KEMPTON PARK RACES 2017 -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #22 30th AUGUST

Welcome to our twenty second meeting of 2017 here at Kempton Park and after another losing week last time out we head into the last quarter of the year down by the sum of -27.045 points to level stakes at SP. Losing about 3 points a month throughout the season isn't that terrible and I think we'd be a bit better off than we are with the number of winners that we pick up since January by taking early prices online however we record to SP and that will remain. It will be interesting to see how the final part of the year goes now.

As we continue to focus on the handicap contests for each meeting we will also occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1pt level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds but for the purpose of these results here we simply record to SP returns.

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too, sadly found a winner with our last selection but that was still only the 4th of the year and we will see if there is another selection tonight. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures. 

This Wednesday is our twenty second meeting for 2017 and we are expecting a seven race card tonight with five handicaps to enjoy, tonight's action will commence at 17:55 with a 1m Novice Stakes for 2yo Fillies only. 

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard' and the current weather forecast is for a fair bit of rain to fall and the temperature drops compared to the past week, had been a better end of August up to today. Expecting a max temperature of about 13C when the meeting gets underway and you might need your brolly.

Here are our selections for this evenings five handicaps tonight;

18:25 -- 1m Handicap (3yo).
A select field of nine 3yo's here for our opening handicap contest, top weight SALUTI [8th 9/1] was placed here three times in maiden company and wins at Salisbury and Newmarket this year shows his well being and a return to the AW won't be a disadvantage. 

We've two course and distance winners with BADENSCOTH and MUDALLEL both considered but a bit too short in the market for me tonight. So this takes me to the filly from Richard Hannon VENTURA BLUES [2nd 8/1], a winner here as a 2yo and has been running consistently and given a chance by the handicapper too.

19:25 -- 1m 3f 219y Fillies Handicap.
A fillies only race now and we've eight to peruse starting with AUNTIE BARBER who has gone right off the boil in the second half of the year and should be avoided until next spring perhaps. 

Our selections are PACOFILHA [4th 4/1] who has plenty of experience around here without winning on the track, but has a good draw and racing amongst other fillies should go close. Additionally we're interested in TAPDANCEALLTHEWAY [7th 8/1] who has only had four races but improving with every run. 


19:55 -- 1m 2f 219y Handicap.
Top weight ATKINSON GRIMSHAW [3rd 13/8F] who won his maiden at Wolves and then won at Chester before running ok in Class 2 company so should appreciate this drop down to Class 4 and the relatively small field. At the other end of the weights is OUTCROP [7th 16/1] who failed to shine on the soft ground at Windsor and is given another chance to show what he can do here at a decent double figure price too.

20:25 -- 1m 7f 218y Handicap.

The long distance race has only attracted a field of five which is a shame and there is not a lot between them. the two outsiders are of interest in a race that could turn into a sprint down the home straight so LETHAL IMPACT [3rd 10/1] and FIELDS OF FORTUNE [4th 7/1] are the selections here.

20:55 -- 6f Handicap (3yo).

A sprint finale with a dozen declared for the 6 furlong dash, low grade stuff so not much form in the bank but we'll risk the pair of GRAND MYLA [7th 14/1] a filly who started her handicap career on 76 and now down to a mark of 64 so could be worth a go along with WHO TOLD JO JO [5th 16/1] another down in grade and 12lb lower than his opening mark, has at least won a couple of events too and both selections forecast about 14/1.

Staked -- 10 points.

Returns -- NIL points. 

Results will appear later tonight. Currently we have a deficit of -27.045 points that we bring forward to this round of racing. No joy again here tonight, just a few places, and a successful lay bet. Loss now -37.045 to carry forth. Sad


LAYS -- We now stand at 9 from 13 successful lays for this season, just 4 wrong all at short odds. Will update here later if we find another selection for tonight.
One Lay tonight -- 17:55 -- Cosmopolitan Queen 
(LOST 4th 2/1) now we are 10 from 14. Good.

Our next meeting here at Kempton Park on Wednesday 6th September.

