LOVE YOU MUM HAPPY BIRTHDAY 25/02 Xxx

A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH FOR MY MUM. 

WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE WITH US  Xx

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, Unheard, but always near. 
Still loved, Still missed. 

February is a sad time for me, with both Mum and Dad having birthdays so shall be making a special trip to the Rose Gardens at the Crematorium this weekend, usually visit and stay for a while to have a talk with Mum and Dad and will hopefully be dry enough for a longer stay. Will get some new photo's of the roses if they are out yet but might be too early for flowers. 

Sadly only have a few older photo's of you mum but they are all on display at home along with Dads too. We are alike in that neither of us liked having our photo taken really, so there's hardly any of me either. What I would give to have just one with us all together. 

Miss you so much Mum, lots of love always and forever. xXx

2018 KEMPTON PARK RACES -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #3 21st FEBRUARY

Welcome to a new season for this blog which primarily follows the progress of handicap races on the Wednesday night races here at Kempton Park racecourse in Surrey. While last season was not our best by a long way we have reset the counters and started off again in 2018. There are usually 4-5 handicap races covered and some Lay bets too with separate totals recorded to SP. 


This is only week three, though we started off the year with a loss we clawed a little of that back in week two and are now down -2.5 points, early days and there is a long way to go. 

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

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too which wasn't too bad last year with 18 from 28 (64%) short price lays throughout the season. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures, we are currently 1/3 going forwards with these for 2018. 

This Wednesday is meeting number three for the 2018 season and we are expecting a six race card tonight with four handicaps to enjoy, tonight's action will commence at 17:45 with our first Handicap for Apprentice riders over a mile.

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

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a cold winters day with possibility of showers expected the top temperature will only be about 7C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Here are our selections for tonight;

17:45 -- 1m Apprentice Handicap.
The opening handicap is for Apprentices so it's possible that any result could be given as they are only able to use hands and heels. Looking at the recent form of some of these would seem safe to side with PACO FILLY [8th 14/1] and AYE AYE SKIPPER [6th 9/2] since they have raced in similar grade and have scope to improve too.

18:45 -- 1m 3f 219y Handicap.
This race really revolves around the chances of SUSSEX RANGER, a recent recruit to hurdling could be thrown in here and if fit enough should win but looks like being a short enough price. 

Will instead take SONNETIST [10th 12/1] and BOYCHICK [7th 13/2] at about 12/1 the pair against the field as well as backing them in the place markets.

19:45 -- 1m 2f 219y Handicap.
Another interesting contest, have been a backer of the top weight FIRE FIGHTING [9th 15/2] who has won off higher marks in the past but is not getting any younger. 

INTREPIDLY [Non Runner] provides Ryan Moore with an early outing on the AW probably before he goes out to Dubai for more lucrative engagements.

20:15 -- 6f Handicap.
Our finale tonight has recent hat-trick winner HIGHER COURT [2nd 8/1] in action all three wins coming around the Sunbury course. Interesting along with DOC SPORTELLO [3rd 9/2] who returned last month on the AW at Newcastle and wasn't far off the winner.

Staked -- 8 points.
Returns -- 1 points.

Results will appear here later on Wednesday night. We seek to recover from our current deficit of -2.5 points. Another bad night results wise, plenty of places though, but down another 7pts as a result and it's -9.5 points to go forward with. 

LAYS -- 1/3 if we have one or two Lays tonight they will be updated here also. Rats it won ... another short price winner but means we are 1/4 now. Poor start.

Tonight's Lay;
19:15 -- WATERSMEET - WON 11/8
[1m 7f 218y Conditions Stakes].

Our fourth meeting here at Kempton Park will be in a few weeks time on 7th March so see you then.

FA CUP 2017-18 SIXTH ROUND DRAW SATURDAY 17th FEBRUARY

Was almost caught out there thinking that the draw for the 6th round of the FA Cup would be on Monday night again but it's going to take place on Saturday evening after the Huddersfield Town vs Manchester United game is completed and that tie is shown live on BT Sport.

The draw will be conducted by Michael Owen, who won The FA Cup with Liverpool in 2001 famously scoring the winning goal against Arsenal in Cardiff, and former Newcastle United and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given.

FA Cup Sixth Round Draw

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OR SWANSEA  vs  ROCHDALE OR TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

MANCHESTER UNITED  vs  BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

LEICESTER  vs  CHELSEA

WIGAN ATHLETIC OR MANCHESTER CITY  vs  SOUTHAMPTON

The quarter final ties will take place over the weekend of 16th-19th March and each winning club will receive £360,000 from The FA prize fund. The live games will be selected and announced later but expect BBC will probably pick up whoever draws the Manchester sides out as usual.

