Go Racing at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Wolverhampton racecourse, situated on the outskirts of the city at Dunstall Park, is an ideal venue for an afternoon or evening's all-weather horse racing.

Wolverhampton's Dunstall Park

Situated in the heart of England, Wolverhampton is now the busiest racecourse in the UK, currently staging approximately 90 race meetings every year. 

Bounded on one side by the Stafford and Worcester canal and on another by the main line railway from Shrewsbury, along with the Birmingham Canal, it may seem that Dunstall Park has little to recommend it, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The area boasts excellent transport links, being quite close to the M6 and M54 motorways. Located north of the city centre, the course is to be found just off the A449 dual carriageway, where there are numerous brown road signs giving final directions to the track.

As well as a racing venue, the site also houses a conference & exhibition centre, a panoramic restaurant and a hotel.

Racecourse History

There is a history of horse racing taking place at locations in Wolverhampton, going back as far as 1887. Dunstall Park racecourse was traditionally a mixed racing venue, providing both flat and National Hunt cards on turf, but this all changed in 1993 when the course underwent a complete redevelopment and was transformed into the first all-weather, floodlit track in Great Britain. The turf course remained in place however, but was only used sparingly with just a few jumping meetings each year.

Initially, a Fibresand track similar to that at Southwell racecourse was installed, but in 2004, this was replaced by a Polytrack surface, along with refurbishments to some of the other facilities. Since that time, the course has only staged all-weather, flat racing.

Racing Information

The course is left handed (anti-clockwise), oval shaped, approximately one mile in overall length with chutes for 6 and 7 furlong starts. It is the most similar in proportion of any of the British courses to tracks found in the United States. Nimble, handy types of horse seem to go well here and it is generally considered that there is no draw bias at Dunstall Park.

Leading UK trainers such as Sir Mark Prescott, Mark Johnston and Barry Hills often have runners here and are worth following. Top jockeys on the course are all-weather specialist Neil Callan and Jamie Spencer. It is also worth keeping an eye on Frankie Dettori whenever he visits the course as he has an impressive winner-to-runner strike ratio.

Wolverhampton Racecourse Trivia

Not only does it hold the distinction of being the first floodlit racecourse (now joined by Kempton Park), but Wolverhampton was also the first course in England to stage a Saturday evening meeting, back in 1962.

Sir Gordon Richards, often thought of as the world greatest jockey, originated from the local region and in his heyday, rarely used to miss a meeting at the track. In the period from the end of end of World War II, until his retirement in 1954, he was the leading rider at the course.

In reality, Wolverhampton Racecourse will never provide top quality, pattern racing, but if you are looking for an excellent afternoon or evenings sport, in comfortable surroundings with superb facilities, then Dunstall Park is very hard to beat.

Course Contact Details

Wolverhampton Racecourse, Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton WV6 0PE

Telephone 01902-421421

Website: www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/

Tatty's Nags to Notice - Monday 16th January 2012

Jumping at Plumpton and all-weather racing at Wolverhampton give us our entertainment for the day.

Plumpton has never been one of my faves ever since the day, a few years back, when I had picked 5 placed horses in a placepot and my choice in the last was cruising towards the last fence, about 3 lengths clear of the field. When jumping, it promptly made a complete hash of the fence, sending its jockey sprawling on the the turf. I’ve never been overly keen on the place since.

Plumpton Racecourse back in 1985

3 trainers who have a decent record here are Alan King, Nick Gifford and Caroline Keevil. The latterly mentioned Ms Keevil trains at Motcombe, near Shaftesbury in Dorset and it is well worth having a look at the her stables website at www.carolinekeevilracing.co.uk

The stable has 2 entries on the card with Blue Lovell tackling the 3 ¼ mile h’cap chase and Bobs Present in the Novice Hurdle. Both on the face of it look out of their depth, but they are well worth watching to see if they can spring a surprise.

Alan King has a couple of runners and the one I prefer is HENRY SAN in the 1.10 This will be his 3^rd run over the timber after showing previous promise on the level. He ran well at Folkestone a month ago, but was never able to keep up with Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Double Ross who has since not been disgraced running at class 1 level at Newbury on New Years Eve. 

Tatty’s Nags to Notice

Plumpton

1.10 Henry San

3.40 Sir Winston

Wolverhampton

2.55 Dicky Mint

3.25 Warneford

4.25 Miss Astragal

Tatty's Racing Thoughts - Monday 9th January 2012

Racing action is a bit thin on the ground today with only meetings at Taunton over the sticks and Wolverhampton on the all-weather flat to get interested in.

