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  • Apr 2015

Category - FeaturedBottom

[rpfc_recent_posts_from_category category="31" posts="30" excerpt="true" meta="true"]  

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  • nd
  • Sep 2014

Category - Results

RACING NOTEBOOK Based on races viewed, Spy's analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time: August 22nd: York: Glenard made all to win the Class 2 handicap, finding more for pressure when tackled by Salutation. They finished in a heap. Stomachion stayed on as if further may be required and the well handicapped Lahaag – beaten just over three lengths – closed without ever looking dangerous. Mares dominated in the Yorkshire Cup, Pale Mimosa, always travelling well, eased to the front two out and holding a sustained challenge from Estimate. Relatively lightly-raced, Pale Mimosa, for whom overnight rain was a bonus, did this nicely. Times Up[...]

• • 2
  • nd
  • Sep 2014

Category - Results

June 28th: Newmarket: Firm ground conditions prevailed overnight and into the afternoon. In the maiden won by Kingman last year, this time it was Godolphin’s Zephuros that took the spoils from the Hannon-duo Lexington Times and the apparently better fancied Holland Park. Always adrift, he was given the easier introduction. The runner-up made up a lot of ground quickly and with first run it would have been closer. He should win an average maiden – the time suggesting they were nothing out of the ordinary. A thunderstorm before the listed fillies’ race meant the authorities, understandably reluctant to load the nine runners in an iron contraption, left them milling[...]

• • 1
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  • Sep 2014

Category - Blog

Sometimes you just have to check the date to make sure it is not April Fools’ Day. Today was such a day. It seems someone has decided it might be a good idea to tinker once again with the Derby. You might recall that until twenty years ago it was run on the first Wednesday in June. Times were different then. Swathes of London used to shut, allowing the proletariat to pack a hamper with beer and sandwiches and meander to the high point of Epsom Downs, from where they could pick out a Yankee-full of horses, picnic in the centre of the course and doff their hats to[...]

• • 1
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  • Sep 2014

Category - Blog

The heading would have been unthinkable two years ago; now that the precedent has been set it seems safe to assume this time next year we will be seeing a normal program of racing on a day that was once regarded as sacred. So does it matter? Probably not; after all those that wish to observe Easter as a religious occasion are free to do so. And if the big high street stores, the supermarkets and the DIY chains can open their doors, why should there not be racing? That is a compelling argument. It is unfortunate for stable staff, even for jockeys that they can no longer rely[...]

• • 1
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  • Sep 2014

Category - Blog

On Monday, with typical journalistic timing, Channel 4 sandwiched the somewhat inflammatory-titled How to Fix a Football Match in between Australia v Spain and Cameroon v Brazil. As programmes go, some may have found it more interesting than the matches that it followed and preceded. Dispatches were responsible for this piece in which, rather like the websites that instruct would-be terrorists on the complexities of assembling a bomb, they revealed the vital components required to fix a football match. As with bomb-making, the message has to be: Don’t try this at home. In any event I am not sure how much practical use this programme will be to the[...]

• • 1
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  • Sep 2014

Category - Blog

an advance look at the Festival (also appeared on Free Tips page a week ago) That will be a week tomorrow then. I mean Cheltenham of course. The day jump racing fans have waited for like no other. Cheltenham is about to emerge from the mists and monsoons of a wet winter. Somehow, despite Nature’s best efforts (or maybe She is toying with us), this little island has not sunk into the sea. There is a glimmer of hope from the clouds. Forecasts indicate the rains are likely to roll away in time for the Festival – although, perhaps to prevent complacency, apparently they will linger this week. But[...]

• • 1
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  • Sep 2014

Category - Blog

So he won. Like the name or not, Australia seemed acquainted with the script and delivered his lines. A good-looking but sparsely made chestnut; he was not every one’s idea of the paddock pick. Most observers would have opted for True Story, but then this was horse racing not a catwalk. Despite not coming down the hill too well and finding himself shuffled wide on the entrance to the straight, once he levelled out Australia was back on the bridle and eating up ground. In what was generally acknowledged as a quality Derby, he and Kingston Hill fought it out, although Australia was always that little bit too strong.[...]

• • 20
  • th
  • Aug 2014

Category - Free Tips

Note: Free tips and views here are offered on days with better quality racing and on the "More Free Tips" a Blog for Saturday's TV races. If you'd like a personal alert when the tipes are loaded text UPDATE to 07797 800 655. Please add your name so we can talk personally. Warm Regards Bob Rothman Stacking The Odds in Your Favour SATURDAY DECEMBER 21st ASCOT TIPS 3.35: As you would expect for the prize-money, this is a tough handicap with plenty of possibilities. Nicky Henderson fields two with real chances in the improvingRolling Star and Chatterbox. Despite Barry Geraghty's apparent preference for the former, Chatterbox shaped really well last time at Newbury after a well documented[...]

• • 1
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  • Jul 2014

Category - Free Tips

GLORIOUS GOODWOOD – THURSDAY JULY 31st: 2.05: Having valuable experience here when second over this trip in June, on a firm surface that should suit, it could be worth chancing Astronereus, who appears to be on the upgrade. His profile suggests he is improving with each run; although the maiden he won at Newmarket last time was not up to much, he did draw clear and, faced with rivals that are by and large exposed, may reward conservative at decent odds. 2.35: Despite a penalty, Ivawood is expected to beat a strong field for the Group 2 Richmond. Easily mistaken for a three-year-old, this powerful son of Zebedee[...]