Good morning all. Its nice to have a few days off work to be able to concentrate on the racing.
13.15
What an extremely tough race to start the day off. I will not be going in with very much in this, but the one I like is PURE EXCELLENCE at e/w. I am inclined to forgive the last run as something must have been amiss. His race in the one before where he was behind The Gold Cheongsam was more of his true self and that was a better race than this.
10-1 Best price with Boylesports.
3rd - Good run
13.50
Ok, I was mistaken, this is even tougher than the first race. Its not one that I myself will be having a bet in but if you were interested in a small outsider I feel SUNDAY TIMES could run a good race if finding last years form.
NO BET
1st - Still gutted I didn't back it in the end
14.20
Hmm, so the races are just getting tougher and tougher today... but there is one in here that I will be backing. HOTOTO has proven many times this year he's a smart sort and has only been out of the places once, when it was really heavy. He has already beaten many of these this year so what's to say he wont again?
7-1 Best price with various bookmakers.
Unplaced - didn't see out the trip
14.55
A lot more straight forward race to assess. The top two in the market deserve their places, but I'll be going with the more forgotten horse in KAILANI. It looks fair to say that this horse needs softish ground, but with the rain yesterday it should be nice ground for her. Also, I have always felt this would be her perfect trip.
8-1 Best price with various bookmakers.
Last (I think) - Poor show
15.30
ENNISTOWN looks from his debut to have a lot more improvement in him. I fully expect him to be on the ball today a lot earlier and finish well again.
13-2 Best price with BetVictor
Unplaced - Keep on your side, he will win races
16.05
I think that we could possibly see another typical Jamie Spencer ride here. AMADEUS WOLFE TONE if held up will run a big big race. Shane Kelly couldn't have done anything worse than he did in his last race and with Spencer up, I expect him to get very close.
15-2 Best price with BlueSq
1st - Nicely does it by Spencer
16.35
BLACK SPIRIT for me in the last. Has been improving without actually winning, today could be the day.
100-30 Best price with Bet365
1st - Messy race, but a win is a win
Best of luck to all today.
The Rascal
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Andy Murray - US Open Champion
Its a summers evening in 1999. I'm playing in a doubles match for my club in the North Kent League. It doesn't take long for me to realise that the young lad opposite me has some seriously good technique. Its only because he is just 13 years old and his partner (who happens to be his dad) was just not as good as us are the reasons we won 6-1, 6-2. After the game over a drink I speak to the boy. It turns out he is number 3 in the UK at under 14's. WOW, in my excitement I ask him if he will make it professionally, he said he hoped so, however, in a private conversation with his dad, his dad explained that the boys ahead of him are something special and are brothers from Scotland called Andy and Jamie Murray.
If we fast forward to 2005, I'm travelling across Africa on a truck. The BBC World Service is playing and during the news I hear that a young brit of 18 called Andy Murray has been knocked out by David Nalbandian in the 3rd round of Wimbledon. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement at this, as even though its the first time in 6 years I had heard that name, I had remembered it and the above match's memory came flooding back.
Now, I am an amateur tennis player and a qualified LTA coach so tennis is a passion. I have since spent 7 years arguing with many friends, colleagues and family that this Andy Murray would win a grand slam in his career and that I'd assume the US Open would be his first, although, I admit, I never expected it to take so long. Why so many people dislike Andy Murray is beyond me. I applaud this man, who has taken hatred from the public (mainly just because he is Scottish) and the pressure from the media in his stride. He has also laughed in the faces of people who believe he should have more of a personality, or should be more 'bubbly' on camera. Why exactly? Why ask him to be any different than he is? If you are ever lucky enough to see Andy Murray in a training session you will see clearly that he has a sense of humour, can be jolly, but this is in his own time and not just because the public expect it.
You do not have to be an avid tennis fan to see that the appointment of Ivan Lendl has been a major impact in this victory, but you cannot argue that the class has always been there.
Well done Andy Murray, a true champion.
The Rascal
If we fast forward to 2005, I'm travelling across Africa on a truck. The BBC World Service is playing and during the news I hear that a young brit of 18 called Andy Murray has been knocked out by David Nalbandian in the 3rd round of Wimbledon. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement at this, as even though its the first time in 6 years I had heard that name, I had remembered it and the above match's memory came flooding back.