On first glance there doesn’t seem to be a great deal going for Dancing Mist in the 3.40 at Taunton, but Victor Dartnall’s 9 year old certainly holds a modicum of ability and this may be his day. He returned to racing last month at Hereford after a long absence, gaining a very distant 3^rd, but the stable has a decent record at Taunton, especially over the larger obstacles.  

Taunton Racecourse Grandstand (taken in 2009)

Meanwhile at Wolverhampton, a trainer and gambler who doesn’t have many runners, especially here at Dunstall Park, is the enigma better known as Barney Curley. 

Not particularly in the best of health in the recent past, Barney has taken the bookmakers for a merry ride over the years with his shrewd investments in the ring and is known as one of the legendary faces of horse racing (not to be confused with Flash Harry from the original St Trinian's movies). 

I remember witnessing him earn a packet at the Western meeting at Ayr a few years back, watching on with awe at the relative ease he seemed to operate.

Barney Curley - or is it Flash Harry?

Whenever there is a Curley runner it is always worth keeping an eye on the market because if the price comes in, you can be assured the old devil is having an extra interest shall we say?.

His German bred 8 year old, Sommersturm runs in the 3.55 with Mickey Fenton taking the ride. On the face of it you would probably draw a line through its chances very swiftly, but he is tumbling in the weights and surely must find his level at some stage. It is also interesting that his speed figure ratings on previous visits to this course hold up very well against the rest of today’s field.

Will this be his day? Just ensure to keep an eye on firstly the market and secondly the illustrious Mr Curley.

Taunton 3.40: Dancing Mist - 3rd 5/2

Wolverhampton 3.55: Sommersturm - won 7/2
was trading at around 7-8/1 a few minutes before the off and a late plunge (I wonder where that came from) took it in to 7/2. 
He's a cunning old devil that Barney Curley.

As ever, good luck with your bets.

Tatty's Racing Tips - Friday 6th January 2012

3 all-weather cards to plough through this morning (well 2 as I generally ignore Dundalk) and not a great geal of quality around. The afternoon Lingfield meeting is pretty dire, as is the evening fare on offer at Wolverhampton, but what do we expect slap bang in the middle of jumping season.

The extended 5 furlong handicap at Wolverhampton (5.45) is possibly the best race of the day with 13 being declared. In a wide open contest, it could be argued that at least half of the field has a realistic chance of success. 

The three that stand out for me are Keith Dalgleish's Frequency, Geoffrey Oldroyd's Forever's Girl and Reg Hollinshead's Restless Bay. 

Reg Hollinshead

 Added to the mix is the Richard Fahey trained and Paul Hanagan ridden Alben Star who has been away from the track for a year and a half. He looked quite impressive back in 2010 when winning nicely at both Ayr and Musselburgh and any market move must be respected. His wide draw (and that of both Frequency and Restless Bay) point me in the direction of Forever's Girl, who holds the inside rail position. The booking of Dale Swift with a 3lb claim will also go some way to dispelling my fears that she is currently too high in the weights.

Today's nags to watch:

Lingfield Park

• 12.40 Hereford Boy - 2nd 7/2
• 2.50   Maslak - won 9/4
• 3.55   Rodrigo De Freitas - non runner

Wolverhampton

• 4.45 Drawnfromthepast- unplaced
• 5.15 Leyte Gulf - 2nd 12/1
• 5.45 Forever's Girl  - unplaced

Tatty's Racing Tips - Thursday 5th January 2012

After a period not even reading the Racing Post, I have returned today to picking a few nags for your entertainment. Remember it's the same deal as before, namely that these are not necessarily tips of winners, just a horse to keep an eye on in each race. If you bet on any of them, then you are a braver man (or woman) than I.

Wolverhampton

• 4.10 Villa Reigns- 2nd 9/4
• 4.40 Marcus Augustus - 2nd 4/5
• 5.10 Adrainian - won 7/2
• 5.40 Trend Line - unplaced
• 6.10 Wild Desert - unplaced
• 6.40 Harvest Mist- unplaced
• 7.10 Pilgrim Dancer - 3rd 9/4

Tatty's Racing News and Tips - Monday 26th December 2011

I hope you all had a happy and peaceful Christmas and are enjoying your Boxing Day (or St Stephen's Day if that is what you call it in your location).

