Tatty's Racing Thoughts - Tuesday 10th January 2012

Well after Monday’s glorious Barley Curley winner Sommersturm, it’s now time again to search the weird and wonderful and see what snippets we can dig up for Tuesday’s entertainment. Again there are only 2 cards on the menu, this time both in the English East Midlands, at Leicester over the jumps and Southwell on the fibresand (flat).

When it comes to Leicester over the sticks, Nicky Henderson’s charges have an excellent record, as do Brendan Powell’s and Kim Bailey’s. The mare I like the look of is trained by the latter of the three and comes in the last race of the day at 3.40

Into the home straight at Leicester

Ruby Crown gives age away to all the rest, but at 10 years old she has lost none of her enthusiasm for the game and connections must be hopeful of another good run. On the downside however, she is currently at an official rating of 105 which is 3lbs higher than any of her lifetime wins, but all the others up against her are in the same boat as it were, so not a major concern. I think she can make the frame at least if not better.

At super Southwell, it’s Brian Ellison and Hughie Morrison’s horses I always have a look at before most of the others and both have a runner I like, running in different races.

Racing at Southwell - note the softness of the sand and the kickback created by the runners.

In the 5 runner, 2 mile handicap at 1.55 Brian Ellison’s Hada Men returns to the scene of his easy victory a week ago, this time with an extra 6lbs lumped on top. I can’t see this penalty making much difference and I confidently expect him to follow up, although I don’t think there will be a lot of value on offer from our bookmaking friends.

2 hours later at 3.55, Hughie Morrison’s sole entry on the card Bianca De Medici reverts back to 7 furlongs, which I would have thought is more suitable than the mile she tackled last time out when finding little in the latter stages. The fitting of blinkers a couple of runs ago seem to have helped her concentrate on the job in hand and I don't expect her to be far away from the front here.

• HADA MEN - Southwell 1.55
• RUBY CROWN – Leicester 3.40
• BIANCA DE MEDICI – Southwell 3.55

As ever, good luck with your punting!

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Friday 16th December 2011

I fell out of the pit this morning to see a dusting of snow on the ground that had fallen overnight. This, in theory shouldn't affect the racing we are interested in today - it is all-weather racing when all said and done and all-weather means just that, doesn't it?

Strangely this is not always the case. Even if the course is raceable, it doesn't mean that the facilities on course are accessible and meetings have in the past been cancelled for this reason. There is also the logistical problem of getting the horses to the course. If there has been a deluge of snow in Newmarket say, trying to get the horses to Kempton Park may be difficult, even if the Sunbury area is clear. The fibresand surface at Southwell often doesn't hold up to extreme low temperatures and because of its softer texture than polytrack, will actually freeze. 

A snowy paddock at Kempton Park

So maybe the time has come to change the name to sand or even artificial track racing, to get away from the myth that all-weather really means in all conditions.

To be honest, I wouldn't be too upset to see a temporary halt in racing, considering the bad run of form I seem to be on at the moment. I try to pick horses to watch and the only place most of them seem to be currently is at the rear of the field.

Anyway, onwards and upwards - Southwell, Wolverhampton and Dundalk today (and we all know, I don't deal in Dundalk, unless I absolutely have to).

Southwell

• 11.55  Stevie Gee 2nd 8/1
• 12.25  Really Lovely - won 6/4
• 1.00    Wicked Wench - 2nd 11/4
• 1.35    Conducting - unplaced
• 2.10    Ishiamiracle - 2nd 9/2
• 2.45    Seamster - won 4/1
• 3.20    St Oswald - 2nd 11/8

Wolverhampton

• 3.50    Lady Lyricist - unplaced
• 4.20    Like The Night - 2nd 7/2
• 4.50    Canadian Danehill - 3rd 28/1
• 5.20    Flying Trader - won 13/8
• 5.50    It's Dubai Dolly - unplaced
• 6.20    Barton Bounty - unplaced
• 6.50    Kames Park - unplaced

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Thursday 15th December 2011

I said we would need luck with yesterday's little lot and I wasn't far wrong with only 2 winners and 3 others getting into the frame from 11 choices. 

