Bookmaker Reviews & Sports News

Archive for November, 2008

The XY Factor judges head to Kempton on Sunday for the 4.45 race….
Date: Sunday 30 November

Selected Race: Kempton 4.45

Suggested Bets (with current Betfair win odds):
2 point win and 2 point place TADLIL [9.2]

Staking Plan Records (on £1 per point basis):
Yesterday: -4.00
This Week: -9.50
All time: +6.18

Today’s Verdict:
TADLIL is already trading at generous odds in the early market and there could be value in supporting the six-year-old each way. He is on a lowly handicap mark at present and although has twice finished unplaced at Kempton - both those starts were over 7f and the drop back to 6f should suit him better as it did last time out when he finished second, beaten a head, at Southwell. more

Today’s selection shares something in common with messrs Ferguson and Turner…
At Kempton today in the opening race at 2.10, Sir Ike is an interesting runner in this weak maiden. Last time out he ran as if something was amiss when finishing last in a Wolverhampton handicap. Prior to that run he finished a very good third to Spate River at Goodwood. A repeat of that run would make him very hard to beat and his current price of [3.0] looks appropriate.

Today’s Selection:

Kempton, 2.10, Sir Ike, Win

* * *

At Newbury today in the 2.40, Slim Pickings is a very interesting runner in this decent event. Last year, in the Grand National he was a gallant fourth to Comply Or Die and it was clear that he simply ran out out stamina otherwise he would have finished a lot closer. Last time out at Navaan, he shaped very well finishing a good second to the classy Watson Lake. This horse jumps and will stay today’s distance very well and his current price of [17.0] appears very reasonable.

Earlier at Newcastle, in the 12.40, Cloudy Times should go close in this maiden hurdle. Last time out, this Cloudings gelding won a decent bumper at Aintree in grand fashion and a big run is expected today. Currently he is trading at [2.26] on the exchange.

Today’s Selections:

Newbury, 2.40, Slim Pickings, Win and Place
Newcastle, 12.40, Cloudy Times, Win

* * *

At Mussleburgh today in the 1.45 Broadway Star should go close in this maiden hurdle over two and a half miles. Last time out he ran very well when finishing a good second to Waterloo Road at Newcastle after looking the likely winner some way from home but he failed to find another gear over the last hurdle. I think he will appreciate today’s extra distance and is currently trading at [3.3] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Mussleburgh, 1.45, Broadway Star, Win

* * *

At Taunton today in the 2.50 Nosler should put up a bold show in this maiden hurdle.This gelding shaped very well in a bumper in early 2007 when finishing a very good second to Bertie May.On his debut over hurdles at the end of October this year he was sent off at short odds but he unseated his rider at the second flight.Hopefully today with a clear round he can go close in this contest.Currently he is trading at [3.5] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Taunton, 2.50, Nosler, Win

* * *

At Wolverhampton tonight in the 7.20 North South Divide has an excellent chance to finally break his maiden at the fifteenth attempt.It is not very often I back a horse with this kind of profile but the opposition in this maiden is particularly weak and if he runs up to anywhere near his best form he should handle the modest competition.At present he is trading at [1.86] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Wolverhampton, 7.20, North Side Divide, Win

* * *

At Lingfield today in the 1pm I am not going to look beyond Divali Princess in this mares only event. The selection was fortunate to win last time out when leader Circus Rose fell two out but this race has come up quite weak and with nominal improvement she should take care of the opposition. At present she is trading at [1.92] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Lingfield, 1pm, Divali Princess, Win

* * *

At Lingfield today in the second race at 12.30 Sonning Gate is a horse of interest in this maiden run over a mile on the Polytrack. On debut this gelding ran very well to finish fifth to Monitor Closely in a fair maiden at Newbury. He could have finished a lot closer than his official position but met with interference and still managed to finish powerfully to suggest there was more to come. At present he is trading at [3.5] on the exchange and a big run is expected.