Here follows a few seasonal nags to keep an eye on.

Wolverhampton

• 1.15  Look At Me Now
• 1.50  Mr Red Clubs
• 2.25  One Way Or Another
• 2.55  Snow Dancer
• 3.30  Woop Woop

and the Channel 4 TV races

Kempton Park

• 1.25  Papa Caruso
• 2.00  Grands Crus
• 2.35  Overturn
• 3.10  Kauto Star

Wetherby

• 1.45  Midnight Chase

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 - Monday 11th December 2011

A couple of winners along with an 8/1 place gave us a reasonable Sunday afternoon at Southwell.

It’s quite obvious that today is a Monday by looking at the racing cards on offer for the day. There are only 2 meetings – a National Hunt card at Fakenham, along with an 8 race all-weather offering from Wolverhampton, which can best be described as pretty dismal.

A view of the finishing straight at Fakenham Racecourse

As I mentioned last Friday, the 3.45 race will be the last for the almost legendary The Tatling, before his retirement from racing. I am not only suggesting him as the horse to watch in this race for sentimental reasons, but also the fact that I believe he is capable of running well and could get into the frame. I truly hope so anyway. 

UPDATE: THE TATLING WINS AT 16/1
 CLICK TO WATCH RACE FOOTAGE

Wolverhampton

2.15        Kidlat - unplaced

2.45        Make Up - unplaced

3.15        Jwala - won 9/4

3.45        The Tatling - won 16/1

4.15        Admirable Duque - won 11/2

4.45        Perfect Mission - won 2/5

5.15        Deslaya - 2nd 7/2

5.45        Yellow Printer - unplaced

Further to Amir Khan's defeat in his title fight against Lamont Peterson, the English former light-welterweight world champion has stated that he believes that Washington DC is bad for boxing and he will never fight there again. He claims that his people are in negotiations for a re-match, to be held at a neutral venue. 

Amir Khan in action

Just  a suggestion Amir, rather than looking for mega fame and fortune over the seas, why not return to your English roots and fight back here in the UK again in front of your biggest fans?

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 - Saturday 3rd December 2011

Not too impressive today, maybe we can do a little better for Saturday.

Just the one all-weather meeting, again at Wolverhampton, but before concentrating on this, I have a few ideas for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park (3.05).

Sandown Park

Winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival back in March, Sizing Europe beat Big Zeb by 5 lengths (although he was himself beaten by the same horse in May at the Punchestown equivalent). It is noticeable that in his subsequent runs over further than the 2 mile minimum trip, Henry De Bromhead's chaser has not really looked himself, even when winning at Gowran Park. Today, back in distance, he certainly will be all the rage in the betting ring. 

But is there anything up against him that may give him a run for his money?

Kauto Star's half brother, Kauto Stone really impressed running in his native France last season and comes here, now being trained by Paul Nichols. Overnight rain is expected at Esher and any further easing in the ground will certainly help his chances.

Wishfull Thinking should not be far away in the shake-up even after a poor run on his re-appearance at Cheltenham last month. Trainer Philip Hobbs has reasons for this below-par run and is confident the 8-year-old gelding will return in fine fettle to challenge.

My choice for the race however, is a bit of an outsider in GAUVAIN. Nick Williams' course and distance winner has occasionally struggled in the past when running at this Grade 1 level, but he looked mightily impressive when winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last month. At a price of 8/1 (when writing), he is certainly worth a small investment (IMHO).

Sandown Park

• 3.05 Gauvain - unplaced

Wolverhampton 

• 5.50 Chokidar - won 6/4
• 6.20 Andalieb - 2nd 9/4
• 6.50 Delft - won 6/5
• 7.20 Rulesn'regulations - unplaced
• 7.50 Forty Proof - unplaced
• 8.20 Martine's Spirit - won 3/1
• 8.50 Monahullan Prince - unplaced
• 9.20 Eastern Gift - unplaced

On Sunday we get a welcome day off from all-weather flat action with National Hunt cards at Kelso, Warwick and Fairyhouse on offer. If you have access to the Attheraces satellite/cable channel however, at Kelso (2.30), the Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase over 4 miles is well worth a look. With £15,640 to the winner. it promises to be a highly contestested trawl through ground that should have a fair bit of give in it. 

