Year End Summary

Well that seems to have gone quickly. When I embarked on this I hoped to back up recent years profits, and if anything I have exceeded my expectations. A final profit of 272.7 pts is a substantial one by any measure.

I have long believed that I am better at picking winners over jumps and this exercise confirmed that. Until this last year I haven't ordinarily bet on the flat, bar the big festival meetings and I will be returning to that strategy again now. It was only when the Winter kicked in that profits started to escalate, and the big meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree were particularly kind.

Unfortunately work commitments mean I will not be able to continue this blog, and there doesn't seem any point continuing if I can't be sure that I can post selections with any regularity.

Good luck to one and all.

Chester/ Doncaster/ Newmarket - June 9

I will be unable to put out any tips next week due to attending a family weekend, so this week completes a year's worth of tipping. Last week kept us on the right track with a couple of nice winners.

Summary: Bet - 29pts, Return - 54.4pts, Profit - 25.4pts
Overall Profit - 277.7pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:20 Newmarket: Deia Sunrise - 1pt @ 12/1 (Skybet)
2:35 Chester: Van Ellis - 1pt @ 13/2* (Tote)
3:10 Chester: Memory Cloth - 1pt @ 11/2* (William Hill)
3:45 Doncaster: Fathsta - 1pt @ 6/1 (Coral)
4:00 Newmarket: Anatolian - 1pt @ 12/1* (William Hill)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Derby Day - Epsom

A bit unlucky yesterday, with having Was on my shortlist for the Oaks. Today sees the Derby and a hot favourite in Camelot. He obviously has a great chance, but the value lies with the Ballydoyle number 2, Astrology.

Summary: Bet - 14pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 14pts
Overall Profit - 252.3pts

Today's selections as follows:
1:35 Epsom: Wrotham Heath - 6pts @ 13/2 (Tote)
1:55 Musselburgh: Rhagori Aur - 1pt @ 7/2* (Paddy Power)
2:05 Epsom: Lastchancelucas - 3pts @ 8.8 (Betfair)
2:10 Haydock: Palazzo Bianco - 1pt @ 5/1* (William Hill)
2:25 Musselburgh: Rei D'Oro - 1pt@ 11/1* (William Hill) 
2:55 Musselburgh: Dancing Freddy - 1pt @ 7/1* (Tote)
3:10 Haydock: Shimmering Surf - 1pt @ 11 (Betfair)
3:15 Epsom: York Glory - 4pts @ 18.5 (Betfair)
3:30 Musselburgh: Commitment - 1pt @ 4/1* (Tote)
4:00 Epsom: Astrology - 4pts @ 11.5 (Betfair)
4:50 Epsom: Incendo - 2pts @ 17.5 (Betfair)
5:25 Epsom: Amenable - 2pts ew @ 22/1 (William Hill)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Oaks Day - Epsom

Oaks day today. The Fugue was very impressive last time out and looks a worthy favourite. I don't fancy Maybe and of the O'Brien horses I prefer Kissed, and the bigger priced, Was.

Summary: Bet - 4pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 4pts
Overall Profit - 266.3pts

Today's Epsom picks as follows:

140: Boastful - 4pts @ 14.5 (Betfair)
215: Creme Anglaise - 1pt win @ 26 (Betfair), 1pt place @ 6.8 (Betfair)
325: Roayh - 2pts @ 16.5 (Betfair)
405: The Fugue - 4pts @ 3/1* (Paddy Power)
450: Justineo - 1pt @ 3/1* (Ladbrokes)
525: Famous Poet - 1pt @ 6.4 (Betfair)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Irish 1000 Guineas

Work commitments prevented me from posting yesterday, which was a shame as I picked out 2 winners in Bated Breath and the big priced Dancing Freddy, but no after timing, so can't include them in my profit/loss update. Luckily a close win with Mince gave me a profit from the week previously anyway.

Summary: Bet - 8pts, Return - 18pts, Profit - 10pts
Overall Profit - 270.3pts

Today's selection:
3:40 Curragh: Yellow Rosebud - 4pts @ 6.4 (Betfair)  

Newbury/ Newmarket - May 19

One each way last week only. Today is all about Frankel. Tempted to advise a max bet, on a buying money basis, but have decided to give his race a watching brief.

Summary: Bet - 8pts, Return - 5pts, Loss - 3pts
Overall Profit - 260.3pts

Today's bets as follows:

2:30 Newbury: Macs Power - 1pt @ 5/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:45 Newmarket: Mince - 3pts @ 9/2 (Paddy Power)
3:05 Newbury: Poetic Lord - 2pts ew @ 20/1* (Ladbrokes)

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Ascot/ Haydock/ Lingfield

A good Guineas weekend increased the yearly profit, with only one month to go.

