixth best on my ratings!

9th June: I quite missed giving my selections yesterday (you probably didn't miss them!), but there a few today that I can't resist, so here goes: Divine Spirit (2.30 Bev) (unplaced), King's Sabre (2.40 Yar) (won 11/2), Classic Descent (3.00 Bev) (fourth), Greystoke Prince (3.10 Yar) (unplaced), Coole Dodger (3.30 Bev) (unplaced), Loyal Knight (3.40 Yar), Vhujon (4.10 Yar), Boo (4.20 Hay), Bell's Ocean (5.10 Yar), Fathey (5.40 Yar). Posted at 1.10 p.m.

I liked the form figures of Muse To Use (-266) in the 2.00 Beverley, but it just got touched off for third place at 40/1. Kansai Spirit should have done better off its rating in the 2.20 Haydock, and seemed to be going well until a couple of furlongs out. What are they doing with Pergamon, which was very well rated, but started at 100/1? Probably holding it up for a handicap campaign later. Divine Spirit (above) missed the break and was never sighted, as did best-in Tournedos, which I didn't trust at the price anyway. I had a little saviour on Azygous, which finished second at 25/1. My first winner with King's Sabre (above) 11/2! Summer's Target opened very short, but drifted right out. Can get competitive very soon now. Michael Bell's Sweetie Time won the 2.50 Haydock at 11/1. His runners are worth noting often second time out. Classic Descent (above) finished fourth in the 3.00 Yarmouth and never threatened to win. I also backed my top-rated, Feifdom, which was suspiciously long in the betting (can win soon, possibly next time), and third rated Polish World, which led all the way at 10/1. Greystoke Prince (above) ran in front for a while, but dropped out, no doubt getting rid of the errant second place, which is often a good pointer in my system. I also backed Resplendent Nova, which was very well in, but hopeless, and should win next time. System bet Many Welcomes third, and third best in Bold Diktator second. Ghostwing and Below Zero were my two best in for the 3.20 Doncaster, but they were the two outsiders, which was not promising. Both can do better again soon. Coole Dodger (above) ran through on the rail into second place, then dropped back to fifth at the end. It showed enough to suggest that it can win soon. My next best, Rub Of The Relic, finished fourth! That can also win again. Royal Composer is also very well in when wanted (no money today). Loyal Knight (above) ran into third at one point, then dropped back to fifth. Can win soon. System bet Eye For The Girls 16/1 third. Also keep an eye on Clerical (fourth) soon. I had second Pintura 20/1, third (Pentominium 7/1) and fourth (Spoken) in the 3.50 Haydock, but not the winner, system bet Dolphin Rock! I must follow my system! Top-rated Fifty Moore was disappointing in the 4.00 Beverley and should do better than that soon. It was run off its feet by Johnston's Rule Breaker. Despite being a system bet and thrown in, Vhujon continues to disappoint. It must win when they want it! Second rated and system bet Angus Newz finished second to the favourite at 10/1. I gave Boo (above) because it was clear best in, but my second best Tanforan, (see my tip 7th April) won the race at 25/1! Boo can now win soon (got in some trouble today). Keep an eye on Lady Pacha, which ran well for a long way in the 4.30 Beverley before dropping back. Could win with a more restrained ride. Always De One and Mnarani should have done better in the 4.40 Yarmouth. I didn't even look at the winner, Fasette! System bet The Galloping Shoe 40/1 third in the 4.55 Haydock! Keep an eye on Moheeb (going well today) and Ordoney soon. Bell's Ocean (above) was up with the pace, then dropped out. It is very well in when wanted, which was not today! Of course I had the fourth in a fifteen horse race with Miss Polly Plum. I am sure they do it deliberately! Well, might as complete the nap hand! Fathey (above) dropped out after contesting the lead, and thrown-in Libre decided to finish third today, but must win soon. They have every angle covered apart from winning when they should! Bear all my selections in mind for the future. Posting selections seems to be a death knell in the main! I thought I was on a winner in Blue Aura in the 6.20 Kempton, but no! Dropped out into fifth. As a general rule I hate front-runners, because they almost always seem to drop out near the finish. Blue Aura is very well in when wanted, as is Tous Les Deux (no money today). Musashi ran on from a mile back to finish fourth, so, if it can break ok, should win soon. System bet Ivestar 40/1 winner of the 6.35 Hamilton! Even then I couldn't pick it unless the others ran below form! Officer Mor was well there before dropping out and can win soon. Don't you just hate it when you see your horse competing, then gradually dropping back? Guest Connections should have been closer. Charlton's Striking Priorite 7/2 winner of the 6.50 Kempton. Should have followed the class stable (I did Comrade Bond third). Protector was best in for the 7.35 Hamilton, but with no recent placings, it finished fourth. Still, it's a start! Kames Park (8.05 Hamilton) has had its little run, but hopefully will compete again before long. My second best, Just Lille, won again at 12/1! Second best Tadalavil will also do better next time. Filun (8.20 Kempton) is worth a look shortly. Mishrif (9.20 Kempton) was backed as if unbeatable, which it was if it ran to form, but it was clearly not stable money! Must win soon.