ASCOT RACES -- SATURDAY 17th FEBRUARY 2018

BETFAIR ASCOT CHASE RACEDAY
Saturday 17th February 2018

After last weekends fun and considerable success at Newbury we head to Ascot this Saturday for another Betfair sponsored meeting where the feature race is the Betfair Ascot Chase. The supporting card has some interesting contests too with the Cheltenham festival only about a month away. 

Going -- Soft, Heavy in places.
Weather forecast -- After a wet week we do expect a sunny day for Saturday and a max temperature of 11C.


1:15pm -- The Ascot Schools Art Competition Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 2) 2m 3f 58y.

The opening novice hurdle has attracted a field of just five. Nicky Henderson won this corresponding race last year and had five entries in the early declarations and now relies on just DAME DE COMPAGNIE [2nd 2/1] this afternoon, while from a strong stable/owner and in receipt of the mares allowance she still doesn't inspire here. 

We will see if the top one CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK [4th 11/4] can continue on his upward curve having won his last two events for Paul Nicholls and give the weight away all round.

1:50pm -- The Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 2) 2m 7f 180y.

Looks like BLACK CORTON [WON 10/11F] has scared the opposition away and faces only three rivals in this Grade 2 Chase. Likely to be a short price to enhance his place in the Royal Sun Alliance Chase market at the Festival next month. His opponents look to be fighting it out for the place money, Crystal Lad is limited but will pick up good money for a clear round, Mount Mews has won at Doncaster and will have no issues with the soft ground but still seems second best, and finally Ms Parfois [2nd 7/4] is an exciting looking mare already run up a hat trick of chase wins and could give the favourite most to think about.

2:25pm -- The Keltbray Swinley Steeple Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Class 1) (Listed Race) 2m 7f 180y.

Although only the seven line up for this listed handicap it's a good little contest and includes last years winner TENOR NIVERNAIS [6th 9/1] who races off the same mark as his victory of twelve months back but is not exactly in the same form having only the one outing since the 2017 Grand National and he was pulled up at Doncaster.

With over £40k to the winner the opposition is strong, GOLD PRESENT [Non Runner] is a course and distance winner and heads the weights, and we fancy HOLLY BUSH HENRY [5th 11/4] at a nice price as he won't mind the ground or trip.

3:00pm -- The Ascot Spring Garden Show Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2) 2m 3f 58y.

A field of nine here, interesting to see what the betting makes of the market leaders KIDISART and DIEG MAN who are the early price favs, but might be taking each other on and leaving the field open to another improving type. David Pipe could do with a winner prior to Cheltenham and his FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT [2nd 12/1] gets in with a nice weight although moving up in trip but could be well in. 

STOWAWAY MAGIC [4th 7/1] is my preference out of the Nicky Henderson pair and might be an interesting place bet proposition.

3:35pm -- The Betfair Ascot Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1) 2m 5f 8y.

Our feature race and includes the very popular CUE CARD who won this race last year. At 12 years of age he's in the veteran stage now and although this is his grade now should be vulnerable especially as jumping errors have started to creep in, at 10/1 wouldn't be put off a place bet. [2nd 9/1] 

Bryony Frost has found the winning touch with FRODON and may not be too far away here, but it's TOP NOTCH that looks the one to beat, ran away with a race here end of last year and has form on soft ground too and can see off the impressive WAITING PATIENTLY [WON 2/1F] who is 5/5 over fences so far.

4:10pm -- The www.racinguk.com/clubdays Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 3) 2m 7f 118y.

Largest field of the meeting with a dozen declared to face the starter and great to see an open contest where it's 4/1+ the field. POP ROCKSTAR [7th 12/1] is one of those likely market leaders and although punished by the handicapper for last couple of wins it's possible there's still a bit more improvement available and should be popular. 

At a bigger price it could be time for LAUGHARNE [5th 10/1] to run a big race and is interesting for the place market for sure.

4:45pm -- The Millgate Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 4) 1m 7f 152y.

The concluding bumper has a strong odds on favourite with LUST FOR GLORY having been purchased after a single point to point win and represents strong connections. But she is a short price based on that along and I will prefer the chances of Mick Channon's bumper winner BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP [WON 5/1] where it's difficult to make a good case for most of the remainder.