Summary: Bet - 20pts, Return - 60.9pts, Profit - 40.9pts
Overall Profit - 263.3pts

Today's bets as follows:

2:00 Haydock: Pateese - 1pt @ 18 (Betfair)
2:10 Lingfield: Best Terms - 1pt @ 6.8 (Betfair)
2:40 Lingfield: Apothecary - 1pt @ 10/1 (Coral)
2:50 Ascot: Certral - 1pt @ 7.8 (Betfair)
3:25 Ascot: Tariq Too - 2pts @ 9/1* (Paddy Power) 
3:40 Haydock: Tony Star - 1pt ew @ 16/1* (Ladbrokes)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Newmarket - May 6

Today's selections at Newmarket as follows:

2:05 Charles Camoin - 1pt @ 11/1* (Paddy Power)
3:15 Mashoora - 4pts @ 8/1* (Ladbrokes)
3:50 The Confessor - 2pts @ 10/1* (Paddy Power)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Newmarket/ Goodwood - May 5

A good jumps season ended on a damp squib but I'll be delighted if the flat season can be as successful.

Summary: Bet - 10pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 10pts
Profit - 222.4pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:00 Newmarket: Dick Doughtywylie - 1pt @ 11/1* (Paddy Power)
2:15 Goodwood: Polygon - 1pt @ 11 (Betfair)
2:30 Newmarket: Al Kazeem - 3pts @ 15 (Betfair)
3:10 Newmarket: Fencing - 2pts win @ 30 (Betfair), 2pts place @ 8.2 (Betfair)
3:30 Goodwood: Spice Fair - 1pt @ 6/1* (Paddy Power)
3:45 Newmarket: Mayson - 3pts @ 5/1* (Paddy Power)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Punchestown/ Ripon/ Sandown - April 28

A little unlucky last week that Auroras Encore didn't hang on for another big win, but had to settle for 2nd and a small profit on the day.

Summary: Bet - 13pts, Return - 14.5pts, Profit - 1.5pts
Overall Profit - 232.4pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:00 Sandown: Cedre Bleu - 1pt @ 13.5 (Betfair)
2:20 Ripon: Dubai Dynamo - 2pts @ 9.6 (Betfair)
2:35 Sandown: Woolcombe Folly - 1pt ew @ 28/1 (Coral)
3:10 Sandown: Swing Bill - 2pts ew @ 25/1 (Skybet)
4:30 Punchestown: Darroun - 1pt @ 16/1 (Coral) 

Ayr/ Newbury - April 21

The Aintree festival proved equally as profitable as the one at Cheltenham, turning a profit on all three days.

Summary: Bet - 34pts, Return - 66.1pts, Profit - 32.1pts
Overall Profit - 230.9pts

Today's selections as follows:
2:15 Ayr: Rival d'Estruval - 2pts @ 8/1* (William Hill)
2:35 Newbury: Fillionaire - 4pts @ 10.5 (Betfair)
2:50 Ayr: Red Merlin - 2pts @ 9/2* (Ladbrokes)
3:25 Ayr: Auroras Encore - 2pts ew @ 25/1* (William Hill) 
3:45 Newbury: Emilio Largo - 1pt @ 19.5 (Betfair)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Grand National - Saturday

Lovcen guaranteed another days profit at Aintree, and once again provided evidence of the value of shopping around for the best price, which in this instance resulted in getting paid out at 14-1, rather than the SP of 8-1.

Summary: Bet - 29pts, Return - 58.5pts, Profit - 29.5pts
Overall Profit - 198.8pts

Todays Aintree analysis as follows:

1:45 - Simonsig looks a certainty, but will inevitably be priced at prohibitively low odds.

2:15 - Sprinter Sacre looks an even bigger certainty but will be at even lower odds than Simonsig.

2:50 - The distance of this race suits Oscar Whisky ideally, and I see Thousand Stars as a likelier danger than the Nicholls trained challengers. Nevertheless I think Nicky Henderson will be celebrating a quickfire treble.
Recommendation: Simonsig/Sprinter Sacre/Oscar Whisky - 8pts @ 4/1 approx (Betfair)

3:25 - I have this between Noland and Marufo with slight preference for the former at the forecast longer odds.
Recommendation: Noland 4pts @ 14/1 (Tote)

4:15 - My three against the field are Killyglen who ran well last year, Sunnyhillboy who looks well handicapped, and Rare Bob who offers the best value at present odds.
Recommendation: Rare Bob - 4pts win @ 55 (Betfair), 4pts place @ 12 (Betfair)

5:05 - A difficult race to handicap with chances given to Ciceron, Conquisto and Paintball. It looks an each way betting race so slight preference is for Ciceron.
Recommendation: Ciceron - 2pts ew @ 33/1* (Paddy Power)

