Saturday 22nd December

Good morning all, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I say this now as it will surely be my last blog before Boxing Day.


14.00 Ascot - Long Walk Hurdle
Its a sad day when this race doesn't include Big Bucks, but for a betting point of view, it makes it a lot more interesting. Smad Place is too short. I have never been a true fan of this horse, and he has always come up short in Group 1's, so at 2-1, its a no go for me. Its a shame that there is a non runner, to make the places down to 2, but I honestly think that Master of the Hall is worth taking a chance on. He will relish the conditions and the distance and the jockey is an obvious plus. I have always rated this horse but his jumping over fences can sometimes be questionable so I am happy to see him return to hurdles.
8-1 Best price.

15.10 Ascot - The Ladbroke Hurdle
20+ runners in a handicap, and a National Hunt race. These are my favorite. I can spend hours looking through the form and trying to find a horse that is well weighted and can run well at a biggish price. I have this down to 2. The horse that I like the most and have decided to back is Its A Gimme. He ran an excellent 2nd last time out and can run well at only 5lbs higher. Even though he's never raced on anything this soft his pedigree suggests he will love it in my opinion and everything looks set for a big run. The other I like is Cash and Go who has a trainer with an excellent record in the race.
10-1 Best price.

13.45 Haydock
Backbenscher has tumbled down the weights and has a terrific record when running on heavy ground. Worth an e/w shot staying over hurdles.
7-1 Best price.

14.15 Haydock
Mac Aeda looks set for a big run here. He's back down to a nice mark and trainer has his horses in nice form. I also like Rich Lord in this, until I saw the trainer. Its just a rule, but I never back anything trained by Ferdy Murphy.
8-1 Best price.

Footy treble
Tottenham - Ipswich - Coventry
Roughly 11-2

Best of luck all!

The Rascal