I strongly dislike the Shergar Cup. And the Sunday Series. And the Racing League! I like the tradition associated with horseracing and I like to see the owners' traditional colours. I think the only 'team' required is the traditional one of horse/jockey/trainer/owner. That said, the Racing League culminates at Newcastle tonight with a 5 furlong handicap worth £51,000 to the winner. That is on a par with the terrific racing on offer at York last week, and not surprisingly, has resulted in a classy field for a late evening all-weather race. Alligator Alley finished second to my selection Equilateral at York last week and is understandably made favourite. But the top two in the handicap here are regular Group race performers and both have forthcoming entries at Group 1 level. Rohaan has twice won from a higher handicap mark than this evening's and also won a Group 3 at Ascot last October as well as last year's Wokingham handicap at the Royal Meeting. Silky Wilkie is an improving four year old who has contested Group races on three of his last five starts and is only a pound higher than when finishing a very creditable second in the 'Dash' at Epsom in June. Rohaan has yet to win at this five furlong trip but this course is regarded as one which requires a horse to thoroughly see out the trip. Silky Wilkie has recorded five wins at the minimum trip. This pair are available at 9/2 and 10/1 respectively, which works out at a combined price of roughly 11/4. This equates to a 26% chance of one or t'other winning. I assess the actual chance of that happening as somewhat better.
To me , Rohaan stands out a bit at 4/1 and looks the likely winner. He’s still entered for the Group 1 Betfair sprint at Haydock at the end of next week which doesn’t guarantee anything except he must be in good nick you’d assume.
I note Silky Wilkie has also been declared for the Beverley Bullet on Saturday. He is favourably treated at the weights in that Listed race and would be giving weight to his rivals if it were a handicap. He is 3/1.
Hard to know. I think that maybe the ground didn't suit at Goodwood last time. Noticeable that a claimer is on board tonight but Clifford Lee is back down to ride him on Saturday. That said, tonight's winner collects 51k as opposed to 28k for winning the Bullet. There again, perhaps they just want Johnny Peate's 3 lbs off tonight?
And he’s in South Wales isn’t he ? Fair distance to travel but, as said by Orsen, it’s a decent prize
Thanks for the write up Mr Kaht. For what its worth these are my selections based on my recent study. 1 Isle Of Sark 2 Classy Clarets 3 Half Nutz 4 Nordic Passage 5 Wind Your Neck In 6 Hartswood 7 Alligator Alley The only one I'm having a bet on is Isle Of Sark in the first. Has drifted but has started to come in again. I just think its chances are better than 13.0 on the exchange. There are also up to 6 places available on the betfair sportsbook so a small bet to win on the exchange and a bit more on the sportsbook will turn a profit if it gets in the first 6!! If it happens to win its a very good bet. I think Alligator Alley in the last looks potentially well in but I wont be backing it. I've done the ITV 7 though as it doesnt cost anything!!
Well done on Alligator Alley. I backed that earlier. Silky Wilkie looked to be having a pipe opener for the Beverley Bullet. Fancy three Kerdos, Silky Wilkie and Bond Chairman. More than likely be backing Kerdos. Should have won at Royal Ascot. Was mowed down late on.
It’s the Racing League - all the regions are represented at every fixture. That means get Rod Millman (Devon) having to travel up to Newcastle, and Jim Goldie (Glasgow) down at Windsor.
Yep - sometimes it pays not to ignore the obvious. (Unfortunately I did!) I tend to think they will have told Johnny Peate "win if you can, but he's in the Bullet on Saturday." He's certainly better in if he runs again tomorrow and he heads the ratings on both Timeform and Racing Post Ratings. He is currently best-priced 7/2. Ingra Tor is interesting at Thirsk (3.20) today and he has been backed in to 7/2 best. He is in the Ayr Gold Cup but I don't think he'd get in that race even with a penalty should he win today.
They all have increased prize money. The BHA have invested quite heavily in the new format, but it’s fallen a bit flat. I believe racecourse attendances are unchanged, and betting revenue is down.
It's always struck me as a bit naff, Donks. I don't like the Shergar Cup either - but that drew 24,000 this year, so no doubt it was deemed a commercial success. I would happily ban alcohol on racecourses and also 'Ladies Days'! But then I suppose the courses would go to the wall!
I don't like the Shergar cup or racing league. It's the silks. I like to know who the owners are. Might seem pathetic but I like to know. The colours should be original in the racecard.
Know fekk all about oss racin. But that lot, sound like somewhere Stephen Dawson has dipped his wick.
Hmm! Craig David? No thanks! But we enjoyed Status Quo at Donny and Jools Holland (with Alison Moyet guesting) at Carlisle. Without doubt the best though was Sir Tom at York (2015). 36,000 for a York Friday evening meeting!