• • 14
  • th
  • Aug 2015

Category - Free Tips

YORK August 22nd:   In what is a tough culmination to the Ebor meeting, Buratino will be pressed to concede his penalty to promising rivals in the Gimcrack at 3.10. Having finished a cracking second in the Group 2 Robert Papin last time, Ajaya is one of several with a serious chance. Steady Pace represents the solid Shalaa/Tasleet form; whilst there are reasons to believe King Of Rooks is better than his last two runs. A return to this trip may suit and he looks a value bet. 3.45: Irish horses dominate the betting for the Ebor: it’s a case of the usual suspects in Messrs Mullins, Martin and[...]

• • 3
  • rd
  • Jul 2015

Category - Free Tips

As regards tomorrow, Bob; herewith a couple of thoughts: Sandown: 2.50 looks a straightforward contest between Royal Ascot protagonists Riflescope and Soapy Aitken, meaning there is value to be had for those that call it right. On the face of it Riflescope's Norfolk fourth in a faster time to Soapy Aitken's fourth in the Windsor Castle looks better. Trouble is the Norfolk was run at a lunatic early pace and the form may be dubious. I do know Soapy Aitken is very highly thought of and his overall profile makes him the call this end.    

• • 1
  • st
  • Jul 2015

Category - Results

June 20th: Royal Ascot: Winner at Maisons-Laffitte on his only run, Suits You, a son of Youmzain, just held on from a fast-finishing and arguably unlucky Ballydoyle in the Chesham. The runner-up has improved plenty from an inauspicious start at the Curragh and as a filly against colts has performed well. The step up in trip suited Sixth Sense who only gave best inside the last furlong. Palawan improved greatly on his Leicester debut in fourth. Force is too hot-headed for his own good at present. Tonkinese was squeezed out at a crucial moment but looked to be running on the spot at the time. In the Listed Wolferton[...]

• • 1
  • st
  • Jul 2015

Category - Free Tips

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Spy is taking a short break and will be back on July 1st in good time for the Eclipse meeting at Sandown on July 3rd/ 4th. ROYAL ASCOT - SATURDAY June 20th: 2.30: Ballydoyle’s reputation preceded her on debut as she started a warm order at the Curragh. Although staying on, that finishing spark did seem missing, so unless she has improved since (very possible in the light of the stable’s showing this week) enthusiasm for her here is somewhat tempered. Tonkinese looks a better prospect on form, having finished third to Air Force Blue on debut and won readily next time. Once again he does not exactly look[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

May 3rd: Newmarket: Astronereus inched out Quest For More in the Class 2 handicap over 1m 4f. The sweating runner-up’s temperament will always prove his biggest drawback. On this occasion the excellent Doyle settled him in front after he had torn into the lead and then conserved enough to have a second stab close home. Arab Dawn was close in third, posting an excellent effort on his reappearance. Watersmeet threw away his chance by swerving left after hitting the front. As a four-year-old, Bragging has turned into a striking example of her sire Exchange Rate. Beaten by Kiyoshi at her first try at Group level last year in the[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

29th April: Ascot: We saw a useful newcomer in Log Out Island in the Class 2 for two-year-olds. Smartly away, he had three previous winners in trouble by halfway and only had to be pushed out to score. Those he beat were not exceptional by any means, but it takes some doing to win first time against those with experience in this sort of manner. We should be seeing him back here in June. Sperry went from Wolverhampton to Ascot, winning the Class 3 conditions stakes for fillies from Touchline. Rated 81 going into this, the winner is now entitled to be considered in the mid-nineties. Pulcinella stayed on[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

March 28th: Doncaster: Receiving what some may call an inappropriate ride for a first-time juvenile (De Sousa used his whip liberally) Ravenhoe held off the late challenge of First Bombardment (youngest in the field) in the Brocklesby. February foal General Alexander did the best work at the end to finish third and should find a small race soon. Tullius made hard work of winning the Listed Doncaster Mile. With form at Group 1 level this represented a drop in class but he is so much better on soft ground and a drying wind was not in his favour. Glory Awaits and Sirius Prospect were the placed horses, narrowly ahead[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

28th February: Doncaster: Cardinal Walter’s hollow victory in the opening novice paid a compliment to Qewy, the horse that had produced too much pace for him at Newbury last time. However, it is complicated by the fact that the third from that run, Royal Vacation, was unable to do anything but chase home runaway winner of yesterday, Minella Rocco. A fresh Call The Cops sluiced up in the Class 2 handicap hurdle on only his second run of the season, and could now be on course for the Pertemps at Cheltenham. Lingfield: Newcomers Mile High (continuously chased along but spun wide on the turn) and Clarentine (bred for further[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

RACING NOTEBOOK Based on races viewed, Spy's analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time: RACING NOTEBOOK 2015 January 31st: Sandown: On very soft ground and run in driving rain, after a pedestrian pace, Pain Au Chocolat eased clear of his major rivals to take a major step up in grade since winning at Plumpton. Carrying a 4lbs penalty Old Guard stuck on for second without ever looking likely to trouble a convincing winner. Expensive French import The Saint James, who was keener than ideal, clouted the second-last and was eased down once all chance had gone. Garde La Victoire ensured a proper gallop in the[...]

• • 5
  • th
  • May 2015

Category - Results

RACING NOTEBOOK Based on races viewed, Spy's analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time: December 29th: Newbury: It was a French import to the fore once more in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle when, despite a 10lbs penalty – earned for two wins across the Channel – Top Notch proved too strong for his rivals. Bustled along approaching the last, he found his stride on the run-in to clear away. Top Notch is another forceful addition to the Nicky Henderson juvenile team. Held up and confidently ridden, Mick Jazz again failed to pick up in the closing stages as expected. Stuck in the mud here[...]