DERBY FAV, AND SANDOWN REVIEW

Hello


News this morning that JAN VERMEER is likely to be the pick of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh and out Ante Post selection (see post dated 17.05) is now as short as 5/2F generally with St Nicholas Abbey on the drift and probably going to either miss the race with France a likely alternative. 


Having backed it at 20's looking to trade a bit off at 5/2 or thereabouts, a good result already for us and the race still a week away.


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Last Thursday we attended the Sandown evening meeting which featured two group races and some decent supporting events too. 


Wasn't as busy as I expected for the quality of racing on offer, but we had a party of 6 so grabbed some tables and made a "home" for ourselves in the grandstand in good view of the winning line and close enough to the bar !! 
[beware, £4 a pint !! Bring more money next time]


The opening race was an open handicap, one that only attracted a bit of place interested on RESURGE (12/1 early, opened 7/1 backed to 11/2) and UNCLE FRED (22/1) who ended up taking the 2nd and 3rd places behind fav JO'BURG who cruised home easily at generous odds of 4/1 and foiled our gamble on the 2nd. 


The next race a listed contest over 5f down the middle track was expected to be a stroll for the Richard Hannon trained CAPE TO RIO but it was not to be as the support came for DINKUM DIAMOND who quickened away and won easy. Ruined my placepot in the process as well as many multiples too :O(


Racing improves again as we see the first of the two Group races here with the Group 2 Henry II stakes over 2miles seeing a few horses that had been at Ascot's last meeting that we also attended for the Sagaro Stakes. 


AKMAL turned this event into a one horse procession leading all the way and powering on again when challanged by SAPTAPADI. Anyone who had seen the winner struggle at Ascot would be wondering if it was the same horse. We were saved a bit by the place win on the runner up, but winners were avoiding us again today.


Another Group race followed the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard stakes over 1m 2f. Yet another strongly supported favourite getting turned over as GLASS HARMONIUM failed to get in a blow against the winner STOTSFOLD who only really had to worry about TAZEEZ. (another place win for us with that well supported horse). 


The fifth event went to the well fancied favourite FALLEN IDOL who just got up to win by the min margin from the outsider RECTIFIER, nothing else getting in much of a blow, the fav coming fast and late and helped us all pick up a decent wedge for the evenings work.


The finale was a race to gather up everything and make ready for our escape, the train back home leaving 10 mins after the last so the delay caused by ORATORY at the start was not welcomed. He was duly withdrawn and the race set up for a simply win for FLORA TREVELYAN who had been well backed all day long and won at 100/30 [+15p R4]


We'd been playing up the place markets on Betfair throughout the evening and going ok, put the balance on DUNN'O to place which he duly did staying on behind the winner to grab 3rd at 11/2 and paying 2.46 on BF (after the deduction for Oratory) was a nice result to go home on. 


Glad to say we made it for our train and home in good time for a decent evening all round. Next year we're looking to take in the Brighton meeting during the afternoon and make it back for the evening card again (it's do-able but only just). 


Update later for the Bank Holiday weekend. 

Thursday, Busy day then Sandown to relax.

Was originally going to Brighton today but a combination of poor weather and lack of decent fields at the Sussex coast venue means we'll wait for another day and instead head to Sandown tonight for their Brigadier Gerard meeting. 


Main selections will probably be as such;


6.05 - DUBAI CREST
6.40 - CAPE TO RIO
7.10 - DARLEY SUN [NAP]
7.45 - GLASS HARMONIUM
8.20 - BIG AUDIO [EW]
8.50 - DUNN'O


but when we get there it depends on the weather and a look around the paddock too. Alternatively we give the betting a miss and hit the bars ! 

ENGLAND vs MEXICO, and Greyhound Derby update.

England play Mexico in a pre-world cup friendly tonight at Wembley stadium. After a week of altitude training for the 30 man squad tonight Fabio can put most of these through their paces and see what formation of Rooney plus A.N. Other will work best until we get beat in the 1/4 finals as always (probably on pens).


The FA Cup players are already rested so that's David James relaxing on the bench along with John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and surprisingly also Joe Cole. [Given that Joe Cole only played 20 mins of the cup final and is an outsider to get in the 23 man squad you would have thought he'd get at least 45 mins?]