I have come to the decision that in future I will try more to find horses that are "better value" and so in that case will try to steer away from obvious short price favourites. It may be the case however that I consider the favourite to be the best option in a race, but remember, these choices are only horses to watch - not necessarily opportunities or recommendations to invest in.

So let's see if we can find a couple of "interesting runners" at today's Southwell and Kempton cards.

Southwell

• 12.30  Great Nicanor - 2nd 3/1
• 1.00    Monty Fay - unplaced
• 1.30    If You Whisper - unplaced
• 2.00    Ay Tay Tate - unplaced
• 2.30    On The Cusp - won 11/4
• 3.00    Kishanda - unplaced
• 3.30    Resplendant Alpha - 3rd 20/1

Kempton Park

• 4.00    Big Time Charlie - unplaced
• 4.30    Manomine - 2nd 4/1
• 5.00    Pose - unplaced
• 5.30    Sunrise Dance - unplaced
• 6.00    Western Approaches - unplaced
• 6.30    Tislaam 2nd 7/1
• 7.00    Ghost Dancer - unplaced

Yesterday's racing news was dominated by the banning of 4 jockeys (including Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn) in the BHA corruption case. To read the Racing Post take on the story please click HERE

Better news on the jockey front is that the lovely Hayley Turner will return to the saddle at Kempton Park next Tuesday. After being sidelined for 4 months since breaking her ankle at Bath, the double 2011 Group 1 winning pilot comes back 5 days before Christmas, hopefully with a book of up to 3 rides. 

Hayley set to return next week

 Good luck Hayley, it will be great to see you back.

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Tuesday 12th December 2011

Yesterday proved to be quite profitable helped out for 4 winners on the bounce - a rare occurrance, albeit a very welcome one.

The Tatling managed to perform to the script and won his last race with an amazing late run, piloted quite brilliantly by jockey Richard Kingscote. He went off at odds of 16/1, having been 12's in the morning and 20/1 plus about an hour before going to post. In the 4.15 Admirable Duque won at 11/2 but had you invested early morning, 12/1 was available.

It's back on the Fibresand at Southwell today for a low grade 7 race card, which again throws up nothing better than Class 5 and 6 events. Below are a few that may spark some interest.....

12.30 Allegri - unplaced

1.00   Hits Only Jude - 2nd 11/4

1.30   Dickie Le Davoir - unplaced

2.00   Dazakhee - unplaced

2.30   Six Wives -won 7/2

3.00   My Best Man - 3rd 8/1

3.30   Elusive Warrior - non runner

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Sunday 10th December 2011

Yesterday was somewhat confusing. With only 1 winner at both of my favoured courses (Southwell and Wolverhampton) and each of those going off at odds of 6/4, I was beginning to despair, especially with 7 unplaced runners on the bounce. This was until the last 2 races when we landed 2nd place in both at 11/1 and 16/1, which restored my faith a little, shall we say?

Wolverhampton's Racecourse at Dunstall Park

One of the winners, namely Guava in the 7.50 at Wolverhampton, gave its trainer Richard Hannon a record 217 winners in a calendar year. Click here to read the Racing Post's take on the achievement.

Still at least United managed to gain an excellent 2-1 away win at Oxhey Jets.

It is fairly unusual to have AW racing on a Sunday, but the 3rd day of the Southwell meeting takes place. Here are a few that may be of interest.

Southwell

12.30  Xpres Maite - unplaced

1.00     Sky High Diver - won 15/8

1.30     Ambitious Icarus - unplaced

2.00     Flying Pickets - won 4/1

2.30     Autumn Blades - 2nd 8/1

3.00     Patriotic - unplaced

3.30     Takajan - unplaced

On to a different subject namely the noble art, or more specifically the controversial (if not outrageous) Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson WBA/IBF World light-welterweight title bout, at Washington Convention Center last night.

Khan lost his title in an action packed contest after being controversially deducted 2 points by the referee for 2 incidents of pushing in rounds 7 and 12. The three judges scored the fight 113-112, 113-112, 110-115. But how can 1 judge believe the British fighter won by 5 rounds, whereas the others shaded it to Peterson. I personally gave the fight to Khan by 2 rounds which, with the referees (interesting, let's say) deductions, would have made it a draw on my card.