AFC WIMBLEDON vs DONCASTER ROVERS -- LEAGUE ONE FIXTURE 2017-18 SEASON

Welcome to The Cherry Red Records Fans Stadium (Kingsmeadow).

This weekend AFC Wimbledon host Doncaster Rovers at Kingsmeadow in League One. It's our second home League fixture of this season but we are not performing that well of late and arrive here in the bottom four with only the single point earned at Scunthorpe to our names. Early days though and a win will certainly help to calm the nerves with plenty of points to be earned in the first month or two, I have already stated that I would wait till after minimum of 10 games have been completed before considering if we can make a challenge or just settle for more consolidation while the new Plough Lane Stadium is being built and this is only game four in the league. 

Doncaster arrive here on the back of a 2-0 midweek victory against Hull City in the League cup but surrendered the lead three times in last weekend's 3-3 draw at home to Blackpool. The early league table shows them in 8th place and they have goals in them and should be feared. Hopefully our new signing from Glasgow Rangers, Mr Harry Forrester (26), can make his mark against one of his former sides having had a near two and half year spell with Rovers. 

We shall update on Saturday before kick off with the confirmed starting XI for both sides and any further news as it comes available. Now seems that Harry will be on the bench at best and most likely to make his debut next week in the Checkatrade trophy against Barnet.

Line Ups (Confirmed);

  AFC WIMBLEDON 
  Odds -- 19/10 (William Hill) 

Long (Gk),  Fuller (c),  Oshilaja,  Robinson,  Kennedy,  Francomb,  Abdou,  Trotter,  Appiah,  Taylor,  Barcham

Subs – McDonnell (Gk),  Nightingale,  Parrett,  Sibbick,  Kaja,  Hartigan,  McDonnell

DONCASTER ROVERS
Odds -- 13/10 (William Hill) 

Lawlor (GK),  Mason,  Wright,  Butler,  Andrew,  Whiteman,  Blair,  Rowe,  Coppinger (c),  Marquis,  May

  

Subs – Marosi (Gk),  Alcock,  Kongolo,  Williams,  Marosi,  Garratt,  Ben Khemis





H/T Score – 0 - 0.

First Half Comment;
Another 45 mins with barely any action to write about. Updates are sparse, and apart from plenty of fouls there's not much to say. As always it's that final ball that is lacking, and chances are simply not coming. 1 shot and 1 yellow card the highlight of a poor half so this could be a very long season for us here and if you include the poor form from the end of last term this is a run of 10 games without a win (45 mins to go).

F/T Score – 2 - 0.

Match Summary;
Two Goals in two minutes changed the match for the Dons the first on 58 mins from Kwesi Appiah who was able to flick the ball into his own path and finish right footed from the centre of the box. This sent the home fans into a frenzy and they had barely got over that when it was quickly followed by another stunning goal from Andy Barcham smashing home from 20 yards out on the hour. What a different game of football this is now.

My Man of the Match – Andy Barcham.

Referee -- Our Referee for this fixture will Gavin Ward from Surrey, to say that he's not everyone's favourite referee might be an understatement based on some of the comments I've been reading on fan sites. Has pissed off Steve Evans earlier this year so that has to be a big tick in the "plus column" surely?

Attendance – 4,144.

Next match:
vs BLACKPOOL (Away) -- Saturday 2nd September.

KEMPTON PARK RACES 2017 -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #21 23rd AUGUST

Welcome to our twenty first meeting of 2017 here at Kempton Park and after a losing week last time out we have passed our midway point of the year down by the sum of -19.045 points to level stakes at SP. Given that we'd usually take prices and William Hill offer best odds guaranteed I think we'd be a bit better off than we are with the number of winners that we pick up since January. We shall see how the final part of the year goes now.

As always our focus will be on the handicap contests for each meeting but will occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1pt level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds but for the purpose of these results we record to SP.

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too, sadly found a winner last time up but that's still only the 4th of the year and we will see if there is another selection tonight. As always we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures. 

This Wednesday is our twenty first meeting for 2017 and we are expecting a six race card tonight with four handicaps to enjoy. This evenings action will commence at 18:15 with a 7f Novice Stakes event for 2yo's only. 