Both keepers Rob Green and Joe Hart look set to have 45 mins each, with Green likely to start the match between the sticks. Other subs would probably see Crouch given a turn with Darren Bent, or the plan which has been used in training to play 4-5-1 with Rooney up front and Gerrard supporting in a free role from midfield.


At the very least with Capello he is looking for a Plan B, something missing under Sven (and a Plan A would have been nice under McClaren too).


Looks like it's Crouch starting with Rooney up front and no Lampard in the middle (as I already mentioned) so altered by bet accordingly as I had forgotten about that. D'Oh. Crouch has a great strike rate when playing for England and looks an outstanding bet tonight to score. 


Kick off tonight at 8.00 
[Pitch cut up rough by 8.10]


Best Bets -- 
Crouch 1st Goalscorer @ 6/1
England to win 3-0 @ 8/1


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Greyhound Derby Update


WESTMEAD SCOLARI 3/1F finished 5th
SLICK ROBERT 6/1 finished 6th


Our Ante post picks both made it though to the first heat of the semi final on Saturday but sadly both eliminated in that heat and failed to make the final. It was a good run while it lasted and not at all bad for the big prices we'd taken. 


Maybe next year we'll go one closer.

Greyhound Derby Update.

GREYHOUND DERBY ANTE POST SELECTIONS
SLICK ROBERT @ 50-1 Corals
WESTMEAD SCOLARI @ 25-1 Victor Chandler

Tuesday night saw the 1/4 finals for this years Greyhound Derby and the results saw one of our Ante post selections [WESTMEAD SCOLARI] win his heat at 11/2, while our other selection [SLICK ROBERT] came home 3rd and we'll hope that was quick enough to get into the semi finals.

As a result of these quarter finals the odds on our selections are now;

SLICK ROBERT -- 25s from 50s (best prices quoted)

WESTMEAD SCOLARI -- 10s from 25s (8s or less generally).

Will keep an eye on when the draw is made for the semi's and I just hope that they don't end up both in the same heat. Won't lay off either of them until the final should they get there.


Have a good midweek especially if you made it to Goodwood today.

The week ahead, plus Epsom / Wimbledon Derby Ante Post Selections

Busy week, looking forward to a day off and going out on Friday.

Before then there's a lot to take in,
Monday night is Windsor night, where CAPE TO RIO should win the 6.40 conditions event for Richard Hannon. -- updated . It did indeed win but apologies for the price, was 6/4 in the papers.

Later in the week if you can spare the time get yourselves to Brighton (Tuesday) and/or Goodwood (Wednesday) for a couple of good days out midweek, weather due to improve and better than work or being sat around an airport waiting for your flight delayed by a Volcano or the strike.

Less than 3 weeks till Epsom Derby and while the market says its all about Sir Nicholas Abbey still 2/1 doesn't appeal. Have looked around and there is a lot of value to be had if you can shop around. Use a site such as OddsChecker.com if you can and see the difference in depth away from the front few. I have one selection still standing from my Ante Post bets and thats JAN VERMEER who is still 20/1 Blue Sq (only 12/1 elsewhere).

Meanwhile the Greyhound Derby heats are underway and I have two Ante Post advices still going at this stage, prices correct at time of going to post but be quick.

SLICK ROBERT @ 50-1 Corals (33/1 elsewhere)
WESTMEAD SCOLARI @ 25-1 Victor Chandlers

Thats all for today.

Enjoy your week
DAISY

YORK FRIDAY - YORKSHIRE CUP DAY

Quick preview of Friday meeting, we've enjoyed the first few days without being too greedy we are at least showing a bit of a profit. Lets see how we fayre today and get some money for the weekend action including Newbury's Lockinge meeting.

YORK

1.40 -- TURN THE TIDE          [Unplaced 11/4]
2.10 -- HANOVERIAN BARON       [WON 7/1]
2.40 -- MANIFEST            [WON 13/8]
3.10 -- DECORATIVE       [Non Runner]
3.45 -- BESTY                 [10th 16/1]
4.20 -- HOTHAM              [Non Runner]
4.55 -- DANCING DUDE [NAP]        [5th 10/3]

Best of luck today guys

Will update the main sites over the weekend find us here...www.bigtedonline.com/racing.htm

UNLUCKY FULHAM & YORK'S DANTE STAKES,

Just a moment to dwell on Wednesday nights football and what a great effort Fulham put in against Atletico Madrid. Having fallen 1 down in the first half to a Diego Forlan [32] poach inside the area they battled on and equalised with a well taken goal of their own by Simon Davies [37]. 