5:35 - Population looks a decent favourite but this is the type of race to pick a longer priced type so Minella Forfitness will do for me, to cap off a great day for the Henderson yard.
Recommendation: Minella Forfitness - 3pts @ 18 (Betfair)

Other TV race selections as follows:
2:00 Lingfield: Amitola - 1pt @ 9/1* (Paddy Power)
2:30 Lingfield: Royal Peculiar - 2pts @ 4.5 (Betfair)
2:45 Newcastle: Lifetime - 2pts @ 11 (Betfair)
3:20 Newcastle: Cheyenne Red - 1pt ew @ 20/1* (Paddy Power)

*Guaranteed Best Odds 

Grand National - Friday

A win on Menorah and a nice each way long shot with Echo Bob provided a profit on day 1.

Summary: Bet - 27pts, Return - 41.7pts, Profit - 14.7pts
Overall Profit - 169.3pts

Today's race analysis as follows:

2:00 - Darlan looks a good thing here, but even so I'm reluctant to back it at the short odds currently on offer.
Recommendation: No Bet

2:30 - I give Champion Court a shout, but at attractive odds I think the small field will suit Solix, and allow him more room to gain confidence in his jumping, providing the impetus to win.
Recommendation: Solix - 6pts @ 7.8 (Betfair)

3:05 - Albertas Run will probably look to run the field ragged, but I suspect one of his rivals will come through and snatch victory. Kauto Stone is due a big race soon and could oblige, but I saw signs of a return to form for Forpadydeplasterer last time out and his long odds make him an attractive each way proposition.
Recommendation: Forpadydeplasterer - 3pts ew @ 18/1 (Tote)

3:40 - Chances are given to Fabalu, Douglas Julian, Montoyas Son and Minella Theatre, but Triangular looks the best bet in a trappy event.
Recommendation: Triangular - 4pts @ 9/1 (Coral)

4:15 - Fingal Bay and Cotton Mill are worthy favourites, but I like to bet horses at longer odds in this type of event. I give decent each way chances to Makethe Mostofnow and Lovcen. Lovcen is the likelier.
Recommendation: Lovcen - 3pts ew @ 14/1 (Coral)

4:50 - Plenty have chances here, so its another race to approach from an each way angle. Likely types are Act Of Kalanisi, Art Professor, Lava Lamp and Street Entertainer, but my money will go on Like Minded for the Nicholls/Derham combination.
Recommendation: Like Minded - 2pts ew @ 25/1* (Ladbrokes)

5:25 - Diligent, Flementime, Hidden Lite and Umadachar have chances of sorts but Call Me A Star could be too classy for all of them.
Recommendation: Call Me A Star - 3pts @ 3/1* (Ladbrokes)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Grand National - Thursday

I was wise to preceed the Aintree meeting with minimal odds only!

Summary: Bet - 7pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 0pts
Overall Profit - 154.6pts

Hopefully Aintree can prove half as profitable as Cheltenham. Race analysis as follows:

2:00 - Big Bucks will get beat one day, but today doesn't look like the day. The odds reflect that view though and the race is best left alone from a betting perspective.
Recommendation: No Bet

2:30 - Triumph Hurdle form is key here. Sadlers Risk has a better shot on a more suitable track, but by rights Countrywide Flames win in the race should have him as favourite. He isn't however and there is value in backing him to repeat his win at Cheltenham.
Recommendation: Countrywide Flame - 5pts @ 9/2* (Paddy Power)

3:05 - Last years winner Nacarat seems overpriced and has a lot in his favour. As well as course form, he hasn't got to get over a hard Cheltenham race like many of his more fancied rivals, who will also be running this race as an afterthought.
Recommendation: Nacarat - 8pts @ 16.5 (Betfair)

3:40 - Despite the big field the each way terms on offer are poor. Chances are given to plenty, including Fresh Air And Fun, Island Life, My Way De Solzen and Offshore Account. The two I like best though are Gwanako and The Polomoche, and preference is for the latter simply on the grounds of the better odds currently on offer.
Recommendation: The Polomoche - 4pts @ 14.5 (Betfair)

4:15 - Silk Drum certainly has a chance of a repeat win. Free World also has a decent shot but being a Pricewise selection has been cut down to prohibitively low odds. Luckily there is still value in another Irish trained entry, Echo Bob.
Recommendation: Echo Bob - 2pts win @ 34 (Betfair), 2pts place @ 8.2 (Betfair)

4:50 - Al Ferof looks like being all the rage, but I fancy Menorah can live up to its potential and take the prize.
Recommendation: Menorah - 4pts @ 11/2 (Skybet)

5:25 - A difficult race to finish, and one to look for a nice each way shot. Oscar Prairie and Palace Jester are such types who look to have decent chances, with slight prefernce for the latter.
Recommendation: Palace Jester - 1pt ew @ 18/1* (Ladbrokes)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Haydock/ Kempton/ Musselburgh - April 7

Very close last week to a 40-1 winner when Fork handles jusst got collared on the line. With Aintree upcoming this week we'll keep stakes to a limit this week to leave plenty of ammunition to attack the big event.

