Saturday 18th January 2014 - Daily Tips

Lingfield -

14:35 - SEEK THE FAIR LAND - 1.5 Points EW @ 4/1 (pays 1/4 odds for a place) = 5th

Lee Carter's Gelding has finished a credible runner up in a couple of similar events recently & today looks another good opportunity for him to post a decent effort. Last time out he stayed on well from the back only to be beaten by 3 parts of a length close home, Valmina was his conqueror that day & he goes again in this today; However, after racing off the same weights last time, SEEK THE FAIR LAND now has a 10 lb pull in the weights over his rival. The appointment of the 7 lb claiming jockey Louis Steward looks a shrewd one by the trainer since it will see his gelding sit nicely at the foot of the weights. There a plenty in this field that could have cases made for them & a lot of these runners are certainly not strangers having often run against one another. SEEK THE FAIR LAND looks the one to be with here for me with the 7 lb his apprentice jockey takes off looking a big eye catcher. If turning up in similar form to that of late then he looks well worth the EW at 4/1 since the race pays 1/4 odds for a place. 

Ascot - 

15:00 - BIG FELLA THANKS - 0.75 Points EW @ 10/1 = 6th

Tom George's veteran looks as though he could be a tad overpriced here in a race that looks much more suited for him nowadays than those he has faced of late. A former winner at both Listed & Grade 3 level returns to the trip of 22f today which should be well suited. In relation to this race, a couple of this old boy's results from back in January & March 2013 catch the eye. Back in January 13 he won a very similar handicap contest to this over 21f  at Wincanton, pulling clear from the last to win nicely having carried top weight. He followed that up with a respectable 2nd over 20f at Newbury in a Grade 3 event. Admittedly he has been below par in his 2 runs this season but it isn't unreasonable for him to take longer to get into his stride as he gets older & he should be right for this now. Tom George has opted for the 5 lb Claiming 

A Conlon to take the ride which could prove a valuable deduction. Overall BIG FELLA THANKS has some solid form to his name & if capable of running up to some of the better form mentioned above then there is no reason why he cannot run a good race. 

Haydock - 

15:15 - VINTAGE STAR - 1 Point EW @ 7/1 = PLACED (2nd)

VINTAGE STAR traveled strongly for most of the welsh national before flattening out in the final half mile & the drop back to 3 mile 1 furlong today looks ideal. Should be at home on this ground after that welsh national display where he looked one of the most likely winners inside the final mile but found the ultra test of stamina too much before finally finishing a creditable 6th of 20 runners. Before that Chepstow marathon he ran a strong 2nd in listed company over 24f Newcastle finishing just a neck behind the 140 rated Hey Big Spender. Don't get it wrong there are plenty of chances in the race, Merry King is one who's well fancied here after he ran on to finish 2 lengths in front of VINTAGE STAR at Chepstow LTO but I wouldn't be surprised to see Sue Smiths Gelding reverse those places back at this trip. All in all Smith's 8 year old has looked very much on the up this season & in a race that looks more suitable he can go well once again.

Weekend Football (18/01/14)

From @BGibbs92

Arsenal vs Fulham (15:00)

League leaders Arsenal play host to a somewhat struggling Fulham side in a fixture which looks another good opportunity for Arsenal to keep setting the pace at the head of affairs in what has been excellent season for Arsene Wenger's side thus far. Arsenal boast a home record this season which has seen them go unbeaten since the first day of the season, winning 7 times & accumulating a goal difference of +12 in the process. On the other hand Fulham are a side who have struggled somewhat on their travels, their 3 wins have come against sides who all currently reside in the bottom 3 & have scored only 8 goals on the road compared to the 24 they've conceded. Rene Meulensteen's side are likely to carry improved confidence after their 3-0 victory over Norwich in midweek (FA Cup) but it is still hard to envisage them causing an upset today. This season Arsenal have looked much more like the Wenger sides of old & have played with a passing style & flair that teams have found very hard to deal with, if on song today then Arsenal should have too much quality for a struggling Fulham side.