Now, I am an amateur tennis player and a qualified LTA coach so tennis is a passion. I have since spent 7 years arguing with many friends, colleagues and family that this Andy Murray would win a grand slam in his career and that I'd assume the US Open would be his first, although, I admit, I never expected it to take so long. Why so many people dislike Andy Murray is beyond me. I applaud this man, who has taken hatred from the public (mainly just because he is Scottish) and the pressure from the media in his stride. He has also laughed in the faces of people who believe he should have more of a personality, or should be more 'bubbly' on camera. Why exactly? Why ask him to be any different than he is? If you are ever lucky enough to see Andy Murray in a training session you will see clearly that he has a sense of humour, can be jolly, but this is in his own time and not just because the public expect it.
You do not have to be an avid tennis fan to see that the appointment of Ivan Lendl has been a major impact in this victory, but you cannot argue that the class has always been there.
Well done Andy Murray, a true champion.
The Rascal
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Racing & Football Saturday 1st September
Hello and good morning to all. Not the most inspiring days racing for a Saturday, but there are a couple that have taken my fancy.
14.30 Chester
Quite a tough little handicap this, but I was taken by Area Fifty One's Ebor run last week. This horse has made significant improvement over the last couple of years and last weeks run was the first time stepped up to this trip. Maybe he didn't quite see out the trip last week, but that shouldn't be a problem at Chester and he runs off the same mark.
13-2 Best price with BetVictor.
15.05 Chester
Imperial Djay is definitely a course specialist here with 3 wins and a place from 5 runs. At the prices its well worth an e/w bet.
12-1 Best price with Bet365.
14.50 Sandown
Probably the best race today. I am looking forward to seeing some of these horses again, but none more so than Master of War who steps up to 7 furlongs. I believe he will relish this extra furlong and I take him to win this today.
5-2 Best price with SportingBet.
Football Treble
Today I am going with Wigan, Ipswich and Stevenage at just over 8-1.
Best of luck all.
14.30 Chester
Quite a tough little handicap this, but I was taken by Area Fifty One's Ebor run last week. This horse has made significant improvement over the last couple of years and last weeks run was the first time stepped up to this trip. Maybe he didn't quite see out the trip last week, but that shouldn't be a problem at Chester and he runs off the same mark.
13-2 Best price with BetVictor.
15.05 Chester
Imperial Djay is definitely a course specialist here with 3 wins and a place from 5 runs. At the prices its well worth an e/w bet.
12-1 Best price with Bet365.
14.50 Sandown
Probably the best race today. I am looking forward to seeing some of these horses again, but none more so than Master of War who steps up to 7 furlongs. I believe he will relish this extra furlong and I take him to win this today.
5-2 Best price with SportingBet.
Football Treble
Today I am going with Wigan, Ipswich and Stevenage at just over 8-1.
Best of luck all.
Friday, 24 August 2012
Ebor Day
Hello to all. For those that have followed me this week are probably going to ignore me tomorrow/today (whenever you are reading this), and personally, I cannot blame you. I know when I am not firing, and at the moment I'm not.
I will only be having 3 bets on the horses tomorrow, along with a footy treble.
15.05 York
Personally I think that Saddlers Rock will probably win this. I say probably, as there are no dead certs in racing (baring Frankel of course). He's likely to go off as short favourite so unless you want to play with serious money, and are very confident of his chances, I'd look for some each way value. Now, I am in no way saying that with a clearer run TIMES UP would have won last time out, but he certainly would have got a lot closer and maybe placed. Even though I am a fan of Eddie Ahern, I feel that William Buick will be superb for Times Up and I would be very surprised if he doesn't place. Nice price.
16-1 Best price with Bet365. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
15.40 York (Ebor)
I had this race whittled down to 3 horses. They were, Motivado, Qahriman and Number Theory. I think that all 3 have a very good chance here but I'll stick to my strategy and only back one of them. The Grand National is the only race where I select more. I think that if you cannot put your faith into one horse, then its best to leave alone. Sadly, there is a trend for this race where it states quite clearly 'best to stick to horses drawn in the top 7'. All 3 of my horses are much lower, and my selection is actually in stall 1 :-( however, I think there is still a lot of reasons to back him, especially as he's a held up horse. QAHRIMAN is very lightly raced, has never been out of the top 3 in handicaps, has very good course and distance form and has only been penalised 6lbs for that easy C&D form. Also, to put the icing on the cake, Luca Cumani has a good record in the race.
6-1 Best price with SportingBet. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
14.45 Goodwood
ARNOLD LANE ran a good little race last time out behind a very good progressive horse. Handicapper has been lenient with only a 1lb rise, and I feel that with a little give in the ground this horse could run a very good race.