Summary: Bet - 26pts, Return - 11pts, Loss - 15pts
Overall Profit - 161.6pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:05 Kempton: Chapter And Verse - 1pt @ 13 (Betfair)
2:25 Haydock: Tiger O'Toole - 1pt @ 8 (Betfair)
2:45 Musselburgh: Shoshoni Wind - 1pt @ 10/1* (William Hill)
2:55 Haydock: Presenting Ace - 1pt @ 16/1* (William Hill)
3:15 Kempton: Gulf Of Naples - 1pt @ 9/2* (William Hill)
3:30 Haydock: Qulinton - 1pt @ 14/1* (William Hill)
3:50 Musselburgh: Zakreet - 1pt @ 14/1 (Tote) 

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Doncaster/ Kempton/ Meydan - March 31

I suppose I was due a bad week, so I'll take last weeks results on the chin. There's a feast of flat racing today to get our teeth into today, with the international flavour of the Dubai World Cup meet usually offering up decent betting opportunities, given our bookies find it difficult to accurately price up the different strands of form on offer.

Summary: Bet 13pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 13pts
Overall Profit - 176.6pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:05 Doncaster: Miami Gator - 1pt ew @ 50/1 (Coral)
2:10 Meydan: Do It All - 2pts @ 12/1 (Coral)
3:15 Doncaster: Edinburgh Knight - 4pts @ 12/1* (William Hill)
3:25 Meydan: Balada Sale - 2pts @ 12/1* (William Hill)
3:30 Kempton: Fork Handles - 1pt ew @ 40/1 (Coral)
3:50 Doncaster: Lady Poppy - 1pt ew @ 20/1 (Coral)
4:00 Meydan: Sole Power - 2pts @ 8/1* (William Hill)
4:35 Meydan: The Factor - 2pts @ 5/1* (William Hill)
5:25 Meydan: Xtension - 1pt win @ 24 (Betfair), 1pt place @ 7.2 (Betfair)
6:00 Meydan: St Nicholas Abbey - 2pts @ 7/2 (Tote)
6:40 Meydan: Royal Delta - 4pts @ 10/1* (William Hill)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Lingfield/ Newbury - March 24

The good spell continued last Saturday, with 2 winners  and 2 that lost in photo finishes, leaving a nice profit even betting at minimal stakes.

Summary: Bet - 9pts, Return - 28.5pts, Profit - 19.5pts
Overall Profit - 189.6pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:05 Newbury: Gan On - 2pts @ 6/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:25 Lingfield: Pale Orchid - 1pt @ 7/1* (Ladbrokes) 
2:40 Newbury: Native Beauty 1pt ew @ 20/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:55 Lingfield: Medicean Man - 1pt @ 9/2* (Tote)
3:25 Lingfield: Junoob - 4pts @ 11/2* (William Hill)
3:40 Newbury: Mon Parrain - 2pts @ 3/1* (William Hill)
4:00 Lingfield: Kingscroft - 1pt @ 100/30 (Coral)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Ffos Las/ Uttoxeter - March 17

What a fantastic day yesterday, producing my biggest single days profit in the year.

Summary: Bet - 30pts, Return - 136pts, Profit - 106pts
Overall Profit - 170.1pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:10 Uttoxeter: Pampelonne - 1pt @ 7/1 (Coral)
2:25 Ffos Las: Lava Lamp - 1pt @ 8/1* (Paddy Power)
2:45 Uttoxeter: Volador - 1pt @ 11/2* (Paddy Power)
3:20 Uttoxeter: Major Malarkey - 2pts ew @ 20/1* (Ladbrokes)
3:35 Ffos Las: Grand Slam Hero - 1pt @ 12/1* (Ladbrokes) 
3:55 Uttoxeter: Robobar - 1pt @ 11/1 (Coral)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Cheltenham Festival - Friday

A losing day yesterday, which leaves today as the big decider over whether I'll finish Cheltenham in profit or not. Catch Me was close in the Pertemps Hurdle, but close wasn't good enough.