No longer King Khan!

"It was like fighting two people in the ring, the referee and Lamont," Khan said afterwards. "I can see why there hasn't been a big fight in Washington in the last 20 years, because of decisions like this." 

For a comprehensive report on the bout by respected Telegraph boxing correspondent Gareth A Davies, please click here

So where does Khan go after this? Maybe a rise in the weights is on the cards or will he want a rematch with Peterson to try and put the record straight? All that can be said is that King Khan cannot claim his crown anymore, or at least not at the moment.

Tatty's Racing News and Tips - Saturday 10th December 2011

Well we didn't exactly set the world alight yesterday, but with 5 winners and a couple making the frame, I suppose we can't complain really.

It’s Southwell and Wolverhampton again today in 2 fairly low grade cards, except for the class 2 Tote Trifecta Handicap at the latter (8.20) which seems to be quite a decent contest.

Suggestions of the odd pony or two to keep an eye on are listed below

Southwell

12.05   Man Of My Word - unplaced

12.40   Sparkling Portrait - won 6/4

1.15      Salerosa - unplaced

1.50      Jonnie Skull - unplaced

2.55      Hits Only Jude - unplaced

3.30      St Ignatius - unplaced

Wolverhampton

6.20      Silver Wind - unplaced

6.50      Tourist - unplaced

7.20      True Satire - unplaced

7.50      Guava - won 6/4

8.20      Justonefortheroad - unplaced

8.50      Thundering Home - 2nd 11/1

9.20      Piscean - 2nd 16/1

The mighty Biggleswade United make the trip over Watford way today, where they come up against Oxhey Jets. As I am unable to go, I'll try and pass on the result as soon as I can hold of it (am still trying to get the result of the friendly on Wednesday night  v Kent Athletic. As ever...

COME ON UNITED
__________________________________________________
RESULT
OXHEY JETS 1 BIGGLESWADE UTD 2 

Tatty's Racing News and Tips - Friday 9th December 2011

A very good day yesterday highlighted with Megalala winning at 12/1 (I got 14's earlier).

Retirements

News has filtered through that Milton Bradley's old warhorse, The Tatling will have his final competitive run next Monday. At 14 years of age and a career stretching as far back as May 1999 when, trained by Michael Bell, he came 3rd of 11 in a class 4 maiden at Newmarket. The highlight of his career came at Royal Ascot in 2004 when as a 7 year old he won the King's Stand Stakes when ridden by Darryll Holland.

Talking of retirements, it has also been announced that former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman has also been retired. Apparently he was in fine form on Wednesday, getting ready for his seasonal debut, but pulled up sore yesterday morning. After a scan, it was seen that there was a problem with his near fore tendon and upon consultation with his owner , it was decided the time was right for him to call a halt to his racing career.

Let's wish a happy retirement to both old fellas and thanks for the memories.
 

Today's all-weather racing gets underway very early at 11.10 when Southwell stages an 8 race card through to 3.10. 30 minutes later Wolverhampton takes up the mantle with a further 8 races. Dundalk action gets underway at 6 o'clock until 9.25 giving over 10 hours and 24 AW races during a marathon day.

Along with all of this there are 4 National Hunt races from Cheltenham being shown live on terrestrial TV (Channel 4). Quite busy I think you will agree.

For tipping purposes, I will concentrate only on the meets at Southwell and Wolves.

Southwell

• 11.10   Point At Issue - 2nd 13/8
• 11.40   Fistful Of Dollars - won 8/11
• 12.15   Sonsie Lass - unplaced
• 12.50  On The Cusp - unplaced
• 1.25     Carnac - won 15/8
• 2.00    Irish Jugger - unplaced
• 2.35    Argentine - non runner
• 3.10    Canadian Danehill - unplaced

Wolverhampton

• 3.40    Regal Lady - unplaced
• 4.10    Good Timin' - 3rd 10/3
• 4.40    Faraway - won 2/5
• 5.10    Orpens Peach - won 9/1
• 5.40    Garstang - unplaced
• 6.10    Maybeagrey - won evs
• 6.40    Edgware Road - 2nd 15/8
• 7.10    Priors Gold - non runner

Good luck with this lot. Somehow, I think we may just need it!