Result should appear here later on in the day after racing is complete. Have a great day whatever the weather. 

Managed to go home with a winner, and AFC Wimbledon won 1-0 too in the last minute it seems so overall a successful day today.

EMIRATES FA CUP 2018 -- FIFTH ROUND WEEKEND

This weekend sees the 5th round of this years FA Cup Competition sponsored by Emirates. Games will take place during the course of Friday 16th - Monday 19th February so we'll have a quick glance across all eight matches and give our opinion of the likely victors and maybe a few bets along the way;

Friday 16th February 2018

Leicester City VS Sheffield United [kick off 19:45]

Our FA Cup weekend will begin on Friday night with Leicester taking on Sheffield United at the King Power stadium. Hopefully a full strength side will be on show and that would make Leicester favourites though they did see off their 4th round opponents with a relatively second string side 5-1. Sheffield United will rely on the goal scoring exploits of Billy Sharp who converted the penalty to see off Preston.

If Jamie Vardy starts will back him to open the scoring @3/1, if he doesn't will still have a wager on a Penalty being awarded and scored currently 4/1.

Result - Leicester 1-0. Vardy opened the scoring for the Foxes so first bet collected in this weekends FA Cup.

Chelsea VS Hull City [kick off 20:00]

There's a second game on Friday night and this is live on BT Sport. Chelsea should be a warm order for this although all the media have been focused on manager Antonio Conte and his position at Stamford Bridge rather than their upcoming games. Hull reached the final in 2014 when they lost to Arsenal but have declined in recent years and will need to be on top form to have any chance here hoping that Chelsea have eyes on fixtures against Barcelona, Manchester United and City to distract them.

Chelsea to win and both teams to score - @2/1.
David Luiz to be booked (if starts) approx - 11/2 N/R.

Result - Chelsea win 4-0 bit annoying that Hull had a penalty saved else we would have collected on this one too.

Saturday 17th February 2018

Sheffield Wednesday  VS  Swansea City  [kick off 12:30]

A few ago this might have been seen as a possible shock, however Swansea have found a new lease of life and on a great run of wins, their 8-1 demolition of Notts County in the replay should not be underestimated. While Premier League survival will still be high on their priorities I still think they will want to continue their recent good form and will back them in my acca this afternoon. Of course there is the sub plot of Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal returning to the club that dismissed him in December. Wednesday will need a passionate home support to help them along and are struggling in the Championship so on form it's hard to see them winning. 

Back the Red Card to be shown @11/2 and Penalty awarded and scored which is also about 9/2.

Result - Stalemate, 0-0 draw did neither team a favour, a game of few chances and no Penalty or Sending Off to help us.

West Bromwich Albion  VS Southampton  [15:00]

Neither team have looked in great shape in the league lately and although West Brom managed to dispatch Liverpool 3-2 in the last round but they lack a level of consistency. The same is true of Southampton, who performed well last season reaching the League Cup Final and a respectable position in the League itself only to lose their manager and their best players again.

Back either side to win 1-0 (@7/1) I don't expect many goals in this.

Result - A win for the Saints 1-2, which after the shenanigans that WBA players got up to is probably just.

Brighton and Hove Albion VS Coventry City  [15:00]

Premier side Brighton take on the lowest side left in the competition and it still could be a close thing here. Coventry seem to have been inspired in the Cup this year, will certainly be drawing on the spirit of the late Cyrile Regis who was part of their 1987 cup winning side. I actually fancy Coventry to spring an upset here and reach round six. 

Coventry to win @7/1.

Result -  Brighton took control of this early and ran out 3-1 winners so no upset here.

Huddersfield Town VS Manchester United  [17:30]

Although Mourinho's United side lost last weekend you would expect Jose to have his stars out for this tie given that the League is surely lost and he likes to win a trophy. Huddersfield however come in on the back of a resounding win against Bournemouth although their focus will surely be on maintaining their Premier League survival so I would expect a dull but comfortable win for the Reds.

United to win 2-0 / 3-0 .

Result - Manchester won easily without too much fuss 2-0 so we collected here which was nice.

Sunday 18th February 2018

Rochdale   VS Tottenham Hotspur  16:00

This really should be a stroll for Spurs even allowing for the reported terrible pitch conditions the class should be overwhelming for the Premier League side. 

While lower league clubs have battled to hold out in previous rounds it is usually Harry Kane who provides the killer touch and will be strong in the first goalscorer markets. I also back the Penalty Awarded (@3/1) market as Spurs are a team that likes to go over easy in the box.