Rounding the bend at Kelso

What will win? Well your guess is as good as mine, but isn't that generally the case?

Myself and Mrs Tatty are off to Second Meadow this afternoon to see the mighty Biggleswade United take on Harefield United in what could be classed as an early 6 pointer, especially with the precarious position both sides find themselves in at present. United have made a couple of signings during the week so we are very hopeful of a positive result.

Come on United! (the Biggleswade variety)

Tatty's Racing Tips - Friday 2nd December 2011

I certainly cannot complain about yesterday’s little lot – 8 choices, 3 winners and 3 placed. I won a few pennies, hope you all did too.

Today is very busy on the all-weather front with an afternoon meeting at Lingfield along with floodlight cards at both Wolverhampton and Dundalk. For time reasons I am confining my choices to the 2 English meetings (my record at Dundalk is pretty abysmal and that’s being kind).

Here we go then...

Lingfield Park

·         12.10 Kyleakin Lass - unplaced

·         12.40 Vickers Vimy - unplaced

·         1.10    Zaina - 2nd 10/1

·         1.45    Rowan Ridge - unplaced

·         2.20    Hurricane Hymnbook - unplaced

·         2.55    Sir Geoffrey - unplaced

·         3.30    Rodrigo De Freitas 2nd 13/2

Oh dear, after yesterday's good fortune, Lingfield has brought us back down to earth with a crash! Surely we must do a little better at wonderful, wonderful Wolverhampton.....

Wolverhampton

·         4.00   Carcinetto - unplaced

·         4.30   Dream Of Fortune - unplaced

·         5.00   Loyalty - won 5/2

·         5.35   Blanc De Chine - won 2/9

·         6.10   Azurinta - unplaced

·         6.40   Double Trouble - won 2/5

·         7.10   Princess Gail - unplaced

I notice that it is being reported this morning that Martin O'Neill has said yes (this time) to becoming the new Sunderland manager. That obviously will please the many Mackem fans who are crying out for success after the struggles of the last year or so under Steve Bruce. But a word of warning - O'Neills record at his last club Aston Vile was nothing to get particularly excited about and remember that the club sold Darren Bent to that same Vile outfit without the knowledge or approval of Bruce. If they try that sort of shennanigans again, O'Neill will be off faster that you can shout Howay the lads!  

You have been warned......

bluehost coupon

Tatty's Racing Tips - Thursday 1st December 2011

It all started so well. A 7/1 second followed by a 3/1 winner and then a long line of duck-eggs. Never mind, I suppose we all have days like that - on to Thursday.

Another evening meeting, this time at Wolverhampton's Dunstall Park. Here I list a few to watch. 

• 4.00 Greyfriarschorista - won 2/1
• 4.30 Mr Red Clubs - won 1/3
• 5.00 Bold Ring - 3rd 5/1
• 5.30 Songbird Blues - 2nd 9/1
• 6.00 Mezzotint - won 2/1
• 6.30 Desert Strike - 3rd 8/1
• 7.00 Ryedane - unplaced
• 7.30 Steelcut - unplaced

And now onto football news. The first managerial casualty of the season occurred in the Premier League yesterday, when Steve Bruce  was relieved of his duties at Suderland. 

The Stadium of Light

Early frontrunners to replace him include former Celtic and Aston Villa chief Martin O'Neill who it is rumoured, has turned the job down twice in the past. Another fancied replacement is Welshman Mark Hughes, late of Fulham and Blackburn Rovers. He has been kicking his heels since the summer when he left Craven Cottage and it is easy to see why the position would appeal to him. It is strongly believed that he is the club's chosen target.

I will however make a suggestion as to someone the powers that be at the Stadium of Light should seriously consider. Former Old Trafford favourite and current manager of Norwegian First Division side Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been turning many heads with the excellent job he has been doing in his homeland and you would think it will only be a matter of time until he returns to manage in England somewhere.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

One final thought - Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's "headhunter" speaking on Radio 5 Live this morning has stated that Fabio Capello could stay on as England manager after his contract expires at the end of Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. 

Heaven help us all!


For full story click here

Let's Hope it's not Goodbye Cash at Lingfield

Hello everyone

Well what a dreadful day Thursday was. All 3 choices shouldn't have bothered and the less we dwell on it all the better. Let's move on very swiftly.....

Friday brings us the re-staging of the Newbury meeting of last Saturday, when the 2 horses sadly died of what has now been confirmed as electrocution. There is also jumping at Fakenham and Sandown Park, along with AW meets at Lingfield and the evening card at Wolverhampton. 