Summary: Bet - 24pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 24pts
Overall Profit - 64.1pts

Todays analysis as follows:

1:30 - Chances are given to quite a few here. Baby Mix, Darroun, Grumeti, Hisaabaat and Sadlers Risk are all possibles, but Pearl Swan's performance last time out over course and distance was impressive and he seems to me to have more scope for improvement than the others.
Recommended Bet: Pearl Swan - 4pts @ 7/1* (Tote)

2:05 - Wide open as per usual. I had a hunch for Une Artiste earlier in the week but was put off by its long odds on Betfair. I'm not going to make the same mistake this time and will go for The Bull Hayes who could be an Irish improver. Other each way chances are given to Desert Cry and Via Galilei.
Recommended Bet: The Bull Hayes - 2pts win @ 85 (Betfair), 2pts place @ 15.5 (Betfair)

2:40 - I want to take on the talked up Boston Bob here and like the chances of Brindisi Breeze and Mount Benbulben against him. Hopefully Brindisi Breeze will run them ragged from the front and test out any of his rivals stamina limitations.
Recommended Bet: Brindisi Breeze - 4pts @ 10/1* (Paddy Power)

3:20 - I was disappointed to wake up to see Synchronised had been tipped up by Pricewise as that meant there was no chance of him being an each way bet that I had wanted. With doubts about the big 2 I'll stick with him though.
Recommended Bet: Synchronised - 8pts @ 10/1* (William Hill)

4:00 - Not my favourite race. My Flora, Herons Well and Count Salazar have place prospects, but On The Fringe was fancied last year, and with a top amateur on board I like his chances to make amends this year.
Recommended Bet: On The Fringe - 4pts @ 9/1* (Tote)

4:40 - The first of two wide open handicaps to finish. Any Pipe horse has to be respected but I have it between Open Hearted and Make A Track, but the form of the Henderson yard has me picking their one.
Recommended Bet: Open Hearted - 3pts @ 14/1* (Ladbrokes)

5:15 - The lucky last! Idarah is an Irish entrant that commands respect near the bottom of the handicap, but I have to plump for a Henderson horse in a race he always lays out plenty of live chances in. Of his entrants Eradicate is the one I like best.
Recommended Bet: Eradicate - 3pts @ 21 (Betfair)

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Cheltenham Festival - Thursday

A nice maximum bet winner on Bobs Worth ensured a profit on Day 2. More of the same please!

Summary: Bet - 32pts, Return - 42.3pts, Profit - 10.3pts
Overall Profit - 88.1pts 

Todays race analysis as follows:

1:30 - I have this between the first three in the market in Cristal Bonus, Peddlers Cross and Sir Des Champs, but Peddlers Cross looks the classiest to me.
Recommended Bet: Peddlers Cross - 4pts double with Big Bucks @ 13/2* (Paddy Power)

2:05 - Barwell Bridge and Thehillofuisneach have good chances but preference is for Catch Me, who strikes me as a JP McManus horse laid out for this.
Recommended Bet: Catch Me - 4pts @ 12/1* (Tote)

2:40 - There could be a surprise here. The likes of Poquelin and Forpadydeplasterer could come back to form at decent odds, but Captain Chris ticks all the right boxes for me.
Recommended Bet: Captain Chris - 4pts @ 12/1 (Skybet)

3:20 - Big Bucks looks unbeatable, but as we have seen this week there is no such thing as a certainty. With the form of the Henderson yard we might have his biggest opposition yet in Oscar Whisky. Paddy Power's offer of refunding stakes if your horse is 2nd to Big Bucks almost makes Oscar Whisky a bet to nothing.
Recommended Bet: Oscar Whisky - 9/2* (Paddy Power)

4:00 - A typically open race. Chances are given to Gansey and Notus De La Tour, but I can see Holmood Legend repeating last year's win.
Recommended Bet: Holmwood Legend - 4pts @ 18 (Betfair)

4:40 - The amateur riders can make this race a bit of a lottery. They tend to go off to fast so hold up horses are preferred. The two I like are Fredo and Mostly Bob who are both decent prices, but if his jumping holds up I can't see Mostly Bob failing to get placed at least.
Recommended Bet: Mostly Bob - 2pts win @ 28 (Betfair), 2pts place @ 5.6 (Betfair)

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Cheltenham Festival - Wednesday

Well yesterday was the perfect example of the benefits to be gained from shopping around and making the most of the concessions that bookies offer at the big meetings. On what would ordinarily have been a losing day I escaped, and even made a slight profit by getting my stake back from Paddy Power after Sprinter Sacre won the Arkle, and getting paid each way terms by Betfred/Tote on Billie Magern finishing 5th.