Man City vs Cardiff (15:00)

Emphatic & ruthless are just two words that could be used to describe Man City this season. They are 10 from 10 at the Etihad so far & will be looking to maintain their 100% home record today as they welcome bottom 3 side Cardiff. Cardiff have been the talking point of plenty recently; however, it has been the actions of extraordinary owner Vincent Tan which has caught they eye rather than their football. The Sacking of Malky Mackay was something that raised the eyebrows of football's community as a whole. New appointment Ole Solskjaer is still very much finding his feet as a premier league manager & only his 5th game in charge is certainly not the ideal time to play a rampant Man City side who have scored 99 goals from 33 games in all competitions this season. Cardiff have managed just the one win on the road this season, scoring only 5 goals & conceding 17. Statistics that are no match for Man City's perfect 10 at home, scoring 38 goals in the process & conceding just 5. No doubt about it Cardiff are in tough times, fighting for survival in this division & should be no realistic match for Man City who have had their firepower boosted further by Sergio Aguero's recent return to fitness.

Betting Selections -

Arsenal -1  (2-0)
Man City -1 (4-2)

4 Point Double @ 5/4 (Bet 365) = WON

Also -

Arsenal -1 (2-0)
Man City over 2.5 team goals (4-2)
Liverpool -1 (2-2)
Tottenham double chance (win or draw)

1 point 4 fold @ 5/1 (Bet 365) = LOST

Monday 13th January 2014 - Daily Tips

Late Tip advised on twitter -

Wolverhampton

17:10 - GIOIA DI VITA - 2 Point Win @ 5/2 = 2nd

Saturday 11th January 2013 - Daily Tips

Although it is a decent day of racing today it would be easy to get carried away with things, so i have remained cautious & sided with a few that look to hold real solid claims at decent prices.

Lingfield -

1.5 Point DOUBLE TO WIN @ 13/2

14:05 - EXAMINER = WON & 14:35 - GALICIAN = LOST

Starting with the William Haggas trained 3 year old EXAMINER. Still lightly raced & makes only his fourth appearance today but has performed with plenty of promise on all 3 of his runs to date. Finished a creditable 4th on debut before nicely winning a C&D maiden next time out. Last time out he ran a good race to finish a close second & didn't look too lose much in defeat since the winner was a well backed Andrew Balding favourite & is since an Epsom Derby Entrant. Despite the small field this is by no means a gimme; however; i think EXAMINER has shown the strongest form out of this bunch so far & has looked steadily progressive so far for a jockey/trainer who enjoy a respectable strike rate together. The second part of the double comes in the form of the Mark Johnston trained GALICIAN who has been the model of consistency over the past few months, posting form figures of 2232331 from his last 7 starts. Last time out over C&D he took a similar contest to this one & won so in a good manner making all & always staying on best from the front to win by the best part of 2 lengths. Another eye catching angle to this race is the fact that GALICIAN the highest rated horse in the race (102) is getting 4 lbs in weight all round. There are of course a few other contenders who can get seriously involved at this level but GALICIAN appears to be in good order at the moment & if turning up in a similar mood to last time he can go close here.

Kempton -

14:05 - CAPTAIN CHRIS - 3 Point Win @ 2/1 = WON

Philip Hobbs' top chasing 10 year old will have to give weight all round here but this certainly looks the sort of contest where he should be capable of laying down a bold bid. The former Grade 1 & 2 winner performed with real credit on his seasonal reappearance when a very close third in the Peterborough chase before Christmas, finishing less than a length behind the front two & it would be surprising if he wasn't a fair bit sharper for the run. Previously a winner on heavy ground so the conditions should pose no threat. Champion Court who lines up here today finished a neck in front of Hobb's gelding last time out but he'd had the benefit of a run & has since unseated in the King George so it would be a reasonable bet that CAPTAIN CHRIS if on his game could get the better of that rival here today. Willie Mullins' progressive 7 year old Twinlight is also feared although there are sizeable question marks over the suitability of this step up in trip as he looks far more effective over 2 miles. Overall CAPTAIN CHRIS has achieved more than most of this field so providing he is fit & up for it he should post a solid effort.