Every Friday evening, TV channel, Attheraces hold a tipsters competition in their Get In programme. Generally based around the Wolverhampton meeting (at this time of year anyway), the top prize is a £100 bet. Watch it if you are able to receive it on Sky 432 and Virgin 534 and go to the website to enter your selections. Well worth it just for the banter between the presenters, ex jockeys Jason (Shark) Weaver and Luke (Meerkat) Harvey. Check it out at www.attheraces.com

A few I like the look of are:-

NOUS VOILA Fakenham 1.30

MINELLA STARS Newbury 2.25

GOODBYE CASH Lingfield 2.55

FLYING SQUAD Fakenham 3.45 (each way or place)

STRICTLY PINK Wolverhampton 8.05

Good luck and I hope your bookmaker ends up with van empty satchell.

Uncle Tatty

UGH, It's Monday Tomorrow

Hiya

Not a bad day all told. LATERLY made a hash of the 5th flight and deposited Tommy Scu on the turf, whereas DAZZLED lived up to her name, trotting in at 2/1. It just proves that  I CAN PICK ALL WEATHER WINNERS AT KEMPTON PARK AFTER ALL. Don't expect it to continue mind!

Right then, back to Monday. Jumping sat Ayr and Ludlow. The flat at Wonderful Wolverhampton (oh don't start that nonsense again, pleeease?)

Just a couple at Wolves for you then. Each way in the Claimer at 2.40 SLATEY HEN won here at the start of the year, but didn't follow it up last week at Lingfield. I think the booking of David Probert is a big plus and can't imagine she'll be far away.

BEATING HARMONY in the 3.50 has been there or thereabouts in the last month or so. Goes up a couple of lbs, but new trainer and Robert Winston in the saddle could just be the extra boot up the backside required.

SLATEY HEN Wolverhampton 2.40 unplaced

BEATING HARMONY Wolverhampton 3.50 unplaced

In a tribute to FA Cup giantkillings everywhere, have a read of an article I wrote a while ago about Leatherhead's trip to Leicester in the 4th round back in 1975

Leathehead FC: Almost Giantkillers

Chairman Tatty

Things Can Only Get Better!

Good morning my friends

Yesterday will be best forgotten about, 1 that didn't run well and a faller. OK, moving swiftly on.....

Today's Doncaster card goes ahead after not requiring its early morning inspection, although I do believe Wolverhampton are inspecting soon concerning their twilight card. Makes a mockery of "all-weather" racing doesn't it? Should be any weather when it isn't too cold, foggy, snowy or wet maybe?

On to some suggestions for today then.

At Lingfield in the Maiden at 4.30, I like the look of MANIFESTATION. John Gosden's 3 year old ran here 3 weeks ago and was a few lengths down. Today, up against not such intense opposition shall we say, the previous experience will serve him well and I think he can prevail.

Some good novice action at Doncaster and interesting handicaps at Fontwell make up the cards on this side of the Irish sea. David Pipe's LAUSTRA BAD may be the answer in a tricky 3.50 at Fontwell. He has won at a far better level than this albeit the best part of 4 years ago. Remember, form is temporary - class is permanent and I think he can put in a big performance here.

In case Wolves gets the go ahead, Mark Johnston's EXEMPLARY looks interesting in the 2 mile 5.40 He has never run this far before and has never really been too impressive on the all-weather in truth, but he has won at a beter level and today may be the making of him. We shall cross our fingers and hope.

Gowran Park's Thyestes Handicap Chase card finally goes ahead at, is it, the third time of asking now? Many in with a chance in the feature at 2.55 One I will be watching is Dessie Hughes' SIEGEMASTER. Top weighted here and has been running reasonably towards the end of last year. He may find his way into the frame, but this is very competitive.

SIEGEMASTER Gowran Park 2.55           Won @ 16/1

LAUSTRA BAD Fontwell 3.50              Unplaced

MANIFESTATION Lingfield Park 4.30 Unplaced

EXEMPLARY Wolverhampton 5.40          Won @ 13/8

Good luck. Just heard that Wolverhampton is all systems go! Yippee!

Tatty is leaving the laptop!

Tatty in Mourning

Hello

Tatty is in mourning tonight, after the Albion lost 2-0 at Blackburn. It doesn't really help when one of your centre backs heads into his own net, when being barely challenged, to make it 1-0 and letting in a 2nd, so soon after the interval put an end to any hope for a point we had.