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; EVENING RACECARD

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast is for plenty of cloud and a slim chance of some showers perhaps which is a bit disappointing for August. However a max temperature of about 23C when the meeting gets underway is possible.

Here are our selections for this evenings four handicaps tonight;

19:15 -- 7f Fillies Handicap.
Our first handicap for the evening is for fillies and we have a field of 10 to review.

Top weight SIMPLY ME [5th 16/1] is clearly of interest having won 4 from her last 6 starts and proved last time out that there is still something left to work with even though it was only a three runner affair, hard to ignore.

Also of interest here is PARLANCE [7th 9/2] from Sir Michael Stoute's yard and the Cheveley Park Stud who is already a runner up here and winner on the AW at Chelmsford.

19:45 -- 1m Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier).
A field of 11 for this series qualifier and as a big Iron Maiden fan I fancy the ew chances of RUN TO THE HILLS [7th 12/1] who has some form on the AW including a big price place here. Worth a look at about 20/1.

In addition to that selection we look at the bottom weight AHLAN BIL ZAIN [3rd 6/1] this 3yo colt has some AW form too and could still have a future in handicaps over this trip, also about 14/1 so a pair worth a strong look in the place markets too. 

20:15 -- 1m 7f 218y Handicap.

A staying contest now and decent field of 12 line up with DENMEAD [2nd 11/2] already in the book of horses to follow, has won twice on AW too this season and should be ready to go again. Priced about 10/1 looks generous, could be supported. 

Our other selection in this event is SPORTY YANKEE [11th 66/1] this 4yo gelding mixes hurdles and flat and wins in both codes means staying not an issue, winning at Windsor and Ayr last year and a pipe opener last month could mean ready for a return to the winning circle.

20:45 -- 6f Handicap.

Although a low class sprint finale we have 12 declared for this event and finding the winner could be tricky.

Top weight is usually a good place to start so DOUBLE SPIN [8th 12/1] while not exactly in form has been placed at Newcastle and had a couple of early races here too which should help.

Similarly lightly raced MORELLO [2nd 5/1] this filly has been getting closer with each race and this event could be well within her compass.


Staked -- 8 points.

Returns -- NIL points. 

Results will appear later tonight. Currently we have a deficit of -19.045 points that we bring forward to this round of racing. So no joy tonight, a couple of 2nds the best we could muster. This years loss now grows to -27.045 but there is still four months to go.

LAYS -- We now stand at 9 from 13 successful lays for this season, just 4 wrong all at short odds. Will update here later if we find another selection for tonight. NONE Tonight.

Our next meeting here at Kempton Park on Wednesday 30th August.

PONTEFRACT HORSE RACING SYSTEM -- 2017 TURF SEASON -- PART TWELVE

PONTEFRACT SEASON 2017
Sunday 20th August
Welcome to this our twelfth meeting racing in Yorkshire.




Our twelfth meeting for 2017 we arrive on the back of a successful day last time out where our overall loss was reduced a bit but not entirely wiped out. We move into the next Sunday meeting on a loss of -9.135 points for the season. Having passed the halfway point for the season now but there is plenty more to come we will look forward to getting underway on Sunday afternoon with the first race off about 2:15pm.

The highlight of our final Family Day of 2017 is the £55,000 Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Listed race (run at 4pm) and you’ll be seeing some very speedy equine ladies. Mehronissa was stunning in 2016 - who will follow in her hoof-prints?

As always we count ALL results for this meeting returned to a level stake at SP, and will also show any forecast results too in the daily results but these do not count for the profit / loss figures.

The forecast going is currently reported as 'Good, Good to firm in places' the weather for Sunday is for a rather cloudy day and possibility of some rain showers during the afternoon with a forecast maximum temperature around 19C.

Here are our selections for the 8 races on Sunday afternoon, remember it's a very simple selection process of stalls 1 and 2 in every race;


2:15 5f 3yds Novice Stakes (2yo).
(1) -- VISCOUNT LOFTUS  [WON 6/4F].
(2) -- AWSAAF  [4th 4/1].