Summary: Bet - 24pts, Return - 24.8pts, Profit - 0.8pts
Overall Profit - 77.8pts

Todays race analysis as follows:

1:30 - One of the hardest races to call, with the 4 mile distance a great unknown for all. As such I have a lengthy shortlist incorporating Allee Garde, Blenheim Brook, Court Red Handed, Lively Baron and Our Island. Allee Garde looks the likeliest winner, but the others all offer each way value and one of them might improve enough to win.
Recommended Bet: Allee Garde - 4pts @ 8.6 (Betfair)

2:05 - Another race where I have a lengthy shortlist, this time including Cotton Mill, Make Your Mark, Monksland, Simonsig and Sous Les Cieux. Simonsig offers poor value, and preference is for the two Willie Mullins entrants, with Ruby Walsh tipping the scales in favour of his ride.
Recommended Bet: Sous Les Cieux - 4pts @ 7.6 (Betfair)

2:40 - Bobs Worth is one of my bets of the meeting, even with Grands Crus bypassing the Gold Cup to oppose him here. With improvement in his jumping I hope to see him staying on past his rivals to win up the hill in the final stretch.
Recommended Bet: Bobs Worth - 8pts @ 5.5 (Betfair)

3:20 - A race where I see the favourite and reigning champion, Sizing Europe, getting beat by either Big Zeb or Finians Rainbow. Both are decent value alternatives but I prefer the chances of the more experienced Big Zeb.  
Recommended Bet: Big Zeb - 7pts @ 6.6 (Betfair)

4:00 - A big field, and a shorlist made up of Act Of Kalanisi, Cape Dutch and Tenor Nivernais. Venetia Williams knows what it takes to win this race, and with the stable in such good form the longish odds on Tenor Nivernais make him the most attractive option.
Recommended Bet: Tenor Nivernais - 2pts ew @ 33/1* (Tote)

4:40 - An even more difficult race to call where you need to read into trainers intentions and horses potential, as the winner will almost definitely be much better than anything they will have shown on the racecourse as yet. Likely types include Bat Masterson, Dark And Dangerous and Edeyemi. Its a toss up between the three, but the 5lbs claim that young Brendan Powell gets puts Dark And Dangerous on a nice low weight, so I'll plump for him.
Recommended Bet: Dark And Dangerous - 1pt ew @ 25/1* (Tote)

5:15 - I have this between Moscow Mannon, Royal Guardsman and The New One, with preference for the Colin Tizzard horse.
Recommended Bet: Royal Guardsman - 3pts @ 9.8 (Betfair)

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Cheltenham Festival - Tuesday

Into the festival with the smallest of profits from last weekend's bets.

Summary: Bet - 12pts, Return - 13pts, Profit - 1pt
Overall Profit - 77pts

Today's race summary as follows:

1:30 - This appears a fairly wide open race and the two I like are Midnight Game and Montbazon with slight preference for the latter.
Recommended Bet: Montbazon - 5pts @ 9.2 (Betfair)

2:05 - Sprinter Sacre is a strong favourite, but I like the chances of Al Ferof and/or Cue Card beating him. It's a toss up between them, but at current prices Cue Card offers the value.
Recommended Bet: Cue Card - 4pts @ 7/1* (Paddy Power)

2:40 - A difficult race to call, but one which could provide a big price winner. I give Tullamore Dew and Fruity O'Rooney  good chances, but I can see Billie Magern outperforming its long odds.
Recommended Bet: Billie Magern - 2.5pts ew @ 33/1* (Tote)

3:20 - Hurricane Fly has a great shot at repeating last years win, but Binocular looks back to his best and offers a value alternative.
Recommended Bet: Binocular - 4pts @ 6.2 (Betfair)

4:00 - Hopefully there'll be no cock ups with horses taking the wrong course, but hopefully Garde Champetre can come good again and win this race for a 3rd time.
Recommended Bet: Garde Champetre - 4pts @ 10/1* (William Hill)

4:40 - Quevega looks a good thing, but I can't bring myself to bet odds on at Cheltenham. An alternative is Swincombe Flame, but she isn't quite a big enough each way price to my liking.
No Bet

5:15 - A typically trappy handicap, so we need to find some value. Ackertac could run well but slight preference is for Harpsy Cord, who fits the winners profile of running for the first time in a handicap chase.
Recommended Bet: Harpsy Cord - 1pt ew @ 20/1* (Tote)

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Sandown/ Wolverhampton - March 10

At last. Back to winning ways! Only slightly up, but every pick got placed, so theres hope for the big week to come.

Summary: Bet - 10pts, Return - 15pts, Profit - 5pts
Overall Profit - 76pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:05 Sandown: Off The Ground - 2pts @ 10/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:20 Wolverhampton: Libys Dream - 0.5pt @ 20/1 (Coral)
2:40 Sandown: Richards Sundance - 2pts @ 12 (Betfair)
3:15 Sandown: Ted Spread - 4pts @ 4/1* (William Hill)
3:30 Wolverhampton: Licence To Till - 2pts @ 15 (Betfair)
3:50 Sandown: Taradrewe - 1pt @ 7/1* (William Hill) 

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Doncaster/ Newbury - March 3

Goodbye and good riddance to February. I should have gone into hibernation! Anyhow Cheltenham is on its way so its a good time to turn things round.