Result - Cracking 2-2 draw means Rochdale can enjoy a replay at Wembley, we also picked up the Penalty bet after Alli dived again and Kane scored.

Monday 19th February 2018

Wigan Athletic   VS   Manchester City 19:45

The final 5th round tie is on Monday and will be live on BBC TV and the 6th round draw will also have been made prior to kick off. This is of course a rematch of the 2013 FA Cup final which Wigan won 1-0 thanks to a Ben Watson winner in stoppage time.

Each club has gone in a different direction in the few years that followed, Wigan are now in League One (Div 3) although look set for promotion this year, and City are running away with the Premier League. 

Man City to win and both to score -- @17/10.
Raheem Sterling to be shown a card -- @11/2.

Result - .

Personally I'll be enjoying AFC Wimbledon taking on Bristol Rovers this Saturday and expecting us to find some form after another disappointing loss to fellow strugglers Northampton Town losing 3-1 at home, followed by a 4-2 away defeat to Plymouth. We need to start making another step towards league one safety now as we're back in the drop zone. The mighty Dons won 1-0 in the last minute so that was enough to take us up a few places, the fact that the horrible smelly mk franchise outfit lost again made my weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend whatever you are up to.

NEWBURY RACES -- BETFAIR SUPER SATURDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2018

This weekend we will see one of the highlights of the Jump season so far, Betfair Super Saturday regularly showcases some of racing’s biggest names alongside the stars of the future. The £155,000 Betfair Hurdle [3.35], now the richest race of its type in the UK, boasts a prestigious roll of honour dating back to 1963 with recent winners including Zarkandar, My Tent Or Yours and Ballyandy.

Betfair Super Saturday also features the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase [2.25], a notable trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race which saw steeple-chasing legends Kauto Star and Denman both going on from Newbury to win the sport’s flagship race five weeks later.

With 70% of last years winners heading on to Cheltenham, Betfair Super Saturday is a great chance to see the stars in action before they head to the Festival.

Going -- Good to soft, Soft in places.
Weather -- Light rain forecast throughout the day with a maximum temperature of 9C.

13:15 -- The Read Paul Nicholls Exclusively at Betfair Novices' Hurdle.
[Class 3 2m ½f]

Our opening event is a novice hurdle and this has attracted a field of 10 runners. Nicky Henderson had 6 entries before the final declarations and relies on top weight WHATSWRONGWITHYOU [WON Evens F] as well as GRAPEVINE [4th 14/1] so will interesting to see how they fare in the betting. 

AIR NAVIGATOR [Unseated] comes here with good form in bumpers and will also be interesting to see how he takes to hurdling.

13:50 -- The Betfair Cash Out Handicap Hurdle.
[Class 2 3m]

A good staying test over 3m and of the eight declared we like the chance of Alan King's 2nd horse TALKISCHEAP [WON 11/1] who has a couple of wins over shorter and could be interesting stepping up in trip. King also has BASTIEN who is ridden by a 7lb claimer so is also of interest but away from them the bottom one BOOK OF GOLD [3rd 9/1] might be good to place here off a low weight as long as all eight stand their ground.

14:25 -- The Betfair Denman Steeple Chase.
[Grade 2 3m]

Just a field of three here, but all are decent and should be competitive enough with last years winner NATIVE RIVER [WON 8/11F] the likely favourite but hasn't been seen since last years Gold Cup so could be vulnerable to either CLOUDY DREAM or SAPHIR DU RHEU. Should be a good race to watch I'll probably side with the Paul Nicholls inmate as the likely outsider of three here. 

15:00 -- The Betfair Exchange Steeple Chase (registered as the Game Spirit).
[Grade 2 2m ½f]

Another field of three here too, the return of ALTIOR [WON 1/3F] is exciting although his trainer says he's not 100% and is therefore vulnerable to the only other realistic winner of this race in POLITOLOGUE who is race fit and proven at this level having won the Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid chase over Christmas. The other runner is VALDEZ and is easily overlooked here unless the other two fall having been absent from the track since Oct 2014.

Enjoyable race, Altior ran out a comfortable winner again and will have enhanced his position in the Champion Chase betting.

15:35 -- The Betfair Hurdle.
[Grade 3 2m ½f]

The feature contest this afternoon is a handicap worth over £88k to the winner and has attracted a field of 24 runners where top weight is HIGH BRIDGE [17th 12/1] who will have the assistance of Alex Ferguson claiming 7lb. The yard is in form, has won well recently and is still available at 20/1 so attractive in the win/place markets. 