2:50 1m 4f 5yds Handicap.
(1) -- THEOS LOLLY  [5th 8/1].
(2) -- AIRTON  [3rd 14/1].

3:25 2m 1f 27yds Handicap.
(1) -- MCVICAR  [3rd 7/1].
(2) -- ALMOST GEMINI  [2nd 5/1].

4:00 6f Fillies Listed Stakes.
(1) -- EXCELLENT SOUNDS  [6th 33/1].
(2) -- QUEEN KINDLY  [WON 7/4F].

4:35 1m 6yds Handicap (3yo).
(1) -- ISABELLA  [WON 85/40F].
(2) -- EAGLE CREEK  [2nd 9/4].

5:10 1m 6yds Maiden.
(1) -- LUDORUM  [4th 20/1].
(2) -- GLASSY WATERS  [WON Evens].

5:40 6f Handicap (Div 1).
(1) -- SANDRA'S SECRET  [WON 7/2].
(2) -- AVENUE OF STARS  [4th 8/1].

6:10 6f Handicap (Div 2).
(1) -- PENNY POT LANE  [2nd 4/1].
(2) -- MR ORANGE  [5th 7/4F].


Staked -- 16 points.
Returns -- 14.875 points. [Lost 1.125 today].
(5 winners so far, but still behind incredibly)

Results for this afternoon's meeting will be updated later. As we seek to clear our current loss for the season from it's current value of -9.135 to bring forward to next meeting.

So despite the 5 winners today our loss increased to -10.26.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 21st September.

Hope you can keep following us throughout the season.

KEMPTON PARK RACES 2017 -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #20 16th AUGUST

Welcome to our twentieth meeting of 2017 here at Kempton Park and after a losing week last time out we have passed our midway point of the year down by the sum of -15.625 points to level stakes at SP. Given that we'd usually take prices and William Hill offer best odds guaranteed I think we'd be a bit better off than we are with the number of winners that we pick up since January. We shall see how the final part of the year goes now.

As always our focus will be on the handicap contests for each meeting but will occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1pt level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds but for the purpose of these results we record to SP.

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too, managed to lay another odds on shot last week and a repeat of that effort would be good to keep those figures high. As always we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures. 

This Wednesday is our twentieth meeting for 2017 and we are expecting a seven race card tonight with three handicaps plus the two nurseries for 2yo's so we will have a lot to keep us busy tonight. This evenings action will commence at 18:10 with a 7f Nursery event for 2yo's only. 

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; EVENING RACECARD

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast is for plenty of cloud and a good chance of some showers perhaps. A max temperature of about 21C when the meeting gets underway.

Here are our selections for this evenings three handicaps and two nursery races tonight;

18:10 -- 7f Nursery Handicap (2yo).
13 2yo's declared for the opening contest, a nursery event, the maiden form shown by most of these doesn't amount to much although GLOBAL EXCEED [6th 6/4F] could be worth chancing with plenty of experience in the bank. 

Richard Hannon tends to have some decent youngsters too and although SHOYD [2nd 12/1] hasn't found too much in maidens should be bit more forward in this sort of company of this mark too.

19:10 -- 6f Nursery Handicap (2yo).
Another 2yo event although better class hence only the small field of 6 runners declared. The well bred SHAHEEN [3rd 10/3] could be the option here, none of these has had much racing so far and this one together with CAMEO STAR [4th 14/1] could be the ones to be on against the field.

20:10 -- 1m Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier).
Dozen declared for the next round in this series, another chance given to MUDALLEL [WON 10/3F] who was 4th for us last week, along with top weight MUSIC LESSON [9th 6/1] who has been placed here in maiden company and gone close at Goodwood and Chelmsford too this season. 

20:40 -- 7f Handicap.

Plenty in here with chances, but fancy a pair of 3yo's against the field, PLANT POT POWER [5th 7/1] is already a course and distance winner and should be right up there, along with ENVISIGING [3rd 7/1] who will have Silvestre De Sousa in control too.

21:10 -- 1m 3f 219y Handicap.