14:40 - JUNCTION FOURTEEN - 1.5 Points EW @ 11/2 = LOST (fell last fence, stake refunded with paddy power)

Emma Lavelle's 5 year old has improved for each of his four runs to date & has looked somewhat impressive in doing so. Stayed on to win a novice hurdle over 20f at Fontwell in November before romping to an 11 length victory last time out over C&D when upped in both class & trip. The manner in which he won that day gave the impression that he had more to give & it would be foolish to say he is done improving just yet. This does look his hardest task to date but he relished similar conditions to these last time & it would be no surprise to see him cut it at this higher level. This looks a fairly decent field where a case could be made for plenty but in races like these i like to look for an improver & JUNCTION FOURTEEN looks just that. Looks fairly well weighted & top NH jockey Richard Johnson takes the ride. Overall on the form showed so far this gelding looks to have a decent shout & with an EW price available he looks a good bet to fill one of the places.


Weekend Football 11/01/2014 - (Premier League)

From @BGibbs92

Starting with Tottenham vs Crystal Palace (Sat, 15:00). Forgetting their league position for a moment Palace have acquitted themselves well of late all things considered, picking up 4 points from a potential 9 & were arguably unlucky to leave the etihad empty handed a few weeks ago. They have also only conceded 8 goals & kept three clean sheets since Tony Pulis took charge. Despite this improvement in form though Tony Pulis men still find themselves very much in the relegation battle & travel to White Hart Lane where they will face a Tottenham side aiming to bounce back after a poor cup defeat at the hands of North London rivals Arsenal. A side who look more like the attacking one of old under Tim Sherwood, who since being appointed has won 3 out of his 4 premiership games, seeing his side score 9 goals in the process. No doubt Spurs fans will be hoping for a big win here today after a disappointing performance in the cup & this looks a good opportunity for them to keep up with the pace in the battle for the top 4. Tottenham are still missing some key players through injury, the likes of Sandro, Vertonghen & Paulinho all remain sidelined; however, Andros Townsend, Gylfi Sigurdsson & Lewis Holtby return to fitness (available for selection) which will bring a welcome boost a squad that has been running thin of late. Spurs look much more of a goal threat under Tim Sherwood & if they turn in a similar performance as the 3-0 beating of Stoke in their last home PL game its hard to see them not taking all 3 points.

Everton are another side attempting to keep tabs on that coveted 4th place as they welcome Norwich to Goodison today. The visitor's find themselves dangerously flirting with the wrong end the table at present & it's doesn't look likely that things will get any easier today for the side who are without a win in their last 5 games. Scoring goals away from home has been a problem for Chris Hughton's men who have only managed to net 7 times on their travels, a stat which bodes well for an Everton side who are the highest scoring team at home outside the top 4. Loan signing's Deulofeu & Romelu Lukaku have both had real positive impacts for Everton & if lining up today they are just a couple of players who could cause real headache for a Norwich defence that have conceded no fewer than 22 times this season away from home. In contrast Everton have looked strong at home, losing only once & scoring 19 goals from the 10 games played at Goodison. The omens are good for the visitors though, they are unbeaten in 5 appearances against the toffees; however, If  Roberto Martinez's men are on song here today it is hard to envisage Norwich causing an upset.