Others at big prices include MOON RACER [11th 25/1] who was a bumper winner at the festival and started well in novice company before being outclassed in Champion Hurdle but comes back after a wind operation and at 33/1 might be worth a small bet. Nicky Henderson is strong in this event and his LOUGH DERG SPIRIT [6th 20/1] is capable of a big run at 20/1 too.

16:10 -- The Betfair Each Way Edge Novices' Limited Handicap Steeple Chase.
[Class 3 3m]

Interesting and competitive affair now, with THREE WAYS and INDY FIVE [WON 7/1] the value against the field. Both have wins this season, both have in form trainers so 12/1 each looks good. The favourite might be REIGNING SUPREME [LAY - lost 2nd 5/2] who unseated over Xmas and might be vulnerable even though this is a track that he's won at twice over hurdles doesn't have the chase experience so will be a LAY today. 

16:40 -- The Best Odds Guaranteed at Betfair Bumper.
[Listed 2m ½f]

A listed bumper event rounds off our day at Newbury and of the twelve only two are yet to win, so finding the winner is difficult though they will all probably make decent hurdles and chasers in time. Saw ACEY MILAN [WON 11/2] win last time and will look to that one again plus MOONLIGHTER [] where Lizzie Kelly can get a good tune out of this one.

Have a great day, I sure did, several nice priced winners, great to see Altior cruise to win as he did, and the Lay also got beat so win, win, win. Makes a nice change. 

LOVE AND MISS YOU DAD xXx

THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS BUT ESPECIALLY TODAY
 -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR TODAY DAD.

This Wednesday would have been my Dads 84th birthday, sadly he's no longer with us but that doesn't make it any less of a day to remember him. Think about you all the time Dad you meant everything to me and I still know I let you down so much. Literally saved my life when I was young and foolish, now I'm older and still foolish but not a day passes when you are not in my thoughts. Xx

To say I miss him every day would be an understatement. No amount of time is going to change how I feel, and I would give anything to see him again.

Another year may have passed, my feelings are unchanged, love you for every you did for me, sad that I didn't do enough for you in return. Your legacy lives on with the rest of the family and children, your work is still remember by those that knew you.  

You may be gone from my sight, but you are still a big part of my life and have never gone from my heart. 

A special wish for such a special person. Love You Dad xx

Miss you too Mum xx

NFL 2018 SUPERBOWL LII

New England Patriots v Philadelphia Eagles





Venue: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. 
Sunday, 4 February Time: 23:15 GMT. 

The New England Patriots reached a record 10th Super Bowl with a 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They will face the Philadelphia Eagles at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, after they thrashed the Minnesota Vikings 38-7. This end of season extravaganza is a big night in my calendar and will make a night of it where the main challenge for myself will be can I keep awake to catch it all, or will I be asleep before Justin Timberlake's half time show. This is live on the BBC1 channel on Sunday night and they'll have coverage of all the build up from 23:15 GMT, Mark Chapman presents the show as usual and is joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, former NFL cornerback Jason Bell and a host of guests from the world of American football. Will have some snacks, a few beers and settle down to enjoy the action. 


New England Patriots

Odds 1/2F
(10/11 with -4.5 points handicap.)



No surprises that the Patriots arrive here as strong favourites, with their superstar quarterback Tom Brady running the show on the field and Bill Belichick calling the shots from the side line. It will however be no big surprise if they fall behind early on and are famous for their big come from behind wins as demonstrated in last years Superbowl win over Atlanta. They won another AFC title beating Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 despite losing another of their star players Rob Gronkowski with suspected concussion, but he should be back ready to lead the assault again having had two weeks to recover.



Philadelphia Eagles

Odds 17/10
(20/21 with +4.5 Points Handicap)


The Eagles ran out easy winners over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game and although they were the No.1 seeds in that conference were never favourites once they lost their starting quarterback Carson Wentz to a season ending injury with a torn ACL, but have enjoyed a resurgence under back-up QB Nick Foles which is a remarkable journey for him as he nearly quit the game a couple of seasons ago and now has a chance for glory. They do have an outstanding defensive unit who will need to be on their game against Brady and co, but also have the offence with Jay Ajayi and Alshon Jeffrey leading the way.


If the Eagles win, they'll win their first Super Bowl in thier history, whereas the Patriots will have won their 3rd in just 4 years and their 6th since 2001.