8th June: I thought I was going to get the forecast in the 2.00 Redcar with Tinkertown and Local Singer, but Bay Of Fires just pipped both of them! I had my previous tip, Andorn, to win and to beat Media Stars in the 2.30 Redcar - nice result! The 2.45 Redcar was unfathomable as to what would try, as there were several horses closely weighted. Most of my choices, including Berbice and King's Caprice did not get into the picture, although I backed Orchard Supreme (second) yesterday and ignored it today! I wonder what the trainers had in mind before the race? My recent tip and top-rated, Just The Tonic 11/1 winner of the 3.00 Redcar with second rated Dazeen 10/1 in second! I got the forecast, but Prescott's Lutine Bell let me down for the tricast! Charlie Cool was still best in for the 3.35 Redcar, but I suppose they thought it was better from a handicapping point of view to come second this time! I looked at the 9/1 winner Kiwi Bay, but did not back it. Hannon's Chica Whopa 6/1 winner of the 3.55 Salisbury. I thought the rider on Hooligan Sean, which I also backed each-way, eased up too much in fourth place. Would you believe that today, when I have given no selections, I have had most of the winners? No, you probably think I am lying, but I am sure many of you appreciate how honest I have always been on here! I never hide my failures, and always tell you what my day has been like. Hill Of Miller and Imperial Warrior were best in for the 5.00 Salisbury, and both showed up for a long way, but perhaps they were too closely handicapped with each other. Both can win soon. I also backed Leitzu, which finished second at 10/1. System bet Mellifera finished fourth. My three top-rated for the 5.15 Redcar eventually brought no reward, although I thought Market Puzzle was going to win at one stage. I am sure it will do better soon, as it seemed to be going better than most! Of the others, Emeralds Spirit missed the break, which messed it up straight away (I am sure some of these are deliberate), and Barastar never showed. Watch them all soon. Zaif was thrown in for the 5.30 Salisbury, but at 20/1 I was not optimistic. However, it did consent to run on for third place at 20/1. I don't know why the winner Strathcal was favourite, but somebody knew more than I did! Despite knowing the form backwards, it is still a puzzle to me how they arrive at their prices and how a horse that has been third, third and fifth is a strong favourite. Once again the best in horses failed to deliver in the 6.00 Salisbury. There was no money for best in Peopleton Brook today (gambled heavily last time) and even Misaro and Super Frank finished in the ruck. How can you possibly read these races when there is no rhyme nor reason to the results? System bet My Learned Friend finished second. What next is going to happen? The Artful Fox, over 20lb out of the handicap, wins the 6.05 Southwell at 14/1! I backed Bill's Echo, and, of course, it finished third in a seven horse race! I did a Lucky 63 tonight and had Danny Zuko (I got 8/1), Elk Trail second 9/1, Gulf Punch (which I tipped recently on the flat) 25/1 third, and Wee Forbees (which I also tipped last time) 10/1 second, plus a couple of thirds that didn't count, giving a return of over £21 for £6.30. Even though I didn't put out any selections today, my tipping ability is still there!