Tatty's Racing Tips - Tuesday 6th December 2011

Monday turned into a fairly profitable day, so long as the selections were backed each-way or place only. A 7/2 winner and three placed horses at 7/1, 10/1 and 14/1 certainly brought a smile to my face, especially at Lingfield which is not one of my faves let's say.

Southwell today, let's see how we go......

 

• 12.00     Suddenly Susan - won 7/1
• 12.30     Wicked Wench - unplaced
• 1.00        Even Stevens - won 7/2
• 1.30        Sleepy Blue Ocean - won 4/1
• 2.00        Maslak - unplaced
• 2.30        Soopacal - 2nd 7/4
• 3.00        Mediterranean Sea - won 6/1
• 3.30        Elusive Warrior - unplaced

From Cold to Chest Infection

Hi

Am not doing very well health wise in the last couple of days. First a stinking cold that has moved down to my chest. I went to see the Doc yesterday who's given me some anti-biotics, so it's a case of suffering on for a day or so.

Racing wise, yesterday SOCIAL FORUM ran well to score at 7/2. SCARY MOVIE was a total horror story finishing unplaced, LORDSBRIDGE was 2nd at 9/2 and GRINGO was a no-go, down in 5th.

Today throws up Southwell and Wolves on the AW and jumping at Ffos Las, Kelso and Clonmel. Selections below:-

COLD HARBOUR Ffos Las 2.30

SIRDAVE Southwell 2.50

YEOMAN Clonmel 4.05 (each-way)

That's your lot for today.

Tatty

From Huntingdon, Back to Reality.

Good morning

I had a lovely day at Huntingdon races yesterday - shame about the constant rain. Typical that the sun is shining this morning, as it was earlier in the week, but the day I go racing the heaven's open.

I must praise Huntingdon Racecourse and especially their staff. From the man on the gate when I collected my ticket, to the guys behind the counter serving food and drinks in the Lenton's bar and the young lady on the hog roast stand, everyone was polite, friendly and made it a pleasure to be there. WELL DONE HUNTINGDON - You have definitely got something right.

As for my suggestions, MTPOCKETS was well behind, it seemed, with half a circuit to go, but managed to run on whilst others struggled to only get headed for 3rd in a photo. PANTXOA ran well, but came across one far too good in A Media Luz who really looked the business to me.

Being somewhat of a form junkie, I really went against the grain in the 2nd race at 2.10 Looking at the horses in the paddock, I was really taken in by Alan King's 6 year old gelding Midnight Appeal. He had a series of duck eggs in his form when hurdling, but something just suggested to me that fences may be his making. With Robert "Choc" Thornton on board, he was always going well and took over at the last, winning with a bit in hand. Went off at 6's, but I managed to get a couple of points better than that.

OK, before I go on to today, if you kept an eye on my Tweets yesterday evening, you would have got a 7/2 winner in Spinning Bailiwick and a couple of placed animals at 11/2 and 9/2 at Kempton (yes, Kempton again - something strange going on here). 

http://twitter.com/uncletatty

Right then, today. Flat at Southwell and twilight at Wolves. Jumping at Kempton and Musselburgh. The best race of the day is the class 2 chase at Kempton 3.45, but with only 4 participants I think we will steer well clear of it. Nothing inspires me (as yet) north of the border and I haven't even looked at Wolverhampton, so it's off to the fabulous Fibresand at Southwell and the 1st 2 races on the card at that.

The opener at 1.15 brings a few capable of getting there, but I have a liking for NEVADA DESERT who come here on an all time low rating of 54. He's never won on the Fibresand, but has been runner up on a couple of occasions. If the old boy can deal with an 80 day lay off, he can get into the frame in this.

Half an hour later, we have an 8 runner, 3 year old, 6 furlong handicap. I like both Rylee Mooch (who I seem to remember writing about a week or so ago) and WINNING DRAW. My choice for Paul Midgley's filly is based on a pleasing run here a week back, when she was less than a length away from Fifth In Line. I fancy her to come on from that.