Betting Selections -

Tottenham -1 (2-0)
Everton -1 (2-0)
1 Point  Double @ 7/2 (paddy power) = WON

Also,

Tottenham over 1.5 team goals (2-0)
Everton over 1.5 team goals (2-0)
Man City (Sunday) over 1.5 team goals (0-2)
Arsenal (Monday) over 1.5 team goals (1-2)

1 Point 4 Fold @ 9/2 (bet 365) = WON

Feel free to leave any feedback over twitter @BGibbs92

Friday 9th January 2014 - Daily Tips

Wolverhampton -

Late Tip advised over twitter -

18:00 - MAGIKA - 2 Point WIN @ 7/2 = WON

Lingfield -

13:30 - DISCO DAVE - 3 Point Win @ 11/4 = 2nd & PETERSBODEN - 0.5 Point EW @ 8/1 = 5th

DISCO DAVE failed to produce anything on his 5 starts in IRELAND but has shown plenty of promise at this level on his first 2 starts over here for Daniel Loughnane. This 6 year old gelding spent over 500 days away from the track before finishing a creditable 2nd on his reappearance/debut for new yard over 9f at Wolves in December. He followed that up by cleverly winning last time out in a 0-65 event also at Wolves over the same trip. It looks as though the trainer has done a good job with this one as he has shaped nicely so far & has looked progressive in doing so. The manner in which he won last time suggested he had more to give & racing against lower rated opposition tonight gives him obvious appeal. It should be taken into account that he received weight all round last time which no doubt helped & top weight today would be a negative; however, the appointment of promising apprentice jockey Louis Steward who claims 7lb looks a shrewd one & will see DISCO DAVE sit much lower down in the weights. Overall DISCO DAVE looks as though he could be on an upward curve & if coming here in the same form as his last two efforts then there is no reason why he cannot run a big race again. 11/4 looks a decent price & looks worth the bet.

Michael Blanshards' entrant here is another who catches the eye & at a bigger price looks worth a small EW punt. A consistent sort of late with form figures of 1334 from his last four outings all at this trip of 10f. That 4th last time out was a respectable effort as the front 4 passed the line with just over a length covering them. Attain finished second that day & goes again here, looking one of the more fancied types. PETERSBODEN meets that one on much better terms today weight wise & could potentially reverse the form. Overall this gelding has been consistent, showing some steady form over C&D at this level & at a decent EW price there is no obvious reason why he can't go well once more & perhaps run into the place money.

Monday 6th & Wednesday 8th January 2014 - Daily Tips

Was unable to get a blog up unfortunately but advised a few selections over twitter & its safe to say that sadly it was a poor couple of days where nothing went as predicted. Apologies to anyone who followed.

Monday -

Wolverhampton -

15:10 - TAXIFORMISSBYRON 0.5 Point EW @ 9/1 = LOST (5th)

15:10 - ECO WARRIOR 1 Point EW @ 16/1 = LOST

16:10 - AVAILABLE 1 Point EW @ 6/1 = LOST (4th)

Wednesday -

Lingfield -

12:30 - ALUMINA 3 Point Win @ 3/1 = LOST (3rd)

14:35 - UP TIPP 4 Point Win @ 11/8 = LOST

Doncaster -

12:40 - STEPHEN HERO 1 Point EW @ 8/1 = LOST (5th)

Saturday 4th January 2013 - Daily Tips

Good to return today after a week off. With the bad weather up & down the country already claiming two of NH meetings i have decided to focus only on the AW card at lingfield today, where there are some interesting race & a few selections that look worth the money.

Lingfield -

13:25 - KEENES POINT - 0.5 Point EW @ 14/1 = NON RUNNER & DOZY JOE - 0.5 Points EW @ 16/1 = LOST

This looks a tricky looking handicap over 7f where despite plenty looking in with chances those at the head of the market look fairly short & a couple i have picked out could well be overpriced. First up KEENES POINT for John Hills looks an interesting one now fitted with first time blinkers. Would appear to be less exposed than most of these, a winner of a Lingfield maiden back in January & showed another respectable performance on his only other outing here, when finishing a running on fourth over C&D back in August. That race came in 0-75 company & the drop to 0-70 company today could see him well off. Recently gelded & the fitting of blinkers could help him produce & improved effort & at the prices looks worth the EW. DOZY JOE showed some encouraging form at this sort of level on various AW tracks back in winter 2012, including a couple of good 2nds over (one over C&D) in stronger races than this one (0-75, 0-70 today), recently made reappearance after over 350 days off so it is likely he will have needed the run & should certainly be better for it, today's booking of Robert Winston looks a more encouraging one & in a race that realistically is wide open it looks worth taking a small chance on DOZY JOE at a big price.