9-1 Best price with Blue Square. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
Footy Treble
I'll be going with 3 newly promoted sides this weekend as I think they have started promising and can continue with their good form.
Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton
For this treble you can get odds of just shy of 10-1 with paddypower.
Best of luck all. Hope you all have a very profitable day.
The Rascal.
I will only be having 3 bets on the horses tomorrow, along with a footy treble.
15.05 York
Personally I think that Saddlers Rock will probably win this. I say probably, as there are no dead certs in racing (baring Frankel of course). He's likely to go off as short favourite so unless you want to play with serious money, and are very confident of his chances, I'd look for some each way value. Now, I am in no way saying that with a clearer run TIMES UP would have won last time out, but he certainly would have got a lot closer and maybe placed. Even though I am a fan of Eddie Ahern, I feel that William Buick will be superb for Times Up and I would be very surprised if he doesn't place. Nice price.
16-1 Best price with Bet365. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
15.40 York (Ebor)
I had this race whittled down to 3 horses. They were, Motivado, Qahriman and Number Theory. I think that all 3 have a very good chance here but I'll stick to my strategy and only back one of them. The Grand National is the only race where I select more. I think that if you cannot put your faith into one horse, then its best to leave alone. Sadly, there is a trend for this race where it states quite clearly 'best to stick to horses drawn in the top 7'. All 3 of my horses are much lower, and my selection is actually in stall 1 :-( however, I think there is still a lot of reasons to back him, especially as he's a held up horse. QAHRIMAN is very lightly raced, has never been out of the top 3 in handicaps, has very good course and distance form and has only been penalised 6lbs for that easy C&D form. Also, to put the icing on the cake, Luca Cumani has a good record in the race.
6-1 Best price with SportingBet. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
14.45 Goodwood
ARNOLD LANE ran a good little race last time out behind a very good progressive horse. Handicapper has been lenient with only a 1lb rise, and I feel that with a little give in the ground this horse could run a very good race.
9-1 Best price with Blue Square. (price as of 8pm Friday night)
Footy Treble
I'll be going with 3 newly promoted sides this weekend as I think they have started promising and can continue with their good form.
Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton
For this treble you can get odds of just shy of 10-1 with paddypower.
Best of luck all. Hope you all have a very profitable day.
The Rascal.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
York Ebor Festival - Day 1
Well. Good morning all, and welcome to the return of The Rascal Blog. I've had a few months off, but I am back now and hoping to be back with a bang.
14.00 York
What a tough, tough race to try to stake my claim back amongst the winners today. I think the best bet here is to find a horse to place, so e/w all the way here especially with bookies paying 4 places. As usual for these big field sprint races, we have many that can be shortlisted. I have whittled my selections down to just the one. That horse is Ponty Acclaim. This Tim Easterby filly has pretty good course form and is coming back down to a sensible mark. Trainer is in pretty good form and the horse/jockey get on well. Good e/w bet in my eyes.
Best price - 22-1 with Sporting Bet.
14.30 York
5 runners here and 4 have very good chances. My selection is Ebn Arab as this horse was extremely impressive over C&D on his debut, and he really couldn't have won any better. The 2nd and 5th in that race, although probably no world beaters, have both come out and won since to frank the form.
Best price - 11-4 with Ladbrokes.
15.05 York
My best bet of the day goes in this race. Main Sequence was incredibly unlucky in his last outing over in France where he had to check back a couple of times... before that the only horse to ever beat him was Camelot, in the Derby. He has a great chance of getting back on track today and is my NAP.
Best price - 2-1 with Victor Chandler
15.40 York
I am well and truly in the Frankel camp and will be watching him win again today. If you fancy a bet in this race though, I've gone for Sri Putra e/w in the market without Frankel.
Best price - 16-1 with Paddy Power (e/w without Frankel)
16.15 York
My selection for this 2 miler, and NB for the meeting, is Cape Express. I feel the trip was a little too long last time out, even though he still ran creditably... The 5lbs off from Darren Egan too is excellent.
Best price - 9-1 with various bookmakers.
16.50 York
I think that Hajras still has a lot more to offer in this sphere. 6lbs might not be enough of a rise to stop him.
Best price - 8-1 with Victor Chandler.
Best of luck to all today.