NEVADA DESERT Southwell 1.15 (e/w)

WINNING DRAW Southwell 1.45

That's all folks, remember to join me later on Twitter.

The Chairman

Washout North of the Border

Good day my old buds

Well yesterday was a bit of an anti-climax was it not? I return to the land of the tipping, only to find its been a bit soggy up in Western Scotland and Ayr had bitten the slurry. Shame that, Ayr is one of my fave courses; I love the Ayr Gold Cup meeting and the locals are so friendly. I must go up again someday. Matter of interest, has anyone any idea who trains at the Cree Lodge stables across the road from the course now? I remember when Linda Perratt was there and I used to follow her gelding Ho Leng. He won me a few quid at Newmarket in (I believe it was) the Bunbury Cup one year.

In case of abandonments and non-runners etc, please follow my Twitter page where I will endeavour to update any of my blogs.

http://twitter.com/uncletatty

Back on to my pet subject of the moment, the dismissal of Robbie di Matteo from the Hawthorns. I wrote an email to the club today which I reproduce in full here:

I am totally at a loss over the relieving of Roberto di Matteo from his duties as Head Coach. The Chairman says it is due to the bad run of losses that has taken place, but why no strengthening of the squad in the January window, bar Carlos Vela?

1) Surely the idea of a Technical Director overseeing the bringing in of players means that Ashworth should go as well? He has surely failed in his remit to strengthen the squad. A coach is only as good as the players he has at his disposal.

2) Who are we going to find to do a better job than di Matteo? Unless the incumbant Manager has total control of all aspects, it will never work and we will be down in the Championship again before we know it.

3) Where is the logic in removing a Coach one week after the transfer window has closed? Any replacement will not have the opportunity to get in any players he requires to help keep us up (maybe that is what the board want - it won't cost them any more money will it?).

After almost 50 years of being an Albion fan, all I can say is that I am ashamed of the club for this totally ridiculous decision. I wish Robbie well and thank him for the excellent job he has done. Peace and his cronies have made one almighty big mistake with this and I for one wouldn't be sorry to see the back of them!

Will I receive a reply? Well I won't be holding my breath..... 

On to those 4 legged, annoying things that eat hay and nay a lot (and don't seem to run very fast on occasions). Southwell (AW), Market Rasen and Sedgefield are the courses of action for today, but to err on the side of caution, I will make both selections from the all-weather flat meeting at sultry Southwell.

Last week I went against EILEAN MOR who runs in the 3.15 maiden, but today I quite fancy Bryan Smart's gelding to get his head in front. I am not convinced the extra furlong was to his liking and a return to 6 should help.

An hour later at 4.15 ACE MASTER is one going up in distance  from 6 and 7 furlongs to a mile. He has been running ok at the shorter trips, but really does stand out to me in this field and I fancy him to prevail.

  EILEAN MOR Southwell 3.15 3rd @ 11/4

 ACE MASTER Southwell 4.15 3rd @ 3/1

Good night and good luck. Remember, updates if required on Twitter.

Tatty

Rubbish Monday and Not Much Better Looking Tuesday.

Hello

A pretty dreadful day with both selections being somewhat of a disappointment. BEATING HARMONY had somewhat of an excuse I suppose, being checked about halfway and not being able to get into contention afterwards, but not up to a lot really.

Tuesday see's action at Folkestone, Taunton and Southwell (AW). Let's see if there is much to get even remotely mildly excited about. 

Sadly, the answer is in the negative. There is only 1 that is remotely interesting. LA ESTRELLA hasn't run for the best part of 2 years, but did have some reasonable form at that time. Now down in bargain basement company in a Southwell seller, he must be in with a squeak if retaining any of his old ability.

LA ESTRELLA Southwell 2.00 won @ 6/4

It seems to me that the world has gone bonkers, or at least the football world. Monday was the last day of the transfer window and here we are with such deals as Fernando Torres leaving Liverpool to join Chelsea for £50m. Andy Carroll replacing him at Anfield from Newcastle for £35m. Absolutely, totally, crazy sums of money in an era of supposed credit crunch. Is it any wonder, the ridiculous prices for a seat at a Premier League match? Stick to non-league football like your ever frugal chairman. Why does he like non-league? Click on the following article to see....