We really are in need of a striker who can get a few goals here and there, but what Premier League club (except the obvious few) are not? We lost out on John Carew, mainly because of the boards reluctance to pay his high wages. It seems the board are quite content with the Albion being a yo-yo club. That is all well and good, but soon enough the yo-ing will end, more than likely with us stuck in the lower of the two leagues.

The Horsey Bit

Well, we started the week with a 2nd place. It surprised, nay amazed me to see OLD WAY go off as 9/4 fav at Towcester. Somebody, somewhere must have had a hefty old punt on. He was going well until clobbering the last and ended a couple of lengths back from the winner.

Tomorrow sees a return to slightly iffy Monday cards at Wetherby over jumps and Kempton and Wolverhampton on the all-weather. As Kempton (AW) is a continual no-no, we look at the other two for inspiration.

The best quality race of the day is the Novice's Chase at Wetherby 2.35 Always notoriously dodgy affairs to say the least, this one gives us 4 competitors, all of which have a squeak. If Alfie Sherrin can jump the larger obstacles as well as the timber, he must be in with a decent shot of taking this and similar thoughts could be given to Sir Tantallus Hawk. Donald McCain's Glenwood Knight won well on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter and remains a threat, but my, very tentative choice goes to KNOCKAVILLA who, if you ignore his last run here at Wetherby, has had decent form over fences. I am concerned however, about tipping any horse with the disgusting word Villa in its name - UGH!

The best race at Dunstall Park is the 7 furlong handicap at 4.35 Stef Liddiard's SARAH'S ART won well at Lingfield on New Year's Eve and only goes up 1lb for it. Previously having winning form at Wolverhampton, he will certainly be there or thereabouts.

KNOCKAVILLA Wetherby 2.35

SARAH'S ART Wolverhampton 4.35

Right, I am now going back to my mourning, black armband at the ready.

Tatty the Baggie

Tito's Troubles at Taunton

Good evening,

It was a reasonably average day on Thursday in truth. BUAITEOIR did an impressive impersonation of a Formula 1 car in the last furlong, charging through to win well.

DAHAAM couldn’t follow suit at Wolverhampton where Jamie Spencer left the challenge too late. Poor old TITO BUSTILLO, who could be classed as a Taunton expert, didn’t have a good day and was outpaced and outclassed by 2 rivals.

Still a 4/1 winner from 3 selections at level stakes is a profit, so quite pleasing on the whole really

Grandstand at Taunton racecourse

As for Friday, we have 4 meetings at such marvelous locations as Catterick Bridge, Chepstow, Lingfield Park (AW) and yet again a twilight twirl at wild and wooly Wolves (AW)

The best card of the 4 is the one up in Yorkshire at Catterick, where there are a couple of class 3 handicaps (one chase and 1 hurdle) on offer.

 In the chase at 2.20 Henry Daly’s WESSEX KING unseated his rider at Aintree back in October, but previously had been running very well and if staying on his feet and keeping Mr Tinkler in the saddle should do well.

At 2.55 in the hurdle, I like Altan Khan and was impressed with his win at Musselburgh in November. I can’t help think that up 8lbs for that is a little steep so I’ll go for Mickey Hammond’s AMIR PASHA. The stable is firing on all cylinders at the moment with 3 winners and 2 placed from 5 runners in the last few days, including 2 winners at Catterick. He is also rising in the weights but usually runs well here.

When it comes to all-weather, flat racing, in a race where all 6 could be given a chance, I like the look of SILVER TURN in the 6.35 at Wolverhampton. The 3 year old filly won well at Southwell 17 days ago and if transferring that form to the Polytrack, will do well.
RESULT: SILVER TURN did not want to go into the stalls initially, but complied eventually. She didn't break too well and was outpaced early on in proceedings. Made up some ground at the end, but I get the feeling she will continue to be better on the Fibresand at Southwell. 

Just one word of warning, there is an inspection in the morning at Catterick, so fingers crossed it gets the go ahead. Update: Meeting abandoned due to frost.

WESSEX KING Catterick 2.20 Meeting abandoned

AMIR PASHA Catterick 2.55 Meeting abandoned

SILVER TURN Wolverhampton 6.35 unplaced

That’s all for tonight, speak soon

Chairman Tatts