14.00 York
What a tough, tough race to try to stake my claim back amongst the winners today. I think the best bet here is to find a horse to place, so e/w all the way here especially with bookies paying 4 places. As usual for these big field sprint races, we have many that can be shortlisted. I have whittled my selections down to just the one. That horse is Ponty Acclaim. This Tim Easterby filly has pretty good course form and is coming back down to a sensible mark. Trainer is in pretty good form and the horse/jockey get on well. Good e/w bet in my eyes.
Best price - 22-1 with Sporting Bet.
14.30 York
5 runners here and 4 have very good chances. My selection is Ebn Arab as this horse was extremely impressive over C&D on his debut, and he really couldn't have won any better. The 2nd and 5th in that race, although probably no world beaters, have both come out and won since to frank the form.
Best price - 11-4 with Ladbrokes.
15.05 York
My best bet of the day goes in this race. Main Sequence was incredibly unlucky in his last outing over in France where he had to check back a couple of times... before that the only horse to ever beat him was Camelot, in the Derby. He has a great chance of getting back on track today and is my NAP.
Best price - 2-1 with Victor Chandler
15.40 York
I am well and truly in the Frankel camp and will be watching him win again today. If you fancy a bet in this race though, I've gone for Sri Putra e/w in the market without Frankel.
Best price - 16-1 with Paddy Power (e/w without Frankel)
16.15 York
My selection for this 2 miler, and NB for the meeting, is Cape Express. I feel the trip was a little too long last time out, even though he still ran creditably... The 5lbs off from Darren Egan too is excellent.
Best price - 9-1 with various bookmakers.
16.50 York
I think that Hajras still has a lot more to offer in this sphere. 6lbs might not be enough of a rise to stop him.
Best price - 8-1 with Victor Chandler.
Best of luck to all today.
Monday, 16 July 2012
Goodbye
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening.
After receiving over 2000 followers and having 23753 views on my blog, it is with great regret that The Rascal will be closed off of twitter shortly.
I just simply haven't got the time any more to study form, tweet, blog and ultimately tip.
Please feel free to follow my personal account @matthewdudney .I'll always be up for horse racing piffle and general banter.
Best of luck with all your gambling.
The Rascal.
After receiving over 2000 followers and having 23753 views on my blog, it is with great regret that The Rascal will be closed off of twitter shortly.
I just simply haven't got the time any more to study form, tweet, blog and ultimately tip.
Please feel free to follow my personal account @matthewdudney .I'll always be up for horse racing piffle and general banter.
Best of luck with all your gambling.
The Rascal.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
2000 Guineas Day
Good morning all. I hope you're all as excited as I am for what looks a very open 2000 Guineas. Some may argue with me there seeing that Camelot is a short favourite, but he is too short for me.
14.30 Newmarket - Jockey Club Stakes
I'll start here with my NAP of the day. Meandre will be very much at home on this ground and receiving weight from Dunadin means that he will be very tough to beat. Andre Fabre also has a pretty decent record in this race.
NAP
9-4 Best price.
15.10 Newmarket - 2000 Guineas
At these prices I find it hard to go against Power. He was the leading 2 year old, will improve for extra furlong and will handle conditions perfectly.
N.B
11-1 Best price.
15.45 Newmarket - Pearl Bloodstock
I am surprised that Eton Rifles has never run over 5 furlongs before as he looks all speed to me. He will also relish these conditions. Temple Meads could be the danger if back to best from break.
N.N.B
10-1 Best price.
Others I like;
14.00 Newmarket - Danadana (17-2 e/w)
17.30 Newmarket - Campanology (14-1 e/w)
15.30 Goodwood - Very Good Day (12-1 e/w)
Best of luck to all.
14.30 Newmarket - Jockey Club Stakes
I'll start here with my NAP of the day. Meandre will be very much at home on this ground and receiving weight from Dunadin means that he will be very tough to beat. Andre Fabre also has a pretty decent record in this race.
NAP
9-4 Best price.
15.10 Newmarket - 2000 Guineas
At these prices I find it hard to go against Power. He was the leading 2 year old, will improve for extra furlong and will handle conditions perfectly.
N.B
11-1 Best price.
15.45 Newmarket - Pearl Bloodstock
I am surprised that Eton Rifles has never run over 5 furlongs before as he looks all speed to me. He will also relish these conditions. Temple Meads could be the danger if back to best from break.
N.N.B
10-1 Best price.
Others I like;
14.00 Newmarket - Danadana (17-2 e/w)
17.30 Newmarket - Campanology (14-1 e/w)
15.30 Goodwood - Very Good Day (12-1 e/w)
Best of luck to all.
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