Today’s Selection:

Lingfield, 12.30, Sonning Gate, Win
 more

Fourteen runners are declared for this nursery with some leading yards represented. The ratings are headed by the Gary Moore-trained Herschel who has often shaped better than the bare results of her runs to date, says Timeform.

Supernoverre: Consistent and got off the mark when winning claimer over mile and a quarter at this track last time, beating Lucky Punt by length. Still looks well treated off mark of 70 back in this sphere and not totally discounted for all plenty of his rivals don’t look as exposed.

Celtic Commitment: Fair maiden and runner-up twice, making most when beaten three-quarters of a length by Becausewecan in similar event over a mile at Great Leighs fortnight ago. Up 3 lb for that and good chance he’ll be seen to better effect now over further; others make more appeal.

Caster Sugar: From good family and another who looks more of a long-term prospect. Stand-out effort when beaten length by Zaaqya on nursery debut at Pontefract penultimate start and looked ready for step up in trip when badly outpaced in steadily-run race at Windsor last time. Bred to appreciate switch to polytrack and one to consider.

Herschel: Still a maiden but better than bare result on number of occasions, none more so then when fast-finishing fourth to Brooksby in nursery at Kempton last time, hampered at vital stage and not knocked about while staying on strongly all too late. Was well backed on that occasion and similar market move would speak volumes here off same mark; leading claims.

Merton Lad: Has shaped with plenty of ability in maidens while not looking easiest of rides. Step up in trip should suit and confidence behind him in the betting on his handicap debut should be noted.

Candilejas: Progressive form in maidens; unsuited by drop in trip but again not knocked about when behind Island Sunset at Wolverhampton last time. This more within her pedigree and looks on a fair mark for handicap debut with potential for further improvement.

Play To Win: All the better for debut and ran creditably when mid-field in two back-end maidens at Newmarket. Very much the type to go on in handicaps but chance he’ll need even further before he’s making an impact.

Protiva: Modest but inconsistent maiden who ran well in face of stiffish task when fourth in 7f claimer at Lingfield last time. Yet to make an impact in nurseries however and not hard to pass over here with question marks over trip and visor left off.

Winterbrook King: Confirmed ability shown in maidens with much improved display on nursery debut last time, beaten just a neck by True Britannia over a mile at this track. Bred to appreciate extra furlong and type to improve again; very much one for the shortlist.

Paddythefish: Signs of ability over variety of trips, shaping better than bare result behind Supernoverre and Lucky Punt in claimer here last time. Good chance handicaps will see him in a better light and another well worth a check in the market with visor applied for first time.

Captain Walcot: Best effort yet when beaten around a length into fourth behind Roar of Applause in nursery here last time, application of blinkers sharpening him up and rallying once headed having still been in front a furlong from home. Bred to stay extra furlong and could go well.

Hollow Green: Best efforts have come in soft-ground sellers though nothing wrong with Leicester success, good timefigure and success of runner-up boosting the form. Yet to show she’s as effective on polytrack, however, and leap of faith required; visored for first time this afternoon.

Lucky Punt: Fairly speedy pedigree but appreciated step up in trip to run best race yet when second to Supernoverre here last time. Remains on a stiffish looking mark in this sphere as a result, though, and others preferred.

Fongoli: Modest and exposed maiden who makes little appeal in this company. more

Timeform are dab hands at telling you which horses to back but now they dish the dirt on the horses to avoid.
It’s coming up to three years since Nevsky Bridge last won a race and although the six-year-old mare’s most recent effort confirmed she retains her ability she’s not one to be backing in the near future such is her tendency to finish weakly. Indeed, she could have ended her losing run at Sedgefield on Tuesday but completely threw away her chance having led on the bridle two out, headed near the finish by Viscount Rossini in what was a dire race.