14:00 - JOYOUS - 4 Point WIN @ 3/1 = LOST (3rd)

Dean Ivory's filly was far from disgraced when running on to take a solid second on her handicap debut a few weeks ago & in fairness she was probably a little unlucky not to win after not enjoying the clearest of runs. Ivory's 4 year old showed steady progression in her 4 maiden efforts & took to the surface over C&D well last time out. Has been raised 3lb in the handicap for that close 2nd but she still looks relatively well in here when you consider further improvement is certainly not out of the question. There was plenty to like about her run last time out, she showed a nice change of gear up the straight to come from the back, staying on powerfully & with a cleaner passage she may have got there. Of course others in with a shout here, the pick of those would probably be Parisian Pyramid who has plenty of old form which suggests he should be up to taking a race of this nature but has been out of sorts lately & JOYOUS an exposed sort who looks on the up is certainly preferred. Winston who enjoys a respectable strike rate when riding for Dean Ivory takes the ride again which looks positive & if the tactics go to plan here she would appear to have a solid chance.

14:35 - MODERNSTONE - 2 Points EW @ 5/1 = PLACED (2nd)

This lightly raced filly continued her progression last time out when a narrow winner over C&D & looks as though another big challenge could be on the cards. William Knight's filly appeared to relish the step up in trip & despite having to go the long way round (caught very wide on the turn) she managed to dig deep, staying on to get up near the line. Looks less exposed than plenty in this race & since she has steadily improved so far it isn't out of the question to assume she can improve further. There is no doubt this is a stronger race in depth  than last time out with a host of dangers but she will get plenty of weight all round & will race of a lowly 8 stone. Andrea Atzeni boast an impressive 67% strike rate when riding for William Knight at Lingfield & unsurprisingly gets the booking again. Overall this is no easy task but MODERNSTONE looked a potential horse on the up last time & if in the same mood here she can go close.

ALSO JOYOUS & MODERNSTONE DOUBLE - 1 Point Win @ around 25/1

Sunday 29th December 2013 - Daily Tips

Yesterday was nothing short of a poor day all round, however the results perhaps don't really tell the full story. 2 out of the 4 simply didn't perform & thats that, SURPRISE VENDOR fell midway through his race after going well in touch which was frustrating as whether or not he would have won won't be known. VINTAGE STAR ran a real good race in the Welsh National but couldn't sustain his challenge inside the final furlong & was narrowly touched out of the places, which left for a disappointing day resulting in around a 12 point loss. Racing is fluid & ever changing, as a result the sport throws up surprises & nobody gets it right all the time (despite what some might claim), the bad days go hand in hand with the good days & the Blog has seen plenty of good days in these first 6 months, so we move onto the next & see what happens. Just the one selection today up at the Doncaster meeting.

Doncaster -

12:40 - ROBBIE - 1.5 Point EW @ 13/2

Keith Reveley's 9 year old ROBBIE still looks very much unexposed over fences & can go well here for his trainer/jockey combination who enjoy a profitable strike rate at this venue. A 9 length hurdles winner over C&D last season & a winner on his second start over fences in a class 4 chase on his final start last season over today's trip at Huntingdon. Retained the winning thread on his seasonal bow when upped to a class 3 chase (class 3 today) over 2m 4f at Musselburgh in November. Kept up the good form when returned to hurdles last time out over C&D in a class 2 event, running a good race in defeat finishing a close up 3rd in behind a couple of decent sorts. Both trainer & jockey have a good strike rate around Doncaster & are both having a decent season thus far. A case could be made certainly for a few of the opposition but ROBBIE still remains unexposed over fences & his proven form over C&D should hold him in good stead. Forecast ground should be of no concern, although he's unraced on ground worse than soft so probably wouldn't want further rain. This gelding is in good hands around here & if able to repeat his already useful form so far this season then he could well go close at a nice EW price.