My Love of Non-League Football

Bye for now

Tatty

The Sun Shines on the Righteous and at Southwell.

Morning all, how ya didlin'?

A pretty cruddy day on the nags yesterday, I'm sure you will agree. KNOCKAVILLA managed 2nd, but was well back and in a 4 horse race even the each way odds don't come into play. SARAH'S ART was poor. Broke badly, kept at the back and was well out of it. At The Races have an award for jockey of the week - can't imagine Adam Kirby will be troubling the judges on this showing somehow.

So now on to today. Jumping at Sedgefield, Leicester and Navan. All- weather flat at sunny Southwell. The best quality race over the sticks is the 2 mile novice chase at Leicester, but with only 4 runners again. After getting my fingers burnt in the similar contest yesterday at Wetherby, I am going to leave it well alone. Sedgefield and Navan do not interest me so its off to the sunshine for today's guesswork.

The 2.50 at Southwell is a decent looking, class 3 contest with one or two in with a shout. Arganil drops back in class and has a liking for Southwell, but he has not been in the best of form so warrants watching for now. Luscivious is out of form and Dandy Nicholls', Sir Geoffrey will fly out of the stalls, but is up against a better class of animal here. Feelin' Foxy got knocked off into 2nd last time after 2 previous wins. I just think that a mark of 85 is more than enough for now.Divertimenti has been away from the all-weather for a good while and has never really looked the part at Southwell anyway. That leaves WAVEBAND, who has always been a bit of a cantankerous madam, but has shown signs of behaving on her first 2 runs for her new stable. I think this will be third time lucky and I take her to just get this.

I like a couple of others at Southwell.  At 1.50 STEED seemed a different horse last time when fitted with cheekpieces. He goes up 4lbs for that win, but can follow up. In the Maiden at 3.50 Eilean Mor seems somewhat exposed, but new stable and running on the Fibresand may just be the making of him. My vote goes to CHRISTMAS ARIA who ran well at Lingfield a week ago. If transferring that form to the softer form of sand, he won't be far away.

STEED Southwell 1.50 1st @ 15/8

WAVEBAND Southwell 2.50 2nd @ 6/4

CHRISTMAS ARIA Southwell 3.50 1st @ 11/10

I'm going to leave it there for this posting. Good luck with your punting and I will write more soon.

Tatty

Only Time for a Short Update

Good day to one and all and I hope everything is hanging straight and not perpedicular.

I am writing this episode a bit earlier than I normally would, mainly because I am considering getting up early on Sunday and taking my rods down to the river for a few hours. It does depend on the weather somewhat and whether I could be bothered to crow-bar my back end out of the pit at some ungodly hour of the day. Will more than likely be a fishless waste of time anyway, but hey-ho!

Racing Snippets

Well, we had a pretty good day on the ponies on Saturday, where JAMES DE VASSY did the business for us at 8/1 (earlier available 11/1 and better). As for my other choice, NIGHT WITCH ran well and wasn’t too far away in 4^th. She may be worth keeping an eye on for the future. KAUTO STAR however was disappointing and did not seem his normal self. You can generally rely on him to make a mess of at least 1 fence in a race, but he just didn’t seem right and as if age was catching up with him. I hope it was just a bad day at the office, but I do have my concerns.

Now on to today’s fare. In the early months of last year, TRANS SONIC won 3 times in short succession at Southwell and in the 3.35 at the same course, I believe he stands an outstanding chance of returning to winning ways. Down in class, he has not been disgraced when running at higher levels and the booking of Joe Fanning is eyecatching. The meeting at Ffos Las doesn’t excite me at all, so we’ll leave that well alone.  
RESULT : Unplaced - Broke well and made the running on the rail. Asked the question about 2f out and had little to offer.

That’s all for this time. A bit on the short side I know, but things will be back to normal soon.

Keep swinging,

Tatts