Bet - 18pts, Return - 2pts, Loss - 16pts
Overall Profit - 71pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:05 Newbury: Imperial Circus - 1pt @ 14/1 (Tote)
2:20 Doncaster: Alderley Rover - 2pts @ 12/1 (Coral)
2:40 Newbury: Ouzbeck - 1pt @ 10/1* (William Hill)
3:10 Newbury: Aerial - 2pts @ 11/2* (Paddy Power)
3:25 Doncaster: West End Rocker - 3pts @ 5/1* (William Hill)
3:45 Newbury: Ebanour - 1pt @ 8/1* (William Hill)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Kempton/ Lingfield/ Newcastle - February 25

February is turning into as bad a month as September and I'll be glad to see the back of it. Last chance to turn things round today.

Summary: Bet - 28pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 28pts
Overall Profit - 87pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:00 Kempton: Une Artiste - 3pts @ 6/1* (William Hill)
2:15 Lingfield: Diamond Vine - 1pt @ 12/1* (William Hill) 
2:30 Kempton: Fahrisee - 1pt ew @ 20/1 (Coral)
3:05 Kempton: Consigliere - 4pts @ 14/1* (Coral)
3:25 Newcastle: Mister Marker - 6pts @ 17/2 (Coral)
3:40 Kempton: Keys - 2pts @ 3/1* (William Hill)

*Guaranteed Best Odds

Ascot/ Haydock/ Lingfield/ Wincanton - February 18

February is turning into a poor month, with another blank last weekend and yesterday.

Summary: Bet - 22pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 22pts
Overall Profit - 115pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:10 Haydock: Real Milan - 3pts @ 5/1 (Tote)
2:25 Ascot: Cappa Bleu - 1pt @ 15/2* (Paddy Power)
2:45 Haydock: Reindeer Dippin 3pts @ 7/1* (Paddy Power) 
3:00 Ascot: Medermit - 6pts @ 9/2* (Paddy Power)
3:20 Haydock: Mohayer - 4pts win @ 15 (Betfair), 4pts place @ 5 (Betfair)
3:35 Ascot: Crack Away Jack - 2pts @ 10/1 (Coral)
3:45 Wincanton: Starluck - 4pts @ 11/2* (Ladbrokes)
4:00 Lingfield: Forty Proof - 1pt @ 16/1* (William Hill)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Newbury - February 17

Todays bets on TV races as follows:

12:10 Newbury: French Opera - 3pts @ 13 (Betfair)
12:40 Newbury: Burton Port - 3pts @ 8/1* (Paddy Power)
1:15 Newbury: Third Intention - 3pts ew @ 14/1* (Paddy Power)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Lingfield/ Musselburgh - February 11

The all weather racing provided a blank last weekend, and although its disappointing that Newbury is off, we at least have Musselburgh to get our teeth into today.

Summary: Bet 11pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 11pts
Overall Profit - 137pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:05 Musselburgh: Kie - 2pts @ 6/1* (William Hill)
2:15 Lingfield: Night Trade - 1pt @ 9/1* (Tote)
2:35 Musselburgh: Moonlight Drive - 1pt @ 4/1* (William Hill)
2:45 Lingfield: Piscean - 1pt @ 6/1* (Tote)
3:10 Musselburgh: De Boitron - 1pt @ 14/1* (Ladbrokes)
3:20 Lingfield: Caledonia Princess - 2pts @ 7/1 (Ladbrokes)
3:45 Musselburgh: Koup De Kanon - 2pts @ 8/1* (William Hill)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Lingfield/ Wolverhampton - February 4

A good day last week, with Midnight Chase proving a good bet, and Pearl Swan proving the value of shopping around and getting paid out as first passed the post despite his qualification. The weather has put paid to the better quality racing today, leaving us with the All Weather racing, so as such I'll keep stakes to a minimum.

Summary: Bet - 22pts, Return - 50pts, Profit - 28pts
Overall Profit - 148pts

Today's bets as follows:
2:00 Lingfield: Efistorm - 1pt @ 17 (Betfair)
2:05 Wolverhampton: Gala Spirit - 1pt @ 4.6 (Betfair)
2:30 Lingfield: Diamond Vine - 2pts @ 100/30 (Skybet)
2:40 Wolverhampton: Tamareen - 1pt @ 7.4 (Betfair)
3:00 Lingfield: Titan Triumph - 1pt @ 10 (Betfair)
3:15 Wolverhampton: Veroon - 2pts @ 11.5 (Betfair)
3:35 Lingfield: Cashelgar - 2pts @ 13/2* (William Hill)
3:45 Wolverhampton: Mount Abora - 1pt @ 5.5 (Betfair) 

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Cheltenham Trials Day/ January 28

Last weeks sole winner showed the value of grabbing early odds, with Violin Davis' starting price being half the odds available earlier on, and being the difference between a profit and a loss.