The had the better of the second half where the Spanish side look to sit back a bit more and seemed happier to settle for extra time, when they weren't diving and rolling around that is. 


Fair play to the Italian referee who had a really good game and didn't fall for the majority of the Spanish players tactics. 


The fairytale was not to be completed sadly and with only 3 mins left of extra time another Forlan goal was enough to break Fulham hearts and hand the old UEFA Cup to Atletico [it is the same old UEFA cup trophy by the way, though not looking as huge as it used to be, I must be getting older].


Still not long till the World Cup eh.


YORK [Day two and the feature event the Dante Stakes off at 2.40]

1.40 -- JOHANNES       [WON 11/1]
2.10 -- MIDDAY          [2nd 15/8]
2.40 -- CHABAL          [Unplaced 7/4]
3.10 -- ACROSTIC       [Unplaced 7/2]
3.45 -- MIDNIGHT MARTINI [NAP]      [2nd 3/1]
4.20 -- WINDWARD ISLANDS          []
4.55 -- TWIST AGAIN                     [Unplaced 3/1]


Found a few winners on Wednesday and couple of place bets went in as well. 


Enjoy your Thursday people


DAISY


 - nice profit for Thursday already after race one...

 - shame it ended there really...

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY LEE, YORK RACES & GOOD LUCK FULHAM.

Hello
The run of form our racing selections have had lately I really should turn the site into a Laying one only.
Never mind, more on the racing later.

So first up a big warm 40th Birthday hug to my pal Lee, Hope you did everything you said you had on your list of things to do before you reached this landmark. Don't worry it's still a good ride from 40 onwards, you'll enjoy it just as much.

Next we'll look at York and their Dante meeting which kicks off on Wednesday;

1.40 - FORTE DEI MARMI      [4th 9/4]
2.10 - ROCK N ROYAL          [10th 7/1]
2.40 - AVIATE                         [WON 11/4]
3.10 - DONCASTER ROVER [EW]    [4th 14/1]
3.45 - THE FONZ                 [2nd 4/1]
4.20 - BAHCELI [NAP]       [WON 15/8]
4.55 - RIGIDITY                  [2nd 7/1]

And after all that action we'll sit back and enjoy the final of the Europa League, this much laughed at version of a once proud and decent European Competition has been saved this season by the antics of Fulham FC.

So whoever you might support, lets cheer on the cottagers and bring another Euro Trophy back to the home of football.

DAISY

WELL DONE CHELSEA & BRIGHTON MONDAY

Congratulations to Chelsea winning the League this year and now I hope that Fulham can get their European Cup that their performance deserves this season and that next week's FA Cup can not end up as the dull affair that it's become of late.

It's Brighton on Monday and here's a couple of selections for the meeting;

2.40 MISS JABBA -- IF all eight stand their ground this 20/1 outsider of the field has some form on the course is shouldn't be totally dismissed. Will get on the place market at the very least as betfair will stand the 3 places even with a non runner or two. [Unplaced 33/1]

4.10 INSPIRINA -- Weighted to win races now and also top rated by Adrian Massey's ratings. [2nd 5/1, beaten a length by the fav]

Have a good week.

Final Premiership Games Sun 9th May

Hi,
Mixed week at Chester but very enjoyable and will be back later in the year. The weekend turns our attentions away from racing to the F1 GP in Spain (Mark Webber should win for Red Bull) and the end of this year's Premiership campaign.

Chelsea lead and are at home to Wigan this afternoon, a win guarantees the title regardless of what happens elsewhere. Manchester United have a home fixture with Stoke and need a win plus some assistance from Wigan to make it 4 titles in a row. I fully expect that Chelsea will score early in first half and go onto win 3-0 or more. Drogba to score first (as usual).

All other matters are sorted and so the other games are very much "dead rubbers" with only local pride to play for, or new contracts to earn for many!

Have a good weekend all and we'll see what the following seven days have in store for us later, certainly eyes are focused on Fulham's Europa League final on Wednesday night.