Jonjo O’Neill may have his string in fine form at present but one inhabitant at Jackdaws Castle should be left well alone and that is Nostringsattached. Following his good second to Cresswell Ruby at Huntingdon last month, the seven-year-old was sent off favourite at Kempton on Wednesday but once more his attitude got the better of him, folding tamely when pressured between the last two hurdles having travelled powerfully for a long way, in the end beating just a couple home having been disputing things up to that point.  more

This afternoon’s market movers from Kempton, Newbury and Towcester.
Kempton

2.50
Blue Charm 7.8 into 6.6

3.25
Les Fazzani 5.3 out to 7

4.00
General Elliott 4.5 into 3.8
Commander Cave 8.8 into 7.6

4.30
Lochiel 13 into 9

5.30
Millfield 7.4 into 6.2

Newbury

12.25
Cockney Trucker 3.4 into 2.7
American Trilogy 2.68 out to 4
Peppertree Lane 7.8 into 6.2
Norman The great 12 out to 29

1.00
Shouldhavehadthat 6.6 into 5.3
Calusa Caldera 4.9 out to 7.4
Apocal 10.5 into 6.8

1.35
Petit Robin 3.1 into 2

2.05
Pettifour 5.3 out to 6.6

2.40
Island Flyer 8.94 into 7.4
Oedipe 17.88 into 11

3.15
Classic Fiddle 8.8 into 6.8
Pur De Sivola 8.2 out to 10

3.45
Khyber Kim 8.8 into 4.4
Prince Taime 7.4 out to 9.4

Towcester

12.20
Charmaine Wood 1.75 into 1.62
Flutter Bye 7 into 5.5

12.50
Quickbeam 2.3 into 1.87

1.25
Great Endeavour 3.3 out to 4.3
Thetwincamdrift 4.1 out to 5.3
Cold Harbour 25 into 9

2.30
Woodlands Genpower 14 into 11

3.40
Traffic Control 2.82 into 2.34
Persian Gates 17 into 9 more

Swede strikes twice at Stadium of Light, Boyce rewards Wigan backers, Fuller keeps his cool and ever-present Friedel is unbeaten.
Wigan Athletic were backed at [8.8] as they came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 - a scoreline matched at [22.0] in the correct score market.

The Baggies took the lead early in the second-half when Ishmael Miller capitalised on a mistake by Titus Bramble but Henri Camara’s clinical finish and Emerson Boyce’s powerful header gave Steve Bruce his first back-to-back wins as Wigan manager and brought value for those who backed Over 2.5 goals at [7.0].

Roy Keane found nothing to celebrate in his 100th game in charge of Sunderland as the Mackens lost at home to a Bolton Wanderers side who traded at [10.0].

Djibril Cisse was an [8.0] first goalscorer as he put the home side in the front after 11 minutes, firing past Jussi Jaaskelainen from an acute angle.

Seven minutes later, Bolton were level as Matthew Taylor’s header looped over Craig Gordon. Gary Cahill put the trotters ahead before John Elmander scored two goals either side of half-time to make it 1-4 and reward those who backed Over 4.5 goals at [12.0].

Marlon King was backed at [10.0] to be first goalscorer at the Britannia Stadium before his swivel and smash into the top corner put Hull ahead on the stroke of half-time. Ricardo Fuller won and converted a penalty for Stoke in the second half to earn a draw - matched at [4.5]. 1-1 was backed at [7.8] in the Correct Score market.

On the day he surpassed the top-flight record for consecutive appearances, Brad Friedel was unbeaten in the Aston Villa goal as they drew 0-0 at home to Fulham. The draw was matched [4.0] while the 0-0 touched [14.0].

The 0-0 between Newcastle and Middlesborough was a [15.0] correct score and the draw was backed at [3.7]. more

This evening’s market movers from Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton

6.20
Samurai Warrior 4.6 out to 5.4
Wakita 8 in to 6
City For Conquest 7.2 out to 8.4

7.20
La Estrella 3.2 out to 5.2
Birkside 3.7 out to 5.4

7.50
Barkass 3.5 in to 2.64
Putra Laju 11 out to 16
Tallest Peak 13.5 out to 17.5

8.20
Romantic Queen 2.56 out to 3.1
Iron Max 10 out to 13

8.50
Folio 4.6 out to 6.4
Just Bond 3.9 out to 5.2

9.20
Megalo Maniac 7.6 in to 5.9
Jilly Why 9.4 in to 7.4 more

The XY Factor judges head to Kempton on Saturday for the 3.25….
Date: Saturday 29 November