Summary: Bet - 11pts, Return - 13pts, Profit - 2pts
Overall Profit - 120pts

Today's bets as follows:

12:55 Cheltenham: Pearl Swan - 1pt @ 10/1* (William Hill)
1:30 Cheltenham: That'lldoboy - 1pt @ 7/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:05 Cheltenham: Chance Du Roy - 6pts @ 10/1* (Ladbrokes) 
2:35 Cheltenham: Midnight Chase - 6pts @ 11/2* (William Hill)
2:45 Leopardstown: Quiscover Fontaine - 2pts ew @ 20/1* (William Hill) 
2:50 Doncaster: Qianshan Leader - 2pts @ 11 (Betfair) 
3:10 Cheltenham: Polisky - 2pts @ 13/2* (Paddy Power)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Ascot/ Haydock - January 21

One short priced winner last week meant a small loss on the day.

Summary: Bet - 11pts, Return - 8pts, Loss - 3pts
Overall Profit - 118pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:05 Ascot: Violin Davis - 2pts @ 11/2 (Ladbrokes)
2:20 Haydock: Dais Return - 1pt @ 9/1 (Coral)
2:35 Ascot: Royal Charm - 1pt @ 13 (Betfair) 
3:10 Ascot: Al Ferof - 1pt @ 100/30* (William Hill)
3:30 Haydock: Mon Mome - 4pts @ 8/1* (Ladbrokes)
3:45 Ascot: All For Free - 2pts @ 7/1* (Ladbrokes)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Kempton/ Warwick - January 14

One winner last week provided a small profit.

Summary: Bet - 6pts, Return - 6.5pts, Profit - 0.5pts
Overall Profit - 121pts

This weeks bets as follows:
2:00 Warwick: Marodina - 2pts @ 3/1* (William Hill)
2:15 Kempton: Carabinier - 1pt @ 6/1 (Coral)
2:30 Warwick: Safran De Cotte - 1pt @ 8/1* (Tote)
2:50 Kempton: Decoy - 2pts @ 7/1* (Tote)
3:05 Warwick: Castle Conflict - 2pts @ 19 (Berfair)
3:20 Kempton: Quotica De Poyans - 1pt @ 13/2 (Coral)
3:40 Warwick: Neeptune Equester - 2pts @ 6/1* (Ladbrokes)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Sandown/Wincanton - January 7

A nice start to the New Year with Mostly Bob providing pride of place, being backed into favorite from the mornings best price of 11-1.

Summary: Bet - 15.5pts, Return - 42pts, Profit - 26.5pts
Overall Profit - 120.5pts

Todays bets as follows:
2:05 Sandown: Hold Fast - 1pt @ 11/2 (Coral)
2:50 Wincanton: Pasco - 2pts @ 5/1* (Paddy Power)
3:10 Sandown: Exmoor Ranger - 1pt @ 9.8 (Betfair)
3:25 Wincanton: Gallox Bridge - 1pt @ 6/1* (Paddy Power)
3:45 Sandown: Higgys Ragazzo - 1pt @ 7.4 (Betfair)

* Guaranteed Best Odds

Cheltenham/ Musselburgh _ January 1

Happy New Year to all. Let's hope its a prosperous one. Went out of 2011 with a whimper, but in overall profit. More of the same in 2012 please!

Summary: Bet - 7pts, Return - 0pts, Loss - 7pts
Overall Profit - 94 pts

Today's bets as follows:
12:30 Cheltenham: Jump City - 1pt @ 7/1* (Ladbrokes)
1:05: Cheltenham: Solix - 1.5pts @ 6/1 (Coral)
1:35 Cheltenham: Mostly Bob - 3pts @ 11/1 (Coral)
2:10 Cheltenham: Crescent Island - 2pts win @ 22 (Betfair), 2pts place @ 5.6 (Betfair)
2:25: Musselburgh: Rumble Of Thunder - 1pt @ 7/1* (Ladbrokes)
2:45 Cheltenham: Get Me Out Of Here - 3pts @ 7/2* (Tote)
3:00 Musselburgh: Alderley Rover - 0.5pt win @ 23 (Betfair), 0.5pt place @ 5.4 (Betfair)
3:50 Cheltenham: Virginia Ash - 0.5pts ew @ 20/1 (Tote) 

* Guaranteed Best Odds