7th June: I would like to take a few more subscriptions to my selection service, as I cannot give free selections every day for much longer. I invariably pick the right horses (most of them win within a short time), it's just a question of whether they are trying on the day!

This afternoon's selections: Diamond Johnny G (2.15 Folk), A Haon A Do (2.30 Newt), Caribbean Coral (3.15 Folk), Spiritonthemount (3.45 Folk), Barbirolli (4.15 Folk), O'Toole (4.30 Newt) (third 28/1), Knightsbridge Hill (5.00 Newt). Will post some for this evening later. Posted at 1.10 p.m.

The two top official rated, Lend A Hand Son 4/1 and Gentle Noel 12/1, first and second in the 1.50 Listowel. Blast! I only backed Gentle Noel each-way (£56 straight forecast)! It often pays to keep your eye on the official ratings on the card, especially if they are high ones (100+ in maiden hurdles). Diamond Johnny G appeared to be full of running in the 2.15 Folkestone, but never really competed in fourth place. Perhaps the presence of so many top stables put them off? Can do better. Another disappointment in the 2.30 Newton Abbot, where A Hon A Do was going better than anything, and I thought I would get the tricast, but it faded into fifth! I suppose you have to wait for it to be backed before it will win! I thought I was going to get a place with system bet Flattery in the 2.40 Naas, but fourth again! I couldn't really see the thrown in Matsunosuke winning the 2.45 Folkestone, with the trouble they had taken to hide its form recently! And I was right, as it finished only third! Unfortunately I did it in a forecast with Piazza San Pietro and the latter won at 6/1! No doubt Matsunosuke will win a bigger race when wanted. System bet Captain Becket, fortunate 6/1 winner of the 3.00 Newton Abbot (the leader made a hash of the last flight)! Lady Pilot was thrown in, but ran a disappointing? race under McCoy! Must win when wanted by the stable (couldn't have been stable money today). Caribbean Coral was not wanted today, but you have to back it every time, because it is thrown in when wanted, which will probably be next time (make a note!) I keep saying don't back a horse with form figures of -06, and I was right in that respect! Shadow Bay is another that can win soon. Don't you just hate it when the top ones in the betting come in? I suppose Dettori was there for a reason! System bet The Name Is Frank 11/2 second. Alhaque ran a stinker in the 3.30 Newton Abbot, finishing fourth. Should at least have been in the first two! None of the top-rated was wanted in the 3.45 Folkestone, with Spiritonthemount and Bell Island particularly disappointing. Both can win again soon. Presentandcorrect and Alroyal (-U40) were my top two rated for the 4.00 Newton Abbot, finishing first and second at 6/1 and 10/1! Coup De Tabac should be worth a bet next time (system). Barbirolli (above) made good grouind at halfway, but did not go through with its effort. Will win soon, hopefully next time. I wonder when Dora Explora will start to make an effort? Well, an embarrassing lot of selections so far today, let's hope it improves! At least I got O'Toole (above) 28/1 third, giving me the tricast with Battle Group and Stumped! I thought (like the TV pundit) that Cockney had got up in the 4.45 Folkestone, but fortunately I had money on the forecast with Mecox Bay. Well, Knightsbridge Hill wasn't wanted in the 5.00 Newton Abbot, but I did get the forecast with Classic Clover 8/1 and El Batal 5/1! Sorry about that for tipping purposes! I always give the top-rated as my selections, so you can bank on Knightsbridge Hill winning before long, but I also back my second and third rated, which came in here. So all in all I made a profit on the afternoon, despite none of my selections winning!

You probably don't want them now, but here are tonight's selections (you have to admit I am persistent and always optimistic! One day I will give five or six winners again!: Admirable Duque (7.30 Winds) (second 8/1), Calculating (7.15 Pont) (unplaced), Leleyf (8.00 Winds), Epic (8.15 Pont), Daddy's Gift (8.30