A max field of 14 here for the finale, the wide draw is a bit worrying but both TUOLUMNE MEADOWS [4th 6/1] and ZAMADANCE [6th 6/1] are selected against the field in this tricky contest.

It's also worth having another look at the market with WOLFCATCHERJACK [WON 9/4F] as his trainer Sir Mark Prescott is a master of handicapping his inmates with a low mark for 3 maiden runs and now up in trip and into handicap with this low rating could be a fly in the ointment. We will see what the market says, well it spoke volumes and expect this to run again soon under a penalty.

Staked -- 11 points.

Returns -- 7.58 points.

Results will appear later tonight. Currently we have a deficit of -15.625 points that we bring forward to this round of racing. Lost 3.42 points tonight sadly even with the two winners, so our loss grows a little bit more to -19.045 .

LAYS -- We now stand at 9 from 13 successful lays after another odds on favourite was beaten last week.

19:40 7f Maiden - FIRST DANCE [WON Evens. Damn].
Has to do more to beat the likes of NATHEER here and opposed.

Our next meeting here at Kempton Park on Wednesday 23rd August.

AFC WIMBLEDON vs SHREWSBURY FC -- DONS FIRST HOME LEAGUE ONE FIXTURE 2017-18 SEASON

This weekend AFC Wimbledon host Shrewsbury Town at Kingsmeadow in League One. It's our first home League fixture of this season and comes after a decent 1-1 draw away at Scunthorpe last weekend as well as the league cup defeat in extra time against Championship opponents Brentford on Tuesday. The new signings seem to have come together very quickly with the rest of the squad and I hope we will see a more entertaining Dons this season. 

Early days though but there are plenty of points to be earned in the first month or two, I would wait till 10 games before considering if we can make a challenge or just settle for more consolidation while the new Plough Lane Stadium is being built. 

We shall update on Saturday before kick off with the confirmed starting XI for both sides and any further news as it comes available.

Line Ups (Confirmed);

  AFC WIMBLEDON 
  Odds -- Evens (William Hill) 

Long (Gk),  Fuller (c),  Oshilaja,  Robinson,  Kennedy,  Francomb,  Abdou,  Parrett,  Appiah,  McDonald,  Barcham

Subs – McDonnell (Gk),  Nightingale,  Egan,  Sibbick,  Kaja,  Hartigan,  Taylor

SHREWSBURY
Odds -- 3/1 (William Hill) 

Henderson (GK),  Bolton,  Nsiala,  Sadler,  Brown,  Whalley,  Ogogo (c),  Nolan,  Rodman,  Dodds,  Morris

  

Subs – MacGillivray (Gk),  Shielis,  Gnahoua,  John-Lewis,  Adams,  Jules,  Ennis



H/T Score – 0 - 1.

First Half Comment;
A rubbish first half, on this basis think both sides going to struggle this season but it's early days. Shrewsbury took the lead around the 8 minute mark with a header from Alex Rodman which beat keeper Long, although our keeper has made a few saves keeping us in the match. Lyle Taylor comes on at half time and hopefully fit and hungry enough to make a difference.

F/T Score – 0 - 1.

Match Summary;
A disappointing start at home for the Dons, losing to an early strike and not really have that many shots on target either. It's early in the season no need to panic, but hoofing long balls to Lyle Taylor isn't going to be pretty nor effective, unless we plan to resign the Beast. If we going to continue with three up front the supply needs to be much better.

My Man of the Match – George Long, kept the Dons in the match at times and the scoreline would have been all over by half time in honesty. Not much he could do about the goal, the defence should have dealt with that.

Referee -- Our Referee for this fixture will be Charles Breakspear from Surrey, he also took charge of our opening game last season (a 3-1 defeat by Walsall, no repeat please) and seems a little card happy with 5 yellows shown in each of his first two games this season already. He has plenty of experience and taken charge of Championship as well as League one fixtures in the recent years, plus I haven't heard of him so he can't be that bad (Darren Deadman / Keith Stroud please take note)

Attendance – 3,981.

Next match:
vs FLEETWOOD TOWN (Away) -- Saturday 19th August.