Selected Race: Kempton 3.25

Suggested Bets (with current Betfair win odds):
2 point win and 2 point place MISCHIEF MAKING [12.0]

Staking Plan Records (on £1 per point basis):
Yesterday: -5.00
This Week: -5.50
All time: +10.18

Today’s Verdict:
The 1m 4f listed race at 3.25 looks ultra-competitive with the nod just going to MISCHIEF MAKING who looks good value win and place at around [12.0]. She broke the track record when winning a listed race at Lingfield last time out over 1m 5f and although this looks tougher she might be capable of further improvement.
 more

Not one but two selections from Mr Shiambouros today…
At Newbury today in the 2.40, Slim Pickings is a very interesting runner in this decent event. Last year, in the Grand National he was a gallant fourth to Comply Or Die and it was clear that he simply ran out out stamina otherwise he would have finished a lot closer. Last time out at Navaan, he shaped very well finishing a good second to the classy Watson Lake. This horse jumps and will stay today’s distance very well and his current price of [17.0] appears very reasonable.

Earlier at Newcastle, in the 12.40, Cloudy Times should go close in this maiden hurdle. Last time out, this Cloudings gelding won a decent bumper at Aintree in grand fashion and a big run is expected today. Currently he is trading at [2.26] on the exchange.

Today’s Selections:

Newbury, 2.40, Slim Pickings, Win and Place
Newcastle, 12.40, Cloudy Times, Win

* * *

At Mussleburgh today in the 1.45 Broadway Star should go close in this maiden hurdle over two and a half miles. Last time out he ran very well when finishing a good second to Waterloo Road at Newcastle after looking the likely winner some way from home but he failed to find another gear over the last hurdle. I think he will appreciate today’s extra distance and is currently trading at [3.3] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Mussleburgh, 1.45, Broadway Star, Win

* * *

At Taunton today in the 2.50 Nosler should put up a bold show in this maiden hurdle.This gelding shaped very well in a bumper in early 2007 when finishing a very good second to Bertie May.On his debut over hurdles at the end of October this year he was sent off at short odds but he unseated his rider at the second flight.Hopefully today with a clear round he can go close in this contest.Currently he is trading at [3.5] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Taunton, 2.50, Nosler, Win

* * *

At Wolverhampton tonight in the 7.20 North South Divide has an excellent chance to finally break his maiden at the fifteenth attempt.It is not very often I back a horse with this kind of profile but the opposition in this maiden is particularly weak and if he runs up to anywhere near his best form he should handle the modest competition.At present he is trading at [1.86] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Wolverhampton, 7.20, North Side Divide, Win

* * *

At Lingfield today in the 1pm I am not going to look beyond Divali Princess in this mares only event. The selection was fortunate to win last time out when leader Circus Rose fell two out but this race has come up quite weak and with nominal improvement she should take care of the opposition. At present she is trading at [1.92] on the exchange.

Today’s Selection:

Lingfield, 1pm, Divali Princess, Win

* * *

At Lingfield today in the second race at 12.30 Sonning Gate is a horse of interest in this maiden run over a mile on the Polytrack. On debut this gelding ran very well to finish fifth to Monitor Closely in a fair maiden at Newbury. He could have finished a lot closer than his official position but met with interference and still managed to finish powerfully to suggest there was more to come. At present he is trading at [3.5] on the exchange and a big run is expected.

Today’s Selection:

Lingfield, 12.30, Sonning Gate, Win
 more

Nevermind currency, today’s 80/20 comes in we’ll be talking about value.
Today’s 80/20 is Any Currency in the 1.25 at Towcester. This gelding is slowly getting the hang of things and put up a very good effort in defeat last time out when finishing second to The Gossmoor Yank at Chepstow. I really think he will be suited by this stiff track today and should run well. Currently he is trading at [4.8] on the exchange. more