DAISY

FRIDAY 7th CHESTER AGAIN

OK so Friday upon us once more and time to find some winners for the weekend, today we have the final day at Chester featuring the Dee Stakes & Ormonde Stakes 


DANCING DAVID is our NAP for the day, more selections are on our Racing Page [click for link]


Over the weekend we'll aim to update those pages with racing from ASCOT [Sat] and Plumpton [Sun]. You can follow the whole meeting on our parent site [here].


Have a great weekend


DAISY

CHESTER CUP WEDNESDAY

Went pretty close on Monday with the Nap being beaten a short head.

No prizes for second place here though and so we look forward to the May Chester Cup meeting on Wednesday. Forecast good ground and should be a clear dry day for the anticipated bumper crowd, while not quite summer temperatures it's always a popular meeting.

Opening race 1.45 5f Conditions Race
Looks a match between stablemates BATHWICK BEAR & DINGLE VIEW with preference for the former who has looked solid winning two starts and holds the filly on official ratings too.

2.15 CHESHIRE OAKS
DANCE ON BY looks interesting from the A O'Brien yard, might find the strength of MYPLACELATER too much round here and the David Elsworth inmate is our selection for this.

2.45 CHESTER CUP
Had a good look through since the final decs came about, and narrowed it down to three against the field at decent prices;
* AJAAN [Runner up 2009 event on first outing that season, Cecil yard in good form and 12/1 tasty option]
* SWINGKEEL [multiple winner at 2m, extra 2f not likely to be a problem. Good weight, low draw likely to get out and be handy another interesting at 12/1]
* MAJESTIC CONCORDE [winner over multiple disciplines and trainer wouldn't send one over without a good chance. 10/1]

3.15 CHESTER 5f Handicap
No surprise to see Dandy Nicholls saddle 4 here and with Kevin Ryan's trio that's half the field taken care off, I'm going to be brave and cross through all of those and look at HAMISH McGONAGALL instead. Clear top rated by Adrian Massey's figures too, looks good at double figure odds too for a win/place investment.

4.00 CHESTER 1m 4f Handicap
Just the either line up for this today, ALRASM looks the pick on form though the inexperienced MAXIM GORKY could still be anything thrown in on his handicap debut.

4.35 CHESTER 1m 2f Maiden
Final race today is the maiden contest where PEKAN THREE can take this before a step up in trip into handicap company next.

Going to be a good week

Will aim to update Wed evening and look ahead to the Thursday meeting too.

DAISY

1000 Guineas Shocker .... now it's the snooker.

Hi
Typical bank holiday monday here ... raining, nothing much to do, no sign of any racing on the TV and loads of Snooker to watch till the early hours.

Quick round up from yesterday and a shocker for us in the 1000 Guineas as we thought there was no way the "winner" would lose that race here but no the stewards reverse placings and the favourite SPECIAL DUTY duly creates a bit of history with a French Guineas Double.

Feel a bit for Henry Cecil and he proved what a true gentleman he is having victory snatched away from him in such cruel circumstances, yet having the grace to congratulate the winners and move on saying "that's racing".


Today there are five Uk flat meetings and 3 fixtures in Ireland, the NAP for MON is SIR GEORGE in the 4.50 BEVERLEY. >> 2nd 13/8F beaten Sh Head.

Will update further later, and look ahead the Chester this week with our selection for the Chester Cup on Wednesday.

DAISY.

Guineas Weekend

Newmarket sees the opening classics for 2010 and while expected the ante post fav Sir Nicholas Abbey to win the 2000 the 1000 event looked wide open. However racing is a funny old game (or is that football) and the O'Brien team clearly not 100% in form at the moment the race being won by France with MAKFI a 33/1 shocker, though more of a shock was the 11/1 it paid on the TOTE, compared to the 74/1 returned by Betfair SP.

Seems the French had been backing their horse directly into the English TOTE pools and as a result the share was only a 1/3 of the industry SP. That will teach them French eh.

Today's 1000 Guineas has another strong fancy from France in SPECIAL DUTY and a Guineas double looks strongly possible now, I'm a big fan of SETA though and Luca Cumani has been very bullish about her chances since before her debut run.

Away from the racing we've got the last weekend of the Championship and a winner takes all game featuring Sheffield Wed vs Crystal Palace. A draw is enough for the Palace and this affair is sure to have a few twists and turns, not to mention a few yellow cards as I think a few players might get stuck right in and get carried away with the atmosphere at Hillsborough.

Have a good